A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most serious injuries a person can suffer. Even a mild TBI, such as a concussion, can lead to long-term cognitive issues, while severe cases may result in permanent disability or death. In a fast-growing city like Dallas, where roadways are congested, construction projects are booming, and sports are a major part of the culture, TBIs are unfortunately common.
Understanding the leading causes of TBIs can help individuals take precautions, seek proper medical attention, and determine whether legal action is necessary. If another party’s negligence led to the injury, victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Below, we explore the most frequent causes of traumatic brain injuries in Dallas and what victims should know about their legal rights.
1. Car Accidents and Motorcycle Crashes
Dallas is one of the busiest metro areas in Texas, with major highways like I-35E, I-45, and the Dallas North Tollway seeing heavy traffic daily. Unfortunately, this also means frequent car accidents, which are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. When a vehicle suddenly stops or is struck by another car, a passenger’s head may hit the steering wheel, window, or dashboard, causing brain trauma. In high-impact crashes, the brain can also be violently jolted within the skull, leading to internal injuries even without direct impact.
Motorcyclists are at an even greater risk. Unlike cars, motorcycles provide little protection in a crash. Riders who are thrown from their bikes often suffer severe head injuries, even if they are wearing helmets. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), helmets reduce the risk of death in motorcycle crashes by 37%, but they cannot prevent all TBIs.
In Texas, individuals injured in car or motorcycle accidents may be able to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim if another driver was at fault. Common causes of TBI-related crashes include:
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Distracted driving (such as texting while driving)
- Failure to yield or obey traffic signals
- Commercial truck accidents
Because TBIs can have lifelong consequences, it is important for victims to seek both immediate medical care and legal guidance to understand their options.
2. Slip and Fall Accidents
Falls are a leading cause of brain injuries, especially among older adults and workers in hazardous industries. A simple slip on a wet floor or an uneven surface can result in a serious head injury. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls account for nearly 50% of all TBI-related hospitalizations.
In Dallas, slip and fall accidents commonly occur in:
- Grocery stores and shopping malls
- Restaurants and bars
- Apartment complexes
- Office buildings
- Poorly maintained sidewalks and parking lots
Property owners have a legal responsibility to keep their premises safe. If hazardous conditions such as spills, broken stairs, or poor lighting lead to a fall, the injured person may have a valid premises liability claim.
For example, if a restaurant fails to clean up a spilled drink and a customer slips, hits their head, and sustains a brain injury, the business may be held liable for medical costs and other damages. Similarly, if an apartment complex does not repair a broken handrail, causing a tenant to fall down the stairs and suffer a TBI, the landlord could be responsible.
3. Workplace and Construction Site Accidents
Dallas is home to many industries that require physically demanding jobs, including construction, manufacturing, and warehousing. These workplaces carry a high risk of serious injuries, including TBIs. The construction industry, in particular, sees a high number of brain injuries due to falls from scaffolding, being struck by falling objects, and heavy machinery accidents.
Common workplace hazards leading to TBIs include:
- Falling tools, debris, or equipment
- Slips and falls from ladders or scaffolding
- Head injuries caused by machinery malfunctions
- Electrocution-related falls
While workers’ compensation may cover medical expenses and lost wages, some cases involve third-party negligence. If an equipment manufacturer, subcontractor, or another party was responsible for unsafe conditions, the injured worker may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
4. Sports and Recreational Activities
Texas is known for its sports culture, and Dallas is no exception. From high school football to professional teams, the city has a strong sports presence. However, with the excitement of sports comes the risk of serious head injuries.
Concussions and other TBIs frequently occur in contact sports such as:
- Football
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Hockey
- Wrestling
- Boxing and martial arts
Young athletes are especially vulnerable. Repeated concussions without proper treatment can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease that affects memory, mood, and cognitive function. Schools, coaches, and sports organizations have a duty to protect athletes by following concussion protocols. If a coach or medical staff fails to remove a player from a game after a head injury, and the athlete sustains further damage, the responsible party could face legal consequences.
5. Violent Assaults
Unfortunately, violent crimes can also lead to traumatic brain injuries. Blunt force trauma from assaults, domestic violence, and gunshot wounds are all potential causes of TBIs. In Dallas, incidents of aggravated assault have risen in recent years, increasing the risk of severe head injuries due to physical altercations.
Some of the most common assault-related TBIs include:
- Head injuries from punches or kicks
- Gunshot wounds
- Blunt force trauma from being struck with an object
- Shaken baby syndrome (in cases of child abuse)
In cases where an assault results in a brain injury, the victim may have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit against the attacker. Additionally, if the crime occurred due to negligent security—such as in a poorly lit parking lot or an apartment complex with broken locks—the property owner may also be held accountable.
Contact Galliani Injury Law After a Traumatic Brain Injury in Dallas
A traumatic brain injury can have devastating consequences, impacting your ability to work, enjoy life, and even complete daily tasks. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to someone else’s negligence, contact us today. Our team is dedicated to helping victims seek the compensation they deserve for their medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
