During Brain Injury Awareness Month, we’d like to highlight the importance of brain injury recognition and prevention. At Church Church Hittle and Antrim, our attorneys help victims and their families seek the justice they deserve after a devastating brain injury. Here are some facts about brain injuries, including statistics, causes, symptoms, and the recovery process.

Brain Injury Statistics

Despite their perceived rarity, brain injuries are more common than one might think. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 61,000 brain injury deaths occurred in the U.S. during 2019. This means that about 166 people died per day on average from a traumatic brain injury.

In addition to the CDC’s findings, data from the International Brain Injury Association suggests that around one million Americans are treated for brain injuries annually. Almost a quarter of these injuries result in hospitalization, and about a third of hospitalized patients exit treatment with a disability. Unfortunately, children under the age of five and adults over the age of 75 are more at risk for these severe injuries. However, most injuries occur in teenagers and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24.

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head. Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in the United States. Other common causes of TBIs include motor vehicle accidents and traffic-related crashes, being struck by or against an object, assaults, and construction or worksite accidents. If the traumatic brain injury was caused by an accident or someone else’s negligence, you can explore your legal options with the help of a personal injury lawyer, like the team at CCHA Law. A skilled personal injury lawyer at CCHA Law can help you manage the legal aspects of your case while you focus on you or your loved one’s health and recovery.

Signs and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Since brain injuries vary in severity, the signs and symptoms also vary. Sometimes the injury is evident, but often an injury goes unnoticed. So, it’s essential to get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible after a suspected head injury. Even if symptoms don’t present right away, they may develop over time. Some of the most common signs include:

• Dizziness,
• Drowsiness,
• Loss of consciousness,
• Light or sound sensitivity,
• Difficulties with memory,
• Chronic headaches,
• Speech difficulties,
• Blurred vision,
• Insomnia,
• Mood swings,
• Seizures,
• Numbness in extremities,
• Nausea or vomiting, and
• Poor coordination.

While these are only a portion of the symptoms a victim may experience, they are some of the most noticeable signs.

Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery

Living with a brain injury is incredibly difficult for victims, especially if it involves severe TBI. While many brain injuries result in minor concussions, others involve secondary injuries that worsen over time. Some of these secondary conditions include hypoxia—or the lack of oxygen in the brain—and cerebral edema, which results in a buildup of fluid around the brain. In many cases, these secondary injuries become deadly or require lifelong care.

The impact of a TBI can be far-reaching, especially when it comes to day-to-day activities. For example, a victim may not be able to return to their job. Or they may need mental rehabilitation. Some may even need assistance with routine tasks, such as showering, dressing, or eating. When it comes to children, TBIs can affect their development, alter their coordination, and cause impairments in attention, hyperactivity, and learning; all of which are important to becoming a productive adult. Children with TBIs may be limited in their ability to participate in school and extracurricular activities and may require additional accommodations. Often, living with someone with a brain injury can be financially, physically, and emotionally taxing because of these issues. As such, many families end up filing a personal injury claim with the help of a brain injury lawyer.

How to Reduce the Risk of Brain Injuries

According to the CDC, there are several ways to reduce or prevent brain injuries for both children and adults. To help keep you and your family safe, you should:

• Wear a seatbelt every time you get in a car. Whenever you drive, make sure you buckle up. Seat belts significantly reduce the risk of hitting your head on the windshield or being ejected from a vehicle headfirst.
• Wear appropriate headgear. There are many instances where wearing a helmet helps protect you from blunt force trauma. If you plan to ride a motorcycle or bike, play a contact sport, or ski/snowboard, come prepared with head protection.
• Improve your balance. Since falls cause many brain injuries in older adults, it’s best to do balance exercises. This practice helps make your legs stronger and makes maneuverability easier.

By following these simple steps, you can help minimize the risk of a brain injury and the consequences that come with them.

You Don’t Have to Face a Brain Injury Alone—Call Us Today

At CCHA Law, we understand how difficult it is for victims to move on from their brain injuries. In some cases, they are left with a lifetime of complications and a reduced quality of life. If a negligent person causes your injury, we believe they should be held accountable for their actions. For over 130 years, our advisors have been active members of the community and strong advocates for our neighbors. We always put the client first and provide personalized service every step of the way.

To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a brain injury lawyer, please call us at 317-773-2190 or stop by one of our offices.