New Study Shows Suicide is Top Cause of Deaths Linked to TBIs

Deaths tied to traumatic brain injuries have risen amid higher rates of suicides and accidental falls in the United States. According to a report by U.S. News, traumatic brain injuries, which are typically the result of violent blows to the head and can result in death or disabilities, cause millions of people to visit hospitals or emergency rooms every year.

In 2017 alone, there were 61,131 TBI-related fatalities. Nearly half of these deaths were by suicide or homicide from 2015-2017, the study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated.

TBI-Related Suicides and Risk Factors

The report goes into detail about an alarming increase in TBI-related suicides, a vast majority of which were by firearms. During the period between 2009 and 2011, suicides and accidental falls surpassed car accidents as the leading causes of TBI-linked death in the United States, with these rates rising through the end of the study period in 2017.

The shift was driven in part by a 32% increase in suicides among Caucasians, with researchers also noting a falling number of car crash deaths recently.

Researchers said that reducing access to firearms for people at risk of suicide is an important approach to creating a safe environment. Across all years and causes, accidental traumatic injuries contributed to more deaths than suicides and homicides combined, the study showed. In general, mortality rates from brain injuries were much higher among men and American Indians or Alaska Natives.

These populations have suffered disproportionately from TBI-related homicides, and accidental falls have been the top cause of TBI-linked deaths among Hispanics in recent years.

The study calls for prevention efforts to reduce brain injuries among these vulnerable groups. Examples of steps that could be taken can include enacting motorcycle helmet laws and enforcing seatbelt and child car seat laws that could help reduce deaths from car accidents.

Rights of Brain Injury Victims

If you have suffered a brain injury as a result of a car accident, slip-and-fall accident or any other form of negligence or wrongdoing, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault parties seeking compensation.

You may be able to claim compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of rehabilitation, lost future income, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. An experienced California brain injury lawyer can help victims and their families evaluate their legal rights and options.