An estimated 2.8 million Americans suffer from a brain injury every year, and more than 5 million Americans currently live with a disability that has been caused by a brain injury. Since 1980, the National Head Injury Foundation has been commemorating Brain Injury Awareness Month in the month of March. This year, the theme is “My Brain Injury Journey,” highlighting stories of those living with brain injury. Those with stories can share them here to be potentially included in their website.
According to the CDC, there were over 69,000 TBI-related deaths in the US in 2021 and 214,110 hospitalizations in 2020. Of course, this does not include TBIs treated in the ER, at urgent care centers, by primary care, or those left untreated. Of all TBI-related hospitalizations, about half were the result of a fall. Other causes of TBI include motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, and violent assault and abuse. These incidents disproportionately impact the elderly, with people age 75 or older accounting for about 32% of TBI-related hospitalizations and 28% of TBI-related deaths.
Whatever the cause of the brain injury, these are some of the most common serious personal injuries in the United States, and also some of the most misunderstood. The Brain Injury Association of America estimates that as many as one in 60 people suffers from a disability resulting from a brain injury. This means that it is highly likely that you know someone who suffers from cognitive deficits, memory problems, difficulties in concentration, and a variety of other disabilities as a result of a traumatic brain injury.
Make no mistake – brain injuries are extremely serious and can have a lifelong impact on the quality of a person’s life. While there is no complete cure for a brain injury, that does not mean that life after a mild or moderate brain injury comes to a complete stand still. With extensive therapy and rehabilitation including occupational therapy, speech therapy and other interventions, it can be possible for a person to regain some of his movement, speech, mobility and other deficits after a brain injury in order to lead a more productive life. This is especially true after a moderate or mild brain injury like a concussion. There are steps that a person can take after a concussion to heal the injury. According to the Brain injury Association of America, a person must get enough rest and take regular breaks from work or studies in order to give the brain time to rest. It is also important to avoid alcohol while you are recovering from a brain injury.
The Atlanta car accident lawyers at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to the representation of persons who have suffered injuries in car accidents in the metro Atlanta region and across the state of Georgia. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a car accident, talk to a lawyer at our firm, and discuss your legal options for a claim for damages. You may qualify for compensation that includes medical expenses, lost income and other forms of damages. Talk to an attorney at our firm and discuss your case. Initial consultations are free.