Blunt force head trauma is a serious injury that can have life-altering consequences for both you and your loved ones. These injuries occur when a sudden impact or collision causes your head to subsequently strike a hard surface. They can damage your brain or skull, as well as the surrounding tissues.
By familiarizing yourself with the causes and effects of blunt force trauma to the head, you can seek appropriate treatment. And if negligence played a role in the incident, understanding the underlying cause of your injury can also help you seek justice.
What Is Blunt Force Trauma?
Blunt trauma (also referred to as “blunt force trauma” and “non-penetrating trauma”) refers to an injury caused by forceful impact with a dull object. Blunt objects typically won’t pierce the skin or bones, but they can still cause severe internal injuries.
What Can Cause Blunt Force Trauma To the Head?
Blunt force head trauma can result from any of the following:
Car Accidents
Car accidents make for one of the most common causes of blunt force trauma to the head. During a crash, your head may hit your steering wheel or window with enough momentum to fracture your skull, cause a concussion, or even lead to brain bleeds.
While your seat belt and airbags should help reduce your risk of blunt force trauma, they are not 100% effective in every circumstance.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Falls can result in severe head injuries as well, especially those from elevated positions. However, something as simple as slipping on an icy sidewalk and banging the back of your head when you fall can cause blunt force trauma.
Slip and fall incidents can be particularly tricky to deal with, especially if you get hurt due to someone else’s negligence. It’s important to understand your rights in these instances so that you can hold the at-fault party accountable and potentially save someone from experiencing a similar incident.
Sports Injuries
Contact sports, such as football and hockey, can lead to blunt force trauma as well. While players are required to wear helmets, they can still suffer concussions or other blunt-force injuries during high-speed collisions. Head-to-head impacts are particularly dangerous.
Workplace Accidents
Falling objects or machinery malfunctions at your place of work can cause head injuries, as can slips on uneven surfaces.
Like general slip and fall accidents, these types of incidents can be complicated. You will typically need to file a workers’ compensation claim, though you may also be able to sue a third party if their actions somehow contributed to your injuries.
Assaults
Physical violence, whether it takes the form of being punched in the head or struck with a hard object, can constitute blunt force trauma. These incidents are especially dangerous, given the intentional maliciousness involved.
Types of Injuries Caused By Blunt Force Head Trauma
Blunt force trauma to the head can lead to several catastrophic injuries, including the following:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) result from a violent blow to the head and can range from mild to severe.
The brain is incredibly complicated, which is why TBIs may manifest in so many different ways, including the following:
- Headaches
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance
- Blurred vision
- Memory or concentration problems
- Mood changes or feelings of depression
- Loss of consciousness
More severe TBIs can lead to comas, weakness or numbness in your extremities, seizures, and other ongoing mental symptoms.
Concussions
A concussion is a mild TBI that occurs when your brain is jolted and moves around inside of your skull, leading it to strike against its inner walls. Common concussion symptoms include dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, and nausea. These tend to resolve in a few days to a few weeks, but more severe incidents can lead to long-lasting symptoms.
Skull Fractures
A severe impact with a blunt object can break the skull, potentially leading to TBIs or serious infections. You may also experience bleeding of the brain, which can be life-threatening.
Intracranial Hemorrhage
A brain bleed, or intracranial hemorrhage, can result from blunt trauma. The bleeding can put increased pressure on your brain and cause a wide range of neurological symptoms.
Symptoms of Blunt Force Head Trauma
The symptoms of blunt force trauma can vary depending on the severity of your injury. Some mild symptoms include the following:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
If your injuries are more severe, you may experience:
- Loss of consciousness
- Slurred speech
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Difficulty concentrating or memory loss
Even if your symptoms appear mild, your condition can worsen in the hours or days following your accident. Swelling can cause a buildup of pressure and potentially lead to life-threatening complications. If you suffer a blow to the head and begin experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, seek immediate medical attention.
How Are Blunt Force Trauma Injuries Diagnosed?
A medical provider may diagnose blunt force trauma to the head through a combination of imaging tests and physical examinations. They will also ask you about your symptoms so that they can better understand what you are experiencing.
During a neurological exam, a provider will assess your motor skills, balance, and reflexes. Depending on their findings, they may order a CT or MRI scan. A CT scan can help identify swelling, bleeding, or fractures, while an MRI offers a better look at soft tissue injuries and the extent of any brain damage.
Be Proactive To Protect Your Health
Blunt force trauma to any part of the body can cause serious injuries, but instances involving the head are especially dangerous, given the sheer complexity of the human brain. If you have been involved in an accident that caused trauma to your head, evaluate yourself for any signs and symptoms, and seek medical treatment if you notice any indicators of a brain injury.
Contact the Dallas Personal Injury Law Firm of Bush Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers LLC Today For Help
For more information, please contact the Dallas personal injury law firm of Bush Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
Our office is conveniently located in Dallas, near the Dallas Downtown Historic District. We serve statewide throughout Texas.
Bush Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers LLC
701 Commerce Street, Suite 703
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 615-6394