When a person slips or trips and falls, one of the most dangerous things that can happen is that they strike their head on the ground or on a hard object like a post or wall. This can result in a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can be serious or even fatal.
This is more common than many people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the second greatest cause of fatal TBIs, and the number is only growing – particularly for people 75 years old and above.
Why diagnosis is too often delayed
A person’s chances of recovering from a TBI can often be improved with quick diagnosis and treatment by medical professionals. However, sometimes people don’t realize just how seriously they’ve been injured immediately after a fall.
The symptoms of a TBI may not be apparent right away. Even potentially fatal complications, like a blood clot (subdural hematoma) may not be apparent right away. The intracranial pressure caused by the clot builds over the first 24 hours after a fall or blow.
Diagnosing a concussion, which is a type of TBI, requires a number of types of testing. However, an MRI or CT scan can detect (or rule out) serious damage to the brain like bleeding.
If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to a fall caused by the negligence of a property owner who failed to address a potential hazard, it’s wise to explore your legal options. This can help you obtain the compensation you need for medical bills and other expenses as well as damages.