Statistics show that falls are the number one cause of open and closed head injuries in Oklahoma and across the country, closely followed by auto accidents. However, when it comes to brain injury-related deaths, car accidents are number one. Brain injuries can be fatal even without the skull being penetrated.
An open head injury in an auto accident could occur when a sharp object such as a piece of broken windshield penetrates the skull. Sometimes, fragments of glass have to be removed surgically after a crash. In a closed head injury, the whiplash motion of the head and neck upon the impact of a collision, or the head striking the dashboard, steering wheel or windshield, can cause the brain to smash into the inside of the skull.
When this happens, brain cells are damaged, and the area in which the damage occurs will determine the severity of the injury and the effect it will have on the victim. The danger of a closed head injury is the risk that bleeding of the brain goes unnoticed in the aftermath of the crash. Bleeding and swelling in the limited area inside the skull could be fatal if it is overlooked.
Depending on the severity of the brain injury, the victim might need long-term medical treatment and ongoing therapy. The financial expenses could be significant, and if the negligence of another party caused the accident, the victim might pursue a claim for monetary relief. An Oklahoma personal injury attorney can provide the necessary advocacy throughout ensuing legal proceedings. Documented claims can include medical expenses, lost income, and other crash-related damages.