Words matter—especially when it comes to brain injury.

In this episode of The Brain Injury Insider, we discuss a new joint statement from leading brain injury organizations that aims to improve how brain injury is defined, discussed, and understood across medicine, law, policy, and public life.

The guidance, titled “Communicating About Brain Injury,” was released by the Brain Injury Association of America and partner organizations to address outdated and often harmful language surrounding brain injury—including the overuse of “mild, moderate, and severe” labels.

Key topics include:
• Why traditional “severity” labels are misleading
• Brain injury as a chronic, lifelong condition
• Traumatic vs. non-traumatic (acquired) brain injury
• Twelve core principles for communicating about brain injury
• How language affects insurance claims, access to services, clinical care, and legal outcomes
• The importance of centering people with brain injury as whole individuals

Whether you are a survivor, caregiver, clinician, researcher, legal professional, or advocate, this conversation is essential.

Organizations involved in developing the guidance include:
• The Brain Injury Association of America
• The American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM)
• The National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA)
• The North American Brain Injury Society
• PINK Concussions
• The TBI Model Systems

As a past president of the Brain Injury Association of New York State and former chair of the New York State Traumatic Brain Injury Services Coordinating Council, I commend these organizations for advancing this important work.

Read the full guidance here:
https://biausa.org/CommunicatingAboutBrainInjury

Find out more about brain injury at https://brainlaw.com/brain-injuries/help/

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckuC69k85hY

Brain Injury Insider is a weekly podcast by The Brain Injury Law Firm ®, De Caro & Kaplen, LLP.

Host Michael Kaplen is a passionate advocate of the rights of brain injury survivors, and has been fighting on their behalf for over 40 years.

De Caro & Kaplen, LLP
228 E. 45th Street, Suite 1100, New York, NY 10017
Toll Free: (866) 272-4652
e: help@brainlaw.com
brainlaw.com

The holidays (Christmas and New Year) can bring a mix of emotions—joy, reflection, and sometimes real difficulty, especially after a traumatic or serious injury. In this message, brain injury attorney Michael Kaplen shares gratitude for survivors, caregivers, professionals, and colleagues, and offers encouragement, peace, and hope as we look ahead to 2026.

Resources:
Michael Kaplen: https://brainlaw.com/about/michael-kaplen/
Shana De Caro: https://brainlaw.com/about/shana-de-caro/
brain injuries: https://brainlaw.com/brain-injuries/traumatic-brain-injury-guide/
De Caro & Kaplen, LLP: https://brainlaw.com/
contact De Caro & Kaplen, LLP: https://brainlaw.com/contact-us/

If you’re navigating recovery—mobility, memory, cognition, emotions, or daily life—we see your strength and honour your resilience. May you find moments of peace and connection this season, and renewed hope in the year ahead.

Subscribe for more updates from The Brain Injury Insider.

Brain Injury Insider is a weekly podcast by The Brain Injury Law Firm ®, De Caro & Kaplen, LLP.

Host Michael Kaplen is a passionate advocate of the rights of brain injury survivors, and has been fighting on their behalf for over 40 years.

De Caro & Kaplen, LLP
228 E. 45th Street, Suite 1100, New York, NY 10017
Toll Free: (866) 272-4652
e: help@brainlaw.com
brainlaw.com

As we gather for the Thanksgiving holiday, I'd like to reflect on what this season means for all of us—gratitude, connection, and the small but powerful ways we show up for one another.

Thanksgiving reminds us that gratitude is more than just something we feel; it’s something we practice. It’s found in the care we extend, the compassion we show, and the support we offer, especially during times of challenge.

In my work representing individuals and families affected by traumatic brain injury, I am reminded every day of the incredible strength of the human spirit.

The courage, resilience, and determination of survivors need to be acknowledged during this holiday season.

It is a privilege to stand beside those navigating life after a brain injury and to advocate for their dignity, rights, and well-being.

But as joyful as the holidays can be, they can also bring mixed emotions, particularly for people living with a disability or the lasting effects of a brain injury.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJBV1NjI1B0

Find out more about brain injury at https://brainlaw.com/brain-injuries/help/

Brain Injury Insider is a weekly podcast by The Brain Injury Law Firm ®, De Caro & Kaplen, LLP.

Host Michael Kaplen is a passionate advocate of the rights of brain injury survivors, and has been fighting on their behalf for over 40 years.

De Caro & Kaplen, LLP
228 E. 45th Street, Suite 1100, New York, NY 10017
Toll Free: (866) 272-4652
e: help@brainlaw.com
brainlaw.com