The leading cause of death of Americans ages one to 44 is unintentional injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And among those fatalities, a trauma to the head or brain was a major factor. In spite of greater emphasis on safety in the last several decades — including the increased use of safety devices from seat belts to bike helmets — 1.7 million Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year. The leading causes of head and brain injuries include:
- From rolling out of bed to slipping off a ladder, falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury.
- Construction site accidents often occur when workers are struck in the head by falling tools or debris. While hard hats offer protection against smaller objects, they are less effective against heavy items.
- Motor vehicle accidents often result in closed head and open head wounds. If occupants are not wearing a seat belt or if the seat belt fails, the lack of restraint allows the head to hit the dashboard or windshield with devastating results.
- Participants in contact sports are vulnerable to head and brain injuries. There has been an increased interest by coaches, athletes and organizations in the long-term and cumulative effects of concussions. Young athletes are especially vulnerable, as their brains are still developing.
- Violence leads to debilitating head and brain injuries. Whether on the streets or in the home, acts of violence from gunshot wounds to shaken baby syndrome can cause a lifetime of severe brain damage.
Brain injuries are costly — physically, emotionally, personally and financially. If you or a loved one has suffered a head or brain injury as the result of someone else’s negligence, a Stipe Law Firm lawyer can help you recover damages. Contact us today!