A Traumatic Brain Injury Can Change Your Life Forever

Your brain is, unquestionably, the most important part of your body. Without full brain function, it’s virtually impossible to live up to your full potential and have the life you deserve. Far too many people each year are forced to learn how to live life with traumatic brain injury, also referred to as TBI. Sadly, some will not even stand a chance. Accidental harm to the head is often fatal.

In order to understand the gravity of the situation, let’s start with some numbers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 1.7 million Americans suffer from brain injury each year. Of that number, approximately 275,000 are hospitalized, and about 52,000 die from their injury. That comes down to about 1,000 people per week who die from brain injury.

Statistics can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury. For most accident victims, it is essential to determine who was culpable for the incident. An experienced traumatic brain injury attorney can review the circumstances of your claim and guide you through the legal process.

How Does Traumatic Brain Injury Happen?

A concussion is just one type of traumatic brain injury and is often referred to as a silent one. Concussions often go unnoticed because there may not be visible signs of harm. Meanwhile, without treatment, the victim could experience severe and permanent injuries. The changes might initially appear mild but erupt into memory loss and other functional issues.

Meanwhile, a traumatic brain injury can create even larger problems. A business owner may lose cognitive functioning abilities as a result of a TBI. Traumatic brain injuries can cause sensory deficits as well as an inability to function without assistance. Someone could remain in a coma for long periods of time.

Of course, a traumatic brain injury does not always mean a negligence claim. In some cases, it may be that the victim was injured in a work accident. Filing a workers’ compensation claim carries no requirement for fault.

Here are some of the most common causes of brain injuries that often amount to some type of legal matter:

Falls – Falls are the most common form of brain injury. Someone could fall off a ladder at work or trip on a poorly maintained sidewalk. A nursing home resident could fall out of bed.Motor Vehicle Crashes – This includes pedestrians, drivers, and motorcycle riders.Violence and Assault – A blow to the head is one example of violent behavior that could trigger a civil case in addition to a criminal one.Sports Injuries – Injuries on the field are also a common cause of brain injury, including football, soccer, boxing, baseball, basketball, hockey, lacrosse, skateboarding, and more. Improper supervision or failure to provide safety equipment could suggest legal action.