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Blunt Force Head Trauma: Cause and Effect

Blunt force trauma can cause severe brain injuries that could have life-altering consequences for victims. That kind of trauma, however, is often misunderstood or mischaracterized. This leads many to get confused about what causes it, how it might affect you, and the long-term implications. Below is everything you need to know to set the record straight.

What Is Blunt Force Trauma?

Blunt force trauma refers to any injury caused by an object that doesn’t penetrate the body. It can occur anywhere, but it’s especially dangerous when it is applied to the head. The impact could lead to anything from minor bruising to severe brain bleeds or fractures. The outcome generally depends on the force behind the blow and where exactly it lands.

Understanding blunt force trauma to the head is crucial for being able to recognize its potentially serious nature. Unlike penetrating injuries, it can cause damage without any external hints that anything’s wrong. A victim could seem fine at one moment, only to be rushed to the emergency room the very next.

The Causes and Signs of Blunt Force Head Trauma

Several types of situations can lead to blunt head trauma, with many of them involving violence or serious accidents. 

Some of the more common scenarios are as follows:

  • Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Crashes: The sudden deceleration and impact in an auto accident can cause a victim’s head to hit the dashboard, steering wheel, or window.
  • Falls: Particularly common among young children and the elderly; falls are especially dangerous when a person drops from a high place.
  • Sports Injuries: Contact sports, like boxing, hockey, and especially football, pose a high risk of head injuries as players crash into each other.
  • Assaults: Even just a single punch in a fight can cause major damage if there’s enough force behind it.
  • Workplace Accidents: Falling or being struck by machinery or falling objects is especially common in construction and industrial work settings.

Not every blow to the head is severe enough to need a trip to the hospital. 

Nevertheless, it’s best to err on the side of caution and get checked out anyway, especially if you experience any of these symptoms:

  • Headache (especially if severe and persistent)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Loss of consciousness (no matter how brief)
  • Dizziness or confusion
  • Memory loss
  • Blurred vision
  • Seizures

At the hospital, a diagnosis of head trauma will come after a series of physical examinations, neurological assessments, and imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs. Early intervention is critical for effective treatment and lessening the chances of long-term consequences.

The Impact of Blunt Force Trauma To the Head

While the severity of a brain injury might depend on the force of the blow and its location on the head, it’s important to remember that the brain is nothing if not remarkably complex. And that means it’s tough to know how a brain injury will affect any particular person.

Short-term effects might include any of the following:

  • Concussion: A mild form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can cause temporary symptoms like headaches, confusion, and light or sound sensitivity
  • Skull Fractures: A crack or break in the skull can be minor or lead to serious complications
  • Intracranial Hemorrhage: Bleeding within the skull that puts pressure on the brain, causing further injury or death if not treated quickly

Long-term effects tend to be more serious and might involve things such as:

  • Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): A degenerative brain condition with memory loss, behavior changes, and cognitive decline caused by repeated head trauma
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome: Prolonged symptoms of a concussion that last weeks or months after the initial injury
  • Emotional and Cognitive Changes: Long-lasting impairments that could include mood swings, depression, or anxiety disorders

Blunt head trauma can lead to several other complications, several of which aren’t always immediately apparent. Infections like meningitis could set in if the skull is fractured. Swelling of the brain tissue (a condition known as edema) causes pressure that can lead to further damage or death. Permanent mental and physical disabilities are also possible.

Prevention and Safety Measures To Prevent Blunt Force Head Trauma 

There are several safety precautions you can take in your everyday life to prevent blunt force trauma to the head, especially if you work in a high-risk situation. 

Some of these measures are as follows:

  • Wearing Helmets: Things like cycling and contact sports are much safer when wearing a helmet; it will absorb any impact and reduce your chances of a severe injury
  • Using Seat Belts: Whenever you ride in any kind of vehicle, always wear your seat belt to avoid being thrown around should you be in a car accident
  • Fall Prevention: Safety measures, like handrails, non-slip flooring, and adequate lighting, can help prevent falls, especially in the homes of elderly people
  • Workplace Safety: Stick to safety regulations, use protective gear (including helmets), and regularly refresh your job training to minimize your risk of blunt force injuries at work

In many cases, blunt force head trauma is the result of an accident caused by someone’s negligence. Knowing the legal implications is helpful for those affected by such an injury because they could be entitled to financial compensation for what has happened to them.

Some of the more common damages recovered in these types of personal injury cases include the following:

  • Medical expenses (current and future)
  • Long-term care (rehab, therapy, etc.)
  • Lost wages for the time you spend away from work
  • Loss of the ability to work

Keep in mind, though, that each case is different. The types and amount of payment you might get will depend on the circumstances of your situation. It’s best to talk to an attorney to get a better idea of what you might be able to collect.

The Need For Awareness and Caution To Prevent Head Injuries

Blunt force head trauma is serious, and it can cause potentially life-changing outcomes. Knowing the common causes, symptoms, and long-term effects of these kinds of injuries is vital for prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment.

Never take your injury lightly. Whether it was caused by an accident, sports, or violence, blunt trauma needs to be checked out by a medical professional. That way, you can protect your health as well as your legal rights should you choose to pursue legal action later.

For more information, please contact the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra personal injury law firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We serve Duval CountySt. Johns County, and its surrounding areas:

Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 736-7813

Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W Forsyth St Suite 1000,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225

Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167

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