Each year, about 700,000 people in England and Wales end up in accident and emergency departments because of head injuries. While most of these injuries are relatively minor, about 10% are quite serious. Men and kids are the most likely to get these injuries, usually from falls, attacks, and road accidents.
How to Recognize a Serious Head Injury
Signs of a serious head injury can include blackouts (concussions), uncontrolled body movements, trouble speaking, staying awake, or sensory issues like losing hearing or having vision problems. If you pass out, it’s crucial to call emergency services right away.
Head injuries should be treated in a hospital. Nearly 97% of patients go home within 48 hours, but 1-3% can develop serious complications that might need surgery.
Possible Complications
Complications can get severe if there’s bleeding, clotting, or fluid buildup, as these can put pressure on the brain and cause neurological damage. This could be temporary or permanent. You might also experience emotional and behavioral changes.
Skull fractures can lead to infections, and in some cases, you might fall into a coma or remain unresponsive for a long time. In the worst scenarios, you could end up in a vegetative state or with a disability.
Seeking Legal Help
If your head injury has long-lasting effects, you might be entitled to recover lost earnings or medical expenses. A head injury can disrupt your quality of life and earning capacity, leaving you needing ongoing care or dealing with lasting trauma.
Document all your financial losses, like medication costs and missed work. These could be claimed back. Often, accidents are due to someone else’s negligence. If your injury was caused by someone else’s actions, you could seek compensation.
Getting legal compensation can help you manage future financial and emotional challenges. Handling a serious head injury can be tougher than people imagine. Find a lawyer who specializes in brain injury cases to get the best result. If you’re worried about the legal process or fees, your local citizen’s advice bureau can help.
Experienced brain and head injury lawyers can offer valuable advice and help you secure the compensation you deserve. They understand the impact of severe head injuries and will strive for the best possible outcome for you.
Charity organizations like Headway can provide additional support and guidance to help you manage long-term symptoms. It’s important to have as much help as you can while you recover.