Traumatic brain injuries are notoriously difficult to deal with because the human brain is still shrouded in a great deal of mystery. Neurologists and other kinds of scientists are always studying the brain the hopes of helping those with these kinds of injuries lead more rounded lives. Another reason for such an in-depth study is determining the causes of brain injuries as well as what factors mean greater risk, both for the Pennsylvania workforce and other residents of the state.
In the United States, TBI represents a significant cause of death and disability. In fact, about 30% of all the nation’s deaths are in some way related to brain injury. Even when these brain injuries are not fatal, victims often face life-changing disabilities that may continue throughout their entire lifespan.
The following risk factor data provided by the CDC pertains to TBI injuries reported from 2006 through 2010.
— Men spend more time in the hospital for TBI than women
— Men are more likely than women to die from a TBI
— Falls are a risk factor for nearly all age groups the CDC looked at
Like all injuries, the causes of TBI vary, however, falling makes up the largest share of traumatic brain injury at more than 40 percent. Other causes include the following:
— Struck by or against at a rate of 15.5 percent
— Unknown or “other” causes comes in at 19 percent
— Traffic and motor vehicle accidents stand at over 14 percent
— Assault comes in at the bottom with 10.7 percent
All of the above causes can occur in the workplace, including assault. Until the nation’s top minds can come up with a way to protect Pennsylvania’s workers, it is important to practice caution at all times industries where head injuries could occur. As always, speaking with a workers’ compensation attorney in your area can help you discover ways to acquire recompense for your injuries.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States: Fact Sheet,” accessed Sep. 15, 2015