An average of 153 Americans dies each day due to traumatic brain injuries. Brain trauma is defined as a blow to the head that interrupts normal brain function. The most common traumatic brain injuries are minor concussions, yet if left untreated, even the most minor injuries to the brain can lead to life-changing health problems. If you or a loved one suffer a traumatic brain injury in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced injury attorney as soon as possible.

Common Brain Injuries 

In a recent 12-month measurement, approximately 2.8 million Americans were hospitalized due to brain trauma. The most common form of brain injury is a concussion. Concussions are common in car accidents and symptoms can range from minor headaches to chronic migraines, blurred vision, and declination of motor skills. More serious brain injuries include hematomas (clotting of blood in the brain) and hemorrhaging (bleeding in the outer space of the skull). A hematoma or a hemorrhage can result in substantial brain damage and even death. 

According to the National Burn Repository (NBR), one civilian fire-related fatality occurs in the United States approximately every 2 hours and 40 minutes. Throughout to 2016, nearly 3,300 Americans died in fire-related incidents. 

From structure fires to motor vehicle collisions, serious burns can cause life-long health complications. If you or a loved one suffer a burn injury, seek medical attention immediately and contact an injury lawyer to discuss your options.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 1,000 Americans are killed in train-related accidents every year. For those who live in the greater Chicago area, train accidents are a somewhat regular occurrence. In January, a 96-year-old woman narrowly avoided severe or fatal injuries when her vehicle was struck by a Metra train. Fortunately, the elderly driver was saved by two good samaritans and a Lombard police officer. Sadly, many people are not as fortunate in train collisions. If a member of your family was injured in a train-related collision, seek legal assistance immediately. 

Types of Train Accidents

Train collisions are usually devastating regardless of how they occur. Listed below are the most common forms of train collisions. 

Here in the greater Chicago area, the average annual snowfall is around 36 inches. During winter, roadways throughout the state are regularly plowed. Snowplows help keep our highways and streets safe, but driving near them can cause a dangerous car accident.

On February 10, a man was fatally injured when a vehicle collided with a state snow plow. The driver of a Chevrolet Malibu lost control of his vehicle due to poor driving conditions and crashed into a snow plow truck that was parked on the edge of I-294. The back-seat passenger, a 20-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. If you see a snow plow near you on the road, it is important to know how to react. 

Suffering a spinal injury is often a life-changing event. Spinal cord injuries can result in the loss of movement, chronic pain, and decreased strength. Every year, approximately 12,500 Americans suffer some form of spinal cord injury. Understanding the various forms of spinal cord injuries and their potential health complications can be critical as you emotionally and physically heal from your injuries. If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to discuss your options moving forward. 

Complete and Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries 

Throughout the United States, approximately 276,000 Americans live with some form of spinal cord injury. Even minor spinal injuries can result in serious long-term health problems. Spinal cord injuries are classified as either incomplete or complete. In the case of an incomplete spinal cord injury, the spinal cord is not completely severed. This usually allows for the injured person to retain some spinal function, depending on the severity of the injury. With complete spinal cord injuries, the spine is completely severed. In these instances, regaining function is only possible through extensive medical treatment and physical therapy, if at all.