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Observing Brain Injury Awareness Month in North Georgia and Tennessee

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Observing Brain Injury Awareness Month in North Georgia and Tennessee

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are common, often invisible at first, and can change a Georgia or Tennessee family’s life in an instant. Brain Injury Awareness Month is observed annually in Marchacross the United States, serving as a powerful reminder to protect your head and brain andrecognize the signs of trauma. 

We will explore the importance of seeking medical treatment when someone sustains a TBI in major Tennessee cities like Nashville and Chattanooga, as well as Cartersville and Woodstock, GA. 

Furthermore, we’ll discuss why you should review your injury with a TBI lawyer in North Georgia or Tennessee, particularly if someone’s negligence is to blame. Tennessee and Georgia both have a one-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, among the shortest in the country. That’s why contacting a lawyer immediately is so important.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) defines TBI as: “[occurring] when brain function is altered by an external force. This happens when something strikes the head or when the head hits something as the result of a fall, motor vehicle wreck, assault, and more.” This disruption to normal brain function is not hereditary or degenerative and can lead to cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physical impairments that last months, years, or a lifetime.

TBI can be “mild” and originate from a concussion, yet still cause headaches, confusion, memory issues, mood changes, and sleep problems that interfere with work and relationships. More severe TBIs can cause loss of consciousness, language difficulties, motor problems, or permanent disability. They are a leading cause of death and disability in the U.S.

TBI by the Numbers in the U.S., North Georgia and Tennessee

Health agencies demonstrate just how widespread and serious TBIs are in the U.S. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports about 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020 and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021—roughly 586 hospitalizations and 190 deaths every day. Provisional data indicates approximately 70,000 TBIs reported in 2023. 

Georgia and Tennessee bear a particularly heavy burden.

  • In 2021, there were 2,744 TBI-related fatalities in Georgia and 1,734 in Tennessee, which combined account for more than 15% of the national total. Traffic collisions, dangerous premises and trucking accidents were just some of the causes.
  • The Brain Injury Association of Georgia estimates more than 30,000 suspected TBIs are reported annually through the state’s Central Registry.
  • The Tennessee Department of Health estimates approximately 25,000 Tennesseans sustain a TBI each year.

In addition to the human toll, BIAA estimates that TBI-related medical care and lost wages cost the U.S. nearly $76.5 billion per year.

Common Causes of TBI in GA and TN

BIAA identifies the top five causes of TBI nationwide:

These incidents reflect the root causes of Pritchard Injury Firm’s catastrophic injury and TBI claims in North Georgia and Tennessee. In Georgia and Tennessee, TBIs frequently result from:

  • Truck and car wrecks, where whiplash, impact with the steering wheel or dashboard, or being ejected from the vehicle can cause severe head trauma.
  • Motorcycle wrecks, especially when riders go without a helmet or protective gear.
  • Slip and falls at homes, stores, parking lots, and workplaces, which can cause victims to slam their head on floors, stairs, or furniture. These circumstances often lead to premises liability claims in North Georgia and Tennessee. 
  • Sports and recreation, including football, soccer, lacrosse, and other contact sports where repeated concussions can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
  • Criminal assaults or violent attacks, particularly blows to the face or skull.
  • Construction accidents, where workers are exposed to falling objects, falls from heights, and other hazards; this industry reports some of the highest rates of head and brain injuries.

These injuries can happen at home, at school, on a jobsite, or on critical roadways like I-24 andI‑75 in a matter of moments, which is why prevention and early recognition are critical.

Concussion and Other Types of TBI

Concussions are one of the most common forms of TBI and are sometimes mislabeled as “just a bump on the head.” They often result from acceleration or deceleration forces after a blow to the head, producing a temporary change in mental status that may range from brief confusion to loss of consciousness.

Other serious TBI types include:

  • Extra-axial hematomas (epidural or subdural), where bleeding around the brain can create dangerous pressure.
  • Contusions (bruising of the brain), which may occur at the site of impact or on the opposite side of the skull (coup and contrecoup injuries).
  • Traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, caused by torn blood vessels leaking into the space around the brain.
  • Diffuse axonal injury, where shearing forces stretch or tear nerve fibers throughout the brain.

