For Indiana veterans returning from service with traumatic brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder, finding effective treatment options has historically been a significant challenge. Many standard therapies produce slow results, and some of the most promising emerging treatments have remained inaccessible due to cost or insurance coverage limitations.
The brain injury attorneys at Wagner Reese have handled serious brain injury cases throughout Indiana since 1997. Our team is committed to helping injury victims and their families access the resources they need and pursue the compensation they may be entitled to after a traumatic brain injury caused by another party’s negligence.
Indiana Senate Bill 454 and HBOT for Veterans
The Indiana Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs passed Senate Bill 454, authored by State Sen. Mike Delph (R-Carmel), to assist Indiana veterans dealing with traumatic brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder. The bill was designed to direct the Indiana Lottery Commission to create a scratch-off game that would fund a pilot program providing free hyperbaric oxygen therapy to qualifying Hoosier veterans.
If the bill continued moving forward through the Senate Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy, it would require the Indiana State Department of Health to establish a program registry and waiting list for treatment. The ISDH would also be responsible for maintaining the pilot program on an ongoing basis.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, known as HBOT, enhances the body’s natural healing process through inhalation of 100 percent oxygen in a pressurized environment. In a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber, air pressure is increased to three times higher than normal atmospheric pressure. Under these conditions, the lungs can gather significantly more oxygen than would be possible breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure.
That oxygen-enriched blood then circulates throughout the body, helping fight bacteria and stimulating the release of growth factors and stem cells that promote healing. HBOT is traditionally not covered by most insurance plans for traumatic brain injuries, which is part of what makes a funded pilot program meaningful for veterans who would not otherwise have access to this treatment.
Traumatic Brain Injury Statistics
Traumatic brain injuries affect a significant portion of the U.S. population each year. Key figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and defense health organizations include:
- Approximately 1.7 million people sustain some type of traumatic brain injury each year in the United States
- TBIs are a contributing factor in more than 30 percent of all injury-related deaths
- Nearly 75 percent of all TBIs occur as a concussion or other mild brain injury
- Males are statistically more likely to sustain a TBI than females
- Active duty and reserve service members face higher TBI risk than civilian peers due to specific characteristics of military service
The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center reports that TBI has become a major focus within the VA, with veteran diagnoses increasing significantly among those in their 70s and 80s. The combination of service-related risk and long-term neurological effects makes TBI a particularly serious concern for the Indiana veteran population.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury
Recognizing TBI symptoms early is critical to getting appropriate care and establishing a clear medical record. Symptoms appear across three primary categories:
Physical symptoms may include headaches, sleep disturbance, dizziness, balance problems, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, visual disturbances, sensitivity to light, and ringing in the ears.
Cognitive symptoms can include concentration problems, temporary memory gaps, attention difficulties, slowed thinking, and trouble finding words.
Emotional symptoms may include irritability, anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
Because many TBI symptoms are subtle or develop days after the initial injury, they are frequently dismissed or attributed to other causes. Early medical evaluation after any significant head impact is important, both for your health and for the documentation of any legal claim you may pursue.
Talk to Wagner Reese About Your Brain Injury Case
If you or someone you care about sustained a traumatic brain injury as a result of another party’s negligence, our Indiana attorneys are here to discuss your situation. Wagner Reese has handled brain injury claims throughout Indiana, helping clients pursue compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and the lasting effects these injuries can carry. We offer free initial consultations with no obligation.
Contact Wagner Reese to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your options following a traumatic brain injury.
What should I do if I suspect a traumatic brain injury after an accident?
Seek medical evaluation immediately, even if symptoms seem mild. Many TBI symptoms appear or worsen in the days following the injury, and early documentation is important for both your health and any legal claim. Keep records of all medical visits, symptoms, and how the injury affects your daily life and ability to work.
Can I still pursue a TBI claim if symptoms appeared weeks after the accident?
Yes. Delayed symptom onset is common with traumatic brain injuries and does not prevent you from pursuing a claim. Establishing a causal connection between the accident and your diagnosis may require additional medical documentation, which is why working with an experienced attorney promptly is important even when symptoms emerge later.
What types of compensation may be available in a traumatic brain injury case?
Compensation in a TBI case may include medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and the impact on daily quality of life. The specific damages available depend on the circumstances of the accident and the severity and permanence of the injury.
How long do I have to file a brain injury claim in Indiana?
Indiana’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the injury. There are exceptions that may shorten or extend this window depending on the parties involved. Consulting with an attorney as soon as possible ensures you do not inadvertently forfeit your right to pursue a claim.
