Accidents That Can Cause Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a serious brain injury that has the potential for causing long-term, debilitating conditions. A TBI is caused by a strong blow to the head, a penetrating head injury, or a strong snapping back and forth motion of the neck. According to the CDC, TBIs are a major cause of disability and death in the United States contributing to about 30 percent of the injury deaths.
A TBI can result in a minor concussion or severe brain damage. Repeated mild concussions have been associated with an increased risk of some diseases including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Many TBIs are caused by personal injury accidents that are the result of the negligence or recklessness of other parties. Below are examples of accidents that can result in a TBI.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Falls are one of the leading causes of TBIs. Even a trip and fall can result in a brain injury if your head strikes the floor or another object during the fall. Property owners have a duty to protect guests and visitors from being injured while on their property. When they fail in this duty, they can be held responsible for damages resulting from an accident.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are another common cause of TBIs in Fresno. During a collision, your head can strike the vehicle, or it can be whipped back and forth (whiplash) causing the brain to “bounce” around within the skull. In addition, the force of the impact can cause an object to penetrate the skull to enter the brain. In any of these cases, a TBI can result. When another driver or another party causes the crash, that party can be held liable for damages.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Pedestrians and bicyclists are vulnerable to brain injuries in accidents because they have very little protection. A bicyclist should always wear a helmet to reduce the risk of severe head trauma in a crash. Pedestrians and bicyclists can try to take steps to reduce the risk of an accident; however, they cannot predict the actions of drivers. If a negligent driver causes a crash, that driver should be held accountable and required to pay compensation for damages.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents are another common cause of TBIs. Employees working in construction and manufacturing have a risk for brain injuries; however, any workplace accident can result in a head injury that causes brain damage. While workers’ compensation covers many injuries on the job, workers may also have a third-party claim if the accident was caused by the intentional act of another party or caused by a third party unrelated to the job (i.e. third party contractors, defective products, another driver, etc.). Workers may be entitled to file a third-party claim to recover additional compensation.
Call a Fresno TBI Injury Attorney for Help
The damages sustained because of a TBI injury can be substantial. If the damage is permanent, the future medical care and lost wages can be extensive. You may be entitled to additional damages for pain and suffering, future personal care, and other expenses related to the brain injury.
If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident, our Fresno TBI injury attorneys are here to help. Contact Torem & Associates by telephone at (888) 500-5000 or online by using the contact form on our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. We accept most injury cases on a contingency fee basis — you won’t pay any attorney fees until we recover money for your claim.
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