Brain Injury After a Fall
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) accounted for 2.8 million hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and deaths in 2013. Among people who survived these injuries, many faced long-term health issues and psychological issues as a result of the head trauma they experienced.
The Daytona Beach, FL attorneys of Chanfrau & Chanfrau take TBIs seriously, having assisted countless clients in catastrophic personal injury lawsuits following serious accidents. The law firm would like to consider the link between brain injuries and falls, and what your legal rights may be if you were involved in a preventable accident.
Falls Are the Leading Cause of Traumatic Brain Injuries
According to the CDC, falls were the leading cause of TBIs. An estimated 47 percent of all traumatic brain injuries were the result of falls. In these cases, the falls led to emergency room visits, hospitalization, and even death.
These numbers reveal additional dimensions with regard to age. Among children age 14 and younger, 54 percent of TBI-related injuries and deaths were the result of falls. Among people age 65 and older, falls accounted for 4 out of 5 TBI-related injuries and deaths.
Why Falls May Occur
There are numerous reasons why falls may occur. In general, these are some of the leading causes:
- Slippery floors and surfaces
- Broken steps or flooring
- Uneven footing
- Lack of guardrails
- Lack of bannisters
- Working on ladders or near ledges
- Lack of safety lines or netting
- Bad weather
The Lasting Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury
If a person survives a brain injury, they might face a whole host of serious health issues. For one, brain injuries can lead to serious problems with memory, speech, and cognitive skills. On top of this, brain injuries can affect muscle control and coordination in unexpected ways, which can make daily tasks far more difficult than they used to be. Numerous people who have suffered from brain injuries also experience serious problems with depression and mood disorders.
The brain is such a complex organ, so it should come as no surprise that brain damage of any kind can have lasting effects, some of which may not become apparent until years later. Even a concussion from a relatively minor fall could have serious health repercussions if it is not properly monitored and cared for.
Determining Negligence in a Fall
While some falls occur because of unfortunate accidents, there are numerous falls that are the result of another person’s negligence or recklessness. When another person is responsible for a person’s fall, it is important that they be held legally liable for the incident. The idea is that the fall would not have occurred if the person had not acted negligently.
How Our Injury Attorneys Can Help
During a legal consultation, our atoners can help determine if a lawsuit is worth pursuing regarding your fall and subsequent brain injury. We will help you seek compensatory and punitive damages against the negligent party, which can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other hardships you’ve experienced as a result of your injury.
Speak with Our Personal Injury Lawyers
For more information about your legal rights and options after suffering a serious brain injury, be sure to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. The lawyers of Chanfrau & Chanfrau are here to help. You can reach us by phone at (866) 610-0653.