Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

New York City Brain Injury Lawyers Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can change everything in an instant. One moment you are commuting to work, walking through your building lobby, or caring for your family. Next, you are facing headaches, confusion, memory problems, mood swings, and a future that suddenly feels uncertain.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we understand that a brain injury is far more than a medical chart entry. It can mean:

• Lost income and career disruption
• Strained relationships and family stress
• Overwhelming medical bills and long-term care needs
• Anxiety about how you will support yourself in New York City

If someone else’s negligence caused your TBI, you have legal rights under New York law. You may be entitled to substantial compensation for your medical care, lost earnings, and the impact on your quality of life. Our New York City traumatic brain injury lawyers are here to protect you and fight for your future.

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Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) or contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP online to speak with an experienced NYC brain injury attorney today.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force disrupts the brain’s normal function. This can happen when:

• The head is hit, struck, or jolted
• The body is violently shaken or thrown, such as in a car crash
• An object penetrates the skull and injures brain tissue
• A blast or pressure wave impacts the brain
• The brain is deprived of oxygen or blood flow because of trauma or medical error, sometimes called anoxic or hypoxic brain damage

The brain is a soft, delicate tissue protected by a hard skull. It has very little room to move. A sudden impact or rapid acceleration or deceleration can cause the brain to slam against the skull, leading to:

• Bruising and swelling
• Bleeding in or around the brain
• Microscopic tearing of nerve fibers

TBIs are typically classified as:

• Mild TBI / concussion
• Moderate TBI
• Severe TBI

Even a so-called mild TBI can cause serious and lasting problems. In New York City personal injury cases, concussions are often central to claims involving car crashes, falls, and workplace accidents.

Common Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury

Symptoms of Mild TBI / Concussion

• Headache, nausea, or dizziness
• Fatigue or excessive sleepiness
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Feeling dazed, confused, or “not like yourself.”
• Memory or concentration problems
• Irritability, anxiety, or mood changes
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping much more than usual

Symptoms of Moderate to Severe TBI

• Loss of consciousness lasting longer than a few minutes
• Worsening or constant headache
• Repeated vomiting or nausea
• Seizures or convulsions
• Slurred speech or profound confusion
• Weakness or numbness in arms or legs
• Clear fluid draining from the nose or ears
• Coma or other disorders of consciousness

Possible Long-Term Effects

• Difficulty thinking clearly, planning, or solving problems
• Memory loss and trouble focusing on tasks
• Personality changes, depression, anxiety, or anger outbursts
• Chronic headaches and sleep disturbances
• Problems with balance, coordination, or walking
• Difficulty returning to work or school
• Need for ongoing supervision, home care, or long-term support

If you or a loved one has any of these symptoms after a car accident, fall, assault, construction accident, medical event, or other incident in New York, get medical care immediately. Then, speak with an NYC traumatic brain injury lawyer about your legal options.

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in New York City

TBIs can happen in nearly any setting. In our New York practice, we regularly see brain injuries linked to specific types of events. When these events are caused by carelessness, recklessness, or intentional harm, you may have the right to pursue a New York TBI lawsuit.

1. Falls, Slips, Trips and Falls

Falls are among the leading causes of TBIs, especially in:

• Apartment buildings and residential complexes
• Sidewalks, entrances, and stoops throughout NYC
• Office buildings and commercial properties
• Restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and retail stores
• Hotels, malls, and entertainment venues
• Construction sites and scaffolding areas
• Nursing homes and assisted living facilities

Common hazards that lead to New York City slip and fall brain injuries include:

• Wet or greasy floors with no warning signs
• Broken or missing handrails
• Uneven or cracked sidewalks or flooring
• Poor lighting in stairwells or hallways
• Loose mats, cords, or clutter on walking surfaces
• Failure to remove snow, ice, or debris

A fall can cause a brain injury even when there is no visible contact with a sharp object. A hard impact to the body can cause the head to whip back and forth, making the brain collide with the skull.

Under New York premises liability law, property owners, landlords, management companies, and contractors may be held responsible if they failed to maintain reasonably safe conditions or ignored hazards they knew or should have known about.

