Brain Trauma Can Range from Traumatic Brain Injuries to More Minor Brain Injuries, Known As Concussions.
Concussions are by far the most common brain injuries that are sustained. More than 1.8 million people are treated in emergency rooms across the United States each year for concussions, and an additional 2 million people sustain concussions that are never treated medically at all. In comparison, traumatic brain injuries hospitalize more than 250,000 people and result in 50,000 deaths each year.
In recent years, concussions have been in the spotlight because of growing concerns between concussions and sports-related injuries. This attention has led to a greater awareness of the problem and a better understanding of how to recognize symptoms and how to effectively treat the injury. We are also understanding more and more each day the serious, long-term effects that multiple concussions can have on the brain.
How do Concussions Occur?
A head injury can happen anywhere – not just on the football field. While sports athletes are more prone to sustaining concussions, they are not alone. Any time someone sustains trauma to the head, that person is at risk for developing a brain injury. Hitting your head on the steering wheel, on the pavement, or on the football field can put you at risk for sustaining a head injury – even if you are wearing a helmet. While helmets are essential to minimizing the risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury, they do not prevent all head injuries from occurring.
Head injuries can occur because of:
- Sports trauma
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Trucking accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Military trauma
- Recreational accidents
Children are very susceptible to sustaining concussions or other types of brain injuries. Sadly, the biggest such risk is non-accidental trauma, or child abuse. Aside from physical abuse, children can sustain concussions from falls, bicycle accidents, skateboarding accidents, and motor vehicle crashes.
Improving Concussion Outcomes Starts with Awareness
Improving concussion outcomes starts with being aware of the concept of head trauma and of the long-term effects. There is more education and awareness now than ever before, and that has led to real and tangible changes. We now know that concussions are not something to be brushed-off as “no big deal.” Concussions are now viewed as potentially life-altering, career-ending injuries that should be cared for and treated seriously. Athletes are now evaluated for concussions after hard hits on the field, and any sign of a concussion results in the player being removed from the game.
Across the country, schools are now requiring staff members to be trained in recognizing the signs of a concussion on the field and drawing-up guidelines to help support players during their recoveries. The CDC even developed the HEADS UP Concussion in Youth Sports Initiative to offer valuable information to parents, coaches, and athletes who are currently competing in youth sports. This information helps all to recognize the dangers of concussions and the steps that need to be taken in order to protect themselves. There is also a free online course available. See here: CDC – Center for Disease Control and Prevention | HEADS UP
Contact Our Pennsylvania Concussion & Brain Injury Lawyers Today
If you or someone you love has sustained a traumatic brain injury in an accident – or even a minor concussion – it is important to seek help immediately. There may be long-term consequences associated with brain injuries, and an experienced lawyer can protect your rights to compensation and to ensure that all of your medical needs are addressed – both now and into the future.
The brain injury attorneys at McLaughlin & Lauricella, P.C., have more than 100 years of experience representing injured accident victims and their families across Philadelphia, Berks, Bucks, Dauphin, Delaware, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Montgomery, and Northampton Counties. We are also proud to serve injured accident victims throughout the State of New Jersey. Contact us today at (855-MED-MAL1), or fill out our confidential contact form to learn more about your legal options.
