A study published in March 2017, looks at the high costs of head injuries in Ontario. A group of researchers and experts compiled a year’s worth of data examining the medical and labour costs of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The results were remarkable.
The study looked at 133,952 emergency room visits in 2009, in which the victim suffered a traumatic brain injury. The estimated costs stemming from the injuries over the lifetime of the victims were $945 million. Of that amount, medical treatments accounted for $292 million. Lost productivity cost a stunning $653 million.
Looking at demographics, the very youngest and the very oldest Ontarians suffered a TBI more often than other age groups. Broken down by gender, the rate of injury was higher for men than women in all age groups under 65 years old. In fact, men aged 15 to 24 and 25 to 34 were twice as likely to visit an emergency room for a brain injury than women in the same categories.
Falls were the leading cause of TBI, accounting for 47 percent of incidences. Injuries suffered after an impact by or with an object caused 37 percent of TBI cases, and bike and sports-related injuries accounted for 12 percent. Interestingly, motor vehicle accidents were responsible for 10 percent of injuries, yet they comprise 17 percent of total costs. The study indicates this is partly due to the lower average age of the victims resulting in a longer span of time in which to incur costs.
Traumatic brain injuries can cause a prolonged period of physical, emotional and financial suffering. It is very important to seek medical care, and to take the time needed to recover and possibly adjust to an entirely new life. An Ontario personal injury lawyer can help a victim pursue recovery of the compensation he or she will need both now and in the future.
Source: news-medical.net, “New study reveals economic burden of emergency department visits for traumatic brain injury“, March 29, 2017
