Traumatic brain injury lawyers represent individuals, and families of those, who sustained a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. The brain injury is considered ”traumatic” if it was caused by some external “trauma” or force, such as in a car accident, as opposed to “non-traumatic” brain injury, such as a tumor or other brain disease.
Traumatic brain injury (“TBI”) may occur when the head suddenly and violently hits an object or w hen an object pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue, such as the windshield of a car in a vehicle or truck accident, the ground as the result of a fall at a construction site, or forceps used during delivery of a baby.
According The Center for Disease Control (CDC), 50% of all traumatic head injuries are caused by automobile, motorcycle, trucking, bicycle and pedestrian accidents. Furthermore, thousands of head injuries unrelated to vehicle accidents occur each year as well.
As summer approaches, the risk for traumatic brain injury caused by recreational activities increases. According to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), which is managed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPS), 25,079 head injuries related to baseball and softball treated in emergency rooms in 2007. Baseball and softball head injuries rank third on the list, behind cycling and football.
Children are particularly at risk for traumatic brain injury. According to NEISS, head injuries from baseball and softball are third among children 14-years-old and younger. Further, their symptoms are more likely to go undetected by parents because of children’s lack of communication skills and experience.
The Mayo Clinic advises anyone who has been hit in the head to seek medical help, and to seek emergency medical help if experiencing the following symptoms:
- Convulsions
- Weakness or Numbness in extremities
- Repeated Vomiting
- Slurred Speech
If you or someone you know has suffered a traumatic brain injury, the number one priority is to seek immediate medical attention — including a CT scan, MRI, and other recommended testing.
If you suspect that the TBI was caused by the carelessness or recklessness of someone else, it is critical to contact a top Chicago traumatic brain injury lawyer as soon as possible to investigate your case, and ensure that your rights are protected.