Head Injury Claims – Mild to Catastrophic

A head injury to your brain, skull or scalp can range from a mild bruise or bump to a catastrophic brain injury. The most common types of head injuries are: Concussion, Skull Fractures, Scalp Wounds and can be an open or closed injury. A closed injury to the head means that skull has not been broken.

An open head injury is one where something breaks your skull and enters your brain. The most common causes of head injuries where a claim is brought are: Road Traffic accidents, Trip and Fall Accidents and Physical Assaults. The most dangerous of head injuries, arising out of an accident, and which causes the greatest harm to the victim are:

Critical Head Injuries

• Hematoma: This is caused by a collection or clotting of blood outside the blood vessels and can be extremely serious if it occurs in the brain. The clotting can cause pressure to build up inside the skull which in turn will lead to loss of consciousness.
• Concussion: A concussion occurs where the brain bounces off the hard walls of the skull. Concussions are generally temporary in nature, however, repeated concussions can lead to permanent damage.
• Edema: This occurs when there is a swelling of the tissues surrounding the brain.
• Skull Fracture: Unlike other bones in the human body, the skull does not contain bone marrow, therefore making it very difficult to break. If the skull has been broken it is likely that there will be damage to the brain.
• Diffuse Axonal Injury: This is the most serious of all brain injuries and can lead to permanent severe brain damage or even death.

Head Injury Claim Assessment

Due to the difficulties encountered in assessing the long term implications of a head injury, such as future health and assessing mental health issues and brain function, head injury claims require considerable research, investigation and preparation.

The amount awarded to a plaintiff in a head injury claim will vary depending on the circumstances of each case, however, the case will be assessed based on professional medical opinion. It is usually necessary in cases such as these to obtain medical opinions from a number of specialists. Having a personal injury solicitor deal with your head injury claim will ensure that you are being seen by the best specialists available and that the strongest possible case will be put forward on your behalf. Even minor head injuries can have repercussions for long term health and it is advisable to contact our legal team at Synnott Lawline Solicitors to ensure that you are claiming for your full entitlement.

Head Injury Symptoms

If you have been involved in an accident and if you suffer from any of the following symptoms it is vital that immediate medical attention is sought:

• Headache
• Light-headedness
• Confusion
• Spinning sensation
• Nausea
• ringing in the ears
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Inability to focus the eyes
• Memory loss
• Serious disorientation
• Changes in mood
• Balance co-ordination problems

Talk to a Solicitor Today

If you have any legal questions or wish to start your claim, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated and experienced solicitors who will be more than happy to talk you through the whole process and answer any questions that you may have. You have two years from the date of your accident within which to make a claim after which time your case will become statute barred. Contact us 7 days a week by Phone: 01 453 7890 Email: info@lawline.ie or fill out our Call Back Form.