As Armed Forces Day approaches, it’s timely to remember the people who have served their country, many of whom have to live with injuries for the rest of their lives. The problems faced by returning military personnel have been in the news a lot recently, and traumatic brain injury has even been described as the ‘signature injury’ of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Various studies in America of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have found rates of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that range from 12 per cent to over 22 per cent among those with a combat role. Thankfully, a recent study in Britain looks a little less bleak, but still reports a 4.4 per cent rate of mTBI among UK troops overall, increasing to 9.5 percent among those with a combat role. Blast injuries and falls were the most common causes of mTBI, followed by vehicle crashes.
Brain injuries can cause all kinds of problems, from speech difficulties and blurred vision, to psychological problems, alcohol dependency and relationship breakdowns. These kind of difficulties put emotional, practical and even financial strains on the whole family, not just the person affected. Problems tend to be the most severe when they are left undiagnosed; if they are recognised, people can improve with appropriate support and rehabilitation.
You can read more about the signs and symptoms of brain injury here. We also offer a number of resources for people affected by brain injury, their carers and healthcare professionals. To add yourself to the mailing list, email christine.hamilton@braininjurygroup.co.uk.
Many of our member solicitors are experienced at handling claims on behalf of returning service men and women. You can find a solicitor via our map /find-brain-injury-solicitor/. Alternatively, call us on 0800 612 9660 and we’ll be happy to put you in touch with one.
Read about Royal Marine Thomas Birch, who won his claim against the MoD represented by member firm Hilary Meredith Solicitors Ltd
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Find out more about Armed Forces Day here http://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/about.aspx
