House Committee studying brain injuries

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The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health is seeking testimony on ways of preventing and treating traumatic brain injury (TBI). One of the witnesses to testify is the Director of the New Jersey TBI Division of the New Jersey Department of Health. The federal government had previously passed legislation as early 1996, and several amendments have been made to such legislation to encourage research and innovation into TBI. It is estimated that TBI will affect as many as 1.7 million Americans every year. It is believed that falls are the most common cause for such injuries. Usually such falls affect children under the age of four or adults over the age of 75. Car accidents are the most common factor in brain injury related deaths. With such statistics, it is understandable why accidents such as slip and falls can result in such significant jury verdicts. Brain injuries that result can have a lifelong impact and result in the inability of individuals to perform routine daily tasks. Since those involved in such falls are among the more vulnerable in our population, care should be made to cater to the safety of these individuals so that such falls can be prevented. Obviously a lifelong disability as the result of TBI may involve care of almost every kind. Besides medical services and daily care, an injured individual may also be unable to participate in the work force and suffer enormous wage loss as well. Because of this and because proving brain injury can often be complicated, family members and friends may wish to consult an experienced personal injury attorney when a suspected brain injury occurs so that all options can be discussed. Source: C-Span, "House Hearing Examines Traumatic Brain Injury Prevention and Treatment," March 19, 2012