US

Traumatic Brain Injuries A Common Occurrence In The US. Here Is Why

Published

2 years ago

August 13, 2022

Data from the Brain Injury Association of America shows that over 3.5 million cases of traumatic brain injury (“TBI”) are reported in America each year.

TBI injuries to the brain often result from a blow to the head with a blunt object or a sudden and back and forth jerking of the head. A TBI can also result from a penetration injury, such as a gunshot shot to the head.

Why TBIs Are Common

There are many ways through which a person could sustain traumatic brain injuries, which is the reason behind their prevalence. The leading cause of TBIs are falls, which account for approximately 40 percent of TBIs. Other common causes include motor vehicle accidents, contact sports, assaults, and firearm injuries.

TBIs can affect persons of any age. However, studies show that children under five, individuals ages 15 to 24, and older adults above 75 have a greater prevalence of developing traumatic brain injuries.

Service members, homeless people, and persons in correctional facilities also have a high chance of suffering a TBI because of their environments.

Classification of TBIs

TBIs fall into three main categories;

Mild TBI, also referred to as concussions
Moderate TBI
Severe TBI

Concussions are the most common and easiest to treat. They usually result from a violent rocking of the head after a fall or in contact sports. Though mild, it is essential to see a doctor after a concussion. Even with proper treatment, healing can take a few weeks to months.

Moderate and severe TBIs are the more severe brain injuries. While it is possible to suffer a moderate to severe TBI from a simple fall, the most common causes are falls from heights, a severe blow to the head through an accident or an assault, and penetrative head injuries, such as a gunshot.

Unlike concussions, whose symptoms can heal in a few weeks, moderate to severe TBI patients may have to live with their injuries for much longer and sometimes even for life.

Treatment for TBIs

Treatments for TBIs differ depending on the severity of the injury. The first stage in treatment is the diagnosis stage. While moderate and severe TBI may manifest immediately after an accident, concussions may not and can take as many as 48 hours before showing up.

Therefore, it is essential to see a doctor if you have had an accident, even when you may not feel injured. Seeking medical attention will help rule out the possibility of injuries that may take longer to show, like a concussion.

Fortunately, most treatments for traumatic brain injuries do not require surgery. Also, treatment procedures have improved over the years, which means you can almost be sure that doctors will only recommend a procedure when it is vital.

The Cost of Treatment

The cost of treating TBIs can vary widely based on the severity of injuries and the procedures used to treat the injuries. “Brain injuries often require a life care plan that establishes all future needs and the cost for this care. Recovering enough money for our clients to be fully compensated for their pain and suffering, past and future economic losses and the millions that are often required to pay for future care needs related to their TBI is always our goal.” says injury attorney Jon Ostroff of Ostroff Injury Law.

The cost goes beyond the cost of treatment. It also includes lost wages, physical pain, and complete alteration of a person’s quality of life for severe injuries, which must be factored in when seeking compensation for damages resulting from another person’s negligence.

US

Creating Safe Havens: Inside Genesis USA’s Vision for Inclusive Housing

Published

3 weeks ago

December 3, 2024

Jimmy Lerner

Photo Courtesy of GenesisUSA

GenesisUSA, a nonprofit based in Arlington, Texas, works to improve the lives of disabled veterans and children who have lost their parents. Led by Charles Ford, the organization goes beyond providing financial aid. It focuses on long-term solutions, like building wheelchair-accessible homes, to support independence and dignity for those in need. With rising housing costs and growing inequality, GenesisUSA’s mission addresses a critical gap.

Ford and his team create supportive environments that help promote self-reliance in underserved communities. As a smaller, community-based organization, it addresses challenges that can be difficult for larger organizations to manage. Its work shows how local initiatives can make a noticeable difference.

A Growing Crisis: The Need for Accessible Housing

The demand for affordable and accessible housing continues to grow. A 2023 report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition estimated that more than 11 million U.S. households need homes with accessibility features. This challenge is more pronounced for disabled veterans, with nearly four million living in homes that do not meet their physical needs.

“Our veterans have sacrificed a lot for this country, but many still face housing that doesn’t suit their needs,” Ford says. “Beyond merely providing them shelter, we’re creating a space where they can live comfortably.”

GenesisUSA is responding by building homes designed for accessibility. These houses include ramps, wider doorways, and modified kitchens and bathrooms to allow veterans to live more independently. The organization also plans to create supportive environments for children who have lost their parents, many of whom also face mobility challenges.

Ford’s Community-Driven Leadership at GenesisUSA

Ford’s years of experience in construction and his dedication to charitable work have shaped his leadership at GenesisUSA. He stays closely involved, often meeting veterans and families to learn about their needs firsthand. “For me, it’s about building personal connections,” Ford says. “Large charities sometimes miss the individual stories.”

The community focus defines Ford’s leadership. Although some wonder if a smaller nonprofit can make a meaningful impact, Ford is confident. “We don’t have celebrity endorsements or huge budgets, but we have real relationships with the people we help,” he says. His dedication to grassroots efforts sets GenesisUSA apart from larger, more structured organizations.

GenesisUSA has already helped over 100 people and aims to expand its impact with affordable, accessible housing solutions. One notable feature is the inclusion of a wheelchair-accessible swimming pool, which has received positive feedback. Ford says, “We’re creating spaces where people can enjoy life fully, just like everyone else,” which reflects the organization’s mission to support independence and inclusion.

Building More Than Homes: A Reflection of Hope

Ford looks back on GenesisUSA’s progress with a clear sense of purpose. “We’re not simply building homes, we’re offering hope and building opportunities for independence,” he says. “We’re here to support veterans who face mobility challenges and children who have lost their parents, offering them a chance at a more self-reliant life.”

As the organization’s reach expands, so does its ability to impact lives across the country. Its work embodies Ford’s dedication to ensuring that no one is overlooked. Ford envisions scaling their efforts while maintaining the personalized approach that defines their model.

“We’re still in the early stages,” he notes. “As we grow, we’ll continue to prioritize individual needs. Our success hinges on the improved quality of life for each person we help.”

As the demand for accessible, supportive housing rises, organizations like GenesisUSA play an important role in filling gaps left by larger institutions and government programs. Through its focus on tailored support and community-driven solutions, GenesisUSA is building a model for how smaller nonprofits can significantly impact and address pressing social needs.