TBI is a Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI is a serious public health concern in the United States.  Surprizingly, data shows that, on average, approximately 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury annually.

TBI is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of a TBI may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury. The majority of TBIs that occur each year are concussions or other forms of mild TBI.

Each year, of the 1.7 million people that sustain a TBI:    

• 52,000 die,
• 275,000 are hospitalized, and
• 1.365 million, nearly 80%, are treated and released from an emergency department.
• TBI is a contributing factor to a third (30.5%) of all injury-related deaths in the United States.
• Children aged 0 to 4 years, older adolescents aged 15 to 19 years, and adults aged 65 years and older are most likely to sustain a TBI. 
• Almost half a million (473,947) emergency department visits for TBI are made annually by children aged 0 to 14 years.
• Males aged 0 to 4 years have the highest rates of TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths.
• More than 75,000 children sustain TBI each year by participating in sports
• - More than 11,000 TBIs each year in basketball
• - More than 11,000 TBIs each year in baseball/softball
• - More than 10,000 TBIs each year in soccer/skateboarding
• - More than 15,000 TBIs each year in football
• - More than 30,000 TBIs each year related to cycling 

The clear message is kids are being injured and they should always wear protective gear, including helmets while riding their bikes and skating.  

There is information that parents should know about TBI and we ask that you please look at the CDC information sheets that are listed below.  You owe it to your children to be armed with the information you need to protect them and get them help if they sustain a brain injury.  

Please click on the government links below to get more information.  

www.cdc.gov/concussion/pdf/TBI_factsheets_PARENTS-508-a.pdf)

www.cdc.gov/concussion/headsup/pdf/Heads_Up_factsheet_spanish-a.pdf   (Spanish – TBI Fact Sheet)

We at The Hundley Law Firm hope your family never has to deal with a TBI, but if you or a loved one has been involved in an accident and suffered at TBI and need assistance, we are here to help.  Call us at 310-348-8106 and we will provide you with a free consultation to discuss how we can help.