Do Helmets Prevent Serious Brain Injuries?

Helmets and Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) happen when a sudden external force impacts the head, leading to damage and dysfunction in the brain. People most commonly experience TBIs from a fall, traffic accident, or assault. The severity of TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering injuries, and even fatalities.

Understanding the risks and consequences of TBIs, various organizations and governmental bodies, like the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Department of Transportation, set standards and regulations for helmet design and safety. Compliance with these standards ensures that helmets are effective in preventing brain injuries.

Helmets act as a crucial line of defense by dissipating and absorbing the impact forces during accidents. They are specifically designed to protect the skull, brain, and surrounding tissues from direct trauma, thus reducing the likelihood and severity of TBIs.

How Effective Are Helmets?

Many scientific studies and real-world data demonstrate the effectiveness of helmets in preventing brain injuries. Research shows that wearing helmets significantly reduces the risk of severe brain injuries and fatalities in accidents involving motorcycles, bicycles, and other recreational activities.

While helmets provide substantial protection, they are not foolproof. High-impact accidents or collisions at excessive speeds may still result in brain injuries despite helmet usage. Therefore, helmets should be considered a vital safety tool but not a guarantee against all types of brain injuries.

Personal Injury Claims Involving Helmets

In personal injury claims, helmet usage can play a significant role in determining liability. In some jurisdictions, failure to wear a helmet while participating in certain activities, such as riding a motorcycle or bicycle, may impact the injured party's ability to recover compensation! Defendants may argue that the plaintiff's failure to wear a helmet contributed to their injuries, leading to shared or reduced liability.

If a court finds that both the plaintiff and the defendant bear some responsibility for the accident, the compensation awarded may be reduced in proportion to the plaintiff's level of negligence. Wearing a helmet, even where not legally required, can strengthen the plaintiff's case by demonstrating their commitment to safety.

In some cases, personal injury claims involving helmets may be related to defective products. If a helmet fails to perform as expected due to design flaws or manufacturing defects, the injured party may have a product liability claim against the helmet manufacturer.

Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney

Have you or loved ones been injured in an accident involving a defective helmet? Call the Law Offices of Andrew Zeytuntsyan to explore your legal options. You shouldn’t be left paying the price for others’ negligence or ill-will!