Five Most Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur when the brain suffers sudden damage from an external force. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain trauma with long-term consequences. 

Identifying how TBIs commonly occur is critical for prevention and ensuring proper care. Below, you’ll find detailed explanations of the five most common causes of TBI and how they can be addressed.

1. Falls

Falls are the leading cause of TBIs across all age groups. They often happen in everyday environments like homes, workplaces, or public spaces. Older adults and young children are particularly vulnerable. Uneven flooring, slippery surfaces, poor lighting, and lack of railings can all contribute to falls.

A fall might occur when someone loses footing while descending stairs or steps. Another common scenario involves tripping on loose carpets or objects left in walkways. Falls from heights, such as ladders or construction scaffolding, pose substantial risks.

In cases involving elderly individuals, conditions like balance issues and impaired vision increase the likelihood of falling. Nursing home residents sometimes experience TBI due to falls that result from unsafe environments or inadequate supervision.

Property owners, whether residential, commercial, or public, are legally responsible for addressing hazards that may lead to falls. This includes repairing broken handrails, ensuring proper stairwell lighting, and eliminating wet or slippery surfaces. 

Florida law allows victims of falls due to negligence to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Preventing falls involves creating safer environments. Using non-slip mats, installing safety bars, and ensuring better organization of spaces can significantly minimize risks.

2. Motor vehicle accidents

Car crashes and other motor vehicle accidents are a primary cause of TBIs. Sudden stops, high-speed collisions, and rollovers can subject passengers to violent forces that jar the brain against the skull. 

Drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are all vulnerable to brain injuries in these situations.

Motorcyclists face especially high risks because they lack the physical protection that cars provide. Even when helmets are used, the sheer force of a collision can lead to brain trauma. Pedestrians and bicyclists struck by vehicles can experience brain injuries as their bodies hit the ground or collide with objects.

Common scenarios for vehicle-related TBIs include rear-end collisions, high-speed crashes on highways, and incidents caused by impaired or distracted drivers. Drunk driving remains one of the most dangerous causes of serious accidents.

Florida law requires drivers to carry insurance coverage to provide compensation for injury victims. These laws are complex, especially when multiple vehicles are involved. Victims of brain injuries from car accidents may be entitled to damages for their medical treatment, rehabilitation expenses, and pain and suffering.

To reduce the likelihood of TBIs from car accidents, always wear seat belts, ensure children are in proper safety seats, and avoid distractions like texting while driving. For motorcyclists and bicyclists, helmets are a vital protective measure.

3. Sports injuries

Sports-related activities account for a significant number of traumatic brain injuries, particularly among children, teens, and young adults. Contact sports like football, hockey, and rugby are well-known for their risks, but even non-contact sports like soccer can lead to TBIs if players collide or fall.

Repeated blows to the head, even when considered minor, can lead to conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Professional athletes often make headlines for enduring these injuries, but children are also affected. Young athletes are not physically or neurologically developed enough to recover as quickly as adults, making them more vulnerable to long-term consequences.

TBIs in sports may result from direct hits to the head, falls, or poor-quality protection gear. Atmospheric conditions and field maintenance also influence injury risks. For example, falling on a poorly maintained track or wet field can be a contributing factor.

Coaches, athletic programs, and event organizers are responsible for implementing safety protocols and providing proper training. Florida schools and sports organizations are encouraged to maintain rules designed to reduce head injuries, such as prohibiting illegal tackles in football or mandating helmet usage in cycling events.

Increasing awareness about early symptoms of TBI, like confusion or prolonged headaches, can help ensure players receive appropriate medical care sooner. Educators, parents, and youth exercise programs all have significant opportunities to reduce risks of sports-related injuries.

4. Assaults and violence

Assault is another frequent cause of traumatic brain injuries. Violent acts such as blunt force blows to the head, being struck with objects, or gunshot wounds can result in severe brain trauma. Victims may also sustain injuries when they fall during an attack.

Domestic violence creates specific risks for victims, particularly for women and children. Assaults often involve repeated physical attacks that directly or indirectly harm the brain. Brain injuries in these cases can go unnoticed or undiagnosed, leaving victims with untreated symptoms.

Assaults at work, in public spaces, or even in institutional settings such as nursing homes may also occur. Security failures, lax supervision, or unsafe environments may contribute to situations that lead to these acts of violence.

Florida holds perpetrators of violence criminally accountable, but civil claims may also be appropriate when third parties contribute to unsafe conditions. For instance, a property owner who neglects to provide adequate security in a building could be held liable if an assault resulting in a brain injury occurs.

Preventing TBIs from violence often requires addressing the roots of the issue, whether that is through better conflict resolution programs, heightened security measures, or domestic violence support resources.

5. Workplace accidents

Workplace environments present countless risks for TBIs, particularly in industries like construction, manufacturing, and warehousing. Head injuries in these settings may occur when workers are struck by falling debris, hit their heads against equipment, or suffer trauma in falls from ladders or platforms.

