Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
The legal team here at Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC in Salt Lake City takes all cases very seriously. We know that serious injuries have major consequences, ones that may even last a lifetime. This is particularly true with regard to traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can lead to physical impairment and mental health issues. Our legal team would like to focus on the nature of TBIs as well as their causes so you understand why these sorts of injuries have to be taken seriously and why negligent parties should be held responsible for them.
About Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to cases of severe head trauma resulting in permanent and significant damage to a person's brain. A TBI can lead to a number of mental and physical problems, including issues with memory and cognition as well as problems with motor skills and vision. TBI is one of the major causes of death and disability in the world.
Signs and Symptoms of TBI
Some signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include the following:
- Loss of consciousness following injury
- Severe and persistent headaches
- Dilation of one or both pupils
- Weakness or tingling of the extremities
- Persistent bouts of nausea
- Issues with convulsions and seizures
- Problems with coordination and motor skills
If you notice any of the above in yourself or a loved one, be sure to seek medical attention right away. Below are some matters to consider with regard to the causes of TBIs.
Motor Vehicle Accidents and TBI
Auto accidents that involve major facial or head trauma are common causes of traumatic brain injuries. This goes for accidents that involve automobiles as well as those that involve motorcycles. Bicyclists can also experience severe brain injury.
Sports Injuries and TBI
We've been hearing about major brain injuries to players in the National Football League (NFL) for the last few years, and it should be no surprise that the repeated blows to the head that players sustained have major consequences. Any participant in contact sports or combat sports (e.g., boxing, mixed martial arts) runs the risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury, if not multiple brain injuries over the course of a career.
Severe Falls and TBI
Major falls and trips can lead to serious trauma to the brain if blows to the head are sustained. This is especially true of falls from major heights or falls down flights of stairs, in which multiple blows to the head may be sustained.
Serious Assaults/Attacks and TBI
If you are attacked or assaulted and sustain blows to the face or head, there is the chance that you have suffered a TBI. This will depend on the nature of the attack and the severity of the blows to the face and head.
Combat Injuries and TBI
Another major source of TBIs over the last few years has been military combat. Many of our veterans have returned home having sustained major brain damage and head injury as well as other major wounds of war. These injuries have lasting effects on their lives, their livelihoods, and their loved ones.
Open and Closed Head Injuries Can Lead to TBI
Open head injuries (injuries in which the skull is penetrated) and closed head injuries (injuries in which the skull is not penetrated) can both lead to traumatic brain injuries. With that in mind, while the trauma you have sustained may not seem severe, it's important that you seek medical attention after a serious blow to the head. Getting medical help right away is imperative.
Speak with Our Personal Injury Attorneys
If you or someone that you love has suffered a severe head injury and may have sustained serious brain damage, it's important that you contact our personal injury lawyers today and discuss your legal options. The team at Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC will guide you through the nuances of the legal system and help you obtain just compensation.