Research shows that patients in Wisconsin with traumatic brain injuries may be more likely to be re-hospitalized than people with other kinds of injuries. According to the study conducted by the Brain Injury Association of America, 20 percent of individuals with traumatic brain injuries are re-hospitalized for both elective and non-elective reasons.
The study looked at information that was provided by 655 people who had suffered from a traumatic brain injury. The data concerning re-hospitalization was gathered through interviews that were conducted one, two and three years after the patients had been discharged from their first hospitalization for the brain injury. Researchers found that about 50 percent of re-hospitalizations were for elective reasons, and 50 percent were for non-elective reasons.
Patients who were re-hospitalized for elective reasons included patients who underwent reconstructive surgery and surgeries for bones and joints. Researchers considered re-hospitalizations for mental disorders, nervous system disorders, seizures and infections to be non-elective. The most frequent reasons for re-hospitalizations were found to be infection care and orthopedic or reconstructive surgery. After conducting the study, researchers noted that the added expenses from re-hospitalizations should be taken into consideration when determining the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries.
A person who has suffered from a traumatic brain injury that was caused by another person’s negligent or willful actions may be able to claim some financial compensation. Using information about re-hospitalization rates, an attorney may be able to build an accurate picture of the injury’s financial consequences for the victim so that they can claim an appropriate award for damages. An attorney may also be able to provide sound advice about whether or not to accept a settlement that has been offered.
Source: Brain Injury Association of America, “Rehospitalization Rates: 20% for Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injuries”, December 23, 2014
