Head trauma is a serious issue in public health and has been found to account for thousands of hospital admissions annually. The recovery process for most patients may take months or even years. The term head injury is used on a broad basis to describe a wide array of trauma to underlying blood vessels and tissues in the head, brain, skull, and scalp. While the signs and symptoms of a head injury may not present immediately, the condition may decline with time. That is why it is essential to seek immediate medical treatment following trauma to the head. Prompt medical care and positive reinforcement are key to achieving an optimal health outcome and encouraging a patient to strengthen their self-esteem after suffering a head injury in an accident or from another underlying cause.

Head trauma from a motor vehicle collision may be lasting and life-changing. When faced with such a situation, you need an attorney with proven success for accident cases. Call us today to get free, friendly case advice from our personal injury lawyers at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

At AutoAccident.com, we understand that getting into a traffic crash or another type of accident may be a traumatic and stressful experience. Such situations have the potential to lead to serious injuries, mounting medical expenses, property damage, and even the temporary or permanent inability to work. A personal injury claim may be challenging to navigate, especially when difficult insurance companies and defense counsel are involved in the process. Since 1982, our legal team has been committed to protecting the rights of those injured in accidents resulting in injuries such as head trauma because of the negligence of others. We are available anytime to hear your story and discuss your case through a free consultation. Contact our law firm today to learn more about how our team of accident attorneys can help you with your head injury case.

Based on the mechanism of injury, head trauma is generally classified as penetrating, blunt, and blast. The top causes of trauma to the head are injuries related to slip and fall accidents, motor vehicle crashes, and assaults. Most cases involving severe TBIs generally occur from slip and falls and traffic collisions.

Each individual experiences different degrees of symptoms related to the extent of head trauma. Signs may include but are not limited to:

• Blurred vision
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Concussion
• Convulsions or seizures
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Drainage of clear fluid or blood from the nose or ears
• Headache that may range in severity from mild to severe
• Issues with concentration
• Irritability
• Laceration or deep cut in the scalp
• Lethargy or fatigue
• Locked-in syndrome (LIS)
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Short-term memory loss
• Slurred speech
• Weakness in one location or side of the body

Trauma to the head that results in any of the symptoms listed above should be evaluated by a physician immediately. This is essential as the signs of a head injury may resemble other health conditions or issues. Therefore, it is best to consult with a medical provider for a prompt diagnosis.

The diagnosis of head trauma is generally made with a physical exam and diagnostic imaging. During the exam, the physician will obtain a complete patient medical history and ask questions on how the traumatic injury took place. Since this type of injury may lead to neurological problems, extensive follow-up treatment may be necessary. Following is a list of diagnostic tests for head injury cases:

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: A CT scan may provide direct visualization of the brain lesion and tissue. It is considered the gold standard for acute head trauma evaluation. This is because this diagnostic test is fast, readily available, and has compatibility with equipment for artificial ventilation and vital function monitoring.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG): The EEG is an essential tool that provides a non-invasive measurement for the electric fields of the brain. This diagnostic test involves the placement of electrodes on the scalp. From there, voltage potentials are recorded from the current flow around and in neurons.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Detailed images of the structures and organs within the body are produced through MRI, a diagnostic procedure that utilizes a combination of a computer, radio frequencies, and large magnets. An MRI may be reserved in acute TBI cases when a CT scan cannot explain the neurological findings.
• X-Ray: A medical provider may order an x-ray to determine whether a patient has suffered a skull fracture. Simple x-rays generally show bone fractures and do not allow the visualization of the brain itself and any traces of bleeding in the brain that would be indicative of an intracranial injury.

Aside from diagnostic imaging procedures, blood tests may also be ordered. One, in particular, is the Brain Trauma Indicator (BTI). The BTI measures the levels of two proteins, glial fibrillary acidic protein and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase-L1, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Both proteins are often released into the blood from the brain within hours of head trauma.

