Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be some of the most debilitating and difficult injuries to overcome. That’s generally because TBIs can have elusive symptoms, complicated diagnoses and uncertain prognoses.

Although researchers around the world are currently working to develop better ways to diagnose and treat TBIs, perhaps, one of the most effective things that can be done at this point is attempting to prevent them entirely.

To do that, it’s first important to understand the primary causes of traumatic brain injuries.

Most Common TBI Causes

1. Falling accidents, which cause just over 40 percent of all TBIs in the U.S. – Although people can fall down and sustain a TBI because they weren’t paying attention, in many cases, falls are caused by unsafe premises and the negligence of some other party.A building manager’s failure to fix a broken stair railing or warn people about dangerous areas of a property are a few examples of the forms of negligence that can lead to falling accidents that result in traumatic brain injuries.
2. Being struck by or against something, which results in nearly 16 percent of all TBIs – This can be the result of a variety of accidents, including work accidents, construction accidents, etc. Negligence in the form of defective equipment or even a failure to comply with standard safety regulations can cause these types of striking accidents and lead to TBIs.
3. Motor vehicle accidents, which cause more than 14 percent of traumatic brain injuries – The risk of a head injury can be far greater for certain types of roadway travelers, like motorcycle riders who don’t wear helmets or even those in passenger vehicles who don’t wear seatbelts.Drunk driving, driver distraction and even a failure to comply with traffic laws are all examples of the types of negligence that can cause motor vehicle accidents and brain injuries.
4. Assaults, which contribute to nearly 11 percent of all TBIs.

It’s important to note that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the causes of about 19 percent of TBIs are classified as “unknown.”

Tips for Preventing TBIsKnowing the most prominent causes of traumatic brain injuries, here are few things that can be done to minimize your (and others’) risk of sustaining a TBI:

• Reduce your risk of falling at home by maintaining stair railings, fixing worn/broken flooring and installing no-slip features in bathrooms.
• When out in public, reduce your risk of falling by being careful about where you step and avoiding distractions.
• Reduce your risk of a motor vehicle accident by always complying with traffic laws, not driving distracted and always being a defense driver. Also, always wear your seatbelt in cars and helmet on motorcycles.

Already Living with a TBI? Contact Columbia SC Personal Injury Lawyer at Chappell Smith & Arden, P.A. Attorneys at Law

If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to someone else’s negligence, contact a Columbia SC personal injury lawyer at Chappell Smith & Arden, P.A. for answers about your rights and options for proceeding, as well as effective legal advocacy moving forward.

Call our firm at (803) 929-3600 or email us via the contact form on this page to set up a free, no obligations initial consult with one of our lawyers. During this meeting, you can find out more about your rights, as well as how we can help you.