You never saw the other vehicle coming. The last thing you remember was that you were driving home in rush-hour traffic. Today, you’re recovering from severe injuries.
You were struck by a semitruck and have serious, traumatic brain injuries as a result. You were placed into an induced coma for several days, and you’re just now starting to understand the severity of the damage that has been done. You struggle with your speech, have trouble with your memory and don’t know if you’re going to be able to walk normally in the future. Multiple areas of your brain are injured, and you may have a long road to recovery.
People who have suffered traumatic brain injuries will have varied experiences, but one thing that is true is that they all must adapt to the changes that happened within their bodies. Some will struggle with new physical disabilities. Some will have behavior changes or changes in memory.
Did you know that around 150 people die every day in America due to traumatic brain injuries?
Traumatic brain injuries can range from minor concussions to major brain bleeds and swelling that can’t be controlled. Around 150 Americans die every day because of them. Around 1.5 million nonfatal traumatic brain injuries happen yearly.
The thing to remember is that brain injuries don’t just affect the victim. They also affect their families, friends, employers and society on the whole. Around 300,000 people a year require hospitalization for the brain injuries they suffer. Out of those people, around 99,000 end up with long-term disabilities.
The costs of brain injuries add up. According to About Brain Injury, the indirect cost of traumatic brain injuries in the United States is around $48.3 billion annually. A single person with a severe TBI could spend up to $4 million during their lifetime just trying to care for the injury and the disabilities that resulted.
As a victim, or as the loved one of a traumatic brain injury victim, it’s important to seek fair compensation. This injury may be costly, and it’s essential that you have the financial support that you need.