Accidents happen every day and sometimes they can lead to serious injuries. A car crash, motorcycle accident, truck collision, assault or fall can all lead to a closed head injury, which is potentially fatal. A closed head injury is a term used to describe any “injury to the brain or structures within the skull that are not caused by a penetrating injury, such as a gunshot wound or stab wound.” It is usually caused when the head receives a hard blow from an object.
There are different types of brain injuries, including concussion, bruising of the brain (contusion), subarachnoid hemorrhage and subdural hematoma. While some brain injuries are minor, more than half a million head injuries are severe enough to require hospitalization each year.
A serious closed head injury can cause bleeding inside the brain or severe damage. These types of head injuries can lead to any of the following:
- Changes in personality, mental abilities or emotions
- Problems with speech or language
- Loss of hearing, vision, taste, smell or other sensation
- Seizures
- Coma
- Paralysis
If you or a loved one has been involved in a large truck accident or other traumatic event, it is important to recognize the signs of a closed head injury. Some of the warning signs of a head injury are as follows:
- Unconsciousness
- Drop in blood pressure
- Convulsions
- Fluid drainage from nose, mouth or ears, which may be clear or bloody
- Severe headache
- Unusual behavior
- Slurred speech
- Vomiting
- Lack of coordination
- Stiff neck
- Fatigue
Any of these symptoms should prompt you to seek medical attention immediately. Hospitalization will most likely be required so that the doctor can closely observe you. An intracranial pressure monitor probe may be used to observe the pressure in the skull. Medications may be given to control seizures and antibiotics are sometimes prescribed. If there is bleeding inside the skull, surgery may be needed.
Serious head injuries can result in anything from a full recovery to permanent complications. If you or a family member has a closed head injury that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The serious injury attorneys at Tavss Fletcher will be able to review your case to determine who was at fault. Call our office today at 757-625-1214 for a legal consultation.