Head injuries are some of the most common and serious injuries suffered by car accident victims. Although the side effects of a head injury depend on the severity of the trauma as well as the area of the brain that sustained the majority of the damage, victims generally suffer from headaches, dizziness, and even memory loss. Diagnosing head injuries usually requires intensive diagnostic testing and in some cases, surgery, all of which can quickly add up to overwhelm a victim’s finances. If you sustained a head injury in an accident caused by someone else’s negligent or reckless behavior, it is critical to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you seek compensation for your medical expenses.
Types of Head Injuries
There are two main types of head injuries — closed head injuries and open head injuries. Closed head injuries can be caused by a direct blow to the head, although a direct blow to the head is not required. Recent research suggests that whiplash—a sudden backward and forward movement—can cause the brain to strike the skull, which also can lead to a closed head injury. Often, those suffering from closed head injuries are not even aware that they have suffered a serious head injury because there are few outward signs. While “mild” closed head injuries may result in headaches, more severe injuries involve brain swelling and permanent damage to the brain tissue and nerve cells. Because closed head injuries do not always manifest immediately, it is important for accident victims to remain vigilant for certain symptoms, such as:
- Dilated pupils;
- Persistent headaches;
- Dizziness and nausea;
- Memory issues;
- Sudden and unexplained changes in mood;
- Confusion or difficulty focusing;
- A change in sleep patterns; and
- Vision problems.
The type of treatment recommended by physicians for those suffering from closed head injuries depends on the severity of the injury. For example, some mild injuries require rest and recuperation, while serious trauma may require surgery.
Also referred to as penetrating injuries, open head injuries involve the penetration of the skull itself, which often leads to a skull fragment piercing the brain tissue. This, in turn, can cause bleeding in the brain, which requires surgery to remove the damaged tissue. A failure to repair the damaged area in time could lead to a decreased flow of blood and oxygen to the brain, which can cause permanent brain damage. Although extremely dangerous, open head wounds are more easily diagnosed than closed head injuries, which show no physical evidence of trauma. Still, before performing surgery, the diagnosing physician will conduct a series of CT scans and MRIs to confirm the extent of the damage.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Head trauma can have devastating consequences for injured parties who may suffer the consequences for the rest of their lives. Negligent parties who cause accidents resulting in these types of injuries can and should be held accountable for their actions. Please contact House Law LLC to schedule an initial consultation with a dedicated and compassionate personal injury attorney today to seek compensation for your head injury.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury
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