In the wake of Arizona's annual El Tour de Tucson bicycle event where over 9,000 cyclists compete in a 40-109 mile race, a contestant who suffered injuries in a severe crash during the 2008 race has settled a lawsuit.

Pima County and the organizers of El Tour de Tucson bicycle event have settled a lawsuit with the cyclist for $3.5 million. The man was one of five cyclists injured after being struck by an elderly driver. Unlike the other four cyclists, the plaintiff in the lawsuit unfortunately suffered traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Physical Effects of TBI

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain from direct trauma to the head. Many individuals who suffer a TBI develop an irreversible transformation in brain function that can result in extreme life changes to family life, career, hobbies and social activities.

Costs of care

Depending on the severity of the injury, many TBI suffers need long term medical, nursing and rehabilitation care.

The Family Caregiver Alliance estimates the yearly direct and indirect costs of TBI's in the U.S. is $48.3 billion. (An alarming $16.6 billion is attributed to fatalities and $31.7 billion to hospitalization costs.)

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that, for the average TBI sufferer, it costs $1.8 million in care expenses.

If you are the victim of an accident and suffering from a TBI injury, it is important to speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to discuss your legal rights to help you pursue the compensation to which you may be entitled.