Seeking Compensation for a Blunt Force Injury

Blunt force trauma to the head, a common injury in accidents and assaults, can lead to severe physical and psychological effects. Victims may face long-term health difficulties, financial strain from medical bills, and potential loss of income due to disability. In such instances, seeking compensation for the damage sustained can be a necessary step towards recovery.

Injured? You Deserve Expert Legal Representation

The law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. has over 50 years of experience helping victims of blunt force trauma and other traumatic injuries. Our brain injury team consists of dedicated lawyers who are well-versed in the complexities of personal injury law and have a track record of successful cases. Contact our brain injury lawyers today for a free consultation and to explore your legal options.

Understanding Blunt Force Trauma

Blunt force trauma refers to physical injury caused by a non-penetrating impact, such as being hit with a blunt object or forcefully falling and hitting one’s head. This type of injury can cause damage to the skull, brain tissue, blood vessels, and nerves in the head.

Common Causes of Blunt Force Trauma Injuries

Blunt force injuries to the head can occur in a variety of situations, including:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Physical assaults or attacks
• Sports-related incidents

Types of Blunt Force Injuries

The severity of a blunt force injury can vary greatly, depending on the intensity and location of impact. Common injuries include:

Concussions: A temporary loss of consciousness or altered consciousness or mental state due to a blow to the head.  It is important to know that you do not need to lose consciousness to suffer a concussion.   

Skull Fractures: Breaks in the bones that make up the skull, which can cause brain damage if bone fragments enter the brain tissue.

Contusions: Bruising of the brain, which can result in swelling and worsen over time if left untreated.

Hematomas: A collection of blood outside a blood vessel, often caused by a ruptured artery or vein.

Nerve Damage: Trauma to the head can cause damage to the nerves responsible for senses and movements, leading to difficulty with speech, vision, and motor skills.

Seeking Proper Diagnosis and Treatment

If you have suffered a blow to the head, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Doctors can perform diagnostic tests such as CT scans or MRI scans to determine the extent of your injuries. Prompt and proper treatment can help prevent long-term complications and improve the chances of recovery.

Symptoms and Consequences of Blunt Force Trauma

The impact of blunt force trauma to the head can manifest in a variety of symptoms. These symptoms may be immediate or long-term, significantly altering the life of the victim. 

Immediate Symptoms 

Immediate symptoms often occur right after the traumatic event. They include but are not limited to:

• Severe headache
• Loss of consciousness or altered state of consciousness
• Confusion or disorientation
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred vision 
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty balancing or unsteady movement
• Ringing in the ears

These symptoms of blunt impact injuries necessitate immediate medical attention to prevent further damage and complications. You will not likely have all of these symptoms but if you have  one of these symptoms or a combination of them, you should seek medical attention.  

Long Term Symptoms

The long-term effects of blunt force trauma to the head may not appear immediately but can have a profound impact on the victim’s life. They include, but are not limited to:

• Persistent headaches or migraines
• Difficulty with memory and concentration
• Changes in personality or behavior 
• Depression or anxiety 
• Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia 
• Seizures or convulsions
• Chronic pain
• Lingering motor function difficulties

These symptoms may require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation, which can add to the financial burden of the victim.

Protecting Your Rights After a Blunt Force Trauma Accident

If you or a loved one has experienced blunt force trauma to the head, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect your legal rights and ensure the best possible outcome for any potential compensation claim. Follow these steps:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Prioritize your health above all else. Immediate medical attention is crucial, not just for your well-being, but it also serves as official documentation of your injuries.

Document the Incident

Write down everything you remember about the accident as soon as you can. Include details about where and when the accident happened, who was involved, and any potential witnesses.

Preserve Evidence

Keep any physical evidence from the accident scene, such as photographs or objects. Also, preserve medical records, receipts for expenses related to the injury, and any other documentation that could be relevant to your case.

Don’t Discuss the Accident

Avoid discussing the accident with anyone but your lawyer, especially insurance adjusters. Anything you say can be used against you in your claim.

Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

A skilled lawyer can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and advocate for your best interests. They can help negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, represent you in court.

Following these steps can help protect your rights and provide the best possible foundation for a successful compensation claim.

Types of Compensation Available

Victims of blunt force trauma may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:

Medical expenses

This includes current and future costs related to diagnosis, treatment, medication, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.

Lost wages

If the victim is unable to work due to injury or disability caused by blunt trauma, they may receive compensation for lost income.

Pain and suffering

Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the traumatic brain injury.

Punitive damages

In cases where the perpetrator or a company acted intentionally or in some states with extreme or reckless disregard for the victim’s safety, additional damages may be awarded as a form of punishment.

The Role of Negligence

To receive compensation for a blunt force injury, it must be proven that the negligent actions of another party caused or contributed to the harm. This can include car accidents, assaults, falls, and other incidents where someone else’s recklessness or carelessness was a factor. Our experienced lawyers will investigate the circumstances of your case and gather evidence to establish negligence.

Time is of the Essence

It is important to act quickly if you or a loved one has suffered a blunt-force trauma injury. The statute of limitations, or time limit for filing a personal injury claim, varies by state and can be as short as one year. Delay in seeking legal representation can weaken your case and reduce the chances of receiving fair compensation. Contact our team today to protect your rights and pursue justice.

Take Control of Your Future

Blunt-force trauma injuries can have a significant impact on a victim’s life. Seeking compensation allows victims to address the financial burden caused by the injury, receive proper medical treatment, and focus on recovery without worrying about financial strain. Our experienced lawyers will fight for your best interests and work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step towards securing your future.

How Can Our Brain Injury Lawyers Help?

Our highly experienced brain injury lawyers can help you in the following ways:

Case Evaluation: They will evaluate your case thoroughly, taking into account all the details of the incident and your injuries.

Establishing Liability: They will help establish the negligence or liability of the other party involved in the accident.

Gathering Evidence: They will collect all the necessary evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and accident scene information, to support your claim.

Calculating Compensation: They will accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more, to ensure you seek appropriate compensation.

Negotiation: They will skillfully negotiate with insurance companies or the responsible party to attain a fair settlement.

Representation in Court: If your case goes to trial, they will provide vigorous legal representation, presenting a compelling case on your behalf.

Support and Guidance: They will provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the legal process, ensuring you understand your rights and options at every step.

No Win, No Fee Commitment: Most brain injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. This allows you to pursue justice without the worry of upfront legal fees.

We Fight For You

In the face of overwhelming challenges caused by a blunt force trauma injury, you don’t have to face the legal battle alone. Our team of dedicated brain injury lawyers is here to support you on this journey, offering our comprehensive legal expertise to fight for the compensation you deserve. We’re committed to delivering justice for our clients, allowing them to focus on recovery and rebuilding their lives. Remember, time is of the essence in these situations, so don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take control of your future.