Some of the complications that may arise from a head injury may include:

• Cerebral edema
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak
• Hydrocephalus
• Infection
• Neurological deficits
• Seizure

Depending on the type and severity of head trauma, emergency surgical intervention may be necessary to prevent further damage to the brain. Some of the medical conditions that require surgical management after trauma to the head may include hematomas, hydrocephalus, intracerebral hemorrhages, and skull fractures. Once a patient has recovered from surgery, rehabilitation should be initiated immediately. Some therapies that may be required include occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. The sooner therapy is started, the better chance the patient will have of making an optimal recovery.

When a person has suffered injuries in an accident caused by the fault of another party or entity, the injured party may be entitled to financial compensation for losses incurred. These may include economic damages for financial losses stemming from the incident and non-economic damages for the intangible harms the claimant has endured as a result. Some of the recoverable damages in a personal injury case may include but are not limited to:

• Medical Expenses: The costs of medical care for injuries in connection to a crash are recoverable. Proving that future medical expenses are reasonable and necessary will often require testimony from a physician and expert witnesses on the treatment the patient will require in the future because of accident-related injuries. The evidence must be clear and compelling to establish approximately how much future medical treatment will cost.
• Lost Wages: The time that is lost from work to recover from an injury suffered in an accident and to attend associated medical appointments is recoverable. In cases of serious injuries with lasting effects, the costs of future wage loss may also be considered. Expert witness testimony may be necessary to establish the extent and value of this economic damage.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: When an accident has resulted in permanent injury or disability, the claimant may be entitled to out-of-pocket costs for necessary accommodations for that medical condition. This may include reimbursement for expenses such as home or vehicle modifications and medical appliances.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for pain and suffering are intended to compensate an injured party for the significant effects a crash has had on their life. This may include the emotional trauma and physical pain associated with accident-related injuries. Since these damages are subjective concepts, they may differ in value from case to case.

A strict filing deadline applies to personal injury cases in the state of California. For those arising from accidents, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the incident. This is by the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 335.1. Conversely, the time limit may be reduced in cases involving negligence on the part of a government agency. Under the California Government Code Section 911.2, a notice of claim must be brought no later than six months from the date of the crash.

Failure to comply with any deadlines applicable to the case may result in it being dismissed by the court. For reasons such as these, it is essential to hire an experienced attorney to ensure that all aspects of the civil case are handled accordingly. Having the right lawyer working on your behalf may make all the difference in the outcome of your case, in addition to allowing you the time you need to focus on recovering from your injuries.

Several factors may have a significant influence on the value of a bodily injury claim for head trauma. This may include the patient’s age, health, education, and any pre-existing conditions they may have suffered from before the incident occurred. Other factors may include the extent and severity of accident-related injuries, permanent disability, indirect and direct financial costs, and prognosis for the future.

Such factors may not all be considered in a bodily injury claim evaluated by an insurance adjuster, as insurers often utilize computer software such as Colossus to calculate damages in these cases. It is best to retain legal counsel that has the experience, skills, and resources to calculate and determine the true value of an injury case. For information on how to select the right accident attorney to handle your head injury case, watch this video.

At our personal injury law firm, we handle accident cases under a contingency fee agreement. This means we do not charge our clients a dime unless we obtain a successful outcome in their case. When you hire us to represent you, we will handle all aspects of your head trauma case to allow you the time you need to focus on recovering and getting your life back on track. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain when you work with our legal team at AutoAccident.com.

When you have suffered an injury in an accident that may have lasting impacts on your life, such as a head injury, it is essential to consult an experienced attorney to determine your rights and options for recovery in your situation. It takes experience and skills to negotiate a full and fair insurance settlement, and our team of injury lawyers has what it takes for a head trauma case.

Let our law firm help you recover the full and fair compensation you need to move forward with your life. Give us a call today to get started and schedule a meeting for free, friendly case advice with one of our lawyers at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

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