Jason Stephens | April 15, 2023 | Brain Injuries
Blunt force head trauma is a family of complex head injuries affecting thousands of individuals yearly. The consequences of even mild brain or head injuries can be devastating, often resulting in long-term impairment. Here is everything you need to know about these serious injuries.
What Is Blunt Force Head Trauma?
Blunt force head trauma occurs whenever an external force, such as a sharp object or a sudden impact, strikes the head and causes injury.
The head is one of the human body’s most fragile parts, and a sudden impact can damage the skull, brain, blood vessels, and other surrounding tissues.
As a result, blunt force head trauma can cause a wide range of symptoms and complications that can affect regular bodily functions, such as:
- Cognitive abilities
- Emotional and psychological health
- Motor functions
- Speech
In some cases, severe blunt force trauma can leave individuals in comas, cause permanent paralysis, or even death.
Common Ways Blunt Force Head Trauma Occurs
Some of the most common situations that put individuals at risk for these severe brain injuries include:
Car Crashes
Blunt force head injuries often occur during motor vehicle collisions. High-speed impacts, rollovers, or sudden stops can cause the head to strike hard surfaces or objects, leading to injury.
Falls
Slip and fall accidents are the second major cause of head injuries in the United States, especially when they occur from a significant height or on hard surfaces. Slips can happen in various settings, from construction sites to private businesses to public streets. These accidents can occur at work or even at home.
Contact Sports
Sports like football, hockey, rugby, and martial arts are known to expose participants to the risk of blunt force head trauma. Head injuries can still occur even when helmets and other safety precautions are taken.
Symptoms of Blunt Force Head Trauma
Blunt force head trauma can manifest in various forms, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Concussions
Concussions are the most common traumatic brain injuries and result from a sudden impact on the head.
Whenever internal brain tissues become damaged or swollen, symptoms can develop, such as:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Brain fog
- Confusion
- Memory loss
Although concussions usually heal independently, repeated concussions can cause degenerative brain conditions such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Contusions
Contusions are “bruises” on the brain caused by direct impact on the head. Symptoms can be similar to those of a concussion but may also include seizures, muscle weakness, and changes in speech or vision.
Skull Fractures
A skull fracture occurs when the bones surrounding the brain, including the skull plate, become cracked or broken due to a hard impact.
Symptoms of a skull fracture can include:
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Permanent disfigurement
In some cases, fractures can be severe enough to expose the internal tissues that protect the brain. When left untreated, infections can spread and cause life-threatening conditions.
Blunt Force Head Trauma Statistics
According to the CDC, traumatic brain injuries account for roughly 30% of all injury-related deaths in the country. Nearly 1.7 million people suffer head injuries yearly, many of which are caused by blunt force trauma.
In 2020 alone, over 64,360 traumatic brain injury (TBI) deaths were reported in the United States. While not all blunt force trauma injuries result in death, many victims can be left with long-term physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities.
The CDC reports that more than 5.3 million Americans have a disability caused by TBI and other brain injuries.
Recovering Personal Injury Compensation for Blunt Force Head Trauma
Texas personal injury law is on your side when negligent parties engage in behavior that results in a TBI or other head injury. These injuries are often preventable, and you may be able to seek compensation for the harm you suffered if it was due to another party’s reckless actions.
A personal injury lawyer can assess the circumstances behind your injury and determine your legal options.
Contact Our Brain Injury Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth brain injury lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 300
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000