Even what seems like a “minor” fall or bump can be fatal if bleeding is not recognized and treated promptly. This was illustrated by high-profile cases like the tragic passing of “Full House” actor Bob Saget, who slept after his minor impact and later died from brain hemorrhages in 2022.

TBI Symptoms That Need Attention

Concussion and TBI symptoms may appear immediately or evolve over hours, days, or weeks after an accident. If you or a loved one experiences any of the following after a wreck, fall, or blow to the head, seek medical care immediately:

  • Headache, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting
  • Confusion, memory loss, or difficulty concentrating
  • Sensitivity to light or noise, blurred vision, or balance problems
  • Mood changes, irritability, anxiety, or depression
  • Sleep disturbances or fatigue
  • Loss of consciousness, seizures, slurred speech, or weakness on one side of the body

Many of our clients in Cartersville, Woodstock, and Chattanooga have developed post-concussion syndrome, where symptoms persist for months and affect daily activities, job performance, and quality of life. Brain injuries can also trigger or worsen mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and chronic anxiety.

Treatment, Recovery, and Mental Health After TBI in North Georgia and TN

Early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and help document your injury for any future legal claim. Important steps include:

  • Prompt medical evaluation in the emergency department or with a primary-care provider or neurologist.
  • Following doctors’ orders for rest, activity restrictions, medications, and follow-up testing or imaging.
  • Seeing specialists such as neuropsychologists, physical therapists, or occupational therapists if symptoms linger.

Mental health care is just as important as physical care after a brain injury. Survivors often benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy or trauma-focused counseling, medications for mood or anxiety when appropriate, and strong support from family, community, and support groups.

An experienced brain injury lawyer knows how to seek adequate compensation that will cover the costs of treatment.

Unfortunately, many TBIs and concussions go undiagnosed because victims try to be “tough” or assume they are fine if they did not black out. During Brain Awareness Month, one of the simplest but most powerful messages is this: take every head injury seriously and never downplay or dismiss your symptoms.

Legal Rights After a TBI in Georgia and Tennessee

TBI is a form of catastrophic injury since it causes long-term or permanent damage to a person's physical, emotional, or cognitive abilities. When a TBI is caused by someone else’s negligence—whether in a truck crash, unsafe property condition, or workplace hazard—you may be entitled to compensation under Georgia or Tennessee law. Available damages often include:

  • Medical expenses and future care costs
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
  • Non-economic damages for mental anguish, PTSD, and related emotional trauma
  • In some cases, punitive damages when the conduct is especially reckless

Documenting your injury and its impact is essential. Helpful steps include:

  • Seeking immediate medical care and following all treatment recommendations
  • Keeping records of all medical visits, therapy, prescriptions, and time missed from work
  • Preserving digital evidence, such as photos and videos of the scene and your injuries, and saving witness contact information
  • Writing down your symptoms, memory issues, and emotional struggles in a journal or notes to share with your doctors and attorney

Because TBIs can be complex and symptoms may worsen or appear over time, an experienced GA/TN personal injury lawyer can coordinate with medical experts, handle insurance companies, and build a strong case to maximize your recovery. 

Additional Resources for Brain Injury Victims in Georgia and Tennessee

Brain Injury Awareness Month is observed in March in the U.S. and several other countries. Georgia is one of many states to formally acknowledge the month with a proclamation. 

To learn more about TBI and brain injuries, visit:

These organizations are leaders in this critical field and provide downloadable toolkits that employers and individuals can use to spread awareness and prevention tips. If legal action seems viable or necessary, contact experienced TBI lawyers at the Pritchard Injury Firm.

Your GA/TN Brain Injury Lawyer 

Pritchard Injury Firm wants everyone in North Georgia and Tennessee to recognize concussion symptoms, understand their connection to TBI, and be aware of their long-term impact. 

Contact us if you have suffered a concussion or head injury due to the recklessness or negligence of someone else. Pritchard Injury Firm is here to provide a free consultation and the compassionate legal and emotional support you deserve.