According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, recent data shows that, on average, approximately 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury annually.

Each year:

• 230,000 Americans are hospitalized (longer than ER booking) as a result of TBI.
• 80,000 Americans experience the onset of long-term disability as a result of sustaining a TBI.
• More than 50,000 people die every year as a result of TBI.

The CDC’s website states the severity of a TBI may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury. The majority of TBI’s that occur each year are concussions and other minor TBIs.

Many people do not realize the prevalence of traumatic brain injuries.  Often times you or someone you love may have had a brain injury, and not have known about it.   Another issue right now is the trouble diagnosing these injuries for physicians.

For example, many of the early studies that took place from 1935-1981 required one or more of the following:

• loss of consciousness;
• hospital admission; and/or
• positive neuro-radiological findings.

Corroboration for modern studies from the most recent data at the Center’s for Disease Control and Injury Prevention (CDC) state: there are 5.3 million children and adults living with the consequences of sustaining a traumatic brain injury across the nation. This number is approximately 2% of the U.S.population.

Traumatic brain injuries can happen to a child or adult of any age, gender, race, religion, or socio-economic status. The risk of TBI is highest among adolescents, young adults and persons over the age of 75.   Examples of other prevalence rates (from CDC) follow:

• 400,000 with Spinal Cord Injuries;
• 500,000 with Cerebral Palsy;
• 2.3 million with Epilepsy;
• 3.0 million with Stroke disabilities;
• 4.0 million with Alzheimer’s Disease;
• 5.3 million with TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES;
• 5.4 million with Persistent Mental Illness;
• and 7.2 million with Mental Retardation.

Vehicle crashes are the most common cause of brain injury. They account for 40% of all brain injuries. Falls are the second leading cause.

If you or someone you love has been affected by a TBI through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation.  Call the Strom Law Firm today to set up a free consultation. 803.252.4800