Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are responsible for a considerable number of disabilities and deaths throughout the United States annually. In 2014, for example, there were more than 50,000 deaths among nearly 3 million reported cases of TBI.
Even a relatively minor TBI can be devastating for both the victim and his or her loved ones. But if you know the most common causes of brain injuries, you may be able to take steps to reduce your risk.
Let’s explore some of the leading contributors to TBI in the United States:
- Falls
You don’t have to fall from a great height to suffer brain damage. In fact, if you land a certain way, merely tripping over an unmarked threshold could be enough to result in a TBI. Both young children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to serious falls that cause traumatic brain injury.
- Motor-Vehicle Collisions
Even minor fender-benders can cause impacts forceful enough to result in TBIs. At the end of the day, car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents all have the potential to cause brain damage.
- Physical Violence
Domestic violence, child abuse, and battery contribute to a significant number of TBIs every year. Shaken baby syndrome, for example, is the result of a traumatic brain injury caused by violently shaking a baby. Since infants are incredibly vulnerable, it takes only a few seconds of shaking to damage their brain.
- Sports Injuries
Accidents that occur during organized or extreme sports can result in TBIs. Activities that are especially likely to cause a traumatic brain injury include
- Football;
- Baseball;
- Lacrosse;
- Soccer;
- Hockey;
- Boxing;
- Skateboarding;
- BMX biking;
- Skiing and snowboarding;
- White water rafting;
- Base jumping; and
- Skydiving.
- Explosive Blasts
Although many TBIs are caused by powerful blows to the head, the pressure from explosive blasts can disrupt brain function enough to damage the tissue. In other words, it’s possible to sustain a TBI without experiencing any kind of forceful impact. This type of TBI is most common among military personnel who have served in a combat zone.
- Penetrating Head Wounds
Wounds that actually puncture the head can also cause TBI. Gunshot wounds are a common example. Penetrating head wounds can also occur in serious car accidents if glass or other debris gets lodged in the skull.
Who Is Most at Risk of TBI?
Based on the most common causes of TBI, researchers have determined that members of the following populations have the highest risk of sustaining a brain injury:
- Young adults between 15 and 24 years old;
- Children between birth and 4 years old;
- Adults over 60 years old; and
- Males of any age.
Call 212-980-6800 to Discuss Your Case with a Massachusetts Brain Injury Attorney
If you or someone you love sustained a TBI because of another party’s negligence, contact Charnas Law Firm. Attorney Scott Charnas has helped hundreds of families throughout New York and Massachusetts recover the funds they need to make their lives whole again. Call 212-980-6800 or use our Online Contact Form to set up a free consultation with a brain injury lawyer in Massachusetts.