There are several popular assumptions made about traumatic brain injuries. The most common is that these injuries are sustained as a result of massive or severe blows to the head, such as those experienced by soldiers during wartime or victims of violent crimes. Another group recently in the news for injuries like these is the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), which faced a lawsuit on behalf of over 4,500 former players for brain injuries sustained while playing football.
Traumatic Brain Injury Study Evaluates Head Trauma
However, the assumption that serious trauma is a prerequisite for a traumatic brain injury has been challenged by a recent study by the Newcastle University Institute of Neuroscience. The study indicates that severe head trauma is not necessary to sustain a traumatic brain injury. Researchers found that relatively mild head injuries caused brain damage and impaired cognitive skills such as verbal fluency, including memory and thinking skills. Because approximately 90% of all brain injuries are classified as mild to moderate, the study’s finding could represent a significant increase in the diagnosis and treatment of TBI.
The U.S. Center for Disease Control has recognized traumatic brain injury as a significant health problem in the United States. In Kentucky alone, there were almost 30,000 traumatic brain injuries in 2011. This total includes 9,000 cases involving Kentucky children age 14 and younger. In 2012, the Kentucky Legislature recognized the importance of preventing these injuries through legislation that established “return to play” protocols for young athletes with suspected concussions. Kentucky is one of a handful of states that has these protocols in place for all youth athletes both in the scholastic and non-scholastic settings.
Injured? We Can Help
If you or someone you know has sustained a head injury and has been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, it is important that you let an attorney evaluate your case to determine if you have legal options. You can consult for free with Attorney Group for Kentucky to get your questions answered and see if you have a claim. If you decide to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated attorney that can help you pursue your claims for lost income, medical costs such as doctor visits and prescriptions, and loss of quality of life. Contact us today for more information.
