Brain Injuries Lead to Devastating Results for Virginians

Brain injuries affect an alarming number of Americans, including many Virginians. These can be debilitating injuries that completely alter a person’s life. From inflicting permanent disability, to requiring years of rehabilitation and therapy, a brain injury can be utterly devastating for a victim and his or her family.

Traumatic brain injuries occur when an individual receives a blow, jolt or bump to the head. This trauma subsequently leads to a disruption in a person’s normal brain function, and may be mild or may result in a severe injury.

Every year, traumatic brain injuries have a widespread impact across the country. According to the CDC, roughly 1.7 million people suffer from traumatic brain injuries every year. Fortunately, over 80 percent of these individuals receive treatment in an emergency room and are subsequently released. However, for many individuals, the injuries necessitate additional treatment. Approximately 275,000 people are hospitalized annually for traumatic brain injuries, and, tragically, approximately 52,000 die every year after suffering a traumatic brain injury.

A Virginian who has suffered a brain injury first and foremost needs medical attention. After proper medical attention has begun, however, it may be necessary and appropriate to pursue a lawsuit against a negligent party, such as someone who caused a car accident that led to a victim’s brain injury.

Interestingly, in 2000, traumatic brain injuries cost an estimated $60 billion in medical costs and other indirect costs, including lost productivity, and an individual who is experiencing these costs first-hand may be entitled to financial recovery. Each case will be different, but an attorney may be able to answer questions and offer guidance for a family dealing with a brain injury.

Source: CDC, “Get the Stats on Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States,” accessed July 1, 2016