What Accidents Commonly Cause Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when an impact to the head disrupts normal brain function. Approximately 2.5 million people suffer one each year, many of which happen in accidents. Here are the leading causes.
Fall Accidents (40.5%)
More than forty percent of TBIs are caused by fall accidents when a person’s head hits the ground or an object on the way down. Some examples of accidents include falls from slippery surfaces, spills, debris or clutter on floors, potholes in parking lots, defects in sidewalks, torn carpets, broken stairs, loose mats, off beds, while working at heights, etc. People aged 75 and over, along with children younger than four, are at a particularly high risk of suffering a TBI in a fall.
Struck By / Against Object Accidents (15.5%)
Approximately 430,000 TBIs occur each year from a person being unintentionally struck by or against an object. TBIs can happen in struck-by/against object accidents during everyday life from things falling or flying through the air. In fact, one in five children under the age of 15 who suffer a TBI each year is due to this type of accident. However, they are most common in the workplace. For example, in warehouses, factory jobs, or construction sites where heavy machinery is used or large products are constantly moved.
Motor Vehicle Accidents (14.3%)
The impact of a motor vehicle accident can easily cause a TBI due to a violent jolt or blow to the head when it hits an object or the ground. For instance, the steering wheel, dashboard, window, ground, or a free-flying object. Whiplash is the most common type of car accident injury, and although it is typically thought of as a neck injury, the force of the head is whipped back and forth can cause a TBI. As a result of the back-and-forth movement, the brain can collide with the inside surface of the skull at a rapid rate. These collisions can involve cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, etc. Motor vehicle accidents are also the leading cause of TBI-related deaths.
Sporting Accidents
Accidents during high-impact sports, such as football, hockey, or boxing, are another common cause of TBIs. Although these sports often require protective gear, tackling in football, hitting the head on the ice in hockey, and hitting the ground or another person’s head in soccer can all lead to brain injury.
Explosive Blasts
TBIs frequently occur after an explosion. Explosive blasts are not a common occurrence, but military personnel is exposed to them in combative operations. Additionally, explosions can occur in construction or industrial settings due to dangerous machines, equipment, or flammable substances.
Speak to a Brain Injury Lawyer
Suffering a brain injury in any type of accident can lead to physical as well as financial hardship. If another party’s negligence is responsible, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation. Contact us to arrange a free consultation with our skilled Atlanta Brain Injury Lawyer to learn your legal options today.