Blunt force trauma to the head has devastating effects on physical abilities, cognitive function, emotional well-being, and financial stability.
At Lorenz & Lorenz, we strive to help accident survivors understand what blunt force head trauma is, how it can impact their lives, and the best steps for protecting legal rights to compensation when negligent or reckless parties cause these injuries. By informing you of these critical issues, we make it easier for you to confidently pursue a personal injury case with the help of our traumatic brain injury lawyers.What is Blunt Force Trauma To The Head?
Blunt force trauma to the head refers to an injury caused by a sudden and direct impact to the skull that does not penetrate the brain. The degree of severity ranges on the force of the blow, the area of impact, and the bone structure of the skull, with general classifications for brain injuries including minor, mild, moderate, and severe injuries:
- Minor traumatic brain injury: The most common form of TBI, where the brain is slightly jolted or shaken.
- Mild traumatic brain injury: Similar to minor traumatic injuries, but with symptoms that may last longer than 15 minutes.
- Moderate traumatic injury: More severe than a mild TBI, resulting in temporary loss of consciousness and other cognitive impairments.
- Severe traumatic brain injury: The most catastrophic form of TBI, which can cause long-term or permanent disabilities and limitations.
What Causes Blunt Force Head Injuries?
Blunt force trauma can occur in any accident, particularly:- Car Accidents: Auto accidents are a leading cause of blunt-force head traumas. These often result from driver negligence, like speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence. Defective vehicle parts or hazardous road conditions can also contribute. Even rear-end collisions, typically causing neck or spinal injuries, can lead to cranial trauma if the impact is severe.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrian accidents account for 15% of all TBI-related injuries in the U.S. Motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians almost guarantee intracranial injuries, often accompanied by blood clots, skull fractures, and hemorrhages. Other risks include falling debris from construction sites, slipping on poorly maintained pavements, and improperly secured objects.
- Bicycle Accidents: Cyclists hit by motor vehicles often suffer multiple injuries, including brain trauma and potential abdominal trauma. Open car doors, poorly designed bike lanes, and defective bicycle parts also pose significant threats. Drivers, municipalities, or bicycle companies may share responsibility, making legal representation crucial for compensation claims.
- Sports Injuries: Athletes face high risks of traumatic brain injuries from blunt force impacts. Contact sports like football, hockey, and soccer are associated with concussions that can cause permanent damage if untreated. Even non-contact sports such as cheerleading or skateboarding carry risks of blunt force injuries from falls or collisions. Coaches and trainers must take precautions to prevent these injuries, as they may be liable for resulting damages.
- Slip and Fall Accidents: Slip and fall accidents occur when individuals lose their footing due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or other hazards. These incidents can cause serious cranial injuries, especially if the person strikes their head on a hard surface. Property owners may be held liable if negligence contributed to the unsafe conditions.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable in collisions due to the lack of protective barriers. High-speed impacts often result in severe trauma, even when helmets are worn. Road hazards, inattentive drivers, and mechanical failures can all contribute to motorcycle accidents, necessitating thorough legal investigation to determine liability.
What Are the Different Types of Blunt Trauma Injuries?
Blunt trauma injuries encompass a range of conditions resulting from impacts or collisions. Understanding these injuries is crucial for seeking timely medical intervention and legal advice. Here are the primary types:
- Concussions: Caused by the sudden jarring or shaking of the head. Concussions occur when the brain ricochets against the skull, resulting in bruising and swelling. If left untreated, a concussion can lead to permanent brain damage and even death.
- Skull Fractures: Skull fractures occur when the bones in the skull break or crack. This type of injury often results from high-impact collisions or falls and can cause severe pain, swelling, and bleeding.
- Hemorrhages: A hemorrhage is a type of internal bleeding that occurs when blood vessels in the brain rupture due to trauma. This can result in swelling and pressure on the brain, limiting oxygen flow and leading to permanent damage if left untreated.
- Contusions: Contusions are bruises on the surface of the brain caused by blunt force impact. These injuries often occur with other types of TBIs and may require surgery or medication for proper treatment.
- Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): This type of injury occurs when nerve fibers within the brain are sheared or ripped. It commonly occurs in high-speed car accidents or severe falls and can cause widespread brain damage.
