For the last three decades, March has been designated as Brain Injury Awareness Month. This year, the Brain Injury Association of America is raising awareness for this injury and for brain injury victims with the “Change Your Mind” campaign. This public awareness campaign is aimed at educating the general public on the incidences of brain injuries and the needs of victims and their families. Through education, the Brain Injury Association of America hopes to destigmatize the injury and empower those who are living with their injury.
How Serious are Traumatic Brain Injuries
According to Brainline, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a major cause of death in the United States, contributing to 30% of all injury deaths. In 2013, 2.8 million TBI-related ER visits occurred, leading to 50,000 deaths. Since 2007, TBI injuries have increased by 47% largely due to education and awareness prompting earlier recognition of these injuries. Direct and indirect costs associated with TBI, including medical bills and lost productivity is estimated to be $60 billion a year in the United States.
These injuries range from mild concussions to more serious and life-threatening traumatic brain injuries. In general, the highest rates of TBI deaths occur to elderly victims over the age of 75 and the number one reason for TBI-related deaths were falls in that age group. Younger adults who sustain a serious brain injury are more likely to experience that injury because of a motor vehicle crash. In fact, motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of death in victims between the ages of 5 and 24 and the leading cause of injury in victims between the ages of 15 and 44.
Victims of brain injuries need an experienced and skilled injury law firm on their side from the very start. Insurance companies are often quick to offer TBI victims a lowball settlement that is only a fraction of what they will truly need. It takes time for the long-term effects of a brain injury to become fully realized and insurance adjusters realize this. As a result, they often pressure accident victims into signing a settlement quickly so they can reduce their own legal liabilities. Never sign anything without first speaking to an experienced and skilled personal injury attorney.
Your attorney will need to fight aggressively for your right to seek full and complete compensation for your injury. This includes medical expenses now and in the future, as well as long-term care, lost wages, and loss of lifestyle. If you are unable to return to work after your brain injury, you may also be able to seek compensation for loss of future earnings.
Have You Suffered a Brain Injury?
Have you suffered a traumatic brain injury after a car or truck accident? At Schnipper Law, P.C., our Atlanta traumatic brain injury attorneys know that brain injuries are often severe and life changing. They can result in a lifetime of disability, pain and suffering. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters know this too. That’s why they often pressure brain injury victims to sign a quick settlement that is far below what they need to actually recover.
If you’ve been injured, call Schnipper Law P.C., at (404) 545-5845 for a free initial consultation and review of your case. We can help you recover the money you need to put your life back together after a serious accident.
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