Concussions and other more serious forms of head trauma are disturbingly common in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1.4 million Americans suffer some form of head trauma every year.
This trauma may range from a mild concussion to a serious head injury that causes permanent brain damage or death.
Let’s take a closer look at the science behind brain injuries — and how the law protects those who have been hurt by a negligent party.
The Facts About Brain Injuries
Concussions are the most common form of brain injury. A concussion occurs when the brain is violently jolted from a bump, shake or forceful blow to the head. The action of the brain being jolted can cause bruising — and bleeding in more severe cases.
Concussions are often associated with contact sports injuries and vehicle crashes, as both are high-impact scenarios that can create violent force.
While concussions are sometimes mild and may only cause moderate symptoms such as temporary headaches, nausea, dizziness etc., violent collisions and crashes — whether on the field or in a vehicle — can also lead to much more serious head trauma.
In the most severe cases, head trauma caused by violent collisions or via penetration of a blunt object can leave victims with permanent cognitive disabilities, leading to a dramatic decrease in quality of life and dealing with massive lifetime medical bills.
How the Law Protects Victims of Head Trauma
Those who have been injured through the actions of another party may sue for damages under the legal doctrine of negligence.
In such cases, the plaintiff would try to establish that the defendant:
- Failed to exercise a duty of care
- Breached a duty of care
- Was the actual or proximate cause of the injury
Should these issues be proven, the victim may be able to receive a significant financial judgment at trial, or a settlement before or during trial.
The amount of compensation will typically vary according to how badly the plaintiff was injured by the negligent actions of the defendant.
Finding the Right Personal Injury Attorney in Connecticut
If you (or someone you love) has suffered a serious concussion or brain injury, and this injury was related to the negligent behavior of another party, it’s imperative that you speak to an experienced attorney. Only attorneys who have a track record of handling such litigation have the necessary experience to handle complex brain injury cases.
At Brickley Law, we have that experience — and we also make an effort to provide each of our clients with the compassion and sensitivity they deserve.
If you need assistance with an injury, please contact us for a free consultation at your earliest convenience.