TBI Statistics: Everything You Need to Knowv

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can change everything in an instant. It can take away your sense of normalcy, disrupt the life you worked so hard to build, and affect your ability to care for yourself or your family. 

Whether you’re dealing with a TBI or supporting a loved one who is, know that you are not alone. TBIs are a significant public health concern across the United States and in our community here in New York. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to someone else’s negligence, a brain injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process for compensation.

Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Understanding the causes of TBIs can shed light on how these injuries occur and why prevention is so essential. Across the U.S., some of the leading causes include:

1. Falls
   Falls are the number one cause of TBIs nationwide. They account for nearly 48% of TBI-related emergency room visits, according to the CDC. For older adults and young children, falls are especially dangerous, often leading to severe head injuries or fatalities.
2. Motor Vehicle Crashes
   Motor vehicle accidents are another leading cause of TBIs and are particularly prevalent here in New York, where busy roadways can create hazardous conditions. Whether it’s a car crash, motorcycle accident, or pedestrian collision, the force of an impact can result in devastating brain injuries.
3. Struck By/Against Events
   This category includes injuries where someone is hit by an object or accidentally runs into something. These types of TBIs often occur in sports activities, construction work, or other professions where heavy equipment is involved.
4. Sports and Recreational Activities
   Contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing put athletes at higher risk for TBIs, especially concussions. While safety standards for youth and professional sports have improved, injuries are still widespread among teenagers engaged in high-impact activities.

The Challenges Faced by TBI Survivors

Recovering from a TBI tends to be a lengthy process. The road to healing is different for everyone. Some people face physical challenges, while others struggle with emotional and mental health issues. Many are burdened with all three.

Physical Recovery

TBIs often lead to physical impairments, including problems with movement, balance, and coordination. Simple tasks most people take for granted, like walking or picking up an object, can require immense effort. Many TBI survivors also experience persistent headaches, dizziness, and sensory changes, such as impaired vision or hearing.

For more severe injuries, physical therapy and rehabilitation are often necessary, but these treatments can take months or even years. And for some, full recovery may never be possible. Permanent disabilities, including paralysis or chronic pain, are not uncommon among severe TBI cases.

Cognitive and Emotional Impacts

TBIs don’t just affect the body; they can also deeply alter the mind. Many survivors struggle with memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and problems processing information. These cognitive impairments can make it challenging to return to work or school, creating feelings of isolation and frustration.

Emotionally, TBIs can have wide-ranging effects. Survivors often report symptoms of depression, anxiety, mood swings, and personality changes. Going through such an intense ordeal can feel overwhelming, and it’s not unusual for relationships with family and friends to become strained.

Financial Burdens

The cost of a TBI can be staggering. Between emergency medical care, hospital stays, ongoing rehabilitation, and necessary lifestyle adjustments, the financial toll of these injuries can devastate a family. On average, the CDC estimates that severe TBI-related medical costs can exceed $1 million over a lifetime.

This financial strain is made worse when a survivor cannot return to work or must transition to a less demanding job that pays less than they previously earned. Families often face difficult choices as they try to balance medical bills, lost wages, and daily living expenses.

The Ripple Effects on Families

It’s not just the survivor who bears the weight of a TBI. Family members often take on caregiving roles, which can be both physically and emotionally demanding. The stress of caregiving, combined with feelings of helplessness and worry for their loved one, can lead to burnout. Relationships within the family may strain under the pressure.

Children may have to adapt to changes in their parent’s or sibling’s abilities, while spouses may feel the loss of a partner’s shared responsibilities. These challenges affect everyone, creating a ripple effect that can impact the entire family dynamic.

Preventing TBIs: Key Takeaways 

While not all TBIs can be prevented, many are avoidable with the right precautions. Here are a few steps to help reduce the risk of head injuries for yourself and your loved ones.

1. Wear Safety Gear
   Whether you’re biking, rollerblading, or playing a contact sport, always wear a helmet. Properly selected and fitted helmets significantly reduce the risk of severe TBIs.
2. Practice Safe Driving
   Buckling up, obeying traffic laws, and remaining distraction-free while driving can prevent accidents that lead to TBIs. Also, never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and always use properly installed car seats for young children.
3. Fall-Proof Your Home
   To prevent falls, especially for older adults, ensure your home is free from hazards such as loose rugs or cluttered walkways. Install grab bars in bathrooms, use non-slip mats, and ensure adequate lighting throughout the house.
4. Supervise Children
   Children are naturally curious and active, but this can lead to accidents. Supervise kids during sports or playtime and ensure they use proper safety equipment.
5. Be Mindful in Work Environments
   If you work in a high-risk job, such as construction or manufacturing, always follow safety protocols. Wear appropriate protective gear, and report hazardous conditions to your employer.

Traumatic Brain Injury Legal Rights and Compensation

If your TBI was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for 

the harm you have suffered. Here are some common types of damages you could pursue in a legal claim:

1. Medical Expenses
   These include not only the cost of your immediate treatment, such as emergency care and hospital stays, but also rehabilitation, medications, assistive devices, and future medical needs.
2. Lost Income
   TBIs often make it impossible to return to work, either temporarily or permanently. Compensation for lost income can help offset the financial strain this creates for families.
3. Pain and Suffering
   Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are all compensable damages. These non-economic harms are very real and deserve recognition.
4. Loss of Earning Capacity
   If your TBI prevents you from advancing in your career or forces you to take a lower-paying job, you could recover compensation for the loss of future income.
5. Lifestyle Modifications
   Severe TBIs often require changes to your home, transportation, or daily routines. Legal compensation can help cover the costs of these necessary adaptations.

For those facing financial challenges due to someone else’s actions, understanding your legal rights can be a powerful step toward rebuilding what has been lost.

There’s Hope and Support for TBI Survivors

Thousands of people are walking the TBI path, and resources like legal advocates are available to help lighten the burden. 

For those facing financial challenges due to someone else’s actions, exploring your legal rights with a personal injury lawyer can be a key step toward rebuilding what has been lost. Here at Rosenberg & Gluck, LLP, we have decades of experience handling personal injury cases. We’re here to help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

There’s no charge for your initial consultation, so you can speak with our team and determine your next steps without any obligation. Contact us today to learn how we can support you.