A traumatic brain injury can be one of the worst injuries anyone can experience, potentially altering a victim’s life forever. About 2.5 million people suffer one each year, with 80,000 victims suffering permanent debilitation. There are many causes of traumatic brain injuries. We outline five of the most common below.
If someone else’s negligence caused you or a loved one to suffer a traumatic brain injury, please get in touch with the Jones Law Group. Our team of skilled attorneys will do everything possible to help you obtain maximum compensation. You can schedule a free consultation by calling 727-571-1333 or contacting us online.
1. Car and Truck Accidents
Car and truck accidents are among the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries, accounting for about 25% in the United States. When you consider the fact that more than 250,000 people were severely hurt in Florida car accidents in 2022, it’s not a stretch to imagine thousands of them suffered devastating head injuries.
When vehicles collide or hit a stationary object, the force generated during the impact can result in traumatic brain injuries. Even if individuals involved in the accident wear seat belts, the sudden deceleration or acceleration of the vehicle can cause the brain to impact the skull, leading to various forms of brain damage.
The risk is higher in rollover accidents or high-speed collisions, where the forces involved can be more significant and potentially life-altering. It’s crucial to understand that while wearing seat belts is essential for overall safety, it doesn’t eliminate the risk of traumatic brain injuries in severe car or truck accidents.
2. Motorcycle and Bicycle Accidents
Motorcycle and bicycle accidents also pose a significant risk of traumatic brain injuries, primarily because riders lack the protective barrier of an enclosed vehicle. Unlike car occupants surrounded by a frame, motorcyclists and bicyclists are more vulnerable to direct head injuries when hitting the road, other vehicles, or objects.
Even when wearing helmets, which are essential protective gear, the force of a collision can lead to traumatic brain injuries. As essential as helmets are, following traffic laws, wearing the proper safety gear, and remaining vigilant are just as critical to minimizing accident risk.
3. Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are also susceptible to traumatic brain injuries. When a vehicle hits someone on foot, the consequences can be horrible. The impact of a vehicle often throws a pedestrian onto hard surfaces, leading to secondary injuries to the brain. These accidents commonly occur at intersections, crosswalks, or areas with heavy foot traffic.
Distracted driving, failure to yield, impaired visibility, and other contributing factors heighten the risk of traumatic brain injuries in pedestrian accidents.
4. Slip and Falls
Slips and falls are also common causes of traumatic brain injuries. They account for nearly 50% of hospitalizations associated with TBI. While many people associate slip and fall injuries with the elderly, anyone can be a victim, regardless of their age.
For example, a shopper can slip on a wet grocery store aisle when employees fail to clean up spills on time. Someone in a retail store can trip over a box or some other obstacle store personnel negligently left on the floor. Visitors to a house can fall over a toy or something else the owner failed to pick up.
In all of these instances, the injury victim can take action to pay for their accident-related expenses. For instance, if the slip and fall occurred in a grocery or retail store, the victim could sue the property owner. An experienced attorney can investigate to determine all potentially liable parties.
5. Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents significantly contribute to traumatic brain injuries, especially in industries involving heavy machinery, construction, or hazardous materials. The risk of head injuries increases in scenarios such as falls from heights, objects falling from above, or direct impacts in machinery-related incidents.
Employers are responsible for providing a safe working environment, including proper training and equipment, to minimize the risk of traumatic brain injuries among their employees. Regular safety inspections, employee education, and preventive measures can be crucial in reducing workplace accidents.
Injured workers could sue their employer if they fail to take those measures. There are instances where a worker can take legal action even if receiving worker’s compensation payments.
Contact Jones Law Group to Speak with an Experienced Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney
As you can see, negligence often contributes to the causes of traumatic brain injuries. If you or a loved one has been severely hurt due to another’s carelessness, seeking the best legal representation is essential.
The experienced traumatic brain injury attorneys with Jones Law Group understand the complexities of these cases. They can seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traumatic Brain Injuries
Do I need to hire a lawyer for my traumatic brain injury case?
Yes, you should hire a lawyer for your traumatic brain injury case as soon as possible. These injuries often result in significant medical expenses, ongoing treatment costs, and potential long-term impacts on your life. A skilled attorney can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue legal action against the responsible party to secure the compensation you deserve.
What steps should I take after experiencing a TBI?
Seek medical attention immediately. Document the incident, gather contact information from witnesses, and photograph the scene if possible. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for treatment and rehabilitation. Additionally, consult with a traumatic brain injury attorney to discuss the specifics of your case and determine the best course of legal action.
What types of damages can I recover after my traumatic brain injury accident?
The types of damages you can recover after a traumatic brain injury accident may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, emotional distress, and, in some cases, punitive damages. A skilled attorney can assess the unique circumstances of your case and help you pursue a comprehensive claim for the full range of damages applicable to your situation.
About the Author
Heath Murphy is a partner at Jones Law Group and focuses on personal injury law. He has been working as a lawyer for 18 years and routinely writes about auto accidents, wrongful death, and personal injury laws.
