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Do Traumatic Brain Injuries Lead to an Increase in the Chance of Being Sent to Jail?

It’s no secret that traumatic brain injuries are a serious public health concern. As these injuries have become more and more known to the average American, changes are being made in the way football players are protected and the way students play sports. That said, there’s one study that shows a shocking possible side effect of a traumatic brain injury: Incarceration.

A huge study came up with some startling results

A large study, which was completed by researchers in Canada, studied young adults from the years 1997 through 2011. In total, they examined the health records and details of almost 1.5 million people. They found that anyone who’d had a brain injury sometime in their life – which was about 5% of the people – were more than twice as likely to end up incarcerated. In fact, they were 2.5x more likely to end up in jail. A person who had more than brain injury had an even higher instance of going to jail.

What is the reason for TBI leading to an increase in incarceration?

The study gave information but it didn’t give us a reason. Doctors point out that one of the side effects of a brain injury or similar catastrophic injury is increased aggressiveness and poor impulse control. When thinking of almost any type of crime, it’s easy to see that when a brain is damage and causes a person to become more aggressive and / or to not be able to control their impulses, it would be more likely that they’d end up committing a crime that lead to jail time.

What’s the solution to this issue?

There are a few things that can be done to help reduce the chances that this happens. First of all, doctors need to be more aware of the potential for brain injuries. In too many cases, these injuries are not diagnosed. If they’re not diagnosed, then the medical community can’t treat them effectively.

Second, families and loved ones of those with these injuries can be educated that brain injuries can lead to behavioral and cognitive changes. If they know what to look for, then they’ll be more easily able to ensure their loved one gets treatment for their injury. Early treatment has been shown to reduce the severity of these injuries.

Get access to the money you need for assistance

One of the biggest obstacles to getting help can be money. It’s common for a person who’s experienced this kind of serious injury to not be able to work, or at least not in the job they had before. Family members often have to take off time to help. Then there are the mounting medical bills. It’s easy to see how this could lead to the inability to afford expensive treatment.

That’s where Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas may be able to help. We have decades of experience helping those who’ve suffered injuries get the compensation they’re entitled to. If the accident was at least partially someone else’s fault, or caused by their negligence, then you may have a case. Call us today at 909-982-0707 for your free legal consultation.