2. Motor Vehicle Crashes

Motor vehicle accidents in New York City are another major cause of traumatic brain injuries. These include:

• Car accidents on city streets, highways, and bridges
• Truck and commercial vehicle collisions
• Bus crashes involving the MTA, school buses, and private charter buses
• Motorcycle and scooter crashes
• Bicycle and e-bike accidents
• Pedestrian knockdowns in crosswalks or on sidewalks
• Rideshare crashes involving Uber, Lyft, Via, and similar services

Brain injuries in crashes may be caused by:

• The head striking a window, steering wheel, dashboard, or pavement
• The brain being violently jolted inside the skull, even without direct impact
• Airbag deployment or failure
• Rollover crashes where the roof collapses

Negligent driving often plays a central role, such as:

• Distracted driving, texting, or using a phone behind the wheel
• Speeding or aggressive driving in NYC traffic
• Drunk or drug-impaired driving
• Running red lights or failing to yield to pedestrians
• Fatigued or overworked commercial drivers

Sometimes, a defective vehicle component, such as a faulty airbag or seatbelt, contributes to the injury. In these cases, you may have both a negligence claim and a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

3. Construction and Workplace Accidents

In a city that is always under construction, New York construction accidents are a frequent source of TBIs, including:

• Falls from scaffolds, roofs, lifts, or ladders
• Being struck by falling tools, debris, or building materials
• Head impacts with heavy machinery, vehicles, or equipment
• Explosions, structural failures, or collapsing materials

Workers in construction, industrial plants, warehouses, maritime work, and other high-risk jobs face constant exposure to hazards that can cause head and brain injuries.

Depending on the situation, an injured worker may have:

• A New York workers’ compensation claim, and
• A third-party personal injury claim against a negligent subcontractor, property owner, or equipment manufacturer

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our NYC construction accident lawyers look beyond workers’ compensation to identify every potential source of recovery for a traumatic brain injury.

4. Pedestrian Accidents

New York City pedestrians are often unprotected and exposed to traffic risks. Pedestrian brain injuries frequently occur when:

• A driver fails to yield at a crosswalk
• A vehicle speeds through an intersection
• A turning driver does not see a pedestrian in the crosswalk
• A delivery truck or commercial vehicle backs up without proper care

Even at relatively low speeds, a collision between a motor vehicle and an unprotected pedestrian can cause catastrophic TBI.

5. Assaults, Violence, and Negligent Security

Many TBIs in New York City are caused by intentional violence, including:

• Bar fights, street assaults, and mugging attempts
• Domestic violence and child abuse
• Robberies in poorly secured buildings or parking lots
• Attacks in hotels, clubs, or apartment complexes with inadequate security

Head trauma in these cases may come from punches, kicks, being thrown to the ground, or being struck with an object or weapon. These events can result in skull fractures, brain bleeding and swelling, penetrating injuries, and oxygen deprivation.

You may have:

• A civil claim against the attacker, and
• A negligent security claim against a property owner or business that failed to provide reasonable security in a known risk area

Our New York negligent security lawyers evaluate crime histories, lighting conditions, locks, surveillance, and security staffing to build your case.

6. Sports and Recreational Injuries

Sports and recreational activities often cause concussions and brain injuries, especially when safety rules are ignored or equipment is inadequate. Risk is higher in:

• Contact sports such as football, hockey, soccer, boxing, and martial arts
• Activities involving falls or high impacts, such as gymnastics, skating, cycling, horseback riding, or skiing
• Poorly supervised school sports, youth leagues, and camps
• Facilities with unsafe surfaces or poorly maintained equipment

You may have a legal claim if a school, league, coach, or facility:

• Ignored concussion protocols
• Failed to remove a player from play after a head impact
• Provided defective or worn-out helmets or safety gear
• Allowed unsafe playing fields or equipment
• Failed to supervise or train participants appropriately

7. Medical Negligence and Oxygen Deprivation

Not all TBIs involve external blows. Some result from a lack of oxygen or restricted blood flow to the brain, often because of medical errors. Examples include:

• Failure to recognize and treat signs of stroke or brain bleed
• Anesthesia or surgical errors that lead to cardiac or respiratory arrest
• Poor monitoring of patients in surgery, recovery, or intensive care units
• Delayed diagnosis of infections such as meningitis or encephalitis

Birth injuries can also cause permanent brain damage when:

• Fetal distress is not recognized in time
• Labor and delivery are mismanaged
• An emergency C-section is delayed
• Umbilical cord problems or other complications are not handled promptly

These events can cause hypoxic (low oxygen) or anoxic (no oxygen) brain injuries. Even when a crisis is reversed, brain damage can be irreversible.

Medical malpractice and birth injury cases are complex and require expert testimony. Our New York medical malpractice attorneys work with respected specialists to determine whether the standard of care was violated and whether that failure caused the brain injury.

