Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious, often debilitating injury that results from trauma to the head. It is a major cause of death or disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of TBIs has increased over the years, and an estimated 155 people in the United States die each day from injuries that include a TBI.
TBIs can be life-altering events that lead to emotional and financial strain on a victim and their family. TBIs can result from a number of different situations, but there are some causes that are far more common than others.
Falls
According to the CDC, falls are the number one cause of traumatic brain injury. Close to 50% of TBI-related emergency visits were the result of falls. Children and adults over 65 years are more frequently the victims of fall-related TBI. More than half of the emergency department visits for TBI in children were the result of falls, while 81% of TBI-related hospital visits for older adults were the result of falls.
Falls can happen anywhere, and they are sometimes the result of negligence. Property and business owners who fail to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition can cause serious life-altering falls. Conditions such as torn carpeting, uneven payment, slippery floors, and tripping hazards can all lead to slip and fall accidents.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car accidents were the second leading cause of TBIs. Almost 20% of TBI-related hospitalizations were the result of car accidents. Motor vehicle accidents were also the leading cause of death for teens, adults under 35 years old, and adults over 75 years old. These accidents include motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents.
The impact of a car accident can cause serious brain injuries ranging from concussions to brain bleeds. The force of striking a steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield at a high rate of speed can have a devastating effect on the brain.
Contact a Brain Injury Attorney
The effects of a traumatic brain injury can be devastating and have a life-long financial impact. If you or a loved one, has sustained a traumatic brain injury as the result of someone’s negligence, you should have an experienced personal injury attorney evaluate your case. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping victims of negligence. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.