Last Updated on February 4, 2025 by tanya

Life Expectancy With A Brain Injury

A serious brain injury can have a catastrophic impact on both quality of life and life expectancy. Known as traumatic brain injury or TBI, this type of injury may lead to long term complications. If you or a loved one has suffered from a serious brain injury, it is important that you understand the possible impact on life expectancy and a compensation claim.

A brain injury may be caused by various incidents, such as a workplace injury, a traffic accident, medical negligence or even a simple fall. It is important to speak to a personal injury lawyer to help you with the difficult road ahead.

If you believe you may have a claim for compensation, then First Personal Injury may be able to assist.

 

How Life Expectancy is Impacted

 

Research has shown that patients with serious brain injuries often have a reduced life expectancy. Life expectancy after a brain injury depends different factors, such as

• the severity of the injury,
• age at the time of injury,
• access to medical treatment,
• overall health.

Some of the main reasons for this include:

 

• Brain injuries may increase the likelihood of developing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease
• Severe brain damage can lead to loss of motor function and increase the risk of complications. This may include pressure sores, infections, and respiratory issues.
• People with traumatic brain injuries may be at a higher risk for falls, accidents, and further head injuries.
• Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are may become difficulties for individuals with brain injuries.
• Research has shown that brain injuries can lead to long-term problems affecting heart health and lung function, increasing the risk of early mortality.

Life Expectancy Estimates for Different Types of Brain Injuries

 

Life expectancy varies based on the severity of the brain injury. This can range from mild to a vegetative state, with some detail on these as follows:

• Mild Brain Injury (Concussion, Minor TBI): A mild brain injury typically has a normal life expectancy if they recover fully. However repeated concussions, such as in falls or in sport, may result in long-term neurological issues.
• Moderate Brain Injury: Those with moderate brain damage may experience some cognitive decline over time. However a person can live near-normal lifespans with the correct treatment.
• Severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Those diagnosed with a severe brain injury often have a significantly reduced life expectancy. But depending on the extent of the injury and complications, this may be reduced by 5 – 15 years.
• Vegetative State: Patients who are in a persistent vegetative state or require full-time medical care may have a life expectancy ranging from several years to decades. This will vary depending on medical support available.

In all cases, you should always consult with a medical professional around life expectancy questions.

Compensation Claims and Life Expectancy

 

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to medical negligence, a road accident, or a workplace incident, you may be entitled to claim personal injury compensation. Compensation is calculated on different factors which may include :

• Severity of the Brain Injury
• Impact on Life Expectancy.
• Ongoing Medical Treatment.
• Loss of Earnings
• Care and Support Costs.

For more information, see our Compensation Calculator.

You can find out more about a claim for a brain injury by contacting the First Personal Injury on 0333 358 2345 or get in touch online and we will call you back at a time that’s convenient for you. We work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.