There is a recognizable disparity in the death rate among people who suffer a traumatic brain injury in Florida and elsewhere in the United States. There are a number of reasons why some traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, prove fatal and others do not. One factor is the severity of a TBI in the first instance. The second is a demonstrable disparity in treatment for TBIs, particularly when it comes to race.
Severity of traumatic brain injuries
A broad classification system exists in regard to the severity of traumatic brain injuries. Minor TBIs result in minimal and transient symptoms that include headaches, nausea and fatigue. Moderate to severe TBIs can have serious to fatal consequences. These include prolonged periods of a lack of consciousness to permanent cognitive and other types of impairment.
Race and TBI death risk
An extensive study on traumatic brain injuries sustained by people of color contrasted with white patients has revealed that there is a significant difference in the TBI death rate between races. The study revealed that people of color are nearly twice as likely to die from a traumatic brain injury compared to white patients.
One primary reason was identified in the study as to why people of color are more likely to die from a TBI. Demographically, all across the United States, people of color have less access to suitable medical care than do white patients. Improving access to health care, particularly among people of color, is clearly identified as a primary step that needs to be taken to enhance the prospects of recovery from a traumatic brain injury.
Families of individuals who have suffered a fatal TBI may want to seek compensation from the party that caused the injury. An attorney with experience in personal injury lawsuits may help with the case.