Open Vs Closed Head Injury

Hundreds of thousands of Americans sustain head injuries every year. According to the CDC, around 214,000 of these yearly head injuries result in hospitalizations. Thousands more turn out to be fatal. There are an average of 190 traumatic brain injury-related deaths per day in the U.S.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have lasting consequences, including a lifetime of physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. When you or someone you love sustains TBI due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve to be compensated for these damages.

At Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, our head injury lawyers have been fighting for victims of serious injury for nearly 50 years. If you would like to talk to one of our attorneys for free, call us at 401-273-8330 to schedule a consultation today.

What Is an Open Head Injury?

An open head injury occurs when an object penetrates the skull and brain tissue, such as may accompany high-impact traumas like gunshot wounds or serious motor vehicle accidents. While the force and nature of an open head injury may cause localized damage, consequences from this type of TBI can extend far beyond the initial impact site, leading to complications including swelling and bleeding.

One of the most pressing concerns with open head injuries is the increased risk of infection. Bacteria and other pathogens can enter open wounds, increasing the risk for conditions including meningitis or brain abscesses. These risks must be thoroughly mitigated to help prevent complications during recovery and rehabilitation.

In addition to preventative measures aimed at stemming infection risks. Medical and surgical management of open head injuries may include emergency surgery, tissue repair, and relieving pressure in the skull. Depending on the extent of damage, it may also be necessary to address fractures in the skull and restore the brain’s protective layers. Unfortunately, while these steps can help prevent infection and stop the damage from progressing, brain damage caused by an open head injury will likely be permanent.

What Is a Closed Head Injury?

A closed head injury occurs when a non-penetrative blow to the head causes the brain to move within the skull. Common as a result of falls, sports injuries, and auto accidents, closed head injuries can cause swelling, internal bleeding, and widespread brain damage.

There are different types of closed head injuries. These include:

• Concussion. The most common type of closed head injury, symptoms of concussion may range from mild confusion and headaches to more severe issues such as loss of consciousness or temporary amnesia.
• Contusion. A bruise on the brain, usually at the site of impact, contusions can lead to swelling and increased intracranial pressure.
• Hematoma. Accumulation of blood within the brain and the skull, a hematoma can compress brain tissue and require surgical intervention to relieve pressure.
• Diffuse Axonal Injury. Caused by the brain shifting or rotating, diffuse axonal injury happens when brain cells are torn. In extreme cases, this can lead to a persistent vegetative state.

The symptoms of closed head brain injury are dependent on the extent and location of damage. Headaches, dizziness, nausea, memory problems, and prolonged loss of consciousness are all possible. These may be accompanied by permanent cognitive and physical difficulties, requiring consistent medical care and forever altering the course of a person’s life.

At Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, we have close to five decades of experience advocating for people who have suffered brain injury due to medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, defective products, and more. We understand the profound impact these injuries can have on every aspect of your life and are committed to providing compassionate and experienced legal support that seeks compensation for all related damages. If you need an experienced head injury lawyer in Providence or a nearby area, call us today for a free case review to learn how we can help.

Open vs. Closed Head Injury: Key Differences

Some of the key differences between open head injuries and closed head injuries are:

• Penetration. Open head injuries involve penetration of the skull and the brain’s protective covering. Closed head injuries do not involve penetration.
• Infection Risks. Open head injuries involve exposed brain tissue. The risk of infection is significantly higher in individuals with an open head injury.
• Symptoms and Complications. Brain injury symptoms can be similar for both closed and open head injuries. However, open wounds may add to treatment complexities.

Both types of injury can result in medical expenses, an inability to work, and forced lifestyle changes. Both can also result in pain and suffering. This is why both deserve the attention of an experienced attorney.

The head injury lawyers at Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell are here to investigate your accident, evaluate the worth of your claim, and help you determine if taking legal action is the best way to seek the compensation your injury demands.

Experienced Head Injury Lawyers

Since our founding over 45 years ago, the law firm of Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell has been representing injured individuals and their families with compassion, strength, and dedication. Understanding the complexities of personal injury law, our proven trial lawyers have secured some of the most significant verdicts and settlements in the state, earning numerous distinctions along the way. Recognized as one of the Best Law Firms in America, several of our attorneys have been included in the national Best Lawyers and Super Lawyer directories, and recognized for excellence in the legal profession by Rhode Island Monthly. When you require effective and verifiable legal representation, our lawyers are here to deliver.

All of our cases come with our No Fee Promise. If we don’t win your head injury claim, you won’t pay our legal fees. This simple guarantee is a reflection of our commitment to helping victims of serious injury get justice and our refusal to add to the stress and financial worries that can accompany debilitating injury. From your initial consultation through the satisfactory resolution of your claim, we will work tirelessly to protect you against unfair treatment as we fight for the compensation you will need to make the fullest and best recovery possible.

Schedule Your FREE Case Review Today

To schedule a FREE case consultation with Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, contact us online or call our Providence office today. Our dedicated head injury lawyers serve individuals and families living in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.