Our brain injury lawyers have considerable expertise representing individuals who have sustained traumatic brain injuries and closed head injuries. We understand how these injuries impact the victims and their families.
What Is A Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain. TBI can result when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue. Not all injuries to the head result in TBI and the severity of the brain injury can range from “mild” to “severe.”
Traumatic Brain Injury Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1.4 million people sustain traumatic brain injuries each year in the United States. Of these people 50,000 die, 235,000 are hospitalized, and 1.1 million are treated and released from an emergency department.
Who Has The Highest Risk For Traumatic Brain Injury?
Males are 1.5 more times likely to sustain a traumatic brain injury than females. 0 to 4 year olds and 15 to 19 year olds are the age groups that are at the highest risk and African Americans have the highest death rate from traumatic brain injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injury Functional Changes
The CDC estimates that at least 5.3 million Americans currently have a long term or lifelong need for help to perform activities of daily living as a result of traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injury can cause a wide range of functional changes. These changes affect your thinking, sensation, language, and emotions.
Traumatic brain injury can also cause:
-Epilepsy
-Alzheimer’s disease
-Parkinson’s disease
-Other brain disorders
Brain Injury Support Groups
There are many excellent support groups for brain injury patients and their families throughout the United States that promote treatment, prevention, and education. Most states have strong local chapters of the national associations.
Legal Rights As A Traumatic Brain Injury Victim
Individuals who have suffered traumatic brain injury due to an accident do have legal rights. Due to time limitations, the victim, or a concerned family member should contact our office immediately after the accident so that their claim is not lost forever. Depending on how the brain injury was caused, whether it was from a slip and fall accident, car accident, or motorcycle accident, for example, determines the statute of limitations for your case.
