Attorney
When a sudden blow to the head disrupts normal brain functioning, the victim has a traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injuries range from mild to severe and can result in permanent impairments. TBI victims may experience memory problems, behavioral and mood changes, sensory problems, and difficulty concentrating, speaking, or reading. Some TBI victims also develop recurring seizures, known as post-traumatic epilepsy. Ongoing treatment and care for a TBI can be costly. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced Washington, D.C. personal injury attorney can help you get the justice you deserve.
Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury
All of the following can result in traumatic brain injury:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Construction accidents
- Slip or trip and fall accidents
- Falls from a height
- Being struck by a falling object
- Sports accidents
- Playground accidents
- Medical errors
- Birth injuries
- Child abuse
- Assault
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the two leading causes of traumatic brain injury in the United States are falls and motor vehicle accidents, accounting for 35.2 percent and 17.3 percent, respectively.
Preventing Traumatic Brain Injuries
Understanding the causes of a traumatic brain injury enables us to take steps to reduce our risk. The following precautions can help protect you and your loved ones from suffering a TBI:
- Always wear a seatbelt
- Secure children in age- and size-appropriate car seats or booster seats
- Do not drive drunk or ride with someone else who is drunk
- Wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle or bicycle, and require passengers/children to do the same
- Wear a helmet when playing contact sports and require children to do the same
- Take children to playgrounds with surfaces made of shock-absorbent materials
- Install window guards to protect young children from falling out of open windows
- Use safety gates to keep young children away from stairs
- Install handrails on all staircases
- Store items you use regularly within easy reach
- Place non-slip mats in tubs and showers
- Use ladders and stepstools properly
- Eliminate tripping hazards at home and in the workplace
- Keep your home and work environment well-lit
- Clean up spills promptly
- Ask your employer to correct unsafe conditions at work
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, consult a knowledgeable Washington, D.C. personal injury lawyer today to learn about your legal rights.