Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can happen in falls, car accidents and all manner of other accidents – but the damage that’s done isn’t just physical.
TBIs can permanently affect the personal relationships between the victim and their loved ones – which can even end up breaking up marriages and homes.
Personality changes and physical dependence are both common with TBIs
Survivors of traumatic brain injuries usually have to find a “new normal.” Between personality changes and physical limitations caused by their TBI, they simply aren’t likely to ever be the same person they were before their accident.
This can leave their spouses struggling with:
- The sense they are living with a stranger: The TBI victim may develop anger issues, new fears or other personality changes that make their spouse feel like they are “married to a stranger,” and one they may not particularly relate to very well.
- Anger and resentment born of frustration or confusion: Spouses and other loved ones may simply not understand why the TBI victim just doesn’t “get better” once their outward injuries have healed. This can create a blame-filled environment that leads to depression, anxiety and shame for the TBI victim and a sense of guilt for their spouse.
- Intimacy issues: If the TBI victim has to rely on their spouse for basic personal hygiene and care, their spouse may feel like a caregiver or parent – not a sexual partner.
- Role reversals: When TBI victims cannot resume their prior activities, their spouse may have to assume the role of primary breadwinner or caregiver to the children, and that can further strain the marital relationship.
The spouses of TBI victims are sometimes forgotten in the aftermath of a serious accident – but they are victims, too. If you find yourself in that position, it’s important to learn more about your legal options through a personal injury claim.
Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed
