Leading Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be devastating and is a major cause of death and disability in the United States. Thousands of people experience TBI every year, and the rate of injury is on the rise. Traumatic brain injuries can cause emotional and financial strain on an individual and their family. Children and adults age 65 and older are the individuals most prone to traumatic brain injury. The leading causes of traumatic brain injury include:

Falls

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls were the number one cause of traumatic brain injury. Falls account for close to 50% of TBI-related emergency department visits. Falls more frequently lead to TBI in children and older adults. Half of emergency department visits for traumatic brain injury in children were the result of falls. For older adults, 81% of traumatic brain injury-related hospital visits resulted from falls.

Falls frequently result from someone else’s negligence. Businesses and property owners who fail to maintain their properties in safe condition can cause serious falls to occur. Dangerous conditions such as slippery floors, torn carpeting, tripping hazards, and broken sidewalks can all lead to slip and fall accidents.

Car Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents were the second leading cause of TBI. Close to 20% of TBI-related hospitalizations were the result of a motor vehicle accident. Car accidents were also the leading cause of death for teenagers and adults under 35 years old and adults over 75 years. Motor vehicle accidents can include motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents.

Striking a steering wheel or a windshield can cause a serious blow or potentially a fracture to the head. In addition, the sheer force of the impact of a car accident can cause a TBI. If the moving head stops suddenly, the brain can keep moving and crash into the skull and cause serious damage.

Contact a Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney

If you, or someone you love, has sustained a TBI as the result of someone else’s negligence, you may want an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. The attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have experience handling traumatic brain injury cases and are here to help you decide your next steps. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.