March is Brain Injury Awareness Month – Risk Factors for Brain Injuries

Risk Factors for Brain Injuries

March has been named Brain Injury Awareness Month with reason. Over the past decade, physicians have really begun to understand the repercussions of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). It is estimated that as many as 17 million individuals are victims of TBIs every year.

TBIs are the third leading factor of all injury-related deaths in America, killing as many as 52,000 of the aforementioned 17 million victims every year. However, the repercussions of TBIs aren’t always as dire. In fact, 75% of them stem from minor concussions. However, they do have the potential to have residual effects that are often not seen until later in life.

Traumatic brain injuries are caused by a blunt force to the body or the head. The severity of impact and where an individual is hit results in how detrimental the injury will be. The most common risk factors for brain injuries are:

• Falls – Typically at risk for fall-related TBIs are the elderly and young children. Falling down the stairs, off a ladder, or even in the bathtub can result in a TBI.
• Auto-related collision – Due to inertia, when a car stops, the passengers inside them do not. Because of this, car accidents can lead to a TBI by a passenger hitting the window, the steering wheel, or — if they are on a motorcycle — hitting the pavement.
• Violence – Domestic violence and child abuse are a risk factor for TBIs. Shaken-baby syndrome is just one type of TBI that can have a devastating effect on a growing baby.
• Sports injuries – Recently, more attention is being paid to athletes and TBIs. High-impact sports like football, soccer, boxing, lacrosse, skateboarding, and hockey all carry a high risk of TBI related-injuries, especially in younger populations.

Those who are at greatest risk

The most vulnerable populations are the ones who are at highest risk of sustaining traumatic brain injuries. Those populations include:

• Children, typically those under the age of four
• Young adults ages 15 to 24
• Older adults people over the age of 60
• Males

Traumatic brain injuries have the potential to alter someone’s life forever. Although the signs and symptoms aren’t always clear at first, if you experience a TBI, it is imperative to seek medical attention and to hire a professional from GMFM Law to discuss your TBI injury and to get you the compensation you deserve.

Contact GMFM Law today for a free consultation. We’ll examine the details of your accident and help you determine whether or not you have a legitimate case.