What are the Most Common Examples of TBI?

• April 23, 2025

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) take many forms, from concussions caused by a sudden jolt to the head to severe penetrating injuries resulting from an accident or violent act. These injuries can disrupt lives in unimaginable ways, impacting everything from memory and motor skills to emotions and daily tasks.

Knowing the most common examples of TBI injuries may help clarify whether you might be eligible to pursue compensation with the help of an experienced Detroit personal injury lawyer.

What Traumatic Brain Injuries Are Eligible For Compensation After An Accident?

Concussions

A concussion is one of the most widely known forms of TBI, often linked to sports injuries or car accidents. This injury occurs when a sudden jolt to the head or body causes the brain to shift or bounce within the skull. Even though concussions are sometimes brushed off as minor injuries, they can lead to serious complications if untreated or repeated.

Common causes of concussions include:

• Car accidents, especially when someone’s head hits the steering wheel or window, are among the types of car accidents that often lead to traumatic brain injuries.


• Slip and fall accidents, where a person strikes their head on the ground or a nearby object.


• Physical assaults or violent encounters.


• High-impact sports like football, hockey, or soccer.

For example, a person rear-ended at a stoplight might suffer a concussion from the rapid forward-and-back motion of their head. While symptoms like dizziness and confusion might seem manageable at first, concussions often require medical attention, documentation, and, in some cases, legal follow-up if negligence is involved.

Contusions (Brain Bruises)

A contusion is essentially a bruise on the brain, often caused by a direct blow to the head. This injury can vary in severity depending on its size and location. While some contusions heal on their own, others may require surgery or close monitoring due to the risk of swelling and pressure building up inside the skull.

How contusions occur:

• Motorcycle or bike accidents, where a rider may be thrown and hit their head on the pavement.


• Falls from a height, such as downstairs or from an icy porch.


• Sports-related collisions, particularly in contact-heavy games like football or rugby.

For instance, imagine slipping on a broken step at a friend’s house and hitting your head on the edge of a table. This could result in a serious brain contusion and open the door for a premises liability claim, especially if the homeowner failed to address known hazards.

Penetrating Brain Injuries

A penetrating brain injury happens when an object pierces the skull and directly damages brain tissue. These are some of the most severe forms of TBI, often resulting in permanent disabilities or life-threatening complications. Penetrating TBIs can be caused by:

• Workplace accidents, such as incidents involving construction equipment or tools.


• Violent acts, including gunshot wounds or stabbings.


• High-impact traffic collisions, where debris or shattered glass enters the skull.

Imagine a scenario where a construction worker is struck by falling debris due to poorly secured scaffolding. The injuries would be catastrophic, and the worker might have grounds for a third-party liability claim against a subcontractor or property owner responsible for safety violations.

Diffuse Axonal Injuries (DAI)

Diffuse axonal injuries are among the most severe types of TBI, often resulting in widespread damage to the brain. They occur when the brain twists or shifts within the skull due to rapid movement, tearing delicate nerve fibers in the process. 

Potential causes of DAIs include:

• High-speed car or truck collisions, where the sudden deceleration or force sends the brain into violent motion.


• Sports injuries from aggressive tackles, improper equipment, or unavoidable accidents.


• Slip and falls leading to an uncontrolled head impact.

Take, for instance, a truck driver who’s struck by another vehicle on a highway, leaving them unconscious. While visible injuries might be minimal, the force of the crash might cause a DAI, leaving them with lasting impairments that significantly affect their quality of life. 

Anoxic Brain Injuries

Anoxic brain injuries are not caused by direct trauma but by lack of oxygen to the brain. Without oxygen, brain cells begin to die within minutes, leading to serious and irreversible damage. Examples of anoxic brain injuries include:

• Near-drowning at a pool or lake due to lifeguard negligence.


• Medical errors during surgery or anesthesia, reducing oxygen supply to the brain.


• Carbon monoxide poisoning in poorly ventilated workplaces or rental properties.

For example, if a landlord fails to install functional carbon monoxide detectors, tenants may fall victim to poisoning, leading to severe brain damage. Families in this situation may have grounds to file a claim based on the landlord’s negligence, similar to how a car accident claim worth is evaluated based on the severity of harm and long-term impact.

Am I Eligible for TBI Injury Compensation?

Recovering compensation after a traumatic brain injury is a process that hinges on proving fault and demonstrating another party’s negligence. This means showing that the injury happened because someone failed to act with reasonable care or uphold their legal responsibilities.

Eligibility can depend on several elements—from how the accident happened to the specifics of the law. These details could be what allows your lawyer to build a strong case. Negligent acts and how they might lead to common examples of TBI injuries include but are not limited to:

• Failing to maintain safe property conditions. This could include hazards like wet floors, broken stairs, or unsecured objects that lead to slip and fall injuries causing concussions or brain contusions.


• Distracted or reckless driving.Whether texting while driving, running a red light, or speeding, these actions often result in high-impact car crashes that may cause diffuse axonal injuries or brain bruises. Even using hands-free devices while driving isn’t always safe—distraction can still occur, affecting reaction time and focus behind the wheel.


• Improper safety measures in the workplace. Scenarios like unsecured scaffolding or lack of protective gear might lead to penetrating brain injuries or head trauma on construction sites.


