Ontario study shows the cost of teenage brain injuries

Despite what many teens in Markham think, they are not invincible. They can suffer a serious injury just like anyone else, and since they are so young, the lifelong effects of their injuries will last much longer than if they were older. A new study based on information from the 2011 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey has found that teenagers who suffer traumatic brain injuries have severe effects on mental health, including making teens more susceptible to suicide.

When a teenager’s traumatic brain injury is the result of someone else’s negligence, that teenager and his or her parents can file a personal injury lawsuit against the individual responsible. From car accidents to medical malpractice to the owner of dangerous property, the teenager can seek compensation for his or her injuries. Moreover, he or she can be paid for the long-term effects of the injury, such as the effects it has on his or her mental health.

The study found that teenagers who had experienced a traumatic brain injury at least once was three times as likely to attempt suicide than those who never suffered a traumatic brain injury. One of the reasons why these children may be more susceptible to suicide is because they are also twice as likely to be bullied.

Even though someone can suffer a traumatic brain injury without ever getting bloody or needing surgery, they are still extremely dangerous. And, following the publication of this recent survey, it seems they are especially serious for teenagers. If someone can be held responsible for negligently causing a brain injury, filing a lawsuit may be something a teen and his or her parents may wish to consider.

Source: Medical Daily, “Teens With TBI Including Concussions More Likely To Attempt Suicide…And Sell Pot,”Susan Scutti, April 15, 2014