Leading Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury in Individuals 19 and Younger

A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs when there is a disruption in the normal functioning of the brain as a result of a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Approximately 1.7 million TBI’s occur in the United States each year, according to a recent study performed by the Journal Brain Injury. Nearly 700,000 of these occur in adolescents and children under the age of 19.  Consequently, it is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in our country.

Many associate TBI’s with high impact car crashes and falls from heights when in reality about 72% of emergency room visits are attributable to consumer products and recreational activities. The Journal Brain Injury’s study revealed the top 10 leading causes of non-fatal TBI’s are:

• Bicycles
• Football
• Soccer
• Basketball
• Ceilings and Walls
• Stairs
• Chairs
• Tables
• Floors
• Beds

Grouping these activities together, sports and recreation account for a whopping 28.8% of injuries, most happening between ages 5-19. The second leading causes of TBI’s are home furnishings and fixtures at 17.2%. For this reason, researchers recommend additional safety measures are used in and around your home by improving lighting, removing tripping hazards like area rugs, and utilizing handrails. They also stressed the importance of only using products for their intended purpose. For example, car seats work to prevent harm from a car accident. However, when placed on an elevated surface or being used to transport a baby, they are highly dangerous.

“Unfortunately, many children who suffer traumatic brain injuries experience ongoing neurological limitations which can place a significant amount of stress on the individual’s family,” said Founder and Managing Shareholder, Joe Stampone. “Over the past 35+ years, we have developed a network of doctors and specialists recognized nationally as leaders in their field of practice to ensure our clients get the best possible treatment to maximize their recovery. With the assistance of our in-house medical doctor, Dr. Matthew D. Blum, we have routinely made significant recoveries on behalf of clients with traumatic brain injuries and their families.”

It is never too early to call Stampone O’Brien Dilsheimer Law if you or a loved one has suffered a TBI. Often, we must act quickly to ensure valuable evidence is preserved and the injured person gets the proper medical treatment. Contact us today for a free consultation. We are here to help.

Written By: Daniel Stampone