Falls Are a Leading Cause of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Falls are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and the impact can be far more serious than it might seem at first. A slip and fall that seems minor can still lead to lasting brain damage, with effects that may not show up right away. The truth is, TBIs from falls can change lives, causing long-term complications that affect every aspect of your health.
With March being Brain Injury Awareness Month, it’s a reminder of just how important it is to recognize the risks of falls and the potential consequences of head injuries.
How slip and falls can cause head injuries
Slip and falls might seem like minor accidents, but they can lead to serious TBIs. Even if there’s no visible wound, the impact of a fall can cause lasting harm that may not always be immediately obvious. These head injuries typically happen in one of two ways:
- Direct impact: When a person falls and hits their head on the ground, a wall, or another hard surface, the impact can cause major brain damage. Even if the blow doesn’t seem severe at first, it can still lead to serious complications, making it important to be alert for warning signs and symptoms.
- Rapid movement of the brain: A fall doesn’t always require direct head contact to cause harm. When someone falls suddenly – slipping on ice or falling off a ladder, for example – the rapid motion can make the brain shift violently inside the skull. This movement alone can result in brain damage, even if there’s no visible external trauma.
Types of head injuries caused by slip and falls
Slip and falls can lead to serious traumatic brain injuries, some of which can have long-term effects, ranging from headaches and memory problems to more serious complications like difficulty with movement or cognitive issues.
A brain injury can impact your ability to work, think clearly, or even carry out everyday tasks. So it’s important to seek medical attention after a fall to address treatment early and prevent potential problems. Here are some of the most common types of head injuries that can result from a fall:
- Concussion: A mild to moderate brain injury caused by sudden movement or impact. It can result in confusion, dizziness, headaches, and temporary cognitive issues.
- Contusion: A direct impact to the head can cause the brain to bruise, leading to swelling and potential complications depending on the severity.
- Diffuse axonal injury (DAI): A severe injury caused by the brain rapidly shifting inside the skull, leading to widespread damage to nerve fibers. This can result in long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
- Hematoma: A collection of blood outside blood vessels in the brain, which can put dangerous pressure on surrounding tissue. Large hematomas may require surgery to relieve pressure.
- Hemorrhage: Uncontrolled bleeding in or around the brain, which can lead to serious problems, including stroke-like symptoms or increased pressure inside the skull.
- Skull fracture: A break in the skull bone that can sometimes lead to additional brain injuries if bone fragments press into the brain tissue.
Pittsburgh personal injury lawyers advocating for TBI victims
A TBI from a fall can affect your health, livelihood, and future. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to a slip and fall, it’s crucial to understand your rights and seek the help you deserve.
At Romanow Law Group in Pittsburgh, PA, we are dedicated to helping victims of slip and fall accidents work through their personal injury claims as smoothly as possible. Our legal team is committed to fighting for your recovery and securing the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Don’t face the challenges of a brain injury alone – contact us today for professional legal guidance.
“My experience with Romanow Law was outstanding. My attorney and all of the staff members were professional, courteous, patient and respectful of my time. They were prompt in their responses. And I felt like they cared about my case. Would definitely recommend them for any of your personal injury law needs.” – Virginia W.,⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