Everything You Need To Know About Blunt Force Head Trauma

Blunt force head trauma occurs when your head comes into contact with another object or surface. This may occur because your head struck a surface, or because an object struck your head.

The potential consequences of blunt force head trauma are wide-ranging. Some people who sustain blunt force head trauma experience injuries that heal in time. Others sustain injuries that may affect their lives indefinitely.

The following overview explains how blunt force head trauma may happen and what the potential health effects of it can be. It also discusses legal options for those injured due to others’ negligence.

What Health Issues May Result from Blunt Force Head Trauma?

Blunt force head trauma can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). According to research available through the National Institutes of Health, TBIs are the most common causes of death in individuals younger than 25 years of age.

Someone who survives a TBI resulting from blunt force head trauma may nevertheless experience a range of potential complications. Some of these symptoms and complications may permanently impact a victim’s quality of life.

Examples of complications potentially resulting from a TBI include:

• Cognitive difficulties
• Memory issues
• Mood changes
• Difficulty concentrating
• Increased risk of coma, blood clots, nerve damage, and similar health issues

That’s not an exhaustive list. When someone sustains a TBI due to blunt force head trauma, there’s a good chance their injuries will at least require some medical treatment. Depending on the severity of their injuries, they may need ongoing care.

What Are the Symptoms of a TBI from Blunt Force Head Trauma?

Recognizing the symptoms of a TBI is vital. The sooner you seek care for this type of injury, the better your eventual outcome may be.

According to the Mayo Clinic, common symptoms of a TBI include (but aren’t limited to):

• Headache
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Tiredness
• Balance issues
• Blurred vision
• Smelling odors or aromas that have no clear source
• Ringing ears
• Sleeping excessively in the days following head trauma
• Experiencing mood and/or cognition changes in the days following head trauma

It is always essential to see a doctor right away when you’ve experienced a potential head injury. Be aware that some people don’t experience the symptoms of head trauma right away. It’s not uncommon for the symptoms of a concussion or a TBI to be delayed.

If you’ve struck your head or something else has struck it, see a doctor. Seeking medical care right away may also improve your chances of receiving financial compensation for your injuries.

What Are Common Causes of Blunt Force Head Trauma?

A person may sustain blunt force head trauma in a variety of ways. Potential causes include:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Slip and falls, trip and falls, or other falling accidents
• Assaults
• Medical malpractice

Those are just a few examples. Any instance in which your head strikes a surface or is struck by a powerful object could qualify as blunt force head trauma.

Seeking Compensation for Blunt Force Head Trauma in Massachusetts

Your injuries may require medical treatment for which you’re not prepared to pay if you’ve experienced blunt force head trauma. You may also be unable to return to your job due to your injuries. If they result in severe impairment, your injuries might prevent you from securing any form of gainful employment.

You might not have to absorb the cost of these losses. If your injuries resulted from the negligence of another party, you may file a claim with their insurance to seek compensation.

For example, maybe you sustained blunt force head trauma in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property. You might be eligible for compensation if your accident resulted from the presence of a hazard the property owner should have removed.

In Massachusetts, there may also be instances when you can pursue compensation for blunt force head trauma injuries without proving negligence. This may be the case if you sustained blunt force head trauma in a car accident. Because Massachusetts is a no-fault state, your own insurer is responsible for compensating you when you sustain car crash injuries.

One of the best ways to learn about your legal options in these circumstances is to review your case with a legal professional. At Swartz & Swartz, P.C., our Boston blunt force head trauma attorneys will gladly explain what your options may be right now. We’re also prepared to offer aggressive representation on your behalf. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us today at (617) 742-1900 for a free consultation.

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If you or someone you know, needs help from a lawyer, contact the law offices of Swartz & Swartz, use our live chat, or send us a message using the form below and we’ll get in touch to assess your case and how we can help.