What Neuropsychological Testing Means for Your Traumatic Brain Injury Claim

If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), you already know the toll it can take on your life. You may have trouble remembering things, concentrating, processing information quickly, or even controlling your emotions. These challenges can be frustrating, especially when doctors tell you your scans look “normal” or others can’t see the injury.

In personal injury claims, proving the full extent of a TBI can be difficult because many symptoms are “invisible” on standard CT or MRI scans. That’s where neuropsychological testing comes in. It’s a specialized way to measure brain function and can provide powerful evidence to support your claim for compensation. In this blog, we’ll discuss what neuropsychological testing is and how it can help your claim after a serious accident.

Why Neuropsychological Testing Is Important After a TBI

Neuropsychological testing is one of the most effective tools for showing the real-world impact of a brain injury. It measures memory, attention, reasoning, problem-solving, processing speed, and emotional functioning through a series of standardized tests.

For TBI victims, this type of testing can:

• Validate your symptoms when others doubt you.
• Show the severity of your impairments in clear, objective numbers.
• Help connect your injury to the accident that caused it.
• Predict your long-term needs for treatment, rehabilitation, or work accommodations.

According to the CDC, over 69,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2021 were related to TBI, and hundreds of thousands more people live with lasting disabilities from head injuries each year. Studies show that 20%–50% of people with a mild TBI continue to experience symptoms months after the injury. Neuropsychological testing is critical for making sure those lasting effects are recognized in your personal injury case.

What to Expect During a Neuropsychological Evaluation

A neuropsychological evaluation is more than just a quick test, it’s an in-depth process. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Detailed interview about your medical history, the accident, and your symptoms.
2. Review of records like hospital notes, imaging, and prior medical history.
3. Testing sessions that may last several hours, measuring memory, attention, language, reasoning, and emotional functioning.
4. Validity measures to confirm you are giving your best effort — this is important because insurance companies may try to claim you are exaggerating.
5. A comprehensive written report with test results, interpretations, and recommendations.

This report is often one of the most powerful pieces of evidence your personal injury lawyer can present to prove the extent of your brain injury.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Uses Neuropsychological Testing to Build Your Case

A skilled Illinois personal injury lawyer knows that neuropsychological testing can make the difference between a small settlement and full compensation. Here’s how your attorney can help:

• Finding the right expert – Your lawyer will connect you with a trusted, board-certified neuropsychologist who is experienced in TBI cases.
• Coordinating testing at the right time – Testing too early or too late can affect results. Your lawyer will time it strategically for your case.
• Providing the neuropsychologist with critical background – A complete set of accident reports, medical records, and employment history helps ensure accurate conclusions.
• Addressing insurance company challenges – If the defense argues your symptoms are exaggerated or caused by something else, your lawyer will use the test results to push back.
• Explaining the results to the jury – Neuropsychology reports can be complex. Your lawyer will make them clear, relatable, and persuasive.

How Testing Can Affect Your Injury Compensation

Objective test results help establish the damages you deserve, including:

• Medical expenses for ongoing treatment or rehabilitation.
• Lost wages if you can’t work during recovery.
• Loss of earning capacity if you can no longer do your prior job.
• Pain and suffering for the emotional toll of your injury.
• Loss of enjoyment of life if your symptoms prevent you from doing the things you love.

Without neuropsychological testing, the insurance company may try to argue that your symptoms are minor, temporary, or unrelated to your accident. Testing makes it harder for them to deny the true impact of your injury.

Don’t Let the Insurance Company Dismiss Your Brain Injury

Unfortunately, TBI victims often face skepticism, even from doctors, employers, and friends. Insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries to reduce the amount they pay. Neuropsychological testing, combined with the advocacy of an experienced personal injury attorney, is one of the best ways to protect your rights and ensure your voice is heard.

Contact the Award-Winning Illinois Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the challenges TBI victims face, from daily struggles with memory and focus to the frustration of having invisible injuries doubted or dismissed. We have extensive experience representing clients with brain injuries, and we know how to work with top neuropsychologists to document your case and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, don’t wait. The earlier our Illinois accident attorneys can begin gathering evidence, including neuropsychological testing, the stronger your claim will be.