Gomez Trial Attorneys » Traumatic Brain Injury Prevention

Traumatic Brain Injury Prevention

TBI Prevention

The best way to avoid having to fight through the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury is to never suffer one in the first place. That’s clearly easier said than done in many situations, but there are some steps that can be taken that will minimize the chance that someone will suffer head trauma. The traumatic brain injury lawyers at Gomez Trial Attorneys have helped many clients hold those responsible for inflicting terrible brain trauma accountable. There were several instances where everyone in the room was saying something along the lines of, “If only…” We’d like to attempt to provide some information that may help at least some people avoid that sad statement. Below you’ll find some ideas for traumatic brain injury prevention.

Falls

More than one-third of the 1.7 million people in the United States who suffer traumatic brain injuries every year do so because of falls. Therefore, traumatic brain injury prevention for those injured in falls could affect as many as 600,000 people. The people most vulnerable to traumatic brain injuries from falls are adults older than 65 years old and children who are 14 years old or younger. Children often suffer head trauma because they fall while competing in an athletic competition or in some other accident. As such, ideas for traumatic brain injury prevention in children include:

• Closely supervise small children at all times, but particularly when they are near any type of falling hazard.
• Place guards on windows that are above ground level.
• Place gates at the top and bottom of staircases.
• Do not allow free access to fireplaces or concrete/stone structures.
• Closely examine playground equipment before allowing a child to play there.
• Make sure the playground surface provides for a soft landing.
• Wear helmets or headgear when playing sports, such as skateboarding, bicycling, etc.

For older adults, recommendations include:

• Install handrails in your bathroom next to your toilet and in your shower.
• Install handrails on all staircases.
• Improve lighting in your home if it is generally dark.
• Get your eyes checked regularly by your doctor.
• Exercise as much as possible, as doing so could help improve your strength and coordination.
• Avoid having to use ladders and stools by storing things you use regularly at levels you can reach with ease.

There are others, and for a full list please find it here as compiled by the New York State Department of Health.

Traffic Collisions

Traffic accidents are the second leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in the United States and the leading cause of fatal brain injuries. Given the obvious force that’s generated when two vehicles collide or a vehicle collides with a bicyclist or pedestrian, it should come as no surprise that people suffer when these incidents occur. Once again, there are differences between what adults should do for children to promote traumatic brain injury prevention in auto accidents and what adults should do for themselves. Ideas to help children avoid head trauma in crashes include:

• Purchase a strong and sturdy child seat that offers head protection.
• Make sure the child rides in a rear-facing car seat until he or she is old enough to face forward.
• Turn the car seat around when the child is big and/or old enough to face forward.
• Move the child into a booster seat at the appropriate time.
• Keep children 12 years old and younger in the backseat, as airbags can kill younger people when deployed.
• All children should wear helmets when riding a bicycle.
• Children riding a bicycle should obey all traffic laws.
• Teach children to look both ways before they cross the street when walking.
• Children should wear bright and reflective clothing when walking near traffic.
• Children should make eye contact with drivers at an intersection before crossing the street.

As far as adults are concerned, ideas for traumatic brain injury prevention from traffic accidents include:

• Always wear seatbelts when driving or riding in a vehicle.
• Always obey traffic laws in order to minimize the chance that you’ll be involved in a collision.
• Wear a helmet every time you ride a bicycle.
• Follow the same pedestrian rules and norms as children.

While the number of ideas for adults in terms of traumatic brain injury prevention is not as long as that for children, the bottom line is that safety in vehicles is paramount for people of all ages. Some preventative steps can make an enormous difference.

Sports Injuries

Another leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in sports collisions. Men between the ages of 20 and 44 are generally the most vulnerable to this type of harm. Given that reality, people of all ages – including those who feel that they do not need these protections – should consider the following steps to keep themselves safe:

• Batting helmets for baseball and softball
• Full helmets for football and hockey
• Headgear for wrestling
• If you are already injured, ill, or tired, consider skipping your competition for the day if possible.
• If you are a swimmer, do not dive into pools unless they are at least 12 feet deep.

There is any number of ways to suffer traumatic brain injuries while competing in almost any form of athletics.

When Traumatic Brain Injury Prevention Isn’t Enough

Unfortunately, people can take every step imaginable to further their efforts with regards to traumatic brain injury prevention and they will still suffer head trauma. People who find themselves in this position because of the actions of others need to take steps to protect and to enforce their legal rights. In reality, these are very difficult steps to take when someone is already suffering from brain trauma that could be extremely limiting in nature.

The traumatic brain injury lawyers at Gomez Trial Attorneys have been fighting for the rights of injured clients for several years. We work tirelessly to make sure that you are as free to focus on your physical and emotional recovery as possible. We will fight relentlessly for your financial recovery. If you need legal help because of a head injury, contact the firm today to schedule a free initial consultation.