The financial trauma of head injury

Abstract

One hundred parents and 50 spouses of head-injured persons responded to a survey on adjustment issues after head injury. The information they provided on financial matters is presented. Medical costs, legal fees, and other expenses are reported, both in total costs since the insult and in current yearly costs. Percentages of parents and spouses having to find employment, borrow money, lose possessions, and declare bankruptcy are also presented. Financial benefits such as Worker's Compensation and legal settlements are considered. Finally, mean reduction of income for the head-injured person and for the family is examined. The financial impact of head injury is varied in both source and in amount, though for many the cost is overwhelming.