Mechanisms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic accidents span an entire spectrum from minor fender benders to major multi-car pileups. Like the accidents themselves, injuries range in their severity as well. One of the most severe injuries is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). This term refers to an injury that has an impact on the overall function of the brain. Furthermore, head and brain injuries are more common than many people think. According to statistics that have been released by the American College of Neurological Surgeons (AANS):
- More than five million people are living in the United States with a disability resulting from a TBI.
- Every year, close to a quarter of a million people spend at least one night in the hospital due to a TBI.
- Traumatic brain injuries are 20 times more common than spinal cord injuries.
- More than 2,600 children under the age of 14 die from TBIs every year.
These numbers demonstrate that traumatic brain injuries are both common and deadly. Therefore, it is essential for everyone to understand what steps can be taken to reduce their frequency.
Traumatic Brain Injuries in Auto Accidents
One of the most common ways that people suffer a traumatic brain injury is an auto accident. When someone gets behind the wheel of a car, safety is always the top priority. Unfortunately, serious accidents can still occur. People can suffer a TBI in a car accident through:
- Striking their head on the window when the car is T-boned.
- Impacting the steering wheel with the head or face in a front-end collision.
- Hitting the pavement after being ejected from their vehicle.
- Suffering a penetrating brain injury due to shrapnel, such as metal and glass.
Even though people wear seatbelts to restrain their body in the event of an accident, there is no such restraint for the head. This makes TBIs common in motor vehicle collisions.
Slip and Fall Injuries Leading to Head and Brain Injuries
Auto accidents are not the only way that someone could suffer a TBI. Slip and fall injuries can also lead to a TBI. Examples of TBIs following falls include:
- Missing a step on the stairs, falling to the bottom.
- Slipping and falling on a wet floor at work, in a restaurant, or even at home.
- Losing balance on an icy sidewalk or road, leading to a serious fall.
While some people may think that falls are minor injuries, this is not the case. Any fall from a standing height could lead to a collision between the skull and the ground. This is all that is needed to cause a severe and potentially fatal TBI.
Following a Head or Neck Impact
Whenever someone has suffered an impact to the head or neck area, it is important to seek medical care. Symptoms of a TBI include:
- A headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- A Loss of consciousness
- Confusion and disorientation
- Problems with vision and hearing
Individuals with these symptoms are likely to receive a CT scan or an MRI to diagnose a possible TBI. The earlier a traumatic brain injury is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin.
Watch YouTube Video: Overview of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). This educational video provides an overview of a traumatic brain injury, its causes and treatment.
Contacting a Brain Injury Lawyer
When a loved one suffers a neurological injury, this can lead to disabilities that impact the family for the rest of their lives. It is easy to see how this can be a stressful situation. It is a good idea to meet with a traumatic brain injury lawyer in San Francisco. A licensed and experienced attorney can help families:
- Take a closer look at the accident records to ensure that details haven’t been missed.
- Ensure that the liability has been assigned appropriately following an accident.
- Assist families in receiving maximum payouts from insurance companies.
- Pursue damages that are related to pain, suffering, and physical injuries stemming from the accident.
No family should ever feel like they have to go through this alone. A traumatic brain injury lawyer in San Francisco can be helpful. Reach out and ask for assistance today. You and your family could be deserving of a financial reward.
Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer in San Francisco
I’m Ed Smith, a traumatic brain injury lawyer in San Francisco. Traumatic brain injuries can lead to lifelong complications. If a family member or yourself has suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident, please reach out to me at (415) 805-7284 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
I also hold membership in the Top One Percent, a National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
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