Traumatic Brain Injury in Slip and FallA traumatic brain injury can be a serious complication of a slip and fall accident. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), falls are the leading causeof traumatic brain injury (TBI). 47% of all TBI related emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths were the result of falls. TBIs caused by falls are most often found in children under 14 years old and adults over the age of 65. Many falls are the result of someone’s negligence, and because of the serious nature of TBIs it’s important to hold property owners responsible for conditions that may cause a serious fall.

Types of Traumatic Brain Injury

TBIs are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or a penetrating injury. Major types of TBIs include:

  • Hematoma—clotting that forms when a blood vessel ruptures
  • Hemorrhage—uncontrolled bleeding either in the space around the brain (subarachnoid) or within the brain tissue (intracerebral)
  • Skull Fracture—forces strong enough to fracture a skull may also cause damage to the brain. Skull fragments can also penetrate the brain and cause injury.
  • Concussion—a typically mild head injury that can lead to a loss of consciousness
  • Contusion—a bruise to a specific area of the brain
  • Diffuse Axonal Injury—a shearing or stretching of the nerve cells that usually occurs when the brain quickly moves back and forth inside the skull damaging the nerve axons.

Traumatic Brain Injury in a Slip and Fall 

Falls are the most common cause of TBI, and this includes falls that result from someone’s negligence. Most slip and fall accidents are preventable if proper safety measures and precautions are taken. Property owners, landlords, and business owners are responsible for making sure that their premises are reasonably safe from danger for those who enter the property. Slips and falls that result in a TBI could be caused by:

  • Failure to remove snow and ice
  • Broken curbs
  • Broken or uneven sidewalks
  • Loose or torn carpeting
  • Loose flooring
  • Defective or broken staircases
  • Misplaced electrical cords and equipment
  • Broken ladders or step stools

Even though a slip and fall may not be from a significant height, it can still have the potential to cause serious injuries.
If you’ve sustained a traumatic brain injury as the result of someone’s negligence, you should have an experienced attorney evaluate your case. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have over 50 years of experience helping injured New Yorkers. Contact us onlineor call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.