Rehabilitation for brain injury victims in California

Accidents could cause various injuries to the head. Brain injury, also known as traumatic brain injury, may be defined as any injury caused to the head or brain due to a hit, jolt or bolt. It does not, however, include congenital brain defects or injuries. Many brain injury victims have reportedly got their injuries in car accidents and sport accidents. Severe falls and other factors may also cause brain injuries.

Brain injury victims may suffer from various severe ailments. A brain injury victim may suffer from partial or even total physical impairment. Motor nerves may also be adversely affected. Under California law, a brain injury victim may be compensated from a negligent party. Such compensation may be especially helpful to brain injury victims since the medical costs incurred for many victims may be exorbitant.

California also helps rehabilitate brain injury victims. The department of rehabilitation in California can help brain injury victims if they qualify for aid under their eligibility criteria. The most significantly disabled individuals are given the highest priority and may start receiving their rehabilitation services immediately.

Priority two and three category brain injury victims, with lesser injuries, may have to wait for a while depending on funds available in the rehabilitation department. In case the victim is put on a waiting list and does not get the necessary services immediately, he or she may be notified every 90 days and receive the services as soon as funds are made available.

California law also allows the victim to register any grievances they may have with the services provided. While victims are encouraged to resolve all disputes with the counselor themselves, they may even seek an administrative review in case of a severe grievance.

In case the victim wants to take an action and lodge a grievance with the review, he or she may do so within a year of the decision that he or she disagrees with, or 30 days from the time when they were notified of the review decision. A victim can represent themselves in person and give only information in written form, or even hire an attorney and bring witnesses to the hearing. An alternative dispute resolution method in the form of mediation and arbitration are also available.

Source: Rehab.CAHWNet.gov, “What Does the DOR Do?” accessed on Sep. 25, 2014