Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) — injury that affects how the brain works — is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Every day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of 176 people die and 611 are hospitalized due to TBI-related causes. Traumatic brain injuries in the U.S. most commonly result from falls, motor vehicle accidents, assaults, and firearms.

A person with a mild concussion may recover quickly, but those who suffer moderate to severe TBIs often face a long road ahead. Of people 16 and older who received inpatient rehabilitation for a TBI, the CDC indicates that only 26% improved after five years. That means an overwhelming 74% did not. Around 22% of survivors stayed the same, 30% got worse, and 22% died. Those who live with TBIs often report long-term health problems that can affect all aspects of their lives.

Even after surviving a moderate or severe brain injury and receiving inpatient rehabilitation services, the CDC says, a person’s life expectancy is nine years shorter. Compared to people without a traumatic brain injury, those with a TBI are more likely to die from the following causes:

• Seizures — 50 times more likely
• Drug Poisoning — 11 times more likely
• Infections — 9 times more likely
• Pneumonia — 6 times more likely

Serious traumatic brain injuries can cause chronic physical, mental, emotional, and social issues. In addition to potentially experiencing a significant drop in quality of life, survivors may need ongoing care to help with their recovery. The CDC reports the following 5-year outcomes for people with TBIs:

• 57% have moderate or severe disability
• 55% do not have a job (but did at the time of their injury)
• 33% depend on others for help with everyday activities
• 29% misuse alcohol or use illicit drugs
• 29% are not satisfied with life
• 12% live in nursing homes or other institutions

On top of the physical and emotional challenges they cause, TBIs can take a tremendous financial toll. If your TBI occurred as the result of someone else’s negligence, you may qualify to receive compensation for your injuries. Examples of parties who may have legal liability include the following:

• An intoxicated or distracted driver who caused your motor vehicle accident
• The owner of a business who failed to safely maintain the property where you got hurt
• The manufacturer of a product that caused or contributed to your head injury
• A contractor or other third party at your workplace whose equipment or actions contributed to your TBI

Traumatic head injury lawsuits can involve complex medical records, specialized legal knowledge, and complicated issues of fault. The best way to protect yourself is to consult with a skilled local attorney. The experienced Boston brain injury lawyers at Altman & Altman LLP understand the difficulties associated with a TBI and want to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call us at 800.481.6199 today for a free consultation on your brain injury lawsuit.