No doubt you already know that a traumatic brain injury (TBI) almost always comes with severe consequences. When it happens as a result of an accident, you may not know where to turn. Your life seemingly changes forever.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a bump, blow, jolt to the head or penetrating head injury can cause a TBI. You or a loved one might suffer a traumatic brain injury if you were hurt in any of the following types of accidents:
- Motor Vehicle Crash: Automobile or truck accidents account for more than half the number of TBIs reported year after year. In some cases, the driver or passenger suffers an open wound to the skull. Fractured skulls related to car crashes suggest internal brain injuries as well.
- Slip and Fall: Victim hits head on a hard surface, which may be due to dangerous conditions. This includes issues with improperly maintained and repaired premises.
- Sporting Events: Children or adults involved in a number of sporting events may suffer blows to the head that result in traumatic brain injuries. These include football, soccer, hockey, boxing, and lacrosse.
Assault represents another reason for TBIs, whether from fists or gunshot wounds. An infant may suffer a traumatic brain injury as a result of shaken baby syndrome.
The cause of the TBI matters when considering whether to pursue a negligence claim. You should speak with an experienced Philadelphia, Wilkes-Barre, or Scranton personal injury attorney to determine whether your injuries correlate to bringing a claim for damages.
What Is A Traumatic Brain Injury?
As you most likely know, the risk of a sports player suffering a concussion is a real threat. However, you might not realize that concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries. The fact that they are not life-threatening does not negate the need for medical treatment.
A recent news article tells the story of three college football players who brought suit against their school. Apparently, their coaches kept them in the game even after they suffered concussions. The injury victims cited a “pattern of brutality and intentional disregard for player health and safety.”
As a mild TBI, concussions are thought to be temporary. Meanwhile, they do affect the way the brain functions and cause headaches and other cognitive issues.
The Mayo Clinic reports that moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries can cause lifelong consequences. Depending on how the accident occurred, the TBI may be associated with other injuries as well.
The mental status of a person suffering a TBI is just one concern. Memory loss and sensory changes also occur. Emotions become more accentuated and may account for inappropriate laughter and tears.
Unfortunately, traumatic brain injuries accounted for nearly 3 million emergency room visits throughout the United States in 2014. A number of accidental deaths are also related to TBIs.
Contact Us
A traumatic brain injury is a serious one. Fellerman & Ciarimboli recognizes the serious nature of this type of injury and would like to help you. If someone else’s actions or inactions caused you harm, please give us a call to schedule an appointment.