Every day, an average of 155 people die from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Car crashes are the second leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations, second only to falls.
A TBI is defined as an alteration in brain function, or other evidence of brain pathology, caused by an external force. Traumatic impact injuries can be either closed (non-penetrating) or open (penetrating).
Currently, there are 5.3 million people in the United States living with a TBI-related disability.
The effects of brain injury include impaired thinking and memory, movement, sensation such as vision and hearing and emotional functioning such as personality changes and depression. The extent of these injuries depends largely on the severity of the TBI.
TBIs are categorized as mild, moderate or severe. It is usually apparent that a brain injury has occurred if the injury is severe. Further assessment is often needed to diagnose mild or moderate brain injury.
Anyone who suspects they have a brain injury should go to the emergency room or contact a physician immediately.
The direct consequences of a single traumatic brain injury can vary depending on how severe the injury is. Moderate and severe traumatic brain injuries can lead to a lifetime of physical, emotional, cognitive and behavioral changes. In fact, these types of injuries can affect a person’s ability to function in everyday life. According to the CDC, approximately 50% of people living with TBIs will experience a significant decline in their quality of life. Often, TBIs result in the following injuries:
In addition to injuries, TBI patients can experience a number of other life-altering affects. For example,
Car crashes are unpredictable and there is no way to know when you’ll come across a negligent driver. Your best chance at preventing a traumatic brain injury is to adhere to safety guidelines.
One of the first motor vehicle safety lessons we learn in life is to buckle up. We hear it from our parents, cartoons, at school, on road signs and all throughout life. We are all aware that not wearing a seatbelt could result in potentially fatal consequences, including serious brain injury, yet 27.5 million people still do not buckle up.
Studies have shown that wearing a helmet can reduce your risk of a serious brain injury. In fact, helmet use reduces the odds of a head injury by up to 50%. Think about it. If you fall off your bicycle or motorcycle while wearing a helmet, the helmet rather than your head and brain absorb most of the energy from the impact.
When it comes to traumatic brain injuries, The Carlson Law Firm has a continuous successful record in getting our clients the recoveries they deserve. TBIs can completely upend your life and can require a significant amount of medical treatment and costly accommodations made to your home, vehicle and other necessities. These injuries can also cost you your job and future earning potential.
Call a traumatic brain injury lawyer from The Carlson Law Firm at 800-359-5690 to schedule your free consultation.
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