Types of Head Injuries

Contusion — a bruise on the brain due to blood that has seeped out from blood vessels.

Concussion — caused by a hard blow to the head, resulting in jarring injury to the brain, disturbing brain function and sometimes causing permanent damage.

Hematoma — blood clot on the brain surface or inside the brain.

Epidural Hematoma — blood clot occurring between the skull and the membrane that covers the brain.

Mass Lesions — usually hematomas or contusions that put pressure on the brain.

Skull Fracture — a crack in the skull, which could affect the brain, arteries and nerves.

Depressed Skull Fracture — a skull fracture where the bone touches or penetrates the brain.

Head Injuries

Head injuries, or traumatic brain injuries, can result in serious short-term or long-term disability, or even death. While some victims of traumatic head injury may need only brief medical observation, others may require specialized medical treatment and assistance from personal caregivers for the rest of their lives. At Kershaw, Cutter & Ratinoff, we understand that disabling head injuries can have a terrible impact on victims and their families.

Approximately 80,000 people suffer head injuries each year in the United States. Head injuries can be caused by many different types of trauma, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, sports accidents, work accidents, physical assaults, elder abuse, and slip and fall accidents.

If you or a loved one has had an accident resulting in a head injury, you may be entitled to payment for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Hospital bills
• Loss of past and future income and earning capacity
• Emotional distress
• Past and future pain and suffering
• Other expenses related to the accident

Where the accident has caused long-term, life-changing disability, the attorneys of Kershaw, Cutter & Ratinoff can set up a special trust to guarantee that any money paid in a settlement or award is protected and used to benefit the accident victim for the rest of his or her life. Even if workers’ compensation benefits are being paid, a lawsuit sometimes may be filed against someone other than the employer or a co-worker.

Symptoms of Head Injuries

Symptoms vary greatly depending on the severity of the head injury, but may include any of the following:

• Vomiting
• Lethargy (feeling sluggish)
• Headache
• Confusion
• Paralysis
• Coma
• Loss of consciousness
• Dilated pupils
• Vision changes (blurred vision or seeing double, not able to tolerate bright light, loss of eye movement, blindness)
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (which may be clear or blood-tinged) coming out of the ears or nose
• Dizziness and balance problems
• Breathing problems
• Slow pulse
• Slow breathing rate, with an increase in blood pressure
• Ringing in the ears, or changes in hearing
• Cognitive difficulties (problems of understanding or recognition)
• Inappropriate emotional responses
• Speech difficulties
• Difficulty swallowing
• Body numbness or tingling
• Loss of bowel control or bladder control

If a head injury is suspected, call 911 immediately or take the person to an emergency room.

If you or a loved one has had a head injury caused by another party’s negligent, careless, or intentional acts, that person or company should be held accountable. The attorneys at Kershaw, Cutter & Ratinoff have the experience and resources needed to evaluate and handle your case. Fill out and submit the contact form on this page for a free case evaluation or call us toll-free at (888) 285-3333.