Whilst there was a dedicated Action for Brain Injury week last week, we feel it is always important to highlight how common brain injuries can be, be mindful of how it impacts a person with a acquired brain and their families and how to go about getting the right support. It is estimated that 1.4 million people in the UK attend emergency departments each year with a head injury. Around 200,000 people are admitted to hospitals with head injuries, and approximately 160,000 of those are traumatic brain injuries. There are estimated to be 1.3 million people in the UK living with long-term disabilities as a result of brain injuries. Of those people, there are many that have suffered their brain injury as a result of a personal injury accident or due to clinical negligence. (Incidence | Background information | Head injury | CKS | NICE)
Action for Brain Injury (ABI) Week took place on 19th to 25th May 2025 this year. ABI Week seeks to raise awareness of the issues faced by individuals and families affected by brain injury, with the aim to advocate for better support for people who have been affected by a brain injury. It is important to remember that brain injuries can effect an individual’s physical, cognitive, behavioural and neurological state. Therefore, awareness and support is essential. (Traumatic brain injury – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic)
Headway is the UK-wide charity that works to improve life after brain injury. Through its network of more than 125 groups and branches across the UK, it provides support, services and information to brain injury survivors, their families and carers, as well as to professionals in the health and legal fields. Headway runs a campaign each year for ABI Week where a specific theme is chosen, this year’s theme is “On a Good Day”. This theme hopes to reflect the diverse and unpredictable nature of a brain injury, reflecting the difference between a person with a brain injury on a good day in comparison to a bad day. (Action for Brain Injury (ABI) Week | Headway)
The key aspects of ABI Week are to:
- Raise awareness
This encourages the public, organisations and policymakers to understand the impact a brain injury has on individuals and families.
Bond Turner have been involved this year with the Hats for Headway Day fundraiser (Hats for Headway Day | Headway). The Bond Turner Serious Injury Team and Medical Negligence team support Headway campaigns and events throughout the year. Keep an eye on our website for future events and sponsorship opportunities.
- Education
To provide information about brain injuries, what causes them, what symptoms can be identified and the long-term effects of brain injuries.
- Support
It can be very isolating having a brain injury and therefore illustrating the support available to individuals who have suffered a brain injury is crucial, as well as highlighting rehabilitation and advocacy services.
- Prevention
Brain injuries can happen in a numerous different ways, however emphasising the important steps that can be taken to prevent a brain injury, such as wearing a helmet and using your seatbelt, can help to prevent some injuries from occurring. (5 Fast Facts in Honor of Brain Injury Awareness Month 2025 – Mid-Atlantic Concussion Alliance)
Brain injuries can affect different people in different ways, this can include cognitive, physical and emotional challenges. ABI Week helps us highlight how important it is to seek support.
There are many different charities across the UK that you can reach out to for support:
- Headway – the brain injury association | Headway
- Child Brain Injury Trust – Home – Child Brain Injury Trust
- Brain injury – Support for neurological conditions | The Brain Charity
- Brain Injury Hub | The Children’s Trust
- United Kingdom Acquired Brain Injury Forum
Steps to Take
If you or a loved one is concerned about their treatment, they could take the following steps:
- Consult a Specialist: Seek an independent medical opinion to assess whether the care you received was appropriate. You are entitled to ask for a second opinion regarding your treatment and your options.
- Make a Complaint: Whether your care has been provided through the NHS or privately, you are entitled to make a complaint if you feel you’ve been let down.
- Speak to Charities: There are lots of Charities –as detailed above– that can offer support and guidance.
- Request Medical Records: Gather all relevant medical documents that may help you to assess your treatment and to seek advice/guidance.
- Speak to a Lawyer: Contact a legal professional who specialises in medical negligence claims to discuss your options.
- Act Promptly: Be mindful of time limits, and take action as soon as possible.
If you believe you’ve experienced medical negligence related to treatment of a brain injury it’s critical to act promptly as legal claims often have time limits. A legal or medical professional can guide you through your specific rights and next steps.