Disability Law Claims Blog

Traumatic Brain injuries: More common than breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis combined!

It was extremely alarming for me to learn that every 21 seconds a person in the U.S. suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBIs most often occur as the result of a motor vehicle crash, fall, an act of violence, or recreational sporting activity.

Traumatic brain injury can leave victims with long-term cognitive impairments that limit their ability to function in normal daily activities. Many of those who become impaired may have difficulty remembering, learning, controlling their temper, living alone, earning a living, and getting from place to place. 

The vast majority of TBI victims are children 0-4 years, young adults ages 15-24 (mainly males), and adults 65 years and older. It is theorized that young male adults are twice as likely to be injured as females because of the following factors:

• The competitive nature of males
• Their love of the outdoors
• Their willingness to take chances and engage in high-risk activities

Sadly, it is far too common for young adults to fall victim to TBI's. Primarily because of their driving inexperience, an inability to make accurate assessments of dangerous situations, and the pressure to be "cool." Studies show that teens are less likely to wear their seat belts when compared to other age groups, thus increasing their risk of injury. The combination of these behaviors can prove deadly for teens and fellow motorists. Many states have adopted the "graduated driver licensing" law, in which teens are given a learner's permit  which gives them specific priviledges and responsibilities based on their age. Once they have acquired the necessary skills of a safe driver, they must pass a test before being issued an operator's license.