Shocking Statistics On TBI And Implications For Accident Victims

Every year, approximately 2.5 million people in the US suffer traumatic brain injury (TBI) in accidents, intentional assault, and other misconduct. However, these statistics barely touch the surface on the medical complications, financial impacts, and emotional considerations for victims and their families. According to the Brain Trauma Foundation, TBI is a major contributor to death and disability in the US, leading to approximately one-third of all injury fatalities. Of course, the severity of the trauma is a significant factor in assessing the losses for victims who survive. While they may experience headaches due to a mild injury, severe TBI can put someone in a coma.

If you or a loved one suffered TBI in an accident, you may have legal options to recoup your losses. An Oakland traumatic brain injury lawyer can explain how liability works in these cases and will assist with seeking the compensation you deserve. Plus, there are additional TBI statistics and facts you need to know when considering your remedies.

TBI Causes and Contributing Factors

Traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden blow to the head causes the brain to move within the fluid that cushions it inside the skull. At times, the brain may come into contact with the hard bone material. TBI may also be the result of a penetrating head injury, such as a sharp object. The CDC collects data on specific causes of head and brain trauma, reporting that:

• Falls are the leading reason victims sustain harm, at 28 percent of all TBI cases.
• Motor vehicle collisions fall in second place, as car, truck, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents account for 1 in 50 of all TBIs.
• Victims were struck by or collided with an object in 19 percent of all head injury incidents.
• Intentional conduct is another cause of traumatic brain injury, including assault and gunshots.

Costs and Losses for Victims

Victims of concussion, a minor form of TBI, can expect to be back to health within 7-10 days. With more serious head injuries, many individuals will recover functional capabilities a few weeks after the accident. However, more than 5.2 million people in the US are legally disabled because of the long-term complications of TBI. The impacts are extensive:

• Many victims of TBI will require more intense medical treatment for the rest of their lives because of medical conditions linked to the trauma.
• Disabled individuals are limited in their ability to work and earn a living.
• Some victims of traumatic brain injury will need to rely on others for help with everyday living, leading to a loss of independence. The emotional implications and diminished quality of life can be demoralizing. 

Discuss Legal Options with an Oakland TBI Attorney 

When you consider the long-term costs and consequences of a head injury, you can see that it is crucial to pursue the at-fault party whose negligence caused TBI. To learn more about how our team supports injured victims, please contact Venardi Zurada, LLP. We can schedule a free consultation at our offices in Oakland or Walnut Creek, CA right away.