Blunt Force Head Trauma – Causes, Effects, and Compensation

Ryan Bradley | August 18, 2023 | Brain Injury

Blunt force head trauma is a serious injury that can affect the victim’s health, career, and finances. 

This type of injury occurs when there is a non-penetrating impact to the head, resulting from contact with a blunt object or surface. Many may associate blunt force head trauma with violent crimes like assaults. But, these injuries can also occur in accidents caused by negligence. 

Understanding Blunt Force Trauma

Blunt force trauma is the physical injuries caused by impacts from a blunt object or surface. Penetrating trauma is when the damage breaks the surface of the affected organ. But blunt force trauma does not penetrate the skull. 

Types of Blunt Force Head Trauma Injuries

Blunt-force head trauma can result in different types of injuries: 

• A concussion occurs when the brain shakes due to the impact.
• A contusion directly damages the brain. 
• A contrecoup brain injury is when damage happens on the side of the brain opposite the impact. 
• When both sides of the brain are affected in certain scenarios, there is a coup contrecoup brain injury. 

Blunt-force head trauma may also cause loss of consciousness. Unconsciousness may lead to more brain damage. The effects of traumatic brain injuries can be severe and irreversible.

Causes of Blunt Force Head Injuries

Blunt force head trauma is the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. Thousands of cases are reported each year. 

Car accidents are the leading cause of blunt force head injuries. Wearing helmets while riding bikes or motorcycles and seat belts while driving can reduce the risk of blunt force head injuries. 

These injuries can also result from physical assaults, slips and falls, playing sports, and boating accidents.

Risk Factors for Blunt Force Trauma

Certain individuals are at a higher risk of sustaining traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Individuals over 75 have the most TBI-related hospitalizations and deaths. According to the CDC,  this accounts for about a third of all TBI hospitalizations. 

Older adults are at higher risk of experiencing head injuries. Their balance and mobility limitations make them more prone to slips and falls. Children, young people, and men are also at an elevated risk. There is an assumption that they may engage in riskier behaviors such as distracted or drunk driving. 

Yet, anyone can sustain blunt force head trauma. Brain injuries can have devastating and lasting consequences for victims and their families.

Effects of Blunt Force Head Injuries

Blunt force head trauma symptoms may manifest immediately or develop over time. Examples are convulsions, partial paralysis, loss of consciousness, and drops in blood pressure. There are mental impacts, including personality changes and confusion. Other symptoms include diminished coordination, slurred speech, blurred vision, severe headaches, and vomiting. 

Long-term effects include speech and language problems, chronic headaches, loss of vision, taste or smell, and even coma. In severe cases, internal bleeding of the brain can lead to death.

The Importance of Seeking Medical Care for Suspected Blunt Force Head Trauma

Do not move someone with suspected blunt force head trauma. Unless they are in immediate danger, victims should remain still. Avoid shaking them to regain consciousness and seek medical help immediately. 

Prompt medical treatment is critical to the victim’s well-being and vital for preserving the integrity of any future claim. Insurance companies might use delays in seeking treatment against the victim. They can argue that the injury is not severe or accuse the victim of overstating their injuries.

Recovering Damages for a Blunt Force Head Injury

A person who sustains a blunt force trauma injury to the head may be eligible for compensation for damages. This compensation extends beyond medical bills. It can also cover ongoing care and treatment for a lifetime. Victims can claim lost wages and earning capacity. More can be claimed if the injury affects the victim’s ability to work in the long term. 

Victims can also claim damages for pain and suffering. These are non-economic damages, including physical and mental anguish resulting from the injury. Calculating pain and suffering damages can vary depending on the case’s specifics. Having an experienced personal injury attorney advocating on behalf of the victim is crucial.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit for a Traumatic Brain Injury in Kansas City, MO

Victims of head trauma caused by another party’s negligence can seek compensation. Victims can file personal injury claims or settle with the at-fault party’s insurance. A settlement can provide fair compensation for damages.

Navigating brain injury settlements can be complex, and insurance companies may limit payouts. An experienced Kansas City personal injury attorney can help those seeking compensation for their injuries. If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit may be necessary.

Contact Our Brain Injury Law Firm For Help Today

For more information, please contact Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free case evaluation today.

St. Louis Office
1430 Washington Ave Suite #226 St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 400-0000

Kansas City Office
1509 NE Parvin Rd, Suite A., Kansas City, MO 64116
(816) 408-3448

Richmond Heights Office
1201 Bellevue Ave,Richmond Heights, MO 63117
(314) 207-4399

Or if you would prefer to reach out to us online, please visit our contact us page.