Long-Term Health Risks Linked to Traumatic Brain Injury

A Nature Mental Health study published in January 2025 has quickly become a major talking point in both the medical and legal communities. It sheds light on the broad and long-lasting consequences of even a single traumatic brain injury (TBI)—findings that could have profound implications in personal injury litigation and settlement negotiations.

Traumatic Brain Injury

What the Study Did

Lead researcher Maya G. T. Ogonah and her team conducted an umbrella review—the highest tier of evidence synthesis—analyzing data from 24 prior systematic reviews and meta-analyses. In total, their research encompassed 31.4 million participants, providing one of the most comprehensive assessments ever conducted on the long-term effects of TBI.

The objective was clear: determine the strength and credibility of evidence linking TBI to specific long-term physical, psychiatric, and behavioral health outcomes.

Key Findings Relevant to Legal and Clinical Settings

The review found that individuals with a history of TBI are at significantly greater risk for developing:

• Psychiatric Disorders — including psychosis, depression, ADHD, and suicidal ideation

• Neurodegenerative Conditions — such as dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

• Behavioral Challenges — including increased likelihood of violence perpetration

Importantly, the study notes that the association between dementia, ALS, and violent behavior is backed by moderate-quality evidence—meaning the findings are both credible and significant for real-world application.

Why This Matters for Personal Injury Attorneys

For attorneys and legal practitioners, this study offers powerful, peer-reviewed evidence that can help:

• Strengthen causation arguments by connecting a client’s current or future conditions to their documented TBI

• Support claims for future damages related to medical care, assisted living, or loss of earning capacity

• Educate juries and adjusters on the scientifically established, long-term risks tied to TBIs

• Underscore the importance of comprehensive medical evaluations when representing clients with suspected brain injuries

Given that this article has already been accessed over 6,200 times, it’s clear the findings are resonating widely—not just in academic circles but also in applied medical-legal contexts.

TBI Case Highlight: Permanent Brain Damage from Shattered Glass Door — Manhattan (2024)

A Manhattan jury awarded $35 million to a former J.P. Morgan analyst who suffered permanent traumatic brain injury when a glass door shattered over her head in a Midtown building lobby in 2015. The verdict acknowledges the severe, long-term cognitive and lived-experience impacts of her injury—mirroring the Nature study’s focus on enduring psychiatric, behavioral, and cognitive consequences. lewisbrisbois.com

Why This Case Matters for TBI Litigation

• Real-World Validation: A jury's verdict confirms that TBIs—even from seemingly ordinary accidents—can lead to lasting cognitive dysfunction, memory issues, sensory loss, PTSD, and lifestyle changes.

• Alignment with Medical Evidence: The Nature Mental Health study's correlation between TBI and long-term mental and behavioral outcomes is practically supported by this case's outcome.

• Evidentiary Strength: The verdict showcases how juries value credible evidence of qualitative life changes—beyond the physical injury itself—when awarding damages.

This case provides a powerful, real-world example of how the Nature study’s findings are playing out in courtrooms—underscoring the critical importance of presenting robust medical and life-impact evidence in TBI personal injury cases.

Traumatic Brain Injury Research Takeaway

This research reinforces what many in the personal injury field already suspect: TBIs are not just short-term injuries—they can set the stage for life-altering conditions years or even decades later.

By leveraging high-quality, peer-reviewed evidence like this, attorneys can more effectively demonstrate the profound and lasting impact of TBIs on their clients’ lives.