5 Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the result of damaged neural tissue. Such damage can occur from thumping, jolting, or violent shaking. As long as the force of impact is enough to jostle the brain, the neural tissue can strike the inside of the skull, causing injury. A TBI can also develop if a sharp object penetrates the skull and pierces the brain.
In most cases, TBIs are entirely preventable. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes, which often warrant legal action by the injured party.
1. Falls
Among all age groups, falls are the leading cause of TBI. Young children and senior citizens are especially vulnerable to head trauma when they fall.
In 2014, for example, 4 out of 5 adults over the age of 65 who visited the emergency department (ED) for a TBI were hurt in a fall. Falls were also responsible for nearly 1 in 2 TBI-related ED visits among children that year.
2. Motor-Vehicle Collisions
Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are responsible for a significant number of traumatic brain injuries every year. Bicyclists and pedestrians are also likely to sustain head trauma when they’re struck by a motor vehicle because they have no protection from the force of impact.
3. Violent Altercations
Physical altercations can cause temporary or permanent brain damage. Shaken baby syndrome is a form of traumatic brain injury, for example, that’s caused by violent shaking. Gunshots that penetrate the skull can also cause TBI.
4. Sporting Accidents
It’s no surprise that high-impact sports like football and boxing have the potential to cause extensive brain damage; however, people are often surprised to learn that non-contact sports like diving, horseback riding, and gymnastics can be just as dangerous. At the end of the day, you can suffer a blow to the head when playing virtually any sport—and if you do, the consequences could be devastating.
5. Explosive Blasts
Traumatic brain injuries are especially common among military personnel who have engaged in combative operations. Researchers aren’t entirely sure why, but it appears that neural function can be disrupted by the shockwaves that result from explosive blasts.
How Can a Lawyer Help If I Sustain a Traumatic Brain Injury?
If you sustain a TBI through no fault of your own, a personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation for the resulting damages, which might include medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Your legal team will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence of liability, handle all correspondence with the opposing party, track damages, and negotiate with the insurer for a fair settlement. If the claims adjuster is uncooperative, your lawyer can prepare your case for litigation.
Call (727) 821-1500 to Speak with a Brain Injury Attorney in St. Petersburg
If you or someone you love is living with a TBI because another party failed to act with reasonable care, turn to Emerson Straw to determine the most strategic way to proceed. From the moment you call our office to the day your family’s case is resolved, you will be treated with the utmost compassion and professionalism. Call (727) 821-1500 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation with a brain injury lawyer in St. Petersburg.