Life-Changing Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) After a Serious Accident

 Posted on September 29, 2026 in Head Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can change how a person thinks, remembers, and manages everyday life, and those changes often last long after the hospital stay ends. According to recent data from the CDC, among people still alive five years after a moderate or severe TBI, 57 percent are moderately or severely disabled, and 55 percent of those who were working at the time of injury are unemployed.

If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence in 2026, a Chicago, IL personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for the full impact of the injury.

What Makes a Traumatic Brain Injury Life-Changing?

A TBI becomes life-changing when its effects interfere with a person’s independence or ability to live as they did before the accident. Moderate and severe TBIs can cause lasting problems with memory and concentration. Some people also experience changes in their physical abilities or behavior.

What Accidents Can Cause a Serious TBI?

A TBI happens when an outside force damages the brain. The injury can occur when the head strikes an object or when a violent impact causes the brain to move inside the skull. Just a few examples of accidents that can result in serious TBIs include:

• Car or truck crashes
• Falls from heights or other serious falls
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
• Construction accidents

The severity of a TBI is not always obvious from the accident itself. Even without a direct blow to the head, a forceful impact can cause significant brain damage that requires ongoing medical care.

How Can a Serious TBI Affect Someone’s Future in Illinois?

A serious TBI can affect nearly every part of daily life. Someone who once lived independently could now need help getting dressed or preparing meals. Another person could struggle to remember information or stay focused long enough to return to work.

Some effects also create safety concerns. Problems with balance can make falls more likely, while changes in judgment can make it harder to recognize danger.

Recovery also does not always follow a predictable path. Some abilities can improve with rehabilitation, while other problems remain permanent.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Life-Changing TBI in Illinois?

When another person or company causes a serious injury like a TBI, an injury claim can seek compensation for the resulting losses. With a permanent brain injury, those losses can extend far into the future.

Compensation can cover medical treatment and rehabilitation related to the injury. A claim can also account for future care, lost income, and reduced earning ability. If the injured person needs help with daily activities or changes to their home, those future costs can also become part of the case.

Compensation also addresses the personal impact of the injury. This includes pain and suffering as well as disability and loss of a normal life.

How Long Do You Have to File a TBI Lawsuit in Illinois?

Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a TBI lawsuit. However, some injury claims have different deadlines based on who caused the accident or the circumstances involved.

Missing the applicable deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation for your injuries, so be aware of the dates involved. Your attorney can determine which deadline applies to your case and make sure your lawsuit is filed on time.

Contact a Chicago, IL Brain Injury Lawyer

A life-changing TBI can affect an injured person and their family for years after an accident. With over 150 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys can help you pursue compensation for the full impact of your injuries. We’ve secured a $29.6 million verdict for a Chicago woman who suffered brain damage in a Metra train derailment. We also handle cases on a contingency basis, meaning you do not pay unless we win.

For a free consultation, contact our Chicago, IL personal injury attorneys at Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC or call 312-605-8800.

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