Cases that can Lead to Traumatic Brain Injury

In 2004, an 18-year-old painter fell from a scaffold, injuring his leg and shoulder. The young painter also suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Given his young age, he may require care for the next 50 years. In 2012, with persistent help from his lawyers, he was awarded an $8.9 million workers' compensation settlement for his lifetime injury, making it the largest workers comp payout in California history.

TBI is caused by a sudden blow to the head, causing the brain and the skull to collide, possibly damaging the brain or nerves connected to it upon impact. The severity of a TBI depends on the location and extent of the damage.

The occurrence of TBI is not limited to any specific age group. There are various cases that can lead to this condition, among which are the following:

• Falls - Most common in young children and older adults.
• Motor vehicle accidents - Disproportionately affects fifteen to nineteen-year-olds.
• Struck/by against - Commonly resulting from sports, accounting for as many as 3.8 million TBIs annually. The NFL and NCAA have been sued by former players alleging that improper head protection caused neurological conditions.
• Assault - The leading cause of TBI-related deaths. Ninety percent of firearm-related TBI victims die, almost two-thirds by suicide.

The total cost of TBI is as high as $60 billion annually, with the individual costs possibly including extended medical care, lost earnings, and mental anguish.