A traumatic brain injury also referred to as a TBI, is a type of head injury that impacts the brain and how it functions. These types of injuries are prevalent, especially after car accidents.
If you suffer from a traumatic brain injury after a car accident, you will likely have expensive medical bills to pay, as well as lost wages while you are recovering. Traumatic brain injuries can also lead to complications that can alter the rest of your life and your ability to function.
For this reason, it’s crucial that Maryland TBI car accident victims file a personal injury claim and work with an attorney. You will need professional representation to ensure the right party is held liable and you are fairly compensated for the damages you have suffered.
How Common Is Traumatic Brain Injury?
According to the CDC, traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of death among young adults and children in America. Around 1.5 million people suffer from a TBI every year. Of those who sustain a traumatic brain injury, 230,000 are hospitalized and survived 50,000 die, and between 80,000 to 90,000 experience long-term disability.
In 2020 alone, there were around 64,000 deaths as a result of traumatic brain injuries, which is estimated to be around 176 TBI deaths a day.
The Most Common Traumatic Brain Injuries
As a traumatic brain injury can be any head trauma that affects the brain, there is a long list of these kinds of injuries. However, after car accidents, the most common traumatic brain injuries are:
1. Intracranial Hematomas
An intracranial hematoma happens when blood vessels in the brain are ruptured. This results in a pooling of blood in the brain. There are various kinds of hematomas, including:
- Epidural
- Subdural
- Intracerebral
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage
- Intraventricular hemorrhage
2. Skull Fractures
A skull fracture, as the name indicates, is what occurs when there is a break or fracture in the skull bone. This can make the brain more vulnerable and can lead to infection. Types of skull fractures include:
- Linear fractures: a thin line or crack
- Depressed fractures: when the skull is crushed inward
- Basilar fractures: A break at the base of the brain, which can result in leakage of spinal fluid
3. Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
A DAI happens when the body or head rotates violently or is violently stopped while in motion. This often happens in car accidents. When this occurs, the connections between the cells of the brain are twisted and torn.
4. Coup-Contrecoup (Contusion)
A coup-contrecoup, also called a contusion, happens when the brain sustains bruising. This means lesions have formed at the point of impact from a blow or the head being violently whipped around, such as in a car accident.
5. Concussion
A concussion is one of the most common types of traumatic brain injuries. It occurs as the result of violent shaking or whipping motions, similar to how a contusion is sustained. Concussions and contusions often go hand-in-hand.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Any number of incidents can lead to a traumatic brain injury. A TBI can result from a blow to the head or even just from the head being whipped around or shaken in motion. Some of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries include:
- Slip and falls
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Boating accidents
- Sports accidents
- Violence and assault
- Workplace accidents
- Combat accidents
Have a Legal Question About a Traumatic Brain Injury Accident Case? We Have Answers.
At Zirkin and Schmerling Law, our team of Maryland personal injury attorneys is dedicated to helping injured victims get the compensation they deserve for traumatic brain injury accidents. We have experience handling various kinds of cases, like car accidents or slip-and-fall accidents that lead to a TBI. We know what it takes to ensure our clients get the full and fair settlement they deserve.
Contact us or call us at 410-753-4611 to set up an appointment with one of our traumatic brain injury attorneys today.