In Pennsylvania, there are nearly 530,000 people living with an acquired brain injury and, each year, our Commonwealth sees about 98,000 new brain injury cases. It is one of the most common and devastating injuries we see at Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C., as well. There are many efforts to raise awareness of this growing problem and the facts we should all know about these types of injuries. Let’s take a look at:
- Change Your Mind Campaign
- Brain Injury Statistics
- Most Common Causes of a Brain Injury
- Steps to Take After a Brain Injury
Change Your Mind Campaign
Each year, the Brain Injury Association of America conducts an awareness campaign to provide the public with information to better understand traumatic brain injuries (TBI), the impact on victims and families, and what’s being done in the field of brain injury treatment and rehabilitation. This year’s theme is “Change Your Mind.”
The #ChangeYourMind initiative has been part of the BIAA’s efforts since 2018, and has been geared towards de-stigmatizing brain injuries, empowering brain injury victims and caregivers, and promoting resources and support available to those living with TBI.
The central message behind the campaign is no matter how brain injuries happen, they can have a profound impact on victims and their families, resulting in emotional issues, mood swings, physical impairments, limitations to mobility, and an exorbitant amount of money spent on treatment, rehabilitation and care.
Brain Injury Statistics
According to the Brain Injury Association of America, every nine seconds, someone in the U.S. suffers a brain injury. Taking a closer look at the numbers:
- More than 5 million U.S. children and adults suffer brain injuries each year
- Nationwide, brain injuries account for 50,000 deaths annually
- In Pennsylvania, about 86,000 people are taken to the emergency room with brain injuries
- Nearly 19,000 people are hospitalized in our state for TBI
- More than 2,000 die from their brain injury each year in PA
Most Common Causes of a Brain Injury
Brain injuries can stem from a large variety of accidents, however, there are some more common causes—many of which are handled by our experienced personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Georgelis, Larsen & Sabatino Injury Law Firm, P.C..
Falls are the top cause of brain injuries. It can happen at home, work or a business establishment. From slip and fall accidents due to slick sidewalks, to construction accidents where many workers perform their duties high above the ground, falls put victims at risk for concussions and other severe brain injuries.
Motor Vehicle Accidents are among the most common causes of brain injuries. Truck accidents, car crashes, motorcycle wrecks, along with pedestrian and bicycle accidents fall in this category. Even when a motorist or a pedestrian doesn’t suffer a blow to the head, the force at which many of these types of accidents happen can cause movement of the brain within the skull.
Workplace Accidents happen all the time. Brain injuries are most commonly seen after a fall, after an object falls from above, when a worker gets caught in something and with electric shock. Work injuries involving the brain can bring with them subtle symptoms, at first, so it is important to seek out medical care and contact an experienced workers compensation attorney right away if you suspect you have suffered a head injury.
Steps to Take After a Brain Injury
When someone suffers a brain injury, life as they know it can change in the blink of an eye. Families can be devastated by their loss—both emotionally and financially. As a law firm that represents countless individuals and workers who have sustained brain injuries, we work alongside you to ensure you and your family get the maximum compensation under the law. Head injury victims can face huge setbacks in their daily lives, their ability to work, their emotional health and their overall well-being. Our award-winning attorneys will hold the at-fault parties accountable, securing much-needed compensation for your wage loss, medical bills and pain and suffering.
If you or someone you know has suffered a head or brain injury, Call Georgelis First at 1-800-HURT-NOW. We are available 24/7 and we never collect a fee until we win money for you!
