Head injuries are some of the most damaging injuries anyone can suffer, and these injuries often pose both short and long-term difficulties to victims and their families. Blunt force trauma to the head can occur from any situation in which the victim’s head collides with a surface or object or when a flying or falling object strikes the victim’s head. This type of injury can easily result in a concussion, skull fracture, and a penetrating injury that physically injures the brain.
While some head injuries occur from completely unpredictable events, it is possible to reduce your risk of sustaining blunt force trauma to the head in certain situations. If you believe another party is responsible for a brain injury, it’s vital to seek legal counsel as soon as possible for the best chance of holding them accountable. If you are unsure whether another party bears fault for a recent head injury, it is still worth consulting an attorney to determine if you have any options for legal recourse that may help you recover your losses.
What Are the Most Commonly Reported Causes of Blunt Force Trauma to the Head?
Blunt force trauma to the head is a serious injury, and some of the most commonly cited causes of this type of injury include:
- Motor vehicle accidents. Vehicle accidents are a leading cause of accidental injuries and deaths throughout the US, and some of these incidents can result in a victim hitting their head on the inside surfaces of their vehicle.
- Falls. Falling from any height can pose a risk of the victim hitting their head on the ground or on a surface or object as they fall.
- Violent crime. Unfortunately, California has a relatively high violent crime rate. Assault, armed robbery, and various other crimes can potentially result in the victim suffering blunt force trauma to the head. The perpetrator will face criminal prosecution in addition to civil claims for damages from victims.
- Workplace accidents. Some workplaces are inherently dangerous in several ways. Construction, commercial logging, and other industries pose a risk of head injury to workers, and even properly worn hardhats can only mitigate the damage of blunt force trauma to the head, not prevent it entirely.
If you believe another party bears responsibility for the blunt force trauma to the head you recently suffered, it’s essential to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to determine your best options for legal recourse. A successful personal injury claim can help you recover compensation for the cost of all the medical treatment you require as well as for your other economic damages and your pain and suffering.
How Do I Win a Brain Injury Case?
If you have grounds to file a civil action against the party responsible for causing your recent head injury, your attorney will guide you through your case proceedings and help you make informed decisions about various aspects of your case. Success with your claim hinges on your ability to identify the party or parties responsible for your head injury and proving the full scope of the resulting damages.
California state law allows personal injury plaintiffs to seek full compensation for any economic losses they sustain due to the actions of other parties. Economic damages commonly associated with head injury claims include immediate medical expenses following the injury, long-term medical treatment costs, and lost income for any time the victim is unable to work due to their head injury. If the victim’s head injury is severe enough to cause permanent damage, they may have grounds to claim compensation for lost future earning capacity if they are unable to return to work due to their head injury.
Plaintiffs in California can also claim compensation for pain and suffering. The amount they can claim hinges on the seriousness of the injury and whether they face long-term or permanent complications. For example, if a plaintiff is expected to make a full recovery with time, rest, and appropriate treatment, their pain and suffering compensation will likely be much less than a plaintiff who faces permanent disability and the total loss of the ability to work and live independently.
FAQs
What Are the Possible Symptoms of a Head Injury?
Blunt force trauma to the head can cause a host of adverse symptoms that will vary in severity on a case-by-case basis. Some of the most commonly reported symptoms include headache, migraine, sensitivity to light and sound, muscle weakness, fatigue, memory loss, and sensory disruptions. It’s also possible for a victim to experience neurological changes, personality shifts, and cognitive impairment from a severe head injury.
Can Blunt Force Trauma to the Head Cause a Concussion?
Concussions are the most likely and the most common conditions resulting from blunt force trauma to the head. Whenever a victim is hit in the head by an object or hits their head on a surface, a concussion is likely to be one of the mildest possible effects they face. However, even a seemingly mild concussion can cause devastating medical issues for the victim.
What Are the Potential Long-Term Effects of Head Trauma?
Blunt force trauma to the head, if severe enough, can potentially cause various permanent disabilities. Some victims will experience significant memory loss, and their families may notice drastic changes in their personalities. Head injuries may also cause persistent headaches, migraines, sensitivity to light and sound, and many other symptoms that can improve or worsen over time. Ultimately, every victim will have a unique experience as they begin to recover from a head injury.
How Long Would a Brain Injury Case Take to Conclude?
Many personal injury claims can be resolved in a matter of weeks or a few months depending on the complexity of a case. However, when liability isn’t immediately clear or a defendant contests liability, the case can take much longer to resolve. Your attorney can provide an estimate of the timetable your case is likely to follow.
Easton & Easton have years of experience representing clients in complex personal injury claims, including those pertaining to brain injuries. If you or a loved one recently suffered blunt force trauma to the head because of the actions of another party, we can help you ensure their accountability and compensation for your damages with a civil action. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
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