Brain injuries are an increasingly widespread problem. Each year, 144,000 Texans suffer traumatic brain injuries. As a result, greater than 381,000 Texans live with a disability as a result of traumatic brain injuries. In addition, greater than 5,700 Texans suffer permanent disability as a result of traumatic brain injury each year. Throughout the United States, 1.7 million victims suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) each year which results in 52,000 deaths and 275,000 hospitalizations. Currently in the U.S., 5.3 million victims of traumatic brain injuries live with disability as a result of TBI.
Transportation accidents are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries amongst victims ages 15 to 64.
The costs of traumatic brain injuries are high. The total cost of traumatic brain injuries equaled $60 billion in 2000. Unfortunately, fewer than 1 in 20 victims of TBI receive the rehabilitation treatment they need. Because of the serious nature of traumatic brain injuries, TBIs account for more years of lost productivity than any other type of injury.
Traumatic brain injuries can be a common car accident injury. When a car accident victim suffers a traumatic brain injury, they may face physical, cognitive and emotional challenges which can amount to significant present and future medical care expenses, lost wages and lost earning capacity and pain and suffering damages. Because of the dramatic impact a TBI can have on the life of a car accident victim, and the family members of the victim, victims may be able to recover compensation for physical, financial and emotional damages they have suffered because of a negligent driver.
There are a number of different ways to determine negligence which is why it is important to keep in mind that the legal process provides options to protect victims of traumatic brain injuries and car accident victims. It can be worth the valuable time of victims and their families to be familiar with the resources available to help them with the impact of a traumatic brain injury.
Source: Texas Brain Injury Alliance, “Brain Injury Statistics,” Accessed March 8, 2016
