At Ashby Thelen Lowry, our Atlanta personal injury attorneys represent individuals and families throughout Georgia whose lives have been permanently altered by traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries don’t always present with visible symptoms, and the cognitive and emotional changes that follow can be some of the most challenging to explain, prove, and address in a legal claim.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury caused by someone else’s negligence, documenting the mental, emotional, and behavioral shifts is critical. Clear, detailed records can strengthen your case, guide medical treatment, and help you obtain the full financial recovery you deserve.
Why Documentation Matters After Suffering a TBI in Georgia
Brain injuries affect far more than memory and speech. They can result in personality changes, increased anxiety, depression, loss of impulse control, emotional instability, and other changes that interfere with work, relationships, and daily life. These impairments may not always appear on imaging scans or in brief medical visits, so consistent personal documentation is essential.
When our legal team builds a case, medical bills alone cannot tell the whole story. Jurors and insurance companies must understand how your life has changed, and that understanding starts with careful, ongoing documentation.
Steps for tracking the cognitive and emotional impacts of TBIs include, but are not limited to:
Keeping a Daily or Weekly Journal
Create a written or digital log of symptoms and changes.
Focus on:
- Trouble concentrating or following conversations.
- Memory lapses, especially short-term recall.
- Mood swings, irritability, or frustration over minor issues.
- Feelings of depression, anxiety, or emotional withdrawal.
- Difficulty sleeping or changes in sleep patterns.
- Loss of motivation or interest in previously enjoyed activities.
Be honest and specific. Note dates, duration, severity, and how the symptoms affected your daily activities.
Ask Family Members to Observe and Record Changes
Loved ones often notice changes that you may not recognize in yourself.
Encourage them to record:
- Behavior shifts.
- New patterns of social withdrawal or emotional reactivity.
- Difficulty completing tasks or managing routines.
- Trouble with time, money, or decision-making.
Outside observations help support your accounts and demonstrate a consistent pattern of behavior over time.
Keep Records of Work and School Performance
If you’re employed or attending school, retain:
- Performance evaluations showing decline.
- Written warnings or accommodations made due to cognitive limitations.
- Communication about missed deadlines or struggles with tasks.
These records show how the injury has impacted your ability to function in professional or academic settings.
Follow Through with Neuropsychological Evaluations
Medical professionals specializing in brain injuries can assess:
- Memory and attention.
- Processing speed.
- Problem-solving ability.
- Emotional and psychological health.
Their expert evaluations add medical credibility to your documented experience and can be used as evidence in your legal case.
Don’t Navigate This Alone — Legal Guidance Can Help
Brain injuries are invisible wounds that demand visible proof. At Ashby Thelen Lowry, we understand how these injuries change lives and what’s needed to build a compelling case for recovery. From securing expert testimony to walking families through the documentation process, we’re here to guide and advocate every step of the way.
If you or someone you love is living with cognitive or emotional changes after a brain injury in Georgia, contact our Atlanta personal injury attorneys today. We may be able to take your case and fight for the outcome your recovery deserves.