5 Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Summary:
A traumatic brain injury can be one of the worst injuries anyone can experience, potentially altering a victim’s life forever. About 2.5 million people suffer one each year, with 80,000 victims suffering permanent debilitation. There are many causes of traumatic brain injuries. We outline five of the most common below.
If someone else’s negligence caused you or a loved one to suffer a traumatic brain injury, please get in touch with the Jones Law Group. Our team of skilled attorneys will do everything possible to help you obtain maximum compensation. You can schedule a free consultation by calling 727-571-1333 or contacting us online.
1. Car and Truck Accidents
Car and truck accidents are among the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries, accounting for about 25% in the United States. When you consider the fact that more than 250,000 people were severely hurt in Florida car accidents in 2022, it’s not a stretch to imagine thousands of them suffered devastating head injuries.
When vehicles collide or hit a stationary object, the force generated during the impact can result in traumatic brain injuries. Even if individuals involved in the accident wear seat belts, the sudden deceleration or acceleration of the vehicle can cause the brain to impact the skull, leading to various forms of brain damage.
The risk is higher in rollover accidents or high-speed collisions, where the forces involved can be more significant and potentially life-altering. It’s crucial to understand that while wearing seat belts is essential for overall safety, it doesn’t eliminate the risk of traumatic brain injuries in severe car or truck accidents.
2. Motorcycle and Bicycle Accidents
Motorcycle and bicycle accidents also pose a significant risk of traumatic brain injuries, primarily because riders lack the protective barrier of an enclosed vehicle. Unlike car occupants surrounded by a frame, motorcyclists and bicyclists are more vulnerable to direct head injuries when hitting the road, other vehicles, or objects.
Even when wearing helmets, which are essential protective gear, the force of a collision can lead to traumatic brain injuries. As essential as helmets are, following traffic laws, wearing the proper safety gear, and remaining vigilant are just as critical to minimizing accident risk.
3. Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are also susceptible to traumatic brain injuries. When a vehicle hits someone on foot, the consequences can be horrible. The impact of a vehicle often throws a pedestrian onto hard surfaces, leading to secondary injuries to the brain. These accidents commonly occur at intersections, crosswalks, or areas with heavy foot traffic.
Distracted driving, failure to yield, impaired visibility, and other contributing factors heighten the risk of traumatic brain injuries in pedestrian accidents.
4. Slip and Falls
Slips and falls are also common causes of traumatic brain injuries. They account for nearly 50% of hospitalizations associated with TBI. While many people associate slip and fall injuries with the elderly, anyone can be a victim, regardless of their age.
For example, a shopper can slip on a wet grocery store aisle when employees fail to clean up spills on time. Someone in a retail store can trip over a box or some other obstacle store personnel negligently left on the floor. Visitors to a house can fall over a toy or something else the owner failed to pick up.
In all of these instances, the injury victim can take action to pay for their accident-related expenses. For instance, if the slip and fall occurred in a grocery or retail store, the victim could sue the property owner. An experienced attorney can investigate to determine all potentially liable parties.
5. Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents significantly contribute to traumatic brain injuries, especially in industries involving heavy machinery, construction, or hazardous materials. The risk of head injuries increases in scenarios such as falls from heights, objects falling from above, or direct impacts in machinery-related incidents.
Employers are responsible for providing a safe working environment, including proper training and equipment, to minimize the risk of traumatic brain injuries among their employees. Regular safety inspections, employee education, and preventive measures can be crucial in reducing workplace accidents.
Injured workers could sue their employer if they fail to take those measures. There are instances where a worker can take legal action even if receiving worker’s compensation payments.
Contact Jones Law Group to Speak with an Experienced Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney
As you can see, negligence often contributes to the causes of traumatic brain injuries. If you or a loved one has been severely hurt due to another’s carelessness, seeking the best legal representation is essential.
The experienced traumatic brain injury attorneys with Jones Law Group understand the complexities of these cases. They can seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
You can get in touch by using our online contact form or by calling 727-571-1333.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traumatic Brain Injuries
Do I need to hire a lawyer for my traumatic brain injury case?
Yes, you should hire a lawyer for your traumatic brain injury case as soon as possible. These injuries often result in significant medical expenses, ongoing treatment costs, and potential long-term impacts on your life. A skilled attorney can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue legal action against the responsible party to secure the compensation you deserve.
What steps should I take after experiencing a TBI?
Seek medical attention immediately. Document the incident, gather contact information from witnesses, and photograph the scene if possible. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for treatment and rehabilitation. Additionally, consult with a traumatic brain injury attorney to discuss the specifics of your case and determine the best course of legal action.
What types of damages can I recover after my traumatic brain injury accident?
The types of damages you can recover after a traumatic brain injury accident may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, emotional distress, and, in some cases, punitive damages. A skilled attorney can assess the unique circumstances of your case and help you pursue a comprehensive claim for the full range of damages applicable to your situation.
About the Author
Heath Murphy is a partner at Jones Law Group and focuses on personal injury law. He has been working as a lawyer for 18 years and routinely writes about auto accidents, wrongful death, and personal injury laws.
Read more: Heath’s Bio
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