Each year, more than 1.5 million Americans experience traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that potentially change their lives forever. While there are many reasons for these injuries, a handful of causes appear much more often than the rest. But what are the top 3 causes of brain injuries? Let’s find out.
Car Accidents
Data from the CDC suggests that car accidents are responsible for about 15% of traumatic brain injuries. Of these, some are from preventative measures. Airbags, for example, save lives but also have a high risk of causing a concussion. In other cases, the impact of a crash can cause someone’s body to bounce around the cabin, increasing the risk of both a concussion and the victim hitting their head on a hard object.
Hit From an Object
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), roughly 17% of brain injuries are the result of a blow either from another person or from an object.
Hits from falling objects tend to be especially severe because they often hit the victim twice, once during the fall and then again when they knock the victim to the ground. This can be devastating, and that repeated trauma significantly increases the risk of both a concussion and severe trauma, such as a coup/contrecoup.
Slip and Falls
Slip and falls are, by far, the top cause of American brain injuries, accounting for 50% of all TBI-related hospitalizations, according to the CDC. The reason is similar to the issue of strikes from an object. When someone slips, there’s a tendency to hit their head, especially if they fall backward. However, the weight of their falling body, combined with the force of gravity, creates a force multiplier effect that drastically increases the risk of severe damage and a traumatic brain injury.
If you experienced a brain injury through no fault of your own, we are here for you. To schedule a free case consultation with an experienced Atlanta brain injury attorney from The Mabrey Firm, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (404) 814-5098 or send us an email.
