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.
Source: http://www.biausa.org/brain-injury-awareness-month.htm
Sponsored by: Attorney William P. Lightfoot