- Subdural Hematoma: Subdural hematomas occur when blood collects between the brain and its outer covering (the dura). This can increase pressure on the brain and cause severe headaches, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Immediate treatment is critical.
- Epidural Hematoma: An epidural hematoma involves bleeding between the inner surface of the skull and the outer layer of the brain. Often resulting from a skull fracture, it can lead to rapid increases in intracranial pressure, necessitating urgent medical intervention.
- Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): CTE is a progressive degenerative disease found in individuals with a history of repetitive brain trauma. Symptoms may include memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, and behavioral changes. This condition often develops over years or decades following the initial injuries.
- Blunt Cardiac Injury: This type of injury involves damage to the heart muscle or surrounding structures due to blunt force impact. It can result in contusions, lacerations, and other serious complications.
What Are the Symptoms of Blunt Force Head Injuries?
What often feels like a headache after an accident could be a precursor to a more severe injury. Symptoms of blunt force trauma can range from mild to severe and may include:- Headaches or migraines
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Memory loss or confusion
- Changes in mood or personality
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Speech or vision impairments
- Chronic pain or discomfort
How Are TBIs Diagnosed and Treated?
Medical professionals rely on a combination of methods to diagnose and treat traumatic brain injuries, including but not limited to:- Physical examination and patient history
- Neurological testing and imaging
- Observation of symptoms and their progression
- Medications, such as anti-inflammatory or blood thinners
- Surgery to repair damaged tissue or relieve pressure in the brain
- Rehabilitation therapy, including physical, occupational, and speech therapies.
How Much Do Head Traumas and TBIs Cost?
No matter the severity, blunt force trauma to any part of the body results in costly medical bills, lost wages, and other significant expenses. TBIs are no exception. Typical costs for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for blunt force trauma in Texas include but are not limited to:- Emergency room visits: The average cost of an ER Visit in Texas is $2,536. This does not include additional costs for ambulance rides to the ER or on-site emergency paramedic care, which often exceeds $2,500.
- Hospital stays: A severe head or brain injury may require a hospital stay, with an average cost of $2,913 per day in Texas. When injuries result from catastrophic motor vehicle crashes, victims could be in the hospital for weeks or months, leaving them with a final medical bill in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- Lost wages and income: These injuries can leave victims unable to work temporarily or permanently. With lost wages, potential future earnings, and benefits such as sick leave or vacation time taken into account, the cost of lost income from a TBI can be hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
- Long-term care needs: There is no quick bouncing back from a traumatic brain injury. For many, the road to recovery is long and challenging, requiring ongoing medical care, rehabilitation therapy, and home health aides. These services can cost anywhere from $45,000 to $150,000+ per year.
Should I Hire A Lawyer If I Have Suffered a Head Trauma Injury?
Considering that the upfront costs of such injuries can exceed $250,000 and total $3+ million over a lifetime, victims can't afford to risk their emotional and financial future to the burden of medical costs and lost earnings. By hiring a traumatic brain injury lawyer to handle your case, you can ensure:
- Proper investigation and preservation of evidence related to the accident
- Adequate support in proving liability for your injuries against all responsible parties
- Accurate calculation of damages suffered from your traumatic brain injury, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiations with insurance companies or legal representation on your behalf during a lawsuit.
What Should I Do After An Accident Involving A Head Injury?
Though any accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next, it is essential to take immediate action using these vital tips:- Seek further medical attention: Even if an emergency department physician has cleared you, follow-up appointments with a primary care or specialist provider are crucial in monitoring and treating your injuries.
- Keep a record of all medical expenses: This includes bills, prescriptions, travel costs to appointments, and any other related expenses.
- Document the accident: Take photos of the scene and any visible injuries. Obtain witness statements and contact information.
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer: They can help guide you through the legal process and protect your rights while seeking maximum compensation for injuries.
Wrapping Your Head Around Blunt Force Trauma
From car accidents and pedestrian mishaps to sports incidents and slips and falls, blunt-force head trauma can occur in numerous ways, each with potentially devastating consequences. Unfortunately, understanding the causes, effects, and symptoms of such injuries may not prevent accidents from occurring. However, it will help you confidently identify potential costs for treatment and legal options that maximize your chances of financial stability and full recovery. If you have suffered blunt force trauma to the head, seek immediate medical attention and consult an experienced personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.