Traumatic head injuries can have consequences that last a lifetime. Over time, cumulative head injuries can create lingering conditions that eventually result in major cognitive disorders. For instance, medical researchers are just now beginning to uncover the link between major concussion events and Parkinson’s disease.
In some instances the resulting damages can be recovered by a personal injury law firm in Salisbury, NC, but not every injury can be traced to someone else’s liability. Read about preventing head injuries and how a qualified personal injury attorney can help if you suffer this sort of tragic incident.
Preventing Head Injuries
Although concussions are often thought of as mild injuries, they can cause mild TBI (traumatic brain injury) if they are severe enough. Everyone should be mindful of the dangers of concussions and aware of how to prevent them. These tips will help you reduce the risk of concussions and potential TBI:
Always Wear a Helmet When Cycling or Using Alternative Transportation
According to a study conducted by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, cycling presents the biggest risk for head injuries compared to any other sport or recreational hobby. 75 percent of all fatal bicycling accidents in NYC involve head injuries, and cycling accounted for nearly double the amount of head injuries seen in other sports such as football.
To reduce this risk, everyone riding a bicycle, skateboard, inline skates and other popular forms of recreational or alternative transportation should always wear a helmet. This precaution should be emphasized when operating the device on a public road as well as on the rider’s own property or at a designated facility.
Use Precautions When Engaging in High-Contact Sports
Thankfully, the public and the medical community have both begun to engage in conversations about the risks of concussions in sports. At the same time, people fail to recognize what a pervasive problem sports-related traumatic head injuries are. They are not just relegated to football players in the NFL or high school, for example. Major League Baseball players risk concussions, too, as do youth baseball players.
Parents looking after their children and adults looking after themselves should therefore abide by tips such as these to reduce their risk of sports-related traumatic head injuries:
- Always wear proper protective equipment, especially helmets and shoulder pads
- Abide by safety rules, and ensure that officiants are enforcing them
- Minimize contact force in practice; always exercise control and avoid aggression
- Halt playing time when any participants appear to be unnecessarily increasing the risk of concussions
- Investigate practice policies, and encourage limited full-contact practice days
- Report every potential traumatic head injury to medical professionals, organizing personnel and parents
- Consider the relative risk of certain sports; for instance, boxing carries a relatively higher risk of concussions
While you are playing, it can be difficult to think of anything other than the game. But try to be mindful of certain movements that could cause a head injury and always put safety first. No win is worth the price of TBI.
Reduce Risk During Recreation and Play
Parents cannot prevent every fall from happening, but halting risky behavior and responding quickly to incidents can reduce the risk of permanent injury. Try to maintain soft surfaces in children’s play areas, and have conversations about risky recreational habits with teens and adult peers.
Use Proper Restraints in Vehicles
Vehicle accidents are a leading cause of traumatic head injuries, especially when victims were not properly secured. Use safety equipment as advised. All children up to two years old should be riding in rear-facing child seats, and all passengers should be wearing seatbelts at all times while the vehicle is in operation.
Take Any Head Injury Seriously
It is imperative to see a doctor immediately after even slight head trauma. While it may seem wise to simply go home and rest, in some cases, sleeping is not advised for a period of time after the accident, for various medical reasons. Never try to treat a head injury on your own.
a Personal Injury Law Firm in Salisbury, NC, Can Help You Recover Medical Expenses
Many traumatic head injuries involve circumstances where another party could potentially be held liable for the subsequent medical expenses and lasting health effects. Most commonly, auto accidents leading to traumatic head injuries have a consistent history of recovering damages. If you’re looking for a personal injury law firm in Salisbury, NC, to fight for you after a severe head injury, contact Lewis & Keller. Fill out the form below for a free case evaluation or call 336-804-8387 today.
