The Centers for Disease Control report that Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) affects approximately 1.7 million people every year. Of those 1.7 million, 52,000 people die and 275,000 are hospitalized. Traumatic Brain injury may account for nearly one-third of all injury-related deaths.
The CDC reports that the main causes of TBI's are:
- Falls: Falls account for 35% of brain injuries and cause 50% of brain injuries in children under 14 and 60% of brain injuries in adults over 65.
- Automobile Accidents: Car accidents cause 17% of all TBI cases. Car accidents are the number one cause of brain injury deaths. The jolt from the impact of hitting another vehicle or object can cause bleeding or swelling of the brain or tear protective tissues in the brain.
- Motorcycle Accidents: A large majority of catastrophic injury comes from motorcycle accidents. A motorcycle accident is more than twice as likely to result in a serious injury to the rider.
- Objects: About 16.5% of TBI's are caused by being struck by an object. A brain injury may result from falling materials at a construction site or from being struck by a piece of heavy equipment. Construction site accidents are sometimes covered by premises insurance, however, an experienced accident attorney is best equipped to help you ascertain proper coverage for your injury.
Assaults can also result in TBI's and blasts from explosives that can harm the brain and cause permanent disability.
When a TBI occurs, the normal function of the brain is disrupted. Critical functions such as memory, vision or speech may be adversely affected. A brain injury can be mild such as a mild concussion and can affect memory and critical functions in the short term. Severe brain injuries can lead to extended periods of amnesia or unconsciousness. Symptoms of a brain injury may include fatigue, dizziness, headaches, inability to concentrate, sensitivity to light or noise, memory loss, depression, coma, and death.
You may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, or pain and suffering if you have suffered from a Traumatic Brain Injury due to someone else's negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of someone else's negligence, contact the personal injury attorneys at Michael L Morgan Law Group Call (941) 218-8220 to schedule an appointment for a free consultation.
