Train Accidents Causes Severe Brain Injuries
In a three-year study, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Office of Safety Analysis reported a rise in train collisions in the United States. The increase occurred from June 2005 to June 2008, accounted for 13 percent jump through out the country. This figure further increased after the train accident in California in September 2008. According to officials from train system Metrolink, in this accident, a train engineer failed to stop the train at red light causing a train collision killing 25 and injuring 135 individuals.
One of the most common injuries that occur during a train accident is a Traumatic Brain Injury. Currently, approximately 2 million Americans suffer from TBI. However, the exact no. of victims suffering from TBI due to a train collision is unknown.
According to statistics from the FRA, there have been approximately 10,000 train accidents in the United States over the last three years. Majority of the train accidents occurred in Texas, followed closely by Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, Ohio and California. Individuals involved in a train accident know the severity of injuries ranging from fractured bones to severe brain injury, which can affect an individual’s life. As TBI is a serious condition, it should not be taken lightly because it can cause various side effects, which can range from sensory disorders to paralysis. An individual involved in a train wreck should consult a health care professional if in case he suffers from TBI. Thereafter, seek the advice of an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney for filing a lawsuit.
Causes of Train Wreck
According to the FRA, there are several reasons for a train accident to occur. However, most of these accidents occur due to defective parts with the tracks or train. Most of the train wreck collision occurs due to the following reasons:
- switch improperly lined
- shoving movement, failure to control
- harmonic rock off
- wide gage
- transverse/compound fissure
- switch point broken or worn
- failure to comply with restricted speed
- cars left foul
Unfortunately, most of the train accidents occur due to human error or over sightedness. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Statistics, majority of the rail transportation position requires little more then a high school diploma and no or little previous experience. Locomotive engineers are the only rail professionals regulated by the FRA. However, as seen in the California train accident, even an experienced locomotive engineer can cause a train collision.
Brain Injury Treatment and Side Effects
While nobody knows the exact no. of brain injury victims involved in a train wreck, it is important for a TBI victim to get a proper medical treatment if they suffer from a bump on a fractured skull. People suffering from brain damage do not know about their condition until the TBI side effects worsen. All the TBI victims and their family and friends should carefully watch the following symptoms. According to the Neurology Channel, a certified neurological information center developed by specialized neurologists and physicians, signs and symptoms of TBI includes the following:
- impulsiveness
- irritability
- vision impairments such as double/blurry vision
- headache
- vertigo sensations
- muscle stiffness or spasms
- lightheadedness
- sleep difficulties
- incoordination
- anxiety, nervousness
- inappropriate laughter
- disinihibition
- inability to concentrate
- dizziness
- seizures
- slurred/slowed speech
- weakness in facial muscles, limbs
- loss of balance
- dysphasia
Living With a Brain Injury Caused by a Train Collision
Individuals who suffered from a train accident should contact a knowledgeable train wreck layer. An experienced attorney will offer you insightful information for developing a personal injury lawsuit.
As medical bills are highly expensive, filing a lawsuit may help you receive monetary compensation for the damages caused to you.