March 2013 is the Brain Injury Association of America’s Brain Injury Awareness Month. Organizations around the nation are coming together to try to educate the public about the risks and consequences associated with traumatic brain injuries. Under the slogan “anytime, anywhere, anyone,” this awareness campaign wants Americans to know that brain injuries can occur without warning – dramatically transforming victims’ lives.
Around 1.7 million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury every year. Of these, 52,000 people will receive fatal injuries and another 275,000 will require hospitalization for treatment. The costs of TBI treatment are often enormous: one day of hospital-based rehabilitation costs around $8,000 on average.
According to the Brain Injury Association of America, fall accidents account for 35 percent of TBIs – making these everyday hazards the most common cause. Car accidents cause another 17 percent of injuries.
The BIA’s medical director described the risks of a brain injury as including “medical complications, permanent disability, family dysfunction, job loss, homelessness, impoverishment,” and other dangers.
When another person’s negligence caused slip-and-fall injuries, the victim may be entitled to damages to cover medical costs and ongoing care needs. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help.
Source: Brain Injury Association of America, “Brain Injury Awareness Month – March 2013,” Mar. 2013
