Personal injuries frequently happen suddenly, and they often come with tragic consequences. Victims not only suffer from pains and either temporary or permanent disability, but they also often face significant financial challenges.
A look at a few statistics show some of the devastating impacts of personal injuries.
A large impact
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion stresses that serious injuries hurt more than just the immediate victim. They also exert a detrimental influence on society as a whole.
Unintentional injuries and those caused by acts of violence rank among the top 15 killers of Americans of all ages. These injuries are also a leading cause of disability. Each year, more than 29 million people suffer injuries serious enough to require a hospital visit. For the individual, these injuries result in added costs for hospitalizations, increased instances of poor mental health and a greater likelihood of disability. For society, family members and communities experience negative effects such as grief and the displacement of valuable workers.
A look at one type of injury
WebMD reports that concussions are the most common form of traumatic brain injury. The causes of this personal injury include bicycle accidents, vehicle accidents, work-related injuries, falls and sports-related mishaps. Most concussions cause temporary symptoms that include at least some of the following:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
Though this type of injury remains one of the least serious brain injuries, it still produces significant personal and societal consequences. Victims often must seek out medical care where they could incur expenses for an MRI or a CT scan. Victims also frequently miss out on work and might even require home care from a spouse.
