If you don’t participate in extreme sports or work with explosive blasts, sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is probably low on your list of worries. At the end of the day, though, everyone’s vulnerable to brain damage following a powerful blow to the head—and anyone can experience such a blow on any given day.
Read on to learn about the most common causes of traumatic brain injury in the United States:
- Falls
According to the Mayo Clinic, falls are the single leading cause of traumatic brain injury. While the specific figures vary from year to year—in 2014, for example, falls accounted for nearly half of all TBI-related visits to the emergency department among people of all ages—seniors and young children are always more likely to suffer brain damage in the event of a fall.
- Motor-Vehicle Collisions
It probably comes as no surprise that traffic accidents cause a considerable number of traumatic brain injuries annually. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to TBI in the event of a wreck. Even when wearing one of the top-rated motorcycle helmets, riders are still susceptible to the force of impact.
- Physical Violence
Domestic violence, child abuse, assault and battery, and other kinds of physical altercations are a leading cause of TBI. For example, shaken baby syndrome refers to the traumatic brain injury that infants can sustain when shaken violently. Head injuries that result from gunshot wounds are also responsible for a high number of TBIs every year.
- Sporting Accidents
Both extreme sports like base-jumping and contact sports like football contribute to serious head injuries. Even with sufficient safety gear, you’re assuming a certain amount of risk when you participate in recreational activities that have the potential to be high impact.
- Explosive Blasts
Although the average person is not exposed to explosive blasts on a regular basis, these scenarios are a leading cause of TBI among military personnel in combat scenarios. Unlike the other causes listed here, though, researchers are unsure exactly how explosions lead to brain damage.
They suspect the shockwave of the blast disrupts cognitive functioning, but more research must be done to confirm this theory. If flying debris penetrates the skull during the blast, this too can cause a traumatic brain injury.
Call 212-421-0300 Today to Discuss Your Case with a New York City Brain Injury Attorney
If you or someone you love has sustained a TBI due to another person’s careless or intentional misconduct, your family may have grounds for a personal injury claim. To discuss your case and determine the most strategic way to proceed, contact The Law Office of Richard M. Kenny.
Richard M. Kenny is a battle-tested attorney who has won more than 150 verdicts and has recovered more than $100 million on behalf of his clients. Call 212-421-0300 today or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free case evaluation with a brain injury lawyer in New York City.
