When you’re in any serious accident, recovering from your injuries is your number one priority. However, there is one type of injury that can feel almost impossible to bounce back from: Traumatic head injuries. Traumatic head injuries (THI) can be extremely serious, affecting your ability to function in your everyday life and limiting your future prospects.
Because THIs happen often times with little to no warning, it’s important that you do everything in your power to protect yourself from this dangerous, sometimes deadly, category of injury. Here are a few ways to prevent traumatic head injuries, as well as advice for when you need to consult an Oklahoma personal injury attorney.
What is a TBI and What Are its Effects?
Before we go into ways you can hopefully avoid a traumatic head injury, it can be helpful to learn a little more about this type of injury. Although you may not know it, THIs are one of the major causes of death and disability every single year.
A traumatic head injury is any blow to the head that results in damage to your brain and consequences to your life functioning. Most people associate THIs with serious car accidents, but they can actually result from any impact to your head, including falls around the house.
The fact that THIs are so commonplace makes it of vital importance that you take the precautions necessary to protect you and your family.
Staying Safe in the Car
First, as mentioned, THIs are often caused in automobile accidents. Even minor fender benders can result in a head injury if you don’t practice proper vehicle safety, so here are a few tips to stay safe on the road.
If you have children, it’s important that they are in age and weight appropriate car seats. Generally speaking, your child should be in some sort of car seat until the age of 9. Traumatic head injuries suffered by children can limit their development to a large degree, so do everything in your power to protect your most vulnerable passengers.
Car safety is important for adults as well. Whenever you’re in your car, make sure to wear your seatbelt at all times, even for quick trips to the corner store. You never know when a car wreck and a THI will occur, so you should be ready for whatever comes your way.
Securing Your Home
While it’s not as high a cause as car accidents, it is possible to suffer a traumatic head injury in your own home, especially if you have elderly relatives living with you. To make your home as safe as possible, you should limit the possibilities of falls by laying down non-slip mats in your bathroom and kitchen and removing any obvious tripping hazards.
Improving the safety of your home is quick, easy and will go a long way towards the prevention of THIs.
Avoiding Head Injuries When Having Fun
Finally, everyday recreation opportunities like riding a bike or skating can also cause a THI if you’re not careful. Whenever you and your children engage in one of these outdoor activities, make sure to wear the proper safety equipment, such as protective helmets.
It only takes a moment, but making sure you and your children are safe while at play will give you peace of mind and protect you from the tragedy of a traumatic head injury.
Retain an Oklahoma Personal Injury Attorney
Unfortunately, even if you are as vigilant as possible, it’s still possible to suffer a THI due to the negligence or direct actions of another. If you believe you’ve suffered a traumatic head injury because of the actions of another party, then you need the legal advice from an Oklahoma personal injury lawyer from the Parrish DeVaughn Law Firm. We will examine the facts of your case and let you know whether you should file a personal injury suit. Contact us today for more information.
