Brain death is caused by serious brain trauma, such as from motor vehicle accidents, strokes, sports injuries, cerebral aneurysms and drowning. A potential organ donor is a person, once declared dead, whose organs can be kept functioning temporarily by using a respirator. Most organ donors died from head injuries or strokes. Donor families are never charged, nor do they receive any payment or compensation, if the donor is alive or dead. If a person wants to be a living donor, the recipients' insurance usually covers the medical costs for the recipient and the donor, but check with your insurance company for more details.
Insurance policies vary.