When we think about slip and fall injuries, we typically think of bone fractures, strains, or twisted ankles. We don’t expect something serious from a slip and fall like a head injury or brain injury. But it occurs more often than you expect and brings quite a nuisance for the complaints.
Head injuries are a nuisance for many reasons. First of all, almost all head injuries are deadly. It takes a lot of time and money to recover from a head injury completely. And then, many head injuries are not immediately recognizable. The victim may feel fine even after a dangerous head injury.
Common Brain Injuries After a Slip and Fall
Concussion
A concussion can happen after a blow or jolt to the head. It is the most common type of head injury. It is often a minor injury. Doctors usually release patients with concussion after a couple of days of bed rest. But sometimes it can be very problematic for the patient as it is actually a type of traumatic brain injury. Even a seemingly harmless concussion can be very problematic. The patient may heal very slowly and lose his job as a result of this injury. In some serious cases, a concussion may permanently affect the brain.
Contusion
A contusion can happen from a direct fall. The head may suffer a bruise and the victim can see a lot of blood dripping out from the head. As dangerous as it sounds, a contusion is actually not that dangerous. But like other injuries, it can be severe and may need surgical attention.
Hematoma
Brain hematoma occurs when the head blow causes damage to the outer blood vessel of the brain. It is a blood clot underneath the skull that presses on brain tissues. It can damage brain function if the pressure is not relieved.
Closed head injury
Closed head injury is a type of traumatic brain injury where the skull is left intact but the brain tissues or blood vessels can be torn or the brain can be swelled. It is the most dangerous type of head injury and the leading cause of death in children under 4 years old. A closed head injury can cause permanent physical disability and psychological or cognitive impairment.
Symptoms of Head Injuries
Head injuries are very difficult to detect and cause more harm then it appears to be. It’s very problematic for many reasons. People often neglect it and when they face problems, then it might be too late for a full recovery. The compensation claim also becomes hard to get as it becomes too late for the claim. These are the symptoms you need to keep a sharp eye after a head injury-
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitive to sound or light
- Blurry vision
- Slurred speech
- Insomnia
- Trouble sleep
- Confusion
- Changes in behavior or emotion
- Convulsions and seizures
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Numbness or tingling in the feet, finger, toes, or hands
- Inability to wake up
- Unusual behavior
You need to be extra careful about the children as they can show more subtle symptoms after a brain injury. You should monitor their everyday routine and check if there are any changes in eating habits, sleeping habits, or paying habits. If you find any changes, you need to consult with a doctor.
Seeking Compensation for Head Injury
If you suffer a head injury, you need to see a doctor immediately. The doctors may give some tests like CT scans, MRI, or X-ray. The victim may typically seek compensation for-
- Current medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical expenses
- Medical cost
- Lost future earning capacity
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation services
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of future income
Final Thought
People get a bit confused when to hire a personal injury lawyer over a head injury. It’s quite understandable given the situation associated with the injury. So, I would recommend seeing a doctor and giving a thorough exam. This way you can ensure whether you should seek for your compensation claim or not.
If you still feel hesitant about what to do after a slip and fall accident, contact us for a one-hour free consultation.
