People who are involved in a car crash or a slip-and-fall incident can suffer from many different kinds of injuries. Some of these involve the brain. Such injuries are sometimes catastrophic and can have life-long impacts on those affected.
There are a host of different types of brain injuries that can occur in these situations, including the following.
Concussions
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow to the head or a sudden jolt that shakes the brain inside the skull. Concussions can occur in both car accidents and slip-and-fall incidents. While concussions are often considered less severe, repeated concussions can lead to more serious complications.
Contusions
Contusions are bruises on the brain tissue caused by a direct impact to the head. This type of injury is common in crashes where the head strikes an object or the vehicle’s interior, as well as in falls where the head hits the ground or another hard surface. Severe contusions may require surgical intervention to relieve pressure on the brain.
Diffuse axonal injury
Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) occurs when the brain rapidly shifts inside the skull during a high-impact collision or fall, causing extensive tearing of nerve fibers (axons) throughout the brain. This type of injury is often seen in car accidents with violent whiplash motions. DAI can lead to severe brain damage, resulting in prolonged unconsciousness or coma.
Penetrating brain injuries
Penetrating brain injuries occur when an object, such as debris from a car crash or a sharp object in a fall, pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue. These injuries are often severe and can cause significant damage to brain structures. Surgical intervention is usually required to remove the object and treat the damage.
Coup-contrecoup injuries
Coup-contrecoup injuries involve damage to both the site of impact (coup) and the opposite side of the brain (contrecoup) due to the brain bouncing back and forth within the skull. These injuries are common in high-speed car accidents and falls that cause the head to whip violently. The dual nature of the injury often leads to more extensive brain damage and a longer recovery period.
Victims who have one of these injuries should ensure that they get the medical care they need. They may opt to pursue a compensation claim from any negligent party that caused the incident. These cases are subject to time limits. Obtaining legal assistance may help these victims to get the compensation they’re due in a timely manner.