Charleston Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers

Traumatic brain injuries can have lasting effects on a person’s health, independence, ability to work, and quality of life. These statistics from the CDC and TBI Model Systems research show the potential long-term impact of moderate and severe TBI.

TBI in the United States

• 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations: In 2020, approximately 214,110 people were hospitalized for a TBI in the United States. According to the CDC.
• 68,663 TBI-related deaths: In 2023, approximately 68,663 deaths were related to TBI in the United States. According to the CDC.
• Nearly half of TBI hospitalizations: Falls account for nearly half of TBI-related hospitalizations. According to the CDC.
• 20.4% linked to motor vehicle crashes: In CDC surveillance data, motor vehicle crashes accounted for 20.4% of TBI-related hospitalizations. According to the CDC.

Long-Term Effects of Moderate & Severe TBI

Among people who survived a moderate or severe TBI and were followed for five years:

• 55% were unemployed: Among people who had been working when they were injured, 55% did not have a job five years after their TBI. According to the CDC and MSKTC.
• 57% had moderate or severe disabilities: 57% of survivors were moderately or severely disabled five years after their injury. According to the CDC.
• 50% returned to a hospital: 50% of survivors were hospitalized again at least once during the five-year follow-up period. According to the CDC and MSKTC.
• 33% needed help with daily activities: About 33% relied on other people for help with everyday activitiesfive years after their injury. According to the CDC.
• 12% lived in nursing homes or other institutions: 12% of survivors lived in nursing homes or other institutions five years after their injury. According to the CDC.
• 9-year reduction in life expectancy: People who survive a moderate or severe TBI and receive inpatient rehabilitation have an average life expectancy that is about nine years shorter. According to the CDC and research available through the CDC.

Economic Impact of TBI

• $40.6 billion in annual healthcare costs: A CDC study found that nonfatal TBIs resulted in more than $40.6 billion in healthcare costs in 2016. According to the CDC.
• $51,241 in medical costs: For people with nonfatal TBI who required inpatient care, average medical costs were approximately $51,241 per person during the year after the injury, along with about $6,110 in lost work costs. According to the CDC.
• $76.5 billion in total economic costs: CDC research estimated that TBI-related economic costs reached $76.5 billion in 2010, including medical costs, lost wages, lost productivity, and other costs. According to the CDC.

What These Numbers Mean

These statistics show why the effects of a serious TBI can continue long after the initial accident. Medical treatment, rehabilitation, changes in employment, assistance with daily activities, and long-term care may all affect a person’s future.

The impact of a TBI is different for every person. A legal claim may consider both current losses and the potential long-term effects of the injury.