Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury – Hidden Personal Injury
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a traumatic 
brain injury involves the disruption of the normal function of the brain. It can be caused by a variety of head injuries, including a bump to the head, a blow to the head, a sudden jolt to the head, or a penetrating head injury. This head damage then disrupts the normal functioning of the brain. The range of injury can be mild, such as a brief change in mental state, to severe, where there is an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury.
At Hilton &Somer, LLC, we understand the impact a traumatic brain injury can have on a family. Understanding traumatic brain injury is essential to recognizing the possible presence of such an injury. Below, we provide basic information for your reference.
Statistics Associated with Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury is considered a serious public health issue. It can lead to death or serious permanent injury. The CDC believes traumatic brain injury contributes to approximately 30 % of all injury related deaths. Each day, over 150 people die in the United States from injuries that include a traumatic brain injury.
In 2013 alone, emergency rooms saw about 2.8 million injuries related to traumatic brain injury. Between 2001 and 2012, the CDC reports emergency room visits for recreation and sports related injuries associated with traumatic brain injury and concussions more than doubled among children ages 19 and younger.
Leading Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury
The leading cause for traumatic brain injury in 2013 was falls, which accounted for 47 % of all emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths associated with the injury. The second leading cause of traumatic brain injury was being struck by or against an object. Car accidents ranked the third leading cause of traumatic brain injury.
Signs and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury may present itself in the categories of thinking and remembering, physical symptoms, emotional or mood changes, and different sleep patterns. Sometimes, symptoms present themselves immediately, while other times, the symptoms may not be noticed for days or even months after the injury. People with traumatic brain injury often appear to be just fine, even though they are acting or feeling different than normal.
The Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury
The effects of traumatic brain injury vary depending on the person and the extent of the injury. However, effects can include impairment in one or more of the following areas:
- Thinking;
- Memory;
- Movement;
- Vision;
- Hearing; as well as
- Emotional functioning, such as personality changes and depression.
If you have any suspicion you may be suffering from traumatic brain injury, you should seek immediate medical help.
If You or a Loved One Has Been Injured
If you or a loved one has been injured and have sustained a traumatic brain injury, you don’t have to suffer alone. Having a qualified legal team assist you in your case allows you and your family to focus on healing and rehabilitation, while we focus on making sure you get the compensation you need to get your life back on track. Contact the Law Office of Hilton Somer today to discuss your case. In addition to free consultations, we don’t charge a fee unless we win your case.
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