• Lack of appropriate supervision in recreational settings. Lifeguards failing to monitor swimmers or instructors neglecting safety protocols could lead to anoxic brain injuries from near-drowning incidents.


• Medical errors or failure to meet care standards. Mistakes during surgery or anesthesia can restrict oxygen to the brain, leading to severe anoxic brain damage.


• Neglecting to address known hazards. For example, a landlord disregarding the installation of carbon monoxide detectors may cause tenants to suffer poisoning and subsequent brain damage.

Each of these negligent actions can leave victims facing not only physical and emotional challenges but also mounting financial burdens. THis is what drive many to consider partnering with an experienced TBI lawsuit attorney who can accurately assess and aggressively advocate for fair compensation.

What Are the Most Common TBI Treatment Costs?

Failing to act fast in seeking medical and legal assistance in documenting your TBI injury could leave you paying out of pocket for common TBI treatment costs and needs, including but not limited to:

• Emergency room and acute care: Initial treatments often include emergency room visits, diagnostic imaging such as MRIs or CT scans, and ICU stays. Depending on the severity of the injury and the duration of hospital stays, these costs can range from $5,000 to $50,000+.


• Surgeries: TBI patients may require surgeries to address bleeding in the brain, remove debris from penetrating injuries, or relieve pressure caused by swelling. These surgeries can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $250,000+ per procedure, not including additional expenses for follow-up surgeries in complex cases.


• Rehabilitation therapies: Recovery often relies on extensive physical, occupational, and speech therapies to regain mobility, cognitive function, and communication skills. Sessions at specialized rehabilitation centers can cost $150 to $1,000 per hour, totaling anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000+ annually for ongoing treatment.


• Medications: Prescription medications to manage symptoms like pain, seizures, depression, or cognitive issues are another major expense. Costs can range from $200 to $1,000+ per month, especially for patients on long-term treatment plans.


• Home modifications: To accommodate mobility challenges or cognitive impairments, many TBI survivors require modifications like wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, or specialized bathroom equipment. These projects can cost $5,000 to $50,000+, depending on the level of customization.


• Assistive devices and equipment. Patients often need devices like wheelchairs, communication boards, or motorized beds to maintain independence. Expenses here typically range from $1,500 to $10,000+, with higher-end, tech-enabled devices driving up costs further.


• Caregiver support. Hiring professional in-home caregivers to assist with daily activities can be essential for those with severe impairments. Costs for these services average $4,000 to $8,000+ per month, or more in regions with a higher cost of living.


• Mental health services: Addressing the psychological aftermath of a TBI often requires counseling, therapy, or support groups. Fees for therapy sessions range from $100 to $200+ per session, creating an ongoing expense for emotional support and mental health recovery.

No single expense seems overwhelming on its own, but when combined, the financial demands of TBI treatment can leave families struggling. From long-term rehabilitation to recurring medication or caregiver costs, it’s easy for bills to climb into the hundreds of thousands or even millions in upfront and lifetime costs.

How Much Money Can I Get for a TBI Injury?

Between mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional impact, it’s only natural to wonder what kind of compensation might be available to help you recover. Compensation for a TBI often falls into two broad categories of damages:

• Economic damages: These cover measurable financial losses, such as medical expenses for surgeries, therapies, and follow-up care, as well as lost income or reduced earning capacity when a TBI disrupts work. Rehabilitation costs, like assistive devices or necessary home modifications, may also be included.


• Non-economic damages: Intangible losses like emotional distress, physical suffering, or the diminished ability to enjoy life are accounted for here. This might include pain from the injury, the loss of engaging in hobbies or family activities, and even the strain on personal relationships caused by long-term recovery.

The road to recovering these and other damages from a TBI isn’t always straightforward. Common avenues for compensation that may require the help of an attorney often include:

• Third-party liability claims: If someone else’s negligence caused the injury, you may be able to hold them accountable through a liability lawsuit. Examples include reckless drivers, negligent property owners, or employers who failed to provide a safe work environment.


• Insurance claims: Depending on the circumstances of your injury, compensation might also involve navigating auto, property, or employer insurance policies. However, in no-fault states, you may need to meet certain thresholds or qualify under specific guidelines to pursue a lawsuit outside basic insurance protections.


• Catastrophic injury cases: For severe TBIs that result in permanent disabilities, you may be eligible for increased compensation due to the lasting impact on daily life and earning potential.

Brain injuries are like fingerprints; no two cases are the same. Some individuals may feel temporary effects, while others face permanent changes to their ability to work, think, or enjoy life. With so much at stake, partnering with a Detroit personal injury lawyer. early on can ensure that no potential avenue for compensation is left unexplored.

Suffering From Accident-Related TBI Injuries? Contact Goodman Acker, P.C., For Experienced Legal Support

No one expects to face the life-changing effects of a traumatic brain injury, but when it happens, understanding your options can make all the difference. Whether it’s a concussion sustained in a car crash or a severe penetrating injury on a job site, knowing your rights is key to finding relief and securing your future.

Detroit personal injury lawyer. at Goodman Acker, P.C., can help you explore your legal options during a confidential and free case evaluation. Are you ready to see how much your case could be worth? Reach out online or at (248) 831-1507 to take the first step toward justice.