Head injuries come in various forms and, depending on the severity, can have a variety of outcomes. All brain injuries are unique and the effects may be different for everybody. Sadly, for those in South Carolina and elsewhere who have suffered or who have lost loved ones to such injuries, the physical, emotional and financial implications can be devastating.
There are believed to be 11 known types of brain injuries. All of these can be classified as either traumatic brain injuries or acquired brain injuries. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the said to be the result of an external force — such as a significant impact to the head. An acquired brain injury (ABI), however, results from various other causes and does not necessarily involve a direct head injury to occur.
According to current statistics, it is believed that falls are the leading cause of all brain injuries. Other major causes include but are not limited to, car accidents and assaults. Approximately 52,000 adults and over 2,500 children die annually as a result of brain injuries, while over 300,000 individuals require hospitalization and over 2.5 million adults and children are seen at medical facilities for the treatment of head injuries.
Brain injuries are often treated with surgery, medication and rehabilitation. There are those individuals who are able to make full recoveries, while there are others who will suffer some level of permanent impairment — or worse. South Carolina residents who have suffered brain injuries due to the actions of others, or those who have lost loved ones to such injuries, may be entitled to seek compensation for their losses. Through filing and litigating the appropriate legal claims in civil court, it may be possible for victims to be awarded monetary damages.
Source: biausa.org, “About Brain Injury“, Accessed on June 18, 2016