Have you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury? It can happen in the blink of an eye but have life-long consequences. Many people in Kentucky, including Covington, do not realize that brain trauma can occur even if there is no blow or penetration wound to the head. A slip-and-fall accident, a rear-end collision or an incident while participating in your favorite sport can change your life forever.
You could see your brain as the computer that controls all the functions of your body. A healthy brain allows the proper working of your senses, the ability to hear, see, move, think, your heart rate and more. Different areas of the brain control different functions, and the consequences depend on the location and severity of the injury. Although your skull encloses and protects your brain, rapid movement of your head — such as from whiplash — can cause it to slam into the thick walls of your skull.
Living with traumatic brain injuries
Brain injuries are typically not apparent, which makes it difficult for others to understand the impact TBI has on the lives of victims. You could be affected in the following ways:
- The injuries could compromise your ability to concentrate, remember, solve problems and follow conversations.
- You might not be able to manage stress and control your temper, and you might experience mood swings.
- Severe traumatic brain injuries can leave you unable to hear, speak, stand and walk.
- It increases the risk of developing brain disorders such as epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.
The risk of suffering such injuries will always exist, but you can take precautions to limit them.
Protective gear
Protect yourself and your family by wearing proper protection when participating in any of the following activities:
- Do not play hockey, baseball and football without appropriate head protection, and the same applies to activities such as skateboarding and skiing.
- Wear a protective helmet when you ride a motorcycle, bicycle or an ATV.
- Wear a helmet when you go horseback riding.
However, you might not anticipate and protect yourself against all risks.
Seasonal and daily activities
Some risks are a part of the following daily activities, and anticipation might prevent injuries:
- Wear boots that provide good traction when you shovel snow.
- Maintain your vehicle’s brakes and tires to reduce accident risks.
- Beware of the dangers of slick surfaces when you spend time at the poolside.
- Watch your step in the fall when leaves can cause slippery sidewalks.
Running on wet or icy walkways is also dangerous.
Precautions for older adults
The seasons of life also pose risks that require the following precautions:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a significant percentage of fatalities and hospitalizations of TBI victims are people who are older than 65 years.
- Older adults who have problems keeping their balance can prevent falls by using devices such as walkers, canes or other equipment to keep them steady on their feet.
- Although it is never easy, talk to older parents about driving safely.
Incidents like falls in older adults often cause fractured hips along with TBI.
Regardless of the number of precautions you take, the negligence of other parties can lead to incidents in which you or a loved one suffers traumatic brain injuries. The financial consequences of immediate medical expenses, long-term therapy and possible income loss can ruin your financial stability. The answer might be to consult with an experienced Covington personal injury attorney who can assist with the navigation of a civil lawsuit in pursuit of recovery of financial and emotional damages