Traumatic Brain Injuries

A head injury that disrupts the regular functioning of the brain is known as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Head injuries are a significant cause of disability and death. Approximately 2.9 million victims suffer traumatic brain injuries in the United States each year. Even relatively minor brain injuries can have catastrophic effects on a victim. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) most recent available data, there were nearly 61,000 TBI-related fatalities in 2019 alone. That is roughly 166 deaths per day. While anyone can suffer a head injury, figures suggest that children and elderly adults are at the most significant risk. 

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Head Injuries?

Traumatic brain injuries can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. However, not all brain injuries involve contact. The most common causes of traumatic brain injuries include:

1. Slip and falls; 
2. Car and motorcycle accidents;
3. Sport-related injuries;
4. Child abuse; and
5. Assaults.

Symptoms Of A Traumatic Brain Injury

Depending on the extent of damage to the brain, symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild cases may result in a momentary alteration of consciousness or mental condition. Extreme instances can lead to lengthy periods of unconsciousness, coma, or even death. Mild brain injuries often have a variety of symptoms, such as confusion, disorientation, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, speech problems, loss of balance, headache, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, inability to smell, a bad taste in the mouth, feeling anxious or depressed, mood changes, sensitivity to sound or light, memory problems, and seizures. Many of the symptoms commonly associated with head injuries may not be immediately apparent. Thus, it is imperative to seek emergency medical care following a severe accident or blow to the head.

Ways To Protect Your Head

Below are some straightforward safety measures to help prevent head injuries:

1. Wear a helmet when skateboarding, rollerblading, riding a bike, or playing contact sports;
2. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
3. Always wear your seatbelt in a vehicle;
4. Use car seats and booster seats for young children; and
5. Make your house safer by installing grab bars in the shower, railings on the stairs, and stair safety gates for toddlers. 

Did You Suffer A Traumatic Brain Injury In An Accident?

Suppose you, or someone close to you, were unfortunate enough to sustain a brain injury in an accident; you may be eligible to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. The last thing the victim of a traumatic brain injury needs is to be troubled by legal issues. Jed Dietrich, Esq. has aggressively fought to obtain countless settlements and jury verdicts for his clients who suffered brain trauma, including an $11,000,000 settlement for a waitress. Take the first step today and contact the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. by calling 716-839-3939 or filling out the online consultation form. Our battle-tested attorneys offer free, no-obligation consultations.