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5 MOST COMMON CAUSES OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES

Schilling & Esposito Jan. 15, 2019

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and serious injury in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, TBIs contribute to approximately 30% of all injury-related deaths. TBI claims the lives of over 50,000 individuals annually, which equates to an average of roughly 153 TBI-related deaths each day. Another 80,000 to 90,000 individuals experience the onset of a TBI-related disability each year.

TBI is a unique condition in that it manifests itself differently in each individual case. The affects of this condition can last anywhere from a few days to a lifetime, and TBI also tends to have a major impact on those closest to the person who suffers from it. In more severe cases, family members are often thrust into a caregiving role to help manage the condition.

What Is TBI?

Traumatic brain injury is caused by a jolt, bump, or blow to the head that causes a disruption to the normal brain function. Not every jolt, bump, or blow to the head causes TBI, and the severity of the condition varies with each individual case. In its mildest form, TBI results in a concussion, which may last only a few hours or maybe a couple of days. This commonly occurs in contact sports such as football and boxing, when a blow to the head causes the participant to suffer a mild concussion. More severe forms of TBI can result in a wide range of symptoms, and in many cases, these symptoms are ongoing and continue indefinitely.

Symptoms of TBI

Some of the most common symptoms of TBI include:

  • Dizziness and Loss of Balance

  • Ringing in the Ears

  • Nausea and Vomiting

  • Severe Headaches

  • Blurred Vision

  • Slurred Speech

  • Memory Loss

  • Difficulty with Focus and Concentration

  • Tiredness and Fatigue

  • Sleeping more than Usual

  • Seizures

  • Mood Swings

  • Depression and Anxiety

  • Agitation and Irritation

  • Risky, Impulsive and/or Unusual Behavior

  • Dementia (in the most severe cases)

Most Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

There are several types of injuries that can result in TBI, here are some of the leading causes include:

  • Falling: Falls are the leading cause of TBI, accounting for almost half of all cases. Slips and falls happen every day, and in many cases, they only cause minor scrapes and bruises, or no injuries at all. Sometimes, however, falls can be more serious, and when someone lands head first, they can suffer a severe blow that may result in a brain injury. Slips and falls can occur almost anywhere, and when they result from the negligence or reckless actions of another party, the victim may be entitled to compensation for their injuries.

  • Being Struck in the Head: Being struck by/struck against events are the second-leading cause of traumatic brain injury. This can happen because of falling objects striking an individual in the head, or from being slammed against a hard surface.

  • Motor Vehicle/Traffic-Related Incidents: Auto accidents and accidents involving a vehicle and a motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian are the third-leading cause of TBI in the U.S. The impact of a hard collision can cause a severe jolt or blow to the head, which results in major head trauma. Those involved in vehicle-related accidents do not always feel the affects of TBI immediately. Oftentimes, the symptoms begin to show up during the hours, days and weeks following the event.

  • Violence: Various forms of violence are the fourth-leading cause of traumatic brain injury. These may include assault and intentional self-harm (e.g., suicide). Children younger than four years old are especially vulnerable to TBI from violent blows to the head. Sadly, many of these injuries occur because of domestic violence.

  • Others: There are a number of other events that can result in TBI. Examples include fires, explosive blasts, combat-related injuries, and head injuries from high impact sports (e.g., football, boxing, hockey, etc.) and extreme sports (e.g., skydiving and cliff diving).

Suffering from TBI? Contact an Experienced Virginia Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury and you believe it resulted from the negligent actions or omissions of another party, you may have a right to compensation. Before accepting a lowball settlement from an insurance company, it is important to speak with a skilled accident injury attorney, so you fully understand your rights and legal options.

At Schilling & Esposito, we have several decades of experience representing victims of TBI and all other types of personal injuries. We have a successful track record with even the most complex injury cases, and we routinely go up against well-funded adversaries, such as large insurance companies and their armies of high-priced lawyers. We work closely with our clients, providing moral support and strong legal guidance throughout each step of the process. For a free consultation with one of our attorneys, contact our office today at 804-261-1001, or send us a message through our online contact form.