Head Trauma Lawyers in Salt Lake City, UT
Most Common Injury - Head Trauma
One of the most frequently seen types of injuries in an accident — motor vehicle accidents in particular — is head trauma. Although it is common, it is an extremely serious type of injury and must be treated immediately. Often, head injuries can be life changing and even fatal, especially if they are not diagnosed and treated promptly. The CDC reports that traumatic brain injuries contribute to a third of all injury related deaths in the U.S.
If you or a loved one experienced head trauma as the result of an accident, don't hesitate to seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Follow up with a consultation with an experienced Utah head trauma attorney to learn more about your rights and legal options as a victim.
Types of Head Injuries
There are two main types of head injuries that can occur:
Closed Head Injury
A closed head injury can be either mild or severe, and is caused when the brain moves inside the skull and “bumps” up against the inside of the skull.
Penetrating Head Injury
A penetrating head injury is almost always severe, where an object has penetrated or is lodged into the skull and possibly the brain. One of the most common causes of penetrating head injuries is gunshot wounds, however, this type of head injury can also occur in motor vehicle accidents when glass and flying debris come into contact with a victim's head.
Either type of head injury can be extremely dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
Mild vs. Severe Head Trauma
The CDC classifies head trauma as being either mild or severe.
Mild Head Trauma
Mild head trauma is quite common, and can result from all different types of accidents. A slip and fall might cause a concussion, while a minor bicycle accident could cause the same. While many cases of mild head injuries resolve on their own, symptoms may persist for days, weeks, or even months. Symptoms of a mild head injury may include:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Emotional or behavioral changes
- Problems concentrating
- Difficulty with balance
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Sleeping problems
Some people may experience marked symptoms, while others may only experience mild to moderate changes and may be unsure of the cause.
Severe Head Trauma
When head trauma is severe, a person is at a significant risk for lasting problems and in some cases, even death. However, with today's medical advancements, many severe brain injuries can be treated successfully with surgery, medications, and therapy. Symptoms of a severe brain injury may include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory problems
- Extreme weakness and other motor function issues
- Problems with hearing, vision, and other senses
- Extreme mood swings and other marked changes in behavior
In many cases, severe brain injuries can have lasting consequences. The CDC estimates that approximately 5.3 million people are living with a disability related to head trauma.
Bottom Line: Brain injuries are serious and the costs associated with them can be astronomical. From medical expenses to lost time from work, and in many cases, the total inability to ever work again, families can easily be put under extreme financial strain after an accident and resulting head injury. If the accident was caused by the carelessness or negligence of someone else, you may be able to recover compensation for the damages you've incurred.
George Tait Law and its lawyers are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions about your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well. George Tait Law and its attorneys are licensed to practice law only in the State of Utah and maintain offices in Salt Lake City, Utah. No attorney client relationship is established by simply visiting this website.