Brain Injury Awareness Month

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, a dedicated period to raising awareness, highlighting resources and providing information on traumatic brain injuries.

Brain injuries are a truly life altering and distressing injury to sustain. It is reported that brain injuries are one of the most common causes of death for those under the age of 40. In England and Wales, 1.4 million individuals attend hospital each year following a head injury. Traumatic Brain injuries are a type of brain injury that is caused by a sudden trauma to the head. It can cause physical damage to the brain tissue and can result in long-term effects such as memory problems, decreased concentration, impaired speech, personality changes and depression.

Two of the most common ways to sustain brain injuries include car accidents and falls. Here we will outline these everyday risks and how an individual can mitigate falling foul to them.

Car accidents

52% of traumatic brain injury hospitalisations are related to road traffic accidents. An individual should always ensure that they are wearing a seatbelt at the start of every journey. This should be regardless of the length of journey or familiarity of the route. Statistics show that drivers and passengers aged between 17-34 are those most likely to not wear their seatbelts. If you fail to wear a seat belt you are increasing the risk of suffering a catastrophic injury. Drivers and passengers should also ensure that they are abiding by the law and highway code when travelling on our roads.

Falls

Falls are another major cause of traumatic brain injuries. In 2014, it was shown 48% of brain injury A&E visits related to falls for 0-17 year olds. When looking at the elderly, this figure increased to 80%. Factors such as tripping hazards, poor lighting and slippery surfaces are common contributors to falls. You should try to be aware of your surroundings and identify potential hazards when you are in public places and new locations. You should also ensure that when you are at work tripping hazards and things that are worked on at heights are dealt with following proper risk assessments and procedures. 

If you have sustained a brain injury as a result of a fall at work or in a public place or as a result of a road traffic accident, then you maybe able to pursue a claim for compensation.

If you need legal advice about a claim, then get in touch with our Personal Injury department.

Call 033 0300 1103 or Request A Call Back from us by clicking the link below.