Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a major contributor to a large number of deaths and permanent disability cases across the country each and every year. TBIs are different than organic brain injuries that are a result of genetic conditions and diseases because TBIs are typically the result of some type of external force jolting or penetrating an individual’s head, and subsequently injuring the person’s brain.
According to the CDC, traumatic brain injuries have become a serious public health concern in the United States. The data-oriented around traumatic brain injuries is imperative in terms of helping medical and legal experts to understand the overall impact that this public health problem is posing upon our society.
All of us at DuBoff & Associates understand the magnitude of TBIs on an accident victim and their families, and we’re here to help you obtain your rightful compensation to assist you throughout these long, arduous rehabilitation processes. Contact us today for a free consultation so we can go over the details of your brain injury and begin the initial steps towards your legal recourse.
Incidence of TBIs in the United States
About 1.7 million to 2 million people in the country sustain a new TBI each and every year.
This above statistic equates to the initiation of a new TBI in the U.S. around every 15 seconds!
Of these 1.7 to 2 million annual TBI victims, about 50,000 dies, 282,000 are hospitalized and about 90% are treated and released from an emergency room.
Of the around 50,000 annual TBI deaths, most of these deaths occur either immediately after the injury or within two to three hours after the accident.
Someone is permanently disabled within the U.S. as a result of a traumatic brain injury every 5 minutes.
Over 33% of individuals who sustained a serious TBI were reportedly intoxicated at the time of the accident.
TBIs are a major contributing factor to 30% of all injury-related deaths each year in the United States.
About 153 people die each day in the United States as a result of a traumatic brain injury.
In 2000, the direct and indirect medical costs of TBI treatment were estimated to be $60 billion.
Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
The number one cause of all traumatic brain injuries is falling. Slip and fall injuries contribute to over 35% of all new TBIs in the United States each year.
Traffic accidents are the second leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in the country, contributing to over 17% of TBI injuries.
Although a rather large portion of TBI injuries is considered to be “other” causes, about 17% of TBI accidents are the result of a victim being struck by or stuck up against an object.
10% of TBI injuries are the result of assaults or victims being attacked by a perpetrator.
Sports injuries and blast exposure (common for military personnel) are also common causes of TBIs.
TBIs by Age.
Children under 4, adolescents between 15 and 19, and adults over 65 are the most likely people to endure a traumatic brain injury.
In 2012, about 329,000 children under 19 were treated throughout the country’s Emergency Departments for sports and recreation-related concussions or TBIs.
Adults 75 and older have the highest rates of hospitalization and death as a result of a TBI injury.
ER visits were highest for people over 75 and children under 4.
Falls were the leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations among children 14 and younger and adults 45 and older.
Motor vehicle accidents were the leading hospitalization cause among people 15-44.
Intentional self-harm was the leading cause of TBI-related death among people 25-64.
Motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of TBI-related death among people 5-24.
Assault was the leading cause of TBI-related death among children 4 and younger.
Additional TBI Facts
Males are far more likely than females to suffer a traumatic brain injury amongst all age groups.
Individuals who suffer a TBI are 3 times more likely to sustain a second brain injury later in life, and after a second brain injury, the individual is about 8 times more likely to sustain a third TBI.
Maryland, Virginia and D.C. Brain Injury Lawyers at DuBoff & Associates: Advocates for Those Who Have Sustained a TBI
If you’re undergoing rehabilitation from a traumatic brain injury that was caused by someone else’s negligence, then you need to contact our team of personal injury attorneys. For over three decades, our team of legal experts has been devoted to supporting each and every one of our clients with the highest quality legal services.
Helping you recover from the inevitable setbacks associated with a traumatic brain injury is one of our most important goals, and we’re here for you through a free consultation to help you better understand your rights and establish your case so you can receive your maximum compensation.
