Unfortunately, car accidents occur every day, and sometimes children are the victims. Traumatic brain injuries can be suffered by any car accident victim and the outcome can be costly medical treatments and rehabilitation. Six hundred thousand children visit hospitals each year for traumatic brain injuries and many more are treated for less severe TBIs. The costs associated with traumatic brain injuries are significant and can include medical expenses, as well as follow-up and long-term care.
Although less severe TBIs and concussions in children are eleven times less costly to treat than more severe TBIs, a study from 2015 revealed that the less severe injuries accounted for approximately 81 percent of the $1.59 billion in healthcare costs associated with childhood TBIs in one year. The study demonstrates that even TBIs that are considered less severe are costly to treat. One expert noted that non-severe TBIs cannot be considered a short-term or low-cost problem.
When reviewing insurance costs for all types of childhood TBIs, the study found that in the three months following the TBI, the median individual cost for a severe TBI was $7,265 and $4,347 for moderate TBIs, with mild TBIs costing approximately $1,004. TBIs can have a lasting impact physically, financially and emotionally. Victims of car accidents caused by a negligent driver who have suffered a TBI may be able to recover compensation for the damages associated with a TBI through a personal injury claim.
Recovering from a traumatic brain injury following a car accident can be an extremely challenging time for the victim and the victim’s family. It is important to be aware of the legal resources that are available to help victims face the many challenging aspects of their injury.
Source: depts.washington.edu, “New Study Examines Costs Following Traumatic Brain Injuries in Children,” Accessed April 12, 2016
