Traumatic brain injuries affect thousands of American families. According to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1.7 million individuals suffer from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) every year. TBI issues are widespread, and there are a few essential pieces of information victims and their families should be aware of.
Common Causes of TBI
TBIs are typically caused by a blow to the head that such that the natural functioning of the brain is impacted. Car accidents and falls are the most common causes of TBIs, though these sorts of injuries can occur in a variety of ways.
No matter the cause, even a person who appears okay after an accident may have suffered a serious injury. Some of the most serious cases of TBI occur due to sudden deceleration: a person's head is moving at high speed - as is often the case in serious car accidents - when it hits something that makes it stop, such as a dashboard. Such movement causes the brain to collide with the interior of the cranium, which can cause bruising, bleeding and other terrible injuries.
According to the CDC, TBIs can range in severity from mild (i.e., a brief change in mental function or consciousness) to severe (i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury). Even though a head injury may not appear serious at the outset, it may lead to long-term cognitive, emotional and functional impairments.
Legal Options
A person who suffers a TBI may have a claim against the party whose negligence caused his or her injury. For example, if someone suffers a brain injury in a car accident due to another driver's negligence, he may be able to recover money for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.
If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to the negligence of another, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can assess your case and help you get the compensation you deserve. For more information, contact an attorney today.
