Blunt force head trauma is one of the most devastating injuries. Blunt force trauma is the sixth-leading cause of death worldwide. Head injuries can also put the victim in a coma, cause brain damage, skull fractures, bleeding in the brain, and other complications.
There are many reasons why one may sustain a head injury, such as from accidents, assault, or negligence. Here are some leading causes of blunt force and how this injury affects the body. You should also know when you will need a Chicago personal injury lawyer.
What Is Blunt Force Trauma?
Blunt force trauma is a physical injury by a blunt object that does not penetrate the skin or any major bodily parts. Blunt force trauma can be applied to any body part, but it’s commonly used to describe impact injuries to the head.
Head injuries are not only devastating but can be expensive, especially if the injury is severe. If your injury was due to someone else’s negligence, it is best to speak to a personal injury lawyer.
Types of Blunt Force Head Trauma Injuries
Blunt force head trauma can result in two types of injuries:
- Concussion
- Contusions
A concussion is a mild injury that temporarily affects brain functioning. A blow to the head usually causes a concussion, possibly resulting in loss of consciousness. In serious cases, concussions can lead to additional brain damage.
Contusions are bruises to the brain and may also cause swelling and bleeding. Blood clots and skull fractures typically cause a contusion. Head contusions may be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Common Causes of Blunt Force Trauma
Blunt force head trauma is a serious injury with many common causes. These include:
- Falls
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Violent crime
There are cases where another person may be responsible for your injuries, such as in a car accident.
If you obtained a head injury due to another’s negligence, you can seek legal help and collect your damages. A personal injury lawyer with a history of successful results can help you reclaim the costs of medical treatment and other economic and non-economic costs.
Who Is at Risk?
Some groups are more at risk of developing traumatic brain injuries than others. Older adults have a slower time recovering from these devastating injuries than other demographics. On the opposite end of the spectrum, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and disability among children.
Men are also more than twice as likely to sustain TBI compared to women. While it is unknown why, the assumption is men are more than likely to engage in riskier behavior, such as drunk driving.
Finally, sports-related TBI is most prevalent in football players, bicyclists, and basketball players.
Blunt Force Head Trauma Effects on Your Health
Blunt force trauma to the head may come with different health effects, depending on the type and severity of the injury. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Paralysis (full or partial)
- Convulsions
- Personality changes
- Loss of consciousness
- Blood pressure drop
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Lack of coordination
- Severe headaches
- Blurred vision
- Vomiting
Long-term brain injury effects include speech and language problems; loss of taste, vision, or smell; and coma. Some effects will take time to manifest, even taking years. Certain injuries, such as bleeding of the brain, are fatal.
If you sustain a brain injury, you should not delay seeking medical attention. And if your brain injury was due to the negligence of another, you have two years to file a personal injury claim. It is best to receive medical attention as soon as possible and contact Chicago personal injury attorneys for a free consultation.
What to Do After a Brain or Head Injury
Brain and head injuries are considered medical emergencies. Concussions are the mildest form of blunt force head trauma and are still considered traumatic brain injuries. You must follow these steps after a brain or head injury.
Get Medical Help
If you sustained a moderate-to-severe head injury, you will need to visit the ER to ensure adequate blood supply and oxygen. If you sustained a mild head injury, such as a concussion, it’s still recommended you visit your general practitioner or go to a walk-in clinic.
Visiting the doctor is essential to prevent further head and neck injuries and other complications. These bills will also serve as proof when you file your personal injury claim.
Undergo Surgery or Go to Rehab
If your doctor suspects there’s damage to the brain tissue, you may have to undergo surgery. Surgery can also address these issues:
- Repairing skull fractures
- Removing blood clots
- Relieving pressure in the skull
- Stop brain bleeding
If your brain damage was significant, you may need to go to rehab. In rehab, you’ll relearn basic skills, such as talking and walking. You may receive inpatient rehab at the hospital or through outpatient services.
If your injuries are mild, you may not require either of these services. For example, those who sustained a concussion often don’t need additional medical services, though their doctor may require a follow-up visit.
Regardless of the injury you sustained or the severity, you should save every medical bill and deliver them to your Chicago personal injury lawyer. They will use this as evidence in your case and will fight to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Will Help You Win Your Case
If another party was responsible for your head injuries, you have legal grounds to file a personal injury case. When you hire the best head injury attorney, they will handle all the legal work to ensure you can recover your damages.
Filing a Lawsuit
Before you file a lawsuit, your blunt trauma lawyer must gather evidence to prove that the other party acted negligently. Your attorney will collect evidence such as police reports, witness statements, video evidence, etc., to prove their guilt. They will also gather documentation to support all of the damages you’re suffering. This can include medical bills, medical expert reports, and proof of time off work.
After your attorney gathers enough evidence, they will proceed with a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance, where your lawyer will negotiate a settlement. If neither party agrees, a lawsuit must be filed on your behalf.
Damages You Can Recover
Here are the possible economic and non-economic damages you can recover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of a normal life
The damages you recover depend on the type of injury, the severity, and the bills you sustained. It’s best to talk to a brain injury lawyer about the damages you can recover.
Are You Looking for a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer?
We understand that blunt force head trauma is a devastating injury. We can help you recover damages if your injuries were due to another party’s negligence. Our attorneys have experience handling blunt force head trauma and TBI cases. We will always be diligent and aggressive, ensuring you receive the settlement you deserve.
If you’re looking for a Chicago personal injury lawyer, contact us today for a free consultation.
