Head trauma is an all-too-common consequence of accidents and physical altercations, affecting millions of people each year. A blow to the head can have serious and lasting effects, potentially affecting your ability to work and quality of life for years to come. If you have suffered blunt force trauma to the head caused by someone else’s negligent or intentional actions, a personal injury claim can hold them accountable for the harm they have caused.
Here is what you should know about head trauma, including common types of injuries and blunt force trauma symptoms to watch for.
What Is Blunt Force Trauma?
Blunt force trauma is a type of injury caused by forceful impact with a blunt surface or object that does not cause penetrating injury. Blunt trauma can be particularly severe when it involves the head. Most serious traumatic injuries involve blunt trauma from motor vehicle accidents or falls.
There are four broad types of blunt trauma:
- Contusion or bruise caused by damage to capillaries and localized bleeding
- Abrasion or a scrape where the skin is rubbed off
- Laceration, a tear or deep cut caused by trauma
- Fracture or a broken bone
Blunt-force head trauma often results in brain injuries. These injuries can be focal injuries, which are localized to one specific area of the brain, or diffuse injuries, which affect a larger region.
Blunt Force Head Trauma Symptoms
Blunt trauma symptoms depend on the type and severity of the injury. Bleeding is common because the scalp has many blood vessels close to the surface. Even minor lacerations can bleed a lot.
Symptoms of blunt force trauma to the head may also include:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
- Headache
- Memory loss
- Sensitivity to sound and light
- Slurred speech
- Poor coordination
- Unequal pupils
- Loss of consciousness
With a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), symptoms usually resolve within one to two months. With a more serious brain injury, symptoms may change over time, and there may be long-term consequences.
Types of Injuries Caused By Blunt Force Head Trauma
Blunt force head trauma can result in various injuries depending on the cause and force.
Common head injuries caused by blunt trauma are:
- Contusions: Bruises happen when the blunt impact ruptures blood vessels and causes blood and other fluids to leak out into the surrounding tissue.
- Fracture: Broken bones can occur with high-impact blunt trauma to the head. Common fractures include the skull, jaw, nose, and orbital sockets.
- Concussion: A mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting in temporary cognitive impairment.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Brain damage caused by external force, which may be mild to severe.
- Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): Damage to the brain’s nerve fibers as the brain rotates and shifts, causing widespread damage.
- Epidural Hematoma: Bleeding between the skull and the outer brain covering (dura mater).
- Subdural Hematoma: Bleeding between the brain’s covering (dura mater) and the brain.
- Intracerebral Hematoma: Bleeding within the brain tissue.
Some of these injuries are more severe than others, but any blow to the head should be taken seriously.
What Causes Blunt Force Head Trauma?
Blunt force head trauma can happen in any type of accident, but it’s usually the result of motor vehicle accidents like car accidents, pedestrian accidents, and motorcycle accidents. High-impact collisions can cause the head to strike hard surfaces inside the vehicle or cause injury when flying debris strikes the head.
Slip and fall accidents are common causes of blunt head trauma, too, particularly in older adults. Sports injuries and assault may also lead to serious blunt-force head injuries.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help if You Experience Blunt Force Head Trauma
Blunt head trauma can have lasting consequences, potentially resulting in long-term cognitive impairment, disability, chronic pain, persistent concussion symptoms, and more. If you believe someone else was responsible for your injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Florida law allows you to hold the at-fault party accountable for the losses you have suffered. A personal injury lawyer can help you explore your legal options.
Contact the Pinellas County Personal Injury Law Firm Of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers for Help
For more information, please contact the Clearwater and St. Petersburg personal injury law firm of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Pinellas County and its surrounding areas:
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater
1875 N Belcher Rd. STE 201,
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 591-3354
Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg
2560 1st Ave S,
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 591-3354
The post Everything You Need to Know About Blunt Force Head Trauma appeared first on Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes Personal Injury Lawyers.
