Head injuries and brain trauma are common causes of disability and death in the United States and tragically, many of these fatal and non-fatal injuries could have been avoided. If you or a loved one have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of a third party’s negligence (perhaps in a car accident that was not your fault), it is imperative that you seek prompt medical attention and discuss your potential legal options with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.
Head Injury Statistics
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury each year! Some of these injuries are more life-changing than others in that they result in long-term care and attention. Studies show that 5 million people in the United States are currently living with a head injury that requires assistance with everyday activities.
Costs Associated with Head Injuries
As we have written about in previous posts, head injuries can result from car accidents,sports injuries, the birthing process, slip and falls, and more. These traumatic injuries are costly as they often require months, if not years, of medical care. As a result, the cost of medical needs and assistance associated with TBIs in the U.S. is over $56 billion each year.
Types of Head Injuries
Some of the most common types of head injuries include:
- Concussions
- Skull fractures
- Intracranial hematoma
- Shaken baby syndrome
- Trauma to the head while playing sports
This list is not exhaustive. Brain injuries can result from medical negligence, drunk driving accidents, soccer head butts, concussions from playing football, and more. If you believe that your child has suffered from a brain injury, it is best to seek medical care so you can learn how to best handle the situation. Again, if your injury, or your loved one’s injury, was a result of another person’s negligence, you have legal rights, which may include the ability to recover financial compensation for the costs associated with the TBI.
For more information on the legal rights and potential financial compensation associated with traumatic brain injuries, contact doctor and lawyer Bradley I. Kramer, MD, Esq. at BIKLAW today.