Editor’s note: This is the first in our four-part blog series about head and brain injuries.

X-rays showing Traumatic Brain Injuries

Head injuries often lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI) when the brain is damaged because of sudden trauma. TBIs are a result of common accidents that occur daily. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 1.5 million individuals in the United States sustain an injury to the brain each year. Out of these individuals, an estimated 230,000 are hospitalized and survive, 50,000 die and 80,000 experience long-term disability. In Rhode Island, it is estimated that a brain injury occurs every hour.

What Are Some Common Causes of TBI?

  • Car accidents: Brain injuries can occur during a car accident when a person strikes their head or from the forces of the crash against the body. For example, a person could strike their head in the interior of the vehicle such as the steering wheel or windshield. Additionally, the forces of the impact or sudden stop can cause the brain to move within the skull and cause injury.
  • Motorcycle accidents: Motorcycle related brain injury is the leading cause of death for this type of accident. Operators and passengers injure their brain in an accident, especially when they do not wear a helmet.
  • Slip and fall accidents: A person may fall and strike their head on the ground or on an object. In Rhode Island, falls are the leading cause of brain injury, especially for the elderly. Those over the age of 75 are especially at high risk.
  • Sports accidents: Playing sports such as football or soccer can cause injury to the brain when heads collide or hit the ground. In addition, many individuals sustain brain injuries riding a bike or skateboard.

Have I Suffered A TBI?

woman in car accident and having traumatic brain injuries

The best way to determine if you suffered a TBI after an accident is to consult your doctor. Many people who have suffered injury to their brain experienced symptoms such as headaches, confusion, memory loss, nausea, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or sound, mood swings, fatigue or a change in sleep patterns. A doctor will be able to evaluate whether injury to the brain has occurred. If you suffered injury to your head or brain as a result of an accident, you may also want to contact a brain injury lawyer.

Speak With A Brain Injury Lawyer

personal injury lawyer that handles Traumatic Brain InjuriesAccidents that cause traumatic brain injury change a person’s life. If you or someone you know suffered a head or traumatic brain injury in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. Our firm charges no legal fees unless you receive a settlement or award. For a free no obligation case evaluation, call us toll-free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online.

Author Photo

Paul d’Oliveira

Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.

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