We don’t have to tell you how important the brain is. It controls nearly every bodily function. Bumping your head in an accident can lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI). If you were involved in an accident that caused a traumatic brain injury, you deserve prompt medical care and compensation, especially if the accident was due to no fault of your own.
Reach out to our personal injury lawyers at Setareh Law if you need help navigating the legal process surrounding your traumatic brain injury claim. We will work with you every step of the way to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Traumatic Brain Injury Statistics in California
Mild to severe TBI injuries may have long-term effects. In California, 250,000 people visited the hospital due to traumatic brain injuries in 2014. Out of these, 32,900 were hospitalized for non-fatal TBI injuries. Some other TBI statistics include:
- About 79% of TBI patients are male
- Up to one-third of people who get TBIs are injured while under the influence
- About two-thirds of people with TBI injuries have a history of alcohol abuse or risky drinking
The CDC has determined some leading causes of traumatic brain injuries as slip-and-fall accidents (28%), motor vehicle accidents (20%), workplace injuries, and assault, among others. 2.5-3 million Americans sustain a TBI annually, which is a very high number. It’s important to heed any safety laws in order to lessen your chances of receiving a TBI.
Tips to Prevent Traumatic Brain Injury
There are many ways you can protect yourself from getting a TBI. Some prevention tips include the following:
- Wear protective gear when using a motor vehicle. This includes wearing helmets or other protective headgear on motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, and skateboards.
- Do not drive while intoxicated, whether on drugs or alcohol.
- The older generation is particularly prone to slip-and-fall accidents. You may need to talk to your doctor to evaluate your medication’s side effects and risk of falling. You can also get your eyes checked, and your prescription updated if need be.
- Make your home safe for children by installing window guards, stair gates at either end of the staircase, and handrails on stairs to keep them from falling. Children’s playgrounds should have soft material beneath them to cushion them when they fall during play.
If you see someone who falls and hits their head, do not attempt to move them. If they are wearing a helmet, do not remove it. The best you can do is call 911 and if you know first aid, try to stop the bleeding, if there is any. Moving them can worsen any injuries they have sustained and put you at risk of a lawsuit. You can be sued for improperly moving an injured person, thus causing further injury.
Getting Compensation For a Traumatic Brain Injury
To get compensation for a TBI, you must be able to prove that someone’s negligent actions caused your injuries. Proving negligence requires you to prove the following elements:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- The defendant breached their duty
- This breach caused your injuries
Breach of duty can be in the form of running a red light, speeding, intoxicated or distracted driving, failure to maintain premises, and ignoring apparent hazards on properties, among others. If the defendant is found to be negligent, you are entitled to receive compensation in the following areas if you suffered losses in those areas:
- Medical bills
- Future medical bills arising from the accident
- Loss of capacity to work
- Lost income and employment benefits
- Loss of quality of life
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
Contact an experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer to get the compensation you deserve. You should not have to pay for the consequences of someone’s negligence.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Healing from a traumatic brain injury is complex. Rehabilitation can help you regain normal functions, depending on the severity of your TBI. Rehabilitation would be a slow process, even if your injury is mild. It can take months or years and requires patience, which is why you deserve compensation for your injury.
Getting compensated for a TBI cannot undo the damage, but it goes a long way toward rehabilitating the individual and ensuring they are comfortable. Setareh Law is here to give you the legal representation you need to recover compensation for your losses. Contact us today at (310) 659-1826 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. Our lawyers also speak both Spanish and English.