Did you know that 1.5 million Americans suffer from a serious head injury each year? Or that over 5 million people in the United States are living with long-term disabilities caused by traumatic brain injuries? It makes you wonder: how do these accidents happen, and what are the most common causes of head injuries?
Here are the top five:
- Traffic accidents. The most common cause of head injury is car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, and bicycle accidents. These injuries affect people of all ages and range from mild concussions to fatal open-head brain injuries.
Firearms. The second most common cause of head injuries is comprised of gun wounds from murders, assaults, suicides, and accidents. These head injuries are the most likely to be fatal.
Falls. People over the age of 65 are the most likely to suffer a brain injury during a fall. A slip or trip might result in a mild brain injury, while a fall from a great height or a fall involving striking an object could result in a very serious head injury and even death.
A lack of oxygen. If your brain does not receive enough oxygen, it can become permanently damaged. This may happen during a swimming accident or during a stroke or a surgical mistake.
Tumors or infections. The brain can be badly damaged by a growing tumor or a viral or bacterial infection. In some cases, these brain injuries could have been prevented if not for missed diagnoses or other types of medical malpractice.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a traumatic brain injury that could have been prevented or that was not your fault, be sure to speak with a head injury lawyer about your case. At Shapiro & Appleton, we have extensive experience with these cases and offer free, confidential meetings with prospective clients.