Preventing Victimization of TBI Patients

Because patients with TBI-or traumatic brain injury-often experience mild to severe disability, this population is at an increased risk of being victimized. Victimization is intentional harm caused to one person by another. People with TBI are at risk of victimization from family members, health care workers (such as nursing home staff), intimate partners, and others.

The following provides a general overview of the risks of victimization against people with traumatic brain injury.

Facts about TBI victimization

• According to official statistics, people with disabilities-including patients with TBI-are 4 to 10 times more likely to be victimized, compared to people without disabilities.
• Even more shocking, children with disabilities are two times more likely to be victimized compared to other children.
• Men are more likely than women to perpetrate victimization, though women can also victimize patients with TBI.
• The home and the hospital (including skilled care facilities) are the two most common places for victimization of TBI patients to take place.

Types of victimization

Victimization of patients with TBI can involve the following:

• Physical violence
• Sexual violence
• Neglect of personal needs, such as medical care, nourishment, equipment, etc.
• Emotional abuse, including humiliation and verbal attacks

Why are people with a TBI at risk for victimization?

A traumatic brain injury can cause problems that increase the risk of victimization including:

• Trouble assessing risky situations or avoiding risky people
• Behavioral problems, such as drinking too much
• Inability to control one's temper, which can cause others to get angry and aggressive

What you can do

As a loved one concerned about victimization, it is important to speak up-don't be afraid to voice your concern, especially if you believe your friend or family member is not being treated right. If an emergency situation arises, dial 911. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which provides confidential advice and services to people in your situation.

Protecting your legal rights

If you or a loved one has been victimized after TBI, you have the legal right to seek compensation for your losses and emotional suffering from the responsible party. All persons, especially those with disabilities, deserve to be treated with respect and feel safe in their environment and with others. People who harm patients with TBI, either intentionally or due to negligence, can be held accountable for their actions under the law. Our qualified and experienced brain injury attorneys can evaluate your case to determine the best way to protect your rights and interests.