Head Injury: Basics Of Its Physical And Legal Aspects
Head Injuries
Head injury describes any trauma to the head that may lead to the injury of the brain, scalp, or skull.
Usually, a head injury is very difficult to deal with as it has great effects on its victims that may remain for a long time, or even permanently. For this reason, it is important to have the necessary knowledge about head injuries and its legal aspects.
Head Injury: Classification
Damages to the head are classified into two categories. This depends on the cause of the injury. These categories are the following:
Open or penetrating head injury
Closed head injury
Head Injury: Types
There are different types of head injuries, including:
Brain contusion
Concussion
Skull fracture
Skull fractures are categorized into different kinds. These are:
Linear skull fracture
Depressed skull fracture
Basilar skull fracture
Intacranial (inside the skull) hemorrhage (bleeding) or hematoma
There are also different kinds of hematoma:
Subdural hematoma
Epidural hematoma
Intraparenchymal hemorrhage or cerebral contusion
Brain Injuries
One of the types of head injuries is damage to the brain. Some of the brain injuries include the following:
Tearing of the sensitive brain tissue, such as from a sudden blow or impact
Bruising to the brain which is caused by an impact to the skull
Swelling
"Anoxic" brain injury or the deprivation of oxygen in the brain
Traumatic brain injury can have various effects on its victim. It can cause one or more of the following:
Concussion
Coma
Seizures
Paralysis
Impaired vision and speech
Anxiety and depression
Loss of senses, such as smell or touch
Changes in personality and behavior
Memory and concentration problems
Head Injuries: Legal Aspects
After you have learned some of the basics of head injuries, you should also be aware of some of its legal aspects.
Usually, an injury like this is caused by the negligent act of another person or party. If this happens, you may file a head injury claim to recover damages. Hiring a competent lawyer will help you in these legal aspects of head injuries.
In trials or settlement negotiations with insurance companies, a lawyer will usually collect evidence to be used. Some of the evidences needed include the following:
Rehab and medical records
Observations and statements of witnesses
Workplace incident reports
Police reports
Reports from forensic experts (such as accident reconstructionists)
In head injury claims, the victims of head injuries may possibly recover damages. If you are one of those victims, you may collect compensation for the following types of loss:
Economic damages (may include nursing home care, rehab and medical care, loss of earning capacity, and loss of earnings)
Non-economic damages (may include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement)
"Loss of consortium" or intimate relations on behalf of your spouse
Expenses for personal assistance
Modifications to your home
Expenses for mobility help and modified transportation
Future rehab and medical treatment expenses
It is very important to hire a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in handling head injury claims immediately after the accident in order that the evidences needed may be properly preserved and you can receive the compensation you deserve.
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