8. Defective Products and Safety Equipment

Some TBIs happen because a product is defectively designed or manufactured, or because it fails to provide the level of protection a user should reasonably expect. Examples include:

• Faulty airbags or seatbelts in motor vehicles
• Defective helmets that do not adequately protect the head
• Unsafe industrial machinery, tools, or equipment
• Defective ladders, scaffolding, or fall protection systems

When a defective product contributes to a brain injury, you may have a New York product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or other entities in the chain of commerce.

9. Blasts, Explosions, and Pressure Wave Injuries

Explosions and blast-related events can cause TBI even without visible head trauma. Victims may include:

• Construction and demolition workers
• Utility and industrial workers
• Residents, workers, and first responders exposed to gas explosions or building blasts

The pressure wave from a blast can disrupt brain function, leading to headaches, dizziness, cognitive issues, and mood changes. These injuries may not appear clearly on early imaging but are very real and disabling.

Who Is Most at Risk for Traumatic Brain Injuries?

Anyone can suffer a TBI. However, certain groups face higher risks in New York City:

• Children and teens
  More likely to sustain TBIs from falls, playground incidents, sports, and recreational activities.
• Older adults
  At high risk of serious TBIs from falls, often with more severe outcomes and longer recovery times.
• Construction and industrial workers
  Regularly exposed to heights, heavy equipment, falling objects, and dangerous work environments.
• Drivers, cyclists, and regular commuters
  Constant exposure to New York City traffic increases the risk of crashes and head injuries.
• Athletes and active youth
  Higher rates of sports-related concussions and repeated head impacts.
• Victims of violence and domestic abuse
  More likely to experience head trauma from assaults or physical attacks.

If anyone in these categories sustains a head injury, it is critical to monitor symptoms closely, seek medical care, and consult an NYC brain injury lawyer to protect their rights.

What Compensation Can a TBI Victim Recover in New York City?

Because traumatic brain injuries often cause long-term physical, emotional, and financial harm, the value of these cases can be significant. Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to recover:

Medical Expenses

• Emergency room care and hospital stays
• Surgeries and follow-up care
• Rehabilitation, physical therapy, and occupational therapy
• Speech and cognitive therapy
• Mental health treatment and medications

Future Care and Support

• Long-term nursing or attendant care
• Home health aides or case managers
• Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, communication devices, or ramps
• Home modifications to improve safety and accessibility

Lost Income and Loss of Earning Capacity

• Wages lost while you are unable to work
• Reduced hours or forced job changes because of limitations
• Permanent loss of earning capacity if you cannot return to your prior occupation or any gainful employment

Non-Economic Damages

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress
• Loss of enjoyment of life and independence
• Interference with hobbies, social activities, and daily routines

Other Out-of-Pocket Costs

• Transportation to medical appointments
• Paid household help or childcare you now need because of your limitations

In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may also recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

Frequently Asked Questions About Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in NYC

1. What are the most common causes of TBI you see in New York City?

Our New York brain injury lawyers most often see TBIs caused by:

• Falls in apartment buildings, stores, and on sidewalks
• Motor vehicle crashes involving cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, and rideshare vehicles
• Construction and workplace accidents, especially falls from heights and falling objects
• Assaults and negligent security incidents in buildings, lots, and nightlife venues
• Sports and recreational activities
• Medical negligence and lack of oxygen events
• Defective products and safety equipment

If your TBI involved a blow, jolt, or oxygen deprivation and someone else may be responsible, it is worth having us review your case.

2. Do I have a case if I never lost consciousness or only have a concussion?

Yes. Many people with traumatic brain injuries never lose consciousness. A concussion is still a brain injury. Symptoms of a mild TBI can include:

• Persistent headaches
• Difficulty concentrating or working
• Mood changes, irritability, or depression
• Sleep problems and fatigue

These symptoms can severely affect your ability to work and enjoy your life in New York City. You may still have a strong case. We often rely on medical records, neuropsychological testing, and testimony from family and coworkers to prove the impact of a so-called mild TBI.

3. Can I pursue a claim if my brain injury came from a fall in my building or on the sidewalk?

Yes, if the fall was caused by a hazardous condition that the owner, landlord, management company, or city knew or should have known about. Examples include:

• Broken or uneven stairs
• Missing or loose handrails
• Slippery floors with no warning signs
• Poorly lit hallways or stairwells
• Cracked, uneven, or crumbling sidewalks

Our NYC premises liability lawyers investigate how long the hazard existed, whether complaints were made, what maintenance was performed, and whether safety codes were violated.