Due to the nature of their jobs, construction workers face high risks. Falling tools, scaffolding collapses, or being caught between machinery are common ways injuries happen. Workers in factories or warehouses may experience TBIs when heavy inventory items fall or are hit by forklifts or other equipment.

Employers are responsible for ensuring safe working conditions. This includes maintaining equipment, training employees on safe practices, and providing adequate personal protective equipment, such as hard hats. When safety protocols are ignored or defective equipment is used, the risks for workplace TBIs grow significantly.

Workers’ compensation laws in Florida allow employees to seek benefits for medical care, lost wages, and rehabilitation after workplace injuries. However, some injuries involve third-party negligence, such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer’s liability. Civil claims in these cases may help victims secure additional compensation.

Preventing TBIs at work relies on diligence and enforcement of safety regulations. Regular inspections, proper training, and adherence to federal workplace safety standards can help avoid many injuries.

The Connection Between Workplace Safety Violations and TBIs

Workplace safety violations can lead directly to TBIs. Employers have a legal duty to create safe environments for their employees. When safety protocols are ignored, the risks of serious injuries, including TBIs, increase significantly.

Construction sites, warehouses, and industrial facilities are among the most dangerous workplaces for head injuries. Falling objects, unsecured equipment, or unsafe scaffolding are frequent hazards. 

Workers can suffer TBIs from tools dropped from above, unstable ladders, or collapsing structures. A simple failure to provide protective gear like hard hats makes these risks even worse.

Improper training is another common issue. Workers in various industries often operate heavy machinery or handle specialized tasks. Accidents happen more frequently when workers are not taught how to do their jobs safely. 

For instance, a forklift operator without adequate instruction might make unsafe maneuvers, unintentionally causing falling debris or collisions.

Poor maintenance also contributes to unsafe environments. Broken safety rails, loose flooring, or failing equipment can create hazardous conditions. Defective conveyor belts or malfunctioning hoists can suddenly fail, increasing the likelihood of head injuries.

Florida law and federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards require employers to follow safety guidelines designed to prevent workplace accidents. OSHA mandates regular inspections, proper use of safety equipment, and worker training. 

Employers who violate these standards can be held accountable for injuries such as TBIs. Examples might include failing to address known hazards or knowingly allowing employees to work in unsafe conditions.

Workers’ compensation claims may be available for workers injured because of preventable safety violations. However, injured employees can also file lawsuits against third parties, such as contractors or equipment manufacturers, whose negligence contributed to unsafe conditions.

Preventing TBIs in the workplace requires adherence to safety standards, thorough training, and maintenance of protective equipment. Enforcing these measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of these life-altering injuries.

Signs and Consequences of TBIs

The severity of a TBI often varies. Some victims suffer mild injuries in the form of short-term memory loss, headaches, or confusion. On the other end of the spectrum, severe TBIs can lead to loss of motor function, cognitive difficulties, and permanent disability.

Signs of a TBI may include dizziness, nausea, changes in personality, or difficulty concentrating. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after any of the above causes should seek immediate medical attention, as untreated brain injuries may worsen over time.

Witness Testimony and TBI Claims

Witness testimony can play a key part in traumatic brain injury (TBI) claims. A witness provides first-hand accounts of an accident, offering details that other evidence, such as medical records or photographs, might not cover. 

Their observations can help piece together what led to the injury and establish liability. For example, a bystander who saw a worker struck by falling equipment at a construction site might describe how safety rules were ignored or how the equipment was improperly secured. Their testimony could confirm that negligence contributed to the incident. 

Similarly, a motorist who witnessed a car accident might recall whether a driver was speeding, failed to stop at a red light, or appeared distracted just before the crash.

Witness accounts are particularly helpful in reinforcing other evidence. If a TBI victim claims that an employer ignored broken safety rails, witness statements matching that description provide valuable support. 

Consistent testimony from multiple individuals can add weight to the claim and make it harder for the opposing party to deny responsibility.

Testimony can also shape how juries, judges, or insurance companies view a case. A credible witness with clear and detailed recollections may leave a strong impression. 

Neutral third parties, such as passers-by, are often particularly effective, as they are less likely to be perceived as biased. Securing witness testimony early is critical. Over time, memories fade, and small but important details may be forgotten. 

Reaching out to witnesses shortly after an accident ensures their accounts remain accurate and useful. Legal teams often work quickly to locate and interview witnesses to preserve their statements for the duration of a claim.

A comprehensive TBI claim relies on many forms of evidence, but witness testimony often adds clarity and credibility that others cannot match. When gathered promptly and presented effectively, these accounts can significantly support a victim’s pursuit of proper compensation.

Englander Peebles Provides Legal Support for TBI Victims

Victims of TBIs sometimes face lengthy recoveries, ongoing therapy, and financial burdens due to their injuries. When negligence contributes to these accidents, victims deserve legal support to claim compensation. 

Recovery may include covering lost wages, medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and compensation for pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, contact our firm to learn more about your options. We can evaluate your situation and help you take steps toward recovery and justice. Call (954) 500-4878 today to discuss your case.