The following is a guest post by Branch Law Firm:
Over the weekend Gary Coleman passed away after a slip and fall at his home caused a brain injury. Although not all of the facts surrounding his tragic accident are known, sources report that he died of an intracranial hemorrhage after being taken off life support.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), approximately 1.7 million brain injuries occur each year, and constitute a significant cause of death and disability in New Mexico, the United States and worldwide.
Brain injuries are divided into two categories – traumatic and non-traumatic. Traumatic Brain Injuries (“TBI’s”) typically occur from a sudden sharp blow to the head – and include injuries that result from a slip and fall at home, car accidents, truck accidents, or traumatic birth injuries. Non-traumatic brain injuries include those injuries that occur without a blunt trauma – such as from a stroke.
Brain injuries range from mild to severe, with the symptoms including possible loss of consciousness, headaches, dizziness, vomiting, memory lapses and loss of concentration.
Because of the severe, long-lasting and sometimes fatal consequences of brain injuries, prevention and awareness are key. In situations such as car accidents, symptoms may not show up for days or weeks, so it’s imperative to pay attention to warning signs and contact a medical professional at once.
The Branch Law Firm is a New Mexico personal injury law firm dedicated to helping people who have been injured in accidents, or are suffering from brain injuries, and their families.