Blunt Force Trauma Injuries
Blunt force trauma can best be described as a “Relatively low velocity impact on a large area”
blunt force trauma typically occurs when an object hits the body in an un-penetrating way. Examples of blunt force trauma in real life include an ornament hitting your skull from a shelf, a refrigerator door closing on you, or a heavy object falling on your feet.
What are the most common locations for blunt force trauma injuries?
Blunt trauma can occur anywhere on the body and through any type of accident.
A range of causes
Blunt force trauma injuries are most commonly caused in car accidents. Additionally playing sports or performing manual labour increases the likelihood of suffering a blunt trauma injury. Finally a significant proportion of blunt force trauma injuries worldwide are caused by physical assault.
What are the consequences of a blunt force trauma to the head?
Most blunt force head traumas result in a concussion. Because of the large surface area of blunt force trauma injuries the brain shakes which often causes a concussion. A blunt force trauma can also cause permanent brain damage, which can lead to loss of function of certain parts of the brain.
While blunt force trauma can often be felt immediately, it is possible for symptoms to take several days, weeks or even years before they become apparent. The exact nature of the injury can determine whether symptoms are permanent or temporary.
Here’s a quick list of the most frequent brain injury symptoms:
- Confusion
- Balance loss
- Slogarious speech
- Brilliance in vision
- Nausea and throwing-up
- Increased irritability
- Partial paralysis
- Chronic headaches
What should you do after you have suffered a blunt force trauma injury?
You should immediately seek medical attention if you are ever injured by blunt force trauma. You will have a better outcome if you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Due to the severe nature of brain injuries timing is critical to getting the best treatment possible.
The doctor will assess your injuries and determine if you require further medical attention. Always seek help if you have blurred vision, balance problems, or if you are having difficulty moving around on your own.
What compensation can you get for a blunt force trauma to the head?
You can seek compensation if your brain injury was the result of negligence or actions by another person or company. This process can be complex and time-consuming so it is best that you work with an experienced attorney to handle your case. Negligence laws vary by state, to understand if you’re eligible for compensation see what type of negligence law applies to you.
Financial Compensation
Many people believe they only have the right to enough compensation to pay for the medical bills they incurred immediately after their brain injury. This is incorrect. Your final settlement could also include the following:
Lost Wages
Your compensation will likely cover any time you are unable to work due to your brain injury. This includes future wages that you wont be able to earn as a result of your injury. For example if you work in construction and wont be able to go back to work for 6 months until your injury has fully recovered you can be awarded financial damages to compensate you for future wage losses.
Future earning capacity reduced
Your compensation should include the loss of value if your blunt force trauma injury has adversely affected your career prospects. Your settlement may cover reduced future earnings if, for example, you are a music producer and have permanent hearing loss. This is different to lost future wages.
Future Medical Treatment
Your settlement should pay for your past medical bills that resulted from your injury including if they are a pre-existing condition that has been worsened. Additionally legal compensation can also cover future medical treatment costs.
Both pain and suffering
You should be compensated for any pain and suffering you have suffered as a result of your injury. These factors are difficult to quantify so damages for pain and suffering may vary.
Summarized from an article by Trial Lawyers Freeman & Freeman.
