5 Most Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

Because the brain plays a role in every bodily function, head injuries can have catastrophic consequences. Forceful impacts, violent jolts, and penetrating wounds are especially problematic because they can damage the brain through the skull’s protective barrier.

When such damage occurs, it’s called traumatic brain injury (TBI). Depending on the severity of TBI, the injured party might experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms, which can be temporary, permanent, or fatal.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common scenarios that cause traumatic brain injury:

1. Falls

Falls are the leading cause of TBI, accounting for nearly half of all new cases annually. Seniors, infants, and children are especially vulnerable to head trauma in the event of a fall.

2. Motor-Vehicle Collisions

Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents contribute to a significant number of TBIs every year. Victims include motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Motor-vehicle collisions also account for the most TBI-related fatalities.

3. Sports Injuries

Both organized sports and extreme sports pose the risk of head trauma. Contact sports like football and hockey are notorious for causing concussions, which are a mild form of TBI.

While a single concussion generally won’t cause any lasting damage, athletes who sustain several over the course of their career could suffer long-term repercussions, especially if they return to the game before making a full recovery.

4. Physical Violence

Assault and battery, domestic violence, and child abuse are just a few kinds of physical altercations that can lead to traumatic brain injury. At the end of the day, any interaction that includes a forceful blow to the head could end up causing permanent damage.

Violent shaking also has the potential to cause TBI. Shaken baby syndrome, for example, occurs when an infant is shaken back and forth. Should the brain strike the inside of the skull at any point, serious damage can result.

5. Explosive Blasts

Blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) is a very real problem among military personnel and defense contractors who are exposed to combat conditions. Explosive blasts produce shockwaves that can affect the pressure within the skull, which can damage the brain.

What Should I Do If I Sustained TBI Through No Fault of My Own?

If you sustained traumatic brain injury at the hands of someone else, consult an accident attorney as soon as possible. A resourceful lawyer can help you gather the evidence needed to pursue damages such as medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Approximating a fair settlement figure can be incredibly complicated in brain injury cases, but a seasoned personal injury attorney can ensure your claim accounts for all the losses you may be owed.

Call 772-266-5555 to Discuss Your Case with a Stuart Brain Injury Lawyer

If you sustained TBI because of another party’s actions (or inaction), contact Donaldson & Weston. We will use our extensive resources to help you fight for the compensation needed to cover healthcare expenses and any other losses arising from the accident. Call 772-266-5555 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Stuart.