According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), there are an estimated 235,000 individuals who are admitted to the hospital suffering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) on an annual basis. This number is 20 times the number of patients who are treated for spinal cord injuries. These admissions result in what’s estimated to be $48-$56 billion in yearly costs. The statistics regarding who suffers TBIs are staggering.
Of the 235,000 annual TBI hospitalizations that occur in the United States, 37,000 of those patients are children 14-years-old or younger. Another 435,000 kids who are suspected of having a brain injury are evaluated in hospital emergency rooms.
Approximately 21 percent of these kids’ TBIs result from them playing sports or participating in other recreational activities. At least 2,685 children die of brain injuries each year.
As much as 70 percent of TBIs result from individuals becoming involved in motor vehicle accidents. Women make up only 21.2 percent of TBI victims whereas males account for 78.8 percent of them.
An estimated 90,000 out of the 235,000 individuals who are admitted to the hospital with a brain injury each year are left with permanent disabilities.
As many as 50,000 individuals, or 30 per 100,000 people, overall die of TBIs each year. At least 50 percent of those deaths occur during the two hours after the onset of their injury.
From the time an individual turns 30, their risk of suffering a TBI increases incrementally. Individuals over the age of 60 are particularly vulnerable to suffering a brain injury as they are more prone to falling.
One misconception about traumatic brain injuries is that someone who has one will eventually recover from it. While this happens in some cases, many victims end up being left with long-term symptoms that can affect their ability to care for themselves, remain gainfully employed or maintain relationships.
Care for individuals with TBIs can be costly. This is why you’ll want a personal injury attorney representing you.
