Every year an estimated 1.7 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI). ¹ Traumatic brain injuries are becoming a major cause of disability and death in the United States. In fact, traumatic brain injuries are a contributing factor to over 30% of all injury-related deaths in the United States.² Caused by a bump or blow to the head, a TBI disrupts the normal functions of the brain. Those who survive a TBI can face lasting effects such as impaired memory, movement, thinking, sensation or emotional functioning.
There has been an increase in ER visits due to traumatic brain injuries in recent years. An article by the Journal of the American Medical Association analyzed data from more than 950 hospitals across the country. They stated roughly 2.5 million emergency departments were visited for TBI in 2010, a 29% increase from 2006. In that same period, overall emergency department visits increased on by 3.6%.ᶟ
Major Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury
The severity of a TBI can range from mild to severe depending on the degree and force from the blow. Some of the major causes of traumatic brain injuries are:
- Auto accidents – Head on, side or rear end collisions in an auto, truck or motorcycle
- Getting hit or struck – Construction accidents are often caused because workers are in areas and industrial workplaces that have large machines, sharp tools and many objects that could cause personal injuries.
- Fall injuries – Falling from an elevator, lift, roof, ladder or stairs and landing on your head could result in a TBI.
- Assault or attack - Whether it’s in a fight or argument, anger and aggression could lead to an altercation resulting in blunt force trauma to the head.
- Sports – As people become more active, sports become more physical. The most common type of traumatic brain injury is a concussion.
- Medical Errors – When oxygen is denied to the brain for a prolonged period of time, it can lead to life threatening consequences.
Brain injury legal cases can be extremely complex. Traumatic brain injury law suits require legal and medical expertise. It is vital to have experienced legal help when dealing with personal injuries. At Lipkin & Apter, our experienced personal injury attorneys represent injured people and families of those affected by traumatic brain injuries in Chicago and throughout the state of Illinois. Your personal injury may impair your ability to work, earn money and perform everyday tasks. That is why it is extremely important to contact experienced lawyers after an accident.
If you have experienced a traumatic brain injury as the result of another person’s negligence, you have a right to seek financial compensation. The personal injury lawyers at Lipkin & Apter may be able to evaluate your circumstances and provide a comprehensive case to recover monetary damages for any personal injuries you have suffered. Contact our Chicago law firm for a free consultation.
ᶟ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_146221.html