Personal Injury Lawyer

When it comes to brain injuries, many people often think of athletes as the most likely victims, however, injuries to the head and brain are also fairly common for the general population. In fact, statistics show that one out of every six adults in this country has suffered at least one head injury that has result in a loss of consciousness for at least a few seconds.

One significant brain injury study was conducted by researchers from John Hopkins University. The study team found that approximately 23 million people who were 40 years of age or older had suffered a head injury. Even more alarming is the side effects and lingering medical issues that many brain injury victim suffer. These health issues include the following:

•       Depression
•       Neurological damage
•       Stroke
•       Sleep issues
•       Alcoholism

Researchers also found that almost 20 percent of adult brain injury victims end up being knocked unconscious after they sustain their injury. The rates for men who suffer brain injuries is double that of the number of women who sustain injury to the brain. The large gap in the numbers was determined to be caused by the types of activities men participate in, such as football and hockey, as well as the types of professions they pursue, such as construction work or other types of careers that put them at a higher risk of suffering a brain injury because of an accident.

Statistics also reveal that a victim who has suffered an injury to the brain is at a 55 percent more risk of suffering from sleep disorders than a person who has not been injured. They also have an almost 70 percent higher risk of suffering a stroke. Brain injury victims are twice as likely to suffer from depression or alcoholism than a person who has not been injured.

Impact of a Brain Injury

The John Hopkins study, as well as countless others, show that the long-lasting and permanent effects from a brain injury can be devastating to a victim and their family. This is why a victim should immediately seek medical assistance if they receive an injury to the head, especially if they loss consciousness, even if it is only for a few seconds. Many people think of concussions as minor injuries, but a concussion can cause a victim many issues, including memory issues, concentration issues, vision problems, and more. If a child suffers an injury to the head, they must be kept quiet and at rest until they have completely recovered from the injury. This is true even if it appears they have not suffered an injury.

In addition to the physical and emotional effects of a brain injury, victims often must contend with the financial impacts. Medical exams, diagnostic testing, and treatment can be very expensive, depending on the severity of the injury. In addition to the medical expenses, victims of brain injuries are often required to take time off from work while they recover, resulting in lost wages and benefits. If the injury leaves them with permanent health issues, they may be unable to work at their prior profession or even work at all, resulting in a significant loss of future income.

If the victim was injured because of another party’s negligence or recklessness, then that party may be held responsible for all of the damages the victim suffers. If you or a loved one has sustained a brain injury, contact a catastrophic injury lawyer in Trenton, NJ and let them help you get the compensation you are entitled to.

Thanks to Davis & Brusca for their insight into brain injuries and common types of accidents.