Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are known as a “silent epidemic” because the symptoms are not always apparent. However, anyone that knows a brain injury survivor or has suffered one of these injuries themselves knows just how impactful it can be on one’s life.
For more than 30 years, the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) has led the nation in observing Brain Injury Awareness Month each March with the goals of:
- De-stigmatizing brain injury through outreach within the community
- Increasing understanding for brain injury as a chronic condition
- Empowering those who have survived a brain injury, as well as their caregivers
- Promoting the many types of support and treatments available to those with brain injury
First, Some Brain Injury Statistics
Brain injuries are much more common than many people initially believe. You may have even met a brain injury survivor and not have even known it! Here are some statistics from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS):
- There are about 2.8 million individuals in the U.S. who sustain TBIs each year.
- Each year, about 80,000-90,000 people who sustain TBI experience long-term or lifelong disabilities as a result of their injuries.
- Deaths from brain injuries account for 34% of all traumatic deaths.
- The leading causes of fatal TBI are motor vehicle accidents, falls, and strikes to the head.
How You Can Raise Awareness
We all have the power to make a difference, even in small ways. If you are interested in helping raise awareness during the Brain Injury Awareness campaign this month, here are some things you can do:
- Connect and engage on social media
- Wear green, the recognized color for Brain Injury Awareness
- Teach others what you have learned
- Donate to organizations online or volunteer
- Print flyers and put them up at schools, churches, or other organizations
- Spend time listening to someone’s story
At the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley, our Chico injury attorneys are dedicated to helping brain injury survivors and their families obtain the financial resources necessary to recover. If you would like to learn more about your legal options after sustaining a TBI, contact our firm at (530) 413-0245 at your earliest convenience.