Falls are one of the most common causes of accidental injuries. In some cases a fall leads to a traumatic brain injury or intracranial bleeding that ultimately results in death. Despite the clear connection between the fall and the fatal injury, accidental death and dismemberment insurers sometimes deny these claims.
These denials often occur when the insurer argues that the brain bleed was caused by a medical condition rather than the fall itself.
Attorney Christian Lassen represents beneficiaries nationwide in disputes involving denied accidental death insurance claims.
How Brain Bleeds Occur After Falls
A fall can cause several types of brain injuries, including subdural hematomas, epidural hematomas, or other forms of intracranial bleeding. These injuries occur when blood vessels in or around the brain rupture due to the impact.
In many situations the sequence of events begins with a sudden fall followed by head trauma. The bleeding may develop immediately or progress over time.
Common scenarios include:
A fall on stairs or hard flooring
A fall in a bathroom or kitchen
A fall at work or in a public place
A fall in a nursing home or assisted living facility
A fall caused by slipping on ice or wet surfaces
Even a relatively short fall can produce serious brain injuries depending on how the head strikes the ground.
Why AD&D Insurers Deny Brain Bleed Claims
If an accidental death claim has been denied following a fall that caused a brain bleed or head injury, legal review may help determine whether the insurer properly applied the policy terms.