The brain is an intricate structure, the very core of an individual’s identity. Damage to this delicate setup can disrupt neurotransmitter function and lead to chemical imbalances in various brain regions. Such issues can result in enduring changes to a person’s social and mental well-being.
If a loved one suffered a brain injury in an accident or assault, you may have noticed differences in their moods and in how they relate to the people around them. But why do personality changes occur? Continue reading to learn more about these serious injuries and what legal options you and your loved one may be able to pursue.
What Makes Up Your Personality?
Your personality is made up of a combination of factors. These include environmental and experiential elements that lead to the development of social traits, attitudes, and habits. There are also genetic and biological factors that come into play.
Interactions between brain regions make up a significant portion of how your personality forms. The frontal lobe is in charge of higher-level functions, like decision-making, planning, speech, and problem-solving. It’s considered to be the seat of personality, though many other brain areas impact it as well.
The limbic system also affects personality because it helps to regulate emotions, behavior, memory, and motivation. One component of this system is the amygdala, which plays a role in the development of empathy and in all social interpretations.
How a Brain Injury Can Change Personality
A brain injury can affect the areas of the brain responsible for emotion, behavior, and decision-making. The specific region damaged will determine how your loved one’s personality changes.
For example, an injury to the amygdala can make someone appear less empathetic or emotionally distant, while damage to the frontal lobe can cause impulsive behavior, poor judgment, or difficulty managing emotions.
Common changes after a brain injury include:
- Increased irritability, anxiety, or aggression
- Difficulty with emotional control
- Loss of motivation or interest in activities
- Memory problems and confusion
- Withdrawal or social isolation
These changes may also result from disrupted neural pathways or psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The combination of physical and emotional damage can make your loved one seem like a different person, even though they are still recovering beneath the surface.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Brain Injuries?
Brain injuries can happen in many different ways, but most are caused by external trauma. Car and motorcycle accidents are leading causes in Georgia, especially those involving high speeds or large vehicles. Even with helmet use, motorcyclists can still experience serious head injuries.
Other common causes include:
- Falls, especially from ladders, stairs, or uneven surfaces
- Workplace accidents involving heavy machinery or falling objects
- Sports-related injuries and recreational accidents
- Medical malpractice, such as oxygen deprivation during surgery or childbirth
Each of these situations can lead to mild concussions or severe brain damage that permanently changes a person’s life. Regardless of how the injury occurred, victims and families often face long-term physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
Can You File a Claim if a Loved One Suffered Personality Changes From a Brain Injury?
If your loved one’s brain injury was caused by negligence, you may have grounds for legal action. A personal injury claim can help recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and the impact of personality changes on daily life. To succeed, you must show that another party’s carelessness or misconduct directly caused the injury.
Possible claims may include:
- Personal injury lawsuits after car crashes, falls, or assaults
- Workers’ compensation claims for on-the-job accidents
- Medical malpractice claims for oxygen deprivation or surgical errors
Medical negligence cases are often complex and require expert testimony to prove the error caused the brain injury and related behavioral changes. An experienced attorney can help your family understand the available options, gather evidence, and pursue the compensation your loved one deserves.
Contact the Atlanta Brain Injury Attorneys at Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If a loved one has sustained a brain injury that has affected their personality, being aware of the legal options available is vital. That’s where Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers can help.
Our Atlanta brain injury lawyers will fight for your loved one to receive compensation for all of their medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning potential, and even their physical and emotional suffering.
To have the best possible chance to receive fair compensation, hiring an attorney is essential. Contact us today for a free consultation.
We proudly serve in Fulton County.
Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers
2 Ravinia Dr NE Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30346