According to the CDC, in 2010 about 2.5 million emergency room visits, hospitalizations or deaths were associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the United States. A traumatic brain injury is defined as a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain. The leading causes of TBI are falls, motor vehicle accidents, struck by/against events (example: being hit by a baseball) and assaults. The numbers of those diagnosed with a TBI have been steadily increasing since 2001. The severity of a TBI can range from “mild” to “severe”, and can result in short or long-term problems with function. Most TBIs that occur each year are “mild”, commonly called concussions.
Males are about 1.5 times more likely as females to sustain a TBI and the two age groups most at risk for TBI are 0-4 year olds and 15-19 year olds. Motor vehicle accidents were the leading cause of hospitalizations due to TBI for persons 15-44 years.
At least 5.3 million Americans currently have a long-term of lifelong need for help to perform activities of daily living as a result of a TBI. TBI can cause a wide range of functional changes affecting thinking, language, learning, emotions, behavior and/or sensation. It can also increase ones risk for conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other brain disorders. It can affect one’s ability to hold a job and can lead to significant personal and financial challenges.
Early intervention is key to long-term outcome for persons who have suffered a TBI. The Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr. have experience in handling cases involving TBI and know the common indicators of a head injury. As part of our case screening process we evaluate whether a TBI may be involved that might have gone undiagnosed and can guide our client toward necessary treatment, and if needed, arrange for a professional evaluation to make sure the insurance company gives our client’s TBI symptoms proper weight in their evaluation.
If you or someone you know has suffered a traumatic brain injury, please contact us today.
For your free consultation, call (913) 677-1999
