Is Financial Assistance Available To Victims Of Brain Injuries?
October 28, 2022 Posted In Brain Injuries
Suffering a brain injury is devastating, not only physically and emotionally but financially as well. Both victims and their families can experience the stress of bills piling up. Fortunately, there are financial assistance resources available to brain injury victims.
Federal Government Aid
Two federal programs assist individuals unable to work due to injuries.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI provides funds for food, housing, clothing, and necessities to those with little to no income. The eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Disabled, blind, or 65 or older
- With limited income and resources
- U.S. citizen or national
- Resident of one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, or the Northern Mariana Islands and does not leave the country for 30 days or more
- Not confined to an institution (e.g., hospital or prison)
- Applies for other cash benefits or payments (e.g., pensions, Social Security)
- Gives SSA permission to contact financial institutions to request financial records
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI pays monthly benefits to people unable to work for a year or more due to a disability. To qualify, you must have:
- Worked in jobs covered by Social Security.
- A medical condition that meets Social Security’s strict definition of disability.
Benefits typically continue until you can work again on a regular basis.
State Government Aid
The California State Disability Insurance (SDI) program provides short-term Disability Insurance (DI) if you are unable to work due to a non-work-related brain injury.
Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits may also be available to a brain injury victim’s family if they must take time off from work to care for them.
Community Organizations And Foundations
Various local organizations and foundations offer financial assistance in Riverside and the surrounding area. For example:
- Riverside Medical Clinic Charitable Foundation: Provides financial assistance to community members with special needs.
- The Housing Authority of the County of Riverside: Offers affordable rental housing options for individuals with disabilities.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
If another party’s negligence was the cause of your brain injury, you may be entitled to compensation for the following:
Medical Bills & Expenses
Including current and future bills for acute care, surgical procedures, physical and occupational therapy, prescription medications, medical equipment, in-home care, and any other treatment you may need.
Lost Income
A severe brain injury may leave a victim unable to work again or force them into a different line of work. However, compensation can be recovered for both current and future loss of income, as well as lost earning capacity for the difference in income that can be made now compared to before the injury.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for the physical pain caused by the brain injury and emotional distress suffered by the victim and their family. Emotional distress can refer to mental anguish, depression, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and any other resulting psychological effects.
Loss of Consortium
Compensation paid to the spouse or family of a brain injury victim for the loss of love, affection, companionship, comfort, society, or sexual relations.
Property Damage
If the incident leading to your brain injury causes property damage, you are entitled to payment for repairing or replacing your damaged property. (e.g., vehicle, cellphone, clothing, etc.)
Punitive Damages
If the at-fault party’s behavior was intentional or extremely reckless, the court may award punitive damages as a form of punishment for the defendant (at-fault party) and deter others from similar conduct. If you are considering legal action, contact Hanson & Mouri. Our Riverside Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney will fight to get you the compensation you need and deserve.