What Is a Closed Head Injury in Personal Injury Law?
A closed head injury refers to trauma to the brain that occurs without a break in the skull. It is typically caused by a blunt force impact or rapid acceleration and deceleration of the head, such as in car accidents, falls, sports injuries, or physical assaults. Unlike penetrating head injuries, closed head injuries do not involve external wounds but can still lead to serious, long-term complications, including brain damage, cognitive impairments, and emotional disturbances.
Common Types of Closed Head Injuries:
- Concussion: A mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a sudden jolt or blow to the head.
- Contusion: Bruising of brain tissue resulting from direct impact.
- Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): Widespread damage to brain cells caused by violent shaking or rotational forces.
- Hematoma: Blood clotting in or around the brain, potentially leading to increased pressure within the skull.
Symptoms of a Closed Head Injury:
- Physical: Headache, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, or loss of consciousness.
- Cognitive: Memory loss, confusion, difficulty concentrating, or impaired decision-making.
- Emotional: Irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or depression.
Why Are Closed Head Injuries Significant in Personal Injury Cases?
Closed head injuries are highly significant in personal injury claims due to their potential severity and long-term impact. Key reasons include:
- Hidden Damage: Despite the lack of visible injuries, closed head injuries can result in serious internal damage requiring extensive medical evaluation and treatment.
- High Medical Costs: Victims may incur significant expenses for imaging tests (CT or MRI scans), hospitalization, therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Earning Capacity: Cognitive or physical impairments can limit a victim's ability to work or perform daily activities.
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensation may also include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
Establishing a Claim for a Closed Head Injury:
- Medical Documentation: Detailed records of diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis from qualified medical professionals.
- Expert Testimony: Input from neurologists, neuropsychologists, or other specialists to explain the injury’s impact.
- Accident Evidence: Documentation of the accident, such as police reports, witness statements, and photos, to establish liability.
Compensation for Closed Head Injuries:
Victims of closed head injuries may be entitled to:
- Economic Damages: Medical bills, lost wages, and future care costs.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm.
If you or a loved one has suffered a closed head injury due to someone else’s negligence, consulting with a personal injury attorney is essential to secure fair compensation and ensure that the full impact of the injury is accounted for.
