Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a major cause of disability and death in the United States. According to Brainline.org, 2.8 million Americans are diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injuries each year. Of those 2.8 million: 2.5 million are treated in the emergency room and released, 282,000 are hospitalized, and 56,000 die as a result of the TBI.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a TBI as “a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain.” Anything that penetrates brain tissue can also cause a TBI (for example, a bullet or knife).
Common Causes of TBI’s:
- Falls
- Vehicle-related collisions
- Violence (gunshot wounds, domestic violence)
- Sports injuries
- Explosive blasts
- Other combative injuries
- Penetrating wounds to the head
- Severe blows to the head with shrapnel or debris
Ways to reduce the risk of brain injury:
- Always wear a seat belt in a motor vehicle.
- Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, motorcycle, skateboard, or ATV.
- Install handrails in bathrooms, and on staircases.
- Keep stairs and floors clear of clutter.
- Put a non-slip mat in the bathtub.
- Get regular vision check-ups.
To avoid TBI’s in children:
- Install safety gates at the top of staircases.
- Install window guards to prevent falls.
- Make sure there is shock-absorbing material on playgrounds.
- Don’t let children play on fire escapes or balconies.
What are the signs and symptoms of a TBI?
The symptoms of a TBI usually fall into four categories:
- Thinking/remembering
Difficulty thinking clearly, remembering new information, and concentrating.
Feeling slowed down.
- Physical
Nausea/vomiting (early on).
Headache.
Fuzzy/blurry vision.
Dizziness.
Sensitivity to noise and/or light.
Balance problems.
Feeling tired/having no energy.
- Emotional/mood
More emotional.
Irritability.
Sadness.
Nervousness or anxiety.
- Sleep
Sleeping more or less than usual.
Trouble falling asleep.
Online resources for South Carolinians with TBI’s:
Brain Injury Association of South Carolina
Medical University of South Carolina
Because of the tremendous costs and long-term health consequences associated with TBI’s, if you suffer a TBI that is through no fault of your own, it is a good idea to contact an attorney for help.
In May of 2018, Brett Baker-Goins received a $5.8 million lawsuit verdict after suffering two concussions while playing basketball for First Baptist School of Charleston. After suffering the first injury, Baker-Goins was treated at Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), and was diagnosed with a sports-related concussion.
After returning to school, “officials put him through the South Carolina Independent School Association’s ‘return to play protocol.’ ”(PostandCourier.com)
The lawsuit argued that Baker-Goins was rushed through the process, and did not follow proper ‘return to play protocol’. Therefore, when he suffered a second concussion less than five weeks later, this concussion “resulted in a permanent traumatic brain injury that has delayed Brett’s educational, social and emotional development.”
CONTACT THE LAW OFFICES OF DAVID L. HOOD FOR A FREE TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY CONSULTATION
If you or someone you care about has suffered a traumatic brain injury, please schedule your free consultation by calling the Law Offices of David L. Hood at (843) 491-6025 or filling out our brief online contact form.
We know how difficult it can be to deal with the immediate and long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury. At The Law Offices of David L. Hood, we work hard to make things simple for you. After a free case evaluation, if we believe we can help you and your family, Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney David L. Hood, co-counsel, and our team of experts will vigorously pursue your case to get you the best result we can achieve. Let us put our years of experience to work for you!
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