A traumatic brain injury can dramatically change the life of the injured as well as the lives of their loved ones. Every year in the U.S., 2.5 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and thousands of these incidents occur in Kentucky annually. Traumatic brain injuries disrupt your brain’s normal function, making it difficult to function normally. TBIs fall under one of two types: closed or penetrating. Closed trauma occurs when an injury causes the brain to shake around in the head, but there are no visible wounds. Penetrating trauma occurs when the brain is pierced by an external object like a bullet or a knife.
1) Falls
Falling is the most common cause of traumatic brain injury, making up 40.5% of all incidents reported. For those over the age of 65, this number doubles to 81%. Many falls are caused by defective products, like poorly manufactured ladders or wheels coming off a bicycle. Negligence is another major cause of TBIs, such as property owners or managers failing to properly maintain their premises or leaving debris in heavily trafficked areas. If you have suffered injury as a result of defective products or negligence, contact a traumatic brain injury attorney. They will be able to help you decide if you are entitled to compensation.
2) Unintentional Blunt Force Trauma
Over the last few years, shoppers in big box stores have suffered brain injuries from merchandise falling and hitting them in the head. Stacking shelves high with unsecured items like doors, water heaters, televisions and pet supplies have resulted in people being struck suddenly and without warning. After an accident like this, it is common for store managers to ask you to sign papers saying you’re okay. Never sign anything without consulting an attorney. If you are able, call an ambulance, take witness names and phone numbers, and call a personal injury attorney with experience in traumatic brain injury law.
3) Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are the third leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. More than 90% of all car accidents are the result of someone’s negligence. Speeding, reckless driving, driving under the influence and texting while driving are all common causes of car wrecks. Drivers found to be responsible for vehicle accidents should be held liable for the damages to your property and injuries to the persons involved. If you or a loved one suffer from a traumatic brain injury as the result of a car accident, contact a traumatic brain injury attorney for help pursuing the compensation you deserve.
4) Assaults
Three out of four brain injuries associated with assaults occur in people ages 15 to 44. However, for children 4-years old and under, assaults are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. Small children don’t have the ability to protect themselves from adults, and this makes them particularly susceptible to traumatic brain injuries during an assault. In Kentucky, perpetrators of assault can be held accountable for their actions by requiring them to compensate their victims for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other related expenses. If you or your child has been the victim of an attack that led to brain damage, ensure that you and the child are both safe, and then seek legal counsel immediately.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury
Nearly 5.3 million people live with disabilities related to their traumatic brain injury. The effect of these injuries can last a few days or the rest of your life, greatly impacting the lives of those closest to you. Common symptoms of TBI include:
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Feeling slowed down
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty remembering new information
The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury may show up immediately after an accident, or they could take days–even months–to appear. After an accident or traumatic event, seek medical help immediately, even if you feel fine. Without medical documentation, it is difficult to prove that your brain injury was caused by a specific accident. If you or a loved one has sustained a traumatic brain injury, contact Edwards & Kautz Law Firm at 270-908-4914 for a free consultation. If a person’s negligence or intentional acts have caused you harm, we will vigorously pursue your case to see that you get all the compensation to which you are legally entitled, including lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.