Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a major cause of death and disability in the U.S., contributing to roughly 30% of all injury deaths. Even those who survive a TBI face impairments—memory, movement, sensation, emotional functioning—which can affect an individual for a few days or the rest of their lives. There are many ways you can end up with a brain injury, but some are more common than others.
Top Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
1.Falls: According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in the United States, accounting for 47% of all TBI. Falls disproportionately affect children and the elderly.
2.Struck by an object: Getting hit by an object is another common cause of traumatic brain injuries. This includes an unintentional accident where a person is struck by another person, a wall, or a falling object. Struck by/against events are common in the workplace, such as construction sites.
3.Motor vehicle accidents: Nearly 1.3 million people die in road crashes each year, while an additional 20-50 million are injured or disabled. Accidents occur at fast speeds, and with not much protection, even a small wreck can result in a traumatic brain injury. While this isn’t the most common cause of TBI, it does involve the largest number of fatalities.
4.Assault: Physical assault is another common cause of traumatic brain injury. Sadly, assaults are the leading cause of death for children between age 0-4.
5.Medical negligence: Many children suffer traumatic brain injuries shortly after they are born due to medical negligence by a health care professional. A birth injury such as this can result in in permanent conditions such as cerebral palsy, and even death.
Regardless of how a traumatic brain injury occurs, or how severe it may initially be, it is important for a victim to get treatment as soon as possible so they can start their road to recovery in the best way possible. While rest and rehabilitative therapy are often all that one needs, certain treatments in the hours or days following an accident can ensure that a traumatic brain injury doesn’t worsen or impede recovery.
If you or a loved one sustained a brain injury in an accident, you need to speak with an experienced law firm. I, an aggressive Weymouth personal injury attorney at Flanagan & Associates, understand how expensive an ambulance ride, rehabilitation and medication may be after an accident, which is why I can help you get the compensation you need, want, and deserve.
Call (617) 651-3220 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation today.