How Many Americans Suffer Traumatic Brain Injuries Annually?

By Peter DePaolis
Attorney

Did you know that March is Brain Injury Awareness Month? Sadly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 2.5 million Americans visit emergency rooms, require hospitalization or die because of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) annually.

Additionally, some 5 million people are estimated to be living with a TBI in the U.S. Unfortunately, many TBIs are preventable, as they are often the result of vehicle accidents or falls. They can also occur due to:

Many TBI victims suffer from horrific symptoms, depending upon the severity of their injuries. Some symptoms may include vision problems, headaches, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, mood changes and issues with thinking, speaking or reading.

Annually, TBIs cost US taxpayers an estimated $56 billion. This is because the injuries often require expensive rehabilitation, which may include:

  • Physical therapy
  • Psychological counseling
  • Speech or language therapy
  • Occupational therapy

Many Brain Injuries Happen Annually, but You Can Still Hold Someone Liable

As we noted above, many TBIs are preventable, as they are the result of negligence. If you are ever injured in an accident and have suffered a TBI, it may be wise to contact an attorney. By obtaining counsel, you may be able to recover damages that can help you pay the costs associated with the expensive therapies for treating a TBI.

For more information about brain injury accidents, you can visit our Facebook and Twitter pages. You can also visit the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) by clicking on the source link below.

Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.

Virginia Injury Attorneys

Source: http://www.biausa.org/brain-injury-awareness-month.htm

Sponsored by: Attorney William P. Lightfoot

About the Author
Peter DePaolis joined the firm in 1980 and has since represented a large number of individuals involved in automobile collisions, truck accidents, bus crashes, defective products, and medical malpractice cases. A significant portion of Mr. DePaolis’ practice is devoted to working on behalf of people suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related cancers. He has led his firm’s fight against the asbestos industry and has recovered over $30 million in damages for asbestos victims and their families.