4. Can I have a traumatic brain injury if I never hit my head?

Yes. You do not need to hit your head to suffer a traumatic brain injury. Rapid acceleration or deceleration, such as in a rear-end collision or violent shove, can cause the brain to move within the skull and sustain damage.

If you experienced confusion, dizziness, nausea, headaches, or memory changes after a crash or fall, you may have a TBI even if you do not recall a direct head impact. A prompt medical evaluation is critical, and so is speaking to a New York TBI attorney.

5. What if my brain injury happened at work in New York?

You may have multiple legal options:

• A workers’ compensation claim, which usually covers medical treatment and part of your lost wages, regardless of fault
• A third-party personal injury claim if someone other than your employer, such as a property owner, subcontractor, or equipment manufacturer, contributed to the accident

Workers’ compensation benefits can be limited, especially for a serious New York City brain injury. Our firm examines every angle to maximize your recovery.

6. How do you prove that someone else’s negligence caused my TBI?

We use a combination of factual evidence and expert support, including:

• Accident, incident, and police reports
• Safety and maintenance records, including OSHA and code compliance documents
• Surveillance footage, photos, and scene inspections
• Witness statements and depositions
• Medical records, imaging, and specialist reports
• Expert opinions from neurologists, accident reconstructionists, engineers, life care planners, and economists

We then connect the dots under New York law to show that the defendant owed you a duty, breached that duty, and directly caused your injuries and losses.

7. How long do I have to file a brain injury lawsuit in New York?

Time limits, known as statutes of limitation, depend on the type of case:

• Many New York personal injury cases have a three-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident.
• Claims against cities, transit authorities, public hospitals, or other government entities often require a Notice of Claim within 90 days and have shorter overall time limits.
• Medical malpractice and birth injury cases may follow different rules, especially when minors are involved.

Because missing a deadline can permanently destroy your rights, you should speak with a New York City personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after a suspected TBI.

8. What if I were partially at fault for the incident that caused my TBI?

New York uses a comparative negligence system. You may still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault. Your percentage of fault may reduce your total award.

For example, if your damages are valued at 800,000 dollars and you are found 25 percent responsible, you could still recover 600,000 dollars. Insurance companies often try to exaggerate a victim’s responsibility. Part of our job is to push back against unfair blame and protect your right to a meaningful recovery.

9. How much is my traumatic brain injury case worth?

There is no universal answer. The value of a New York TBI case depends on many factors, including:

• The severity and type of your brain injury
• Whether your symptoms are expected to improve, plateau, or worsen
• How the injury affects your ability to work and care for yourself
• The cost of medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support
• The extent of your pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
• The strength of liability evidence and the amount of available insurance coverage

We do not guess or rely on generic averages. We work closely with your treating doctors and qualified experts to carefully calculate your past and future losses before making any settlement demand.

10. What should I do right now if I think I have a TBI from an accident in NYC?

Take these steps as soon as you can:

1. Get immediate medical care and be honest about all of your symptoms.
2. Follow all treatment recommendations and attend follow-up appointments.
3. Document what happened with photos, witness names, incident reports, and a written record of your symptoms.
4. Avoid signing releases or giving detailed recorded statements to any insurance company before speaking to a lawyer.
5. Contact a New York City brain injury attorney to protect your rights and preserve crucial evidence.

Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP for a New York Traumatic Brain Injury Case?

When you are dealing with a traumatic brain injury in New York City, you need a law firm that understands both the medicine and the law, and that treats you like a person, not a file.

At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP:

• We focus exclusively on personal injury law, including complex New York City brain injury cases.
• We offer local, community-based representation with a Harlem office you can actually visit.
• We provide bilingual services for clients who are more comfortable in another language.
• We have hundreds of positive client reviews and testimonials that reflect our responsiveness and results.
• We are top-rated and award-winning, recognized by respected organizations such as Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers.
• We handle the insurance companies and defense lawyers so you can focus on healing.
• We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no fee unless we win.

Our firm motto is clear:
“Don’t Be a Victim Twice.”

We have seven convenient locations throughout New York, including:

• Harlem
• The Bronx
• Brooklyn
• Queens
• Staten Island
• Yonkers
• Nassau County

Your convenience and peace of mind are our priorities.

Do not be a victim twice. Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462).

Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) today to schedule your free consultation with a New York City traumatic brain injury lawyer and take the first step toward the compensation and justice you deserve.

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