Some of the most catastrophic injuries that you can suffer in an accident are traumatic brain injuries. Blunt force trauma to your head can leave you battling for your life. If you make it through, you might still need long-term medical care.
Across the United States, 1.7 million people suffer traumatic brain injuries each year. If you are among this number because of another party’s negligent or intentional conduct, you may be entitled to file a claim and receive compensation. Learn more about brain injuries due to blunt force trauma and what they can mean for your future.
Understanding Blunt Force Head Trauma
Blunt force head trauma refers to a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in which an external force hits the head with enough power to shift the brain but does not penetrate the skull. The severity of the injury can depend on the force of the blow, the bone structure of the skull, and the place of impact.
The most common type of blunt force head trauma is a concussion. Although a concussion is considered a mild TBI, it can still cause significant damage to the brain. Healing from a concussion can take anywhere from a few days to several months.
Another common type of TBI — and one that is much more serious — is a diffuse axonal injury (DAI). A DAI occurs when there’s widespread damage to the brain’s white matter as a result of the organ rotating in the skull. The injury breaks down communications between nerve cells in the brain and causes the release of chemicals that further damage the area. DAIs can be fatal.
A hematoma (blood pooling within the body as a result of burst blood vessels) can also occur after blunt force head trauma. A hematoma around or in the brain can be life-threatening.
Common Symptoms of Blunt Force Head Trauma
The exact symptoms of a TBI will depend on the severity of the injury. You can experience:
- Seizures
- Headaches
- Light sensitivity
- Unequal pupil size
- Irritability
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Mood changes
- Depression or anxiety
- Slurred speech
The signs of TBIs in children and infants may be different. They typically include unstoppable crying, changes in eating or nursing habits, loss of skills (like toilet training), and sadness.
What Causes Blunt Force Head Trauma?
The most common cause of blunt force head trauma is falls. Although they can occur to anyone, the youngest and oldest age groups are those most at risk of falling.
Car accidents are another very common cause of TBIs. Rear-end collisions often lead to concussions because of the jolt of one vehicle hitting another, but any crash has the potential to damage your brain. Those who ride motorcycles are at high risk, especially if they don’t wear helmets.
Another cause of blunt force head trauma is being struck by an object. This can occur at construction sites, warehouses, and other workplaces.
What To Do After Suffering Blunt Force Head Trauma in Clearwater, FL
A TBI of any type can leave you battling with health issues that require medical care and prevent you from living your life as you want to. If the injury was the result of another party’s negligent or wrongful conduct, consider contacting an attorney to help you file a personal injury claim. This civil action could allow you to recuperate the losses you’ve sustained.
Contact the Clearwater Personal Injury Law Firm of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Clearwater. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.
We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 787-2500
