Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are most often caused by sudden trauma to the head or body. They range from mild concussions to severe, permanent brain damage. The most common causes include falls, vehicle crashes, assaults, and sports injuries. Understanding what causes these injuries can help prevent them and may be critical in determining legal responsibility if negligence was involved.
Why Cause Matters in a TBI Claim
Identifying the cause of a traumatic brain injury is medically necessary and legally essential. Liability depends on how the injury occurred and whether someone else’s negligence contributed to it. A fall on unsafe property, for example, may lead to a premises liability claim. A TBI from a vehicle crash could justify a personal injury lawsuit.
Falls
Falls are the leading cause of TBIs in the United States. They’re especially common among older adults and young children, but they can affect anyone. Common fall-related scenarios include:
- Slipping on wet surfaces
- Falling from ladders, stairs, or scaffolding
- Tripping over objects in public or private spaces
In many cases, these accidents happen because property owners or businesses failed to fix hazards or post adequate warnings.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes are another major source of traumatic brain injuries. High-impact collisions can cause the brain to collide with the skull, even if there’s no direct head trauma. Injury severity can range from mild concussions to permanent cognitive impairment or coma. Even with safety equipment, brain injuries remain a significant risk in serious accidents.
Being Struck by or Against an Object
Many TBIs occur when a person is struck in the head by a falling object or accidentally walks into something. This is common in workplaces, construction zones, and retail environments.
Examples include:
- Tools or materials falling from above
- Collisions with equipment or machinery
- Poorly secured shelving or unstable displays
Struck-by-object incidents are often preventable and may indicate negligence in maintenance, safety, or employee training.
Physical Assault
TBIs caused by violence may result from being punched, kicked, or hit with an object. Shaken baby syndrome is also classified under this category. In adult cases, head trauma from domestic abuse or violent crime can lead to long-term neurological damage.
Civil claims may be filed alongside or separate from criminal charges if the assailant is known or if a third party failed to provide reasonable security.
Sports and Recreational Injuries
Athletes—especially in contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing—face a heightened risk of repeated brain trauma. While many TBIs are considered “mild,” repeated concussions can lead to serious long-term effects, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
TBIs can also result from:
- Inadequate supervision
- Unsafe equipment
- Failure to follow concussion protocols
Youth sports leagues, schools, or coaches may be held liable if safety standards weren’t followed.
How Do You Know If You’ve Suffered a TBI?
Symptoms vary depending on the severity and part of the brain affected. Common signs include:
- Headaches or dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion or memory loss
- Sensory changes (vision, hearing, smell)
- Fatigue, sleep issues, or mood swings
Severe cases may involve seizures, slurred speech, or loss of consciousness. If you suspect a brain injury—even days after an incident—seek medical care immediately.
Can You File a Lawsuit for a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Yes—if someone else’s negligence contributed to the injury, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. This includes cases involving:
- Unsafe premises
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Workplace safety violations
- Negligent supervision or security
- Defective products or equipment
An experienced attorney can help investigate the cause of the injury, calculate damages, and pursue compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care.
Get Legal Help for a Traumatic Brain Injury Claim
At Nagel Rice LLP, we represent individuals across New Jersey who have suffered traumatic brain injuries due to negligence, unsafe conditions, or serious accidents. These injuries often require long-term medical care and can permanently alter a person’s ability to work, think, and live independently. We’re here to help you hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can assist with your TBI claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About TBIs
Can a mild concussion be considered a traumatic brain injury?
]Yes. Even a mild concussion is classified as a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI). While many people recover fully, some experience lingering cognitive or neurological symptoms that can affect daily life and may require treatment.
Is it possible to file a TBI claim if symptoms appeared days after the accident?
Yes. Some traumatic brain injuries don’t present symptoms right away. Suppose you begin to notice cognitive changes, headaches, or other signs of a TBI after an accident. In that case, it’s essential to seek medical attention and speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
What types of compensation can I recover in a TBI lawsuit?
You may be eligible to recover compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, future earning potential, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. Each case is different, and an attorney can help determine the full scope of damages.