A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can happen to anyone. In fact, each year about 1.7 million people in the United States sustain this type of injury, making it a serious public health problem that can cause permanent disability or even death. Of these 1.7 million people with TBIs:
- 52,000 die
- 275,000 are hospitalized
- Almost 80 percent end up in the emergency room
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, TBIs are a contributing factor in nearly a third of all U.S. injury-related deaths. Further, it is estimated that 5.3 million Americans have a TBI-related disability of some kind.
What Is a TBI?
A traumatic brain injury typically happens when a severe blow or jolt to the head causes the brain to shift violently and collide with the skull. It can also occur when an object penetrates the skull and damages the brain.
TBIs can range from mild to severe. A concussion is a mild TBI; a severe TBI can result in a coma or amnesia, followed by loss of cognitive function, motor function, and/or sensation. Emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, and impulse control are also common. A severe TBI can affect every aspect of a person’s life, including the ability to work.
What Causes TBI?
- Traffic accidents are a very common cause of TBI and are the cause of nearly one-third of deaths associated with TBI.
- Falls are responsible for the largest percentage of TBIs, accounting for half of all TBIs among children and an even larger proportion among older adults. Falls are also a common cause of TBIs among construction workers.
- Acts of violence, such as shootings, domestic abuse, and child abuse, are a factor in about 10 percent of TBI cases.
- Sports-related injuries account for another segment of TBI victims. Those who box, play football or baseball, skateboard, or participate in other high-impact sports are particularly susceptible.
- Combat-related explosive blasts and injuries are a fast-growing cause of TBI. The number of active-duty military personnel who have been in war zones is increasing, and so is the number of TBIs among this population.
If you suffer from a traumatic brain injury, you may qualify for New England Social Security disability benefits. A Massachusetts Social Security disability specialist can help you with the ins and outs of applying for SSA disability benefits.
Are You Looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you are looking to apply for social security disability, you need to speak with an experienced social security disability lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 508.283.5500 to schedule your free consultation.
