A study in the peer-reviewed Journal of Neurotrauma found that even a mild traumatic brain injury may increase the risk of PTSD. According to the study, 27 percent of patients who had a mild TBI tested positive for PTSD during screenings six months after their injuries. The research was conducted by a group that included researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as San Francisco General Hospital.

The research was unique as it focused on the civilian population as opposed to studying members of the military. It tried to assess how accurately a prediction of PTSD could be made in a patient based on the cause of the TBI itself as well as the psychiatric history of the patient. As a result of the findings, it was recommended that evaluating patients for PTSD after a TBI should be standard.

Those who have experienced a traumatic brain injury may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. However, it must be proven that the injury occurred because of the negligence of another party. Therefore, it may be worthwhile to consult with an attorney who may be able to help establish that this was the case. For instance, it may be possible to use maintenance records from a building where an object fell on an individual. Anyway, each case is different and skillful injury lawyer is sure to have his own way of dealing with it.

It may also be able to use witness testimony to establish that another party was negligent before a car crash or any other accident that caused a TBI. If successful, injured victims may receive a financial award to pay for medical bills and other related expenses. It may also be possible to obtain money to make up for lost wages or lost future earnings because of an injury. Cases may be resolved either in court or through informal settlement talks.