Falls can result in traumatic brain injury

May 31, 2013 (Press-News.org) Among the serious injuries a fall can cause, traumatic brain injury may be one of the worst a person can experience. Recovery from a TBI can be lengthy and may never restore the victim fully back to health.

What is TBI?

According to the Mayo clinic, a blow to the head may result in a mild, moderate or severe TBI. Some people who experience a TBI will display symptoms immediately, but many symptoms do not appear until weeks after the injury.

If the TBI is mild, the victim could lose consciousness briefly or not at all. Even without losing consciousness, the person could experience disorientation or confusion, feel dizzy or find it hard to keep balanced. Some mild TBI sufferers will have a headache, nausea or sensory changes affecting vision, hearing or taste. Some will have a heightened sensitivity to sound or light. It is common to have sleep problems or to feel constantly tired or drowsy.

Moderate and severe TBI can involve several minutes or hours of unconsciousness. The person can appear uncoordinated and experience seizures, convulsions or weakness in extremities. Headaches can be very intense and long-lasting. Observers could perceive that one or both of the victim's pupils are dilated and the victim's nose or ears could leak fluid.

Falls and TBI

Especially among older adults, falls are a serious concern. One in three people aged 65 or over falls each year, and falls are the leading cause of TBIs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Moreover, falls are the most common cause of injury deaths among people over 65, and the most common reason for trauma requiring admission to hospitals.

In 2010, emergency departments in the United States saw 2.3 million patients for fall injuries. More than a third of these patients ended up being admitted to the hospital. Injuries from falls are severe, involving a fracture, laceration or TBI, in about 20 to 30 percent of the incidents.

Fall prevention

It is possible to reduce the risk of a slip-and-fall injury at home by taking some simple steps. Older adults can make sure their vision is adequately corrected by having annual eye exams and keeping prescriptions for glasses current.

In the home, tripping hazards can be minimized. These hazards could include loose carpets, spills and the like. These same precautions should be taken by merchants and others who serve the public and have an obligation to keep their premises free of unreasonable dangers.

When anyone is injured in a slip-and-fall accident due to someone's negligence, the victim is entitled to compensation, which includes repayment of lost wages and compensation for pain and suffering, along with medical costs. An experienced personal injury attorney is essential. The attorney can file a claim for damages to hold negligent parties accountable. If a person suffers a TBI, there can be long term consequences and expenses, and a claim is especially important.

Article provided by Brian J. Mongelluzzo
Visit us at www.bjmlaw.com