Personal injury cases involving traumatic brain injury (TBI) are, unfortunately, very common in the US. Every year, 2.8 million people sustain a TBI. Understanding the causes is critical—both for preventing more cases and for seeking legal help in situations where the injury was caused by another party’s negligence and wrongdoing. In this blog, we discuss the common causes of TBI, their effects, and the legal options you have.
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What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force such as a jolt, blow, or penetrating object to the head causes damage to the brain. TBIs can have a huge impact on your quality of life and may require long-term rehabilitation and medical care: this may include physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes. Severity varies depending on the extent and location of the injury.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury
Slip and Fall Accidents
Slips and falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury. Because slips and falls happen daily, it may seem unlikely they can cause any major medical issues; however, slips and falls can lead to severe injuries including head injuries, even resulting in death. Possible hazards that lead to slips and falls include slippery floors, uneven pavement, loose carpets, physical obstacles, or inadequate lighting. Property owners have the duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for any visitors. If they fail to maintain the property, they are liable for the resulting damage.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are a common cause of brain injuries. An automobile accident may cause several injuries—including brain injuries. These can result from the head being shaken forward and back from whiplash, a head-on collision with a hard object like the dashboard or a steering wheel, an object piercing or fracturing the skull, or an impact with the ground or a structure if the person is outside of the vehicle.
Workplace Accidents
Workers in certain industries including construction and manufacturing are at an increased risk of experiencing TBI. The cause of the injury is often due to unsafe working conditions, such as faulty equipment, inadequate safety training, or poor supervision. Employers have the responsibility to maintain a safe working environment and provide their employees with the training they need and the equipment to safely perform the job. If an employer fails to fulfill their duty and as a result, an employee suffers a traumatic brain injury, the employee may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
Medical Malpractice Accidents
Due to the negligence of a medical provider, it is possible to receive a brain injury that may be permanent. Examples of medical malpractice like this include failing to diagnose medical conditions within a reasonable amount of time, administering the wrong dose or the wrong medication, and failing to monitor a patient under anesthesia. These could result in internal bleeding, concussions, swelling, or oxygen deprivation. These can lead to irreversible damage to the brain. In this case, it is important to see another medical provider to address the extent of the injury.
Foley & Small: Get Compensation for Traumatic Brain Injuries
If you have suffered a brain injury, you could receive financial compensation for the neurological impairments that inhibit your ability to work. You may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages due to the injury, and compensation for pain and suffering.
If you or a loved one recently suffered a brain injury, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact a personal injury lawyer to understand your legal options and to determine how much compensation you may be entitled to receive. Foley & Small can help you build a strong case and ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
