Brain injuries are some of the most traumatic injuries that people can suffer. They are also very common injuries. Every year, an acquired brain injury is suffered by 150,000 Canadians. This year, 795 Ontario children will become victims of a brain injury. Right now, a half a million people in Ontario have been identified as suffering from an acquired brain injury. Around the world, a brain injury is leading cause of disability and death.

What qualifies as an acquired brain injury? This is an injury to the brain that is due to a non-traumatic event, such as a stroke or a traumatic event, such as a hit to the head. It’s not due to a degenerative disease or a congenital disorder. An acquired brain injury:

• Happens 10 times more often than an injury to the spinal cord.
• Canadians suffered disability and death from a brain injury more than from another injury.
• Over 12,000 Ontarians suffer brain injuries with disabling effects each year.
• Over 800 Ontarians die due to brain injuries each year.
• Females are less likely to suffer a traumatic brain injury than males are.
• The primary cause of brain injuries is motor vehicle accidents.

There are many ways to prevent a brain injury, such as wearing a bicycle helmet, using seat belts and airbags and avoiding drugs and alcohol. A powerful prevention tool is being aware of the consequences of a brain injury.

If you or a loved one have suffered a brain injury due to another person’s negligence or recklessness, a personal injury attorney can provide you with information on seeking compensation.

Source: Brain Injury Association of Durham, “Brain Injury,” accessed Dec. 24, 2015