Your brain is one of your most precious and vital organs, and when you or a loved one suffer a traumatic brain injury, the results can be devastating. The trauma can lead to problems like cognitive disorders, paralysis, coma, and even death. It can also lead to outrageous medical expenses, emotional suffering for you and your family, lost wages, and an overall loss in your quality of life. Of course, accidents can happen at any time, but knowing the top causes of traumatic brain injury can help you take caution in the future.
Falls
According to the CDC, falls caused the most traumatic brain injuries between 2006 and 2010, making up about 40 percent of all recorded cases. Falls are also the leading cause of these types of injuries that lead to death. This might include falling down steps, falling off ladders, slipping in bathtubs, or falling while getting out of bed.
Accidental Blunt Trauma
After falls, accidental blunt trauma is the next leading cause. Between 2006 and 2010, about 15 percent of all recorded cases fell into this category. This is especially prevalent among children.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
The third leading cause of traumatic brain injuries is a motor vehicle accident. Car accidents are common amongst all age groups and lead to 14 percent of all brain injuries. They are also the second leading cause of death due to traumatic brain injuries. This includes motorcycle and bicycle accidents, as well as accidents involving pedestrians.
Assault
About 14 percent of traumatic brain injuries are caused by intentional assault. This type of injury is most common in teens and young adults, ages 15 to 44. Assault usually includes gunshot wounds, shaken baby syndrome, child abuse, and other domestic violence.
Other Causes
Athletes and members of the military have a greater risk of suffering from these types of injuries due to contact sports and dangerous combat missions. Skateboarders, baseball players, football players, soccer players, hockey players, and athletes who play extreme sports are prone to traumatic brain injuries. Explosions are also known to cause them.
No matter how people injure themselves, age plays a major factor. Over half of all brain injuries happen in children under the age of 14. The majority of traumatic brain injuries in adults happened in people over the age of 65.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, you need to know your rights. Contact Ashenden Law at 770-394-8909 to learn more or to set up a consultation.
