5 Common Causes of TBIs

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can have a devastating effect on victims and their families. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 176 people died every day from traumatic brain injuries in 2020. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI, it is essential to know the common causes of these injuries so that you can better understand how to obtain the compensation you deserve. Here are five of the most common causes of TBIs:

Car Accidents

One of the most common causes of TBIs is car accidents. 10,291 people suffered TBIs resulting from motor vehicle collisions between 2018 and 2019. When two vehicles collide, the force of the impact can cause severe brain injury. Even if you are wearing a seatbelt, the sudden stop can cause your head to hit the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. If you are involved in a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not think you have been injured.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are another common cause of TBIs. When you slip and fall, your head can hit the ground with great force, causing a severe brain injury. Over 18,000 were injured and experienced brain injuries from unintentional falls from 2018 to 2019. Slip and fall accidents can occur anywhere, but they are widespread in places like:

• Grocery stores
• Shopping malls
• Worksites
• Office buildings where floors are often wet or slippery

When an individual slips and falls, they may be able to collect compensation through a premises liability claim. Business owners and property owners owe a duty of care to individuals that may be present on the property and ensure that the property is safe.

Pedestrian Accidents

Even though car accidents happen more frequently and cause more TBIs, pedestrian accidents have the tendency to be much more traumatic. When a negligent driver hits an unprotected pedestrian, the impact can cause severe injuries due to the force and weight of the vehicle. Pedestrian accidents often occur at crosswalks or in parking lots where drivers regularly fail to see pedestrians.

Assaults

When a person is hit in the head with a blunt object by another person or punched, the force of the blow can cause a serious brain injury. Assaults can occur anywhere, but they are especially common in places like:

• Workplaces
• Parking lots
• Schools
• Nightclubs/bars

In 2020, workplace assaults numbered 20,050, with 33 percent of these assaults occurring to the head.

Defective Medications

Medications can be considered defective when they are defectively manufactured, made with dangerous side effects or marketed improperly. Defective medications include both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. When a person takes a defective medication, the side effects can cause numerous injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. Common side effects from a defective drug include:

• Strokes
• Seizures
• Drowsiness/Dizziness
• Internal Bleeding (particularly brain bleeding)

If you have suffered a TBI after taking a defective medication, you may be able to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer or medical malpractice claim against a medical professional.

Contact Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn today at (415) 940-7176 to schedule a free consultation.