The brain is one of the most important organs in the human body, and it is surely the most mysterious. Beginning at a young age, we learn what the brain is, what it does, and why it is so important. The most basic aspects of our lives are controlled by the brain: voluntary muscular movements such as those required to eat or walk, involuntary organ operation like the beating of the heart, sensory perception like seeing or smelling, and of course the ability to think, imagine, and feel emotion. Yet for all we understand about what the brain does, no one fully understands how the brain does it. Neuroscientists, some at the University of Colorado School of Medicine right here in Denver, devote their entire careers to advancing the understanding of the brain, but there is still much that is unknown.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain suffered as a result of a hard jolt to the head. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 1.7 million people sustain TBI each year in the United States. Most TBI take the form of concussions or other mild TBI, however about 52,000 people die and 275,000 are hospitalized each year as a result of severe TBI. Severe TBI is not only potentially life-threatening, but it can also become extremely expensive. Patients who suffer TBI should consult a Denver traumatic brain injury lawyer who can work to protect their legal rights if the injury resulted from negligence.
About 35% of TBI are caused by falls, which are particularly dangerous among children and the elderly. Falls cause 61% of TBI among those at or above the age of 65, as well as 50% among those at or below the age of 14. The two causes of most of the remaining TBI are traffic accidents and incidents in which the person is struck in the head, or strikes his or her head against something. Again, most of these TBI are mild, but repeated mild TBI, can lead to cumulative permanent effects and even be fatal.
Traumatic Brain Injury will happen, but of course there are things we can do to prevent it. The CDC outlines seven ways to prevent TBI. First, and perhaps simplest, always wear your seatbelt, and be sure that everyone else in your car does, too. Be sure that your children have appropriate safety or booster seats, and that they are used properly every time. Never drive after drinking alcohol or using drugs. Wear a helmet when operating any open vehicle, or riding a horse, skating, or playing contact sports. Make sure seniors and children have safe living environments.
The biggest factor we cannot control in our lives is the actions of the people around us. In many cases, TBI, both mild and severe, is caused by the negligence of another person. If you or your loved one suffers from Traumatic Brain Injury caused by negligence, you need to speak with a qualified traumatic brain injury attorney who can help protect your rights. During this time of recovery, your focus needs to be on your health and the health of your family. Keith Fuicelli is a dedicated Denver traumatic brain injury attorney who will evaluate your case to help you decide if there has been negligence, and whether you have a legal claim. For more information, and a FREE CONSULTATION, contact Keith at Fuicelli and Lee at (303)355-7202.
We represent clients throughout Colorado who have been injured due to another's negligence, carelessness or wrongful acts. Our firm handles a broad range of personal injury cases, including: