Common types of accidents that cause brain injuries
While many traumatic brain injuries occur due to an accident in which the skull has been penetrated or fractured, they can also be the result of a sudden, violent blow or jolt to the head. Accidents that cause brain injuries result in bruising of the brain, tearing of nerve fibers, and brain bleeds. A fracture in the skull may cause a piece of bone to penetrate the brain tissue, causing serious damage.
The severity of symptoms of a traumatic brain injury depend on the part of the brain that is affected, the extent of the damage, ie. is it localized or widespread. Some symptoms of a severe TBI include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Loss of coordination
- Persistent and severe headaches
- Memory loss
- Weakness or paralysis in the hands, feet, arms, or legs
- Amnesia
- Slurred speech
Statistics show that over one-half of all the traumatic brain injuries that are reported resulted from motor vehicle accidents — car accidents, a motorcycle accident, or trucking incidents.
Some common types of accidents that cause TBIs include driver error and negligence, but also improperly maintained roadways, and automotive defects. Recent court cases profiled in the media have highlighted dangers such as defective airbags and seat belts as well as sudden acceleration.
It’s not just on the road
While a large percentage of TBI injuries are the result of some type of motor vehicle accident, they can also occur from accidents that occur in the workplace, especially in the construction industry. According to a report from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), nearly 25% of all construction worker deaths from 2003 – 2010 could be attributed to traumatic brain injuries.
Safety precautions should be put into place in order to minimize the risk of falls and to protect workers from the dangers of TBI, including making helmets and other types of headgear mandatory as well as other safety gear such as harness systems for workers in certain high risk areas.
Taking care of the problem now
Accidents that cause brain injuries, whether the result of a motor vehicle accident or a workplace accident, can have devastating effects on the victim which can last for months, years, or an entire lifetime depending upon the severity of the injury. In some cases, symptoms of the injury may be immediate or they could be delayed for hours, days, or even longer.
If you or a loved one has sustained a traumatic brain injury as the result of an accident or negligence on the part of another, you may be entitled to compensatory damages, including the cost of medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation services, in-home care, and pain and suffering.
Greg Yates and Michael Shubeck, brain injury attorneys in South Dakota, are well-known for litigating cases involving TBI and other catastrophic injuries on behalf of their clients and their families. With over 30 years of experience in the field of personal injury law, they understand how life-changing TBIs are for both the victim and his or her loved ones.
Contact Rapid City Law Office to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.