Penetrating Brain Injuries Can Be Devastating
Most of the estimated 2.5 million people1 who sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) on an annual basis sustain what is referred to as a “closed” brain injury. This means that no object actually came in contact with the brain but instead that force caused the brain to hit the inside of the skull and cause damage in that manner. However, not all TBIs are of the closed nature, as many are categorized as “open” brain injuries.
An open brain injury is also commonly referred to as a “penetrating” brain injury, as an object generally penetrates the skull to cause direct damage to the brain. In some cases, an object will pass through the brain itself and will exit the head in another part of the brain, which is often called a “through and through injury.” This can be particularly damaging as the brain tissue can become severely stretched and torn at both the point of entry and the point of exit. However, it can also be extremely harmful if the object penetrates the brain and stays lodged in the tissue, as then surgeons will have to go in and remove the object. Either way, an open or penetrating brain injury can have devastating results.
Incidents that commonly lead to penetrating injuries
Though there are many different ways that a person can sustain an open brain injury, some of the most common are as follows:
- The skull fractures and a piece of bone either damages the brain tissue or breaks off and becomes lodged in the tissue.
- Stab wounds or other sharp objects piercing the skull at a slow speed.
- Bullets from firearms or other objects moving at a high velocity.
- Shrapnel or debris from an explosion or blast.
Effects of this type of injury
Penetrating brain injuries have a high percentage of fatality, especially if the injury occurred due to a bullet wound to the head, according to information provided by the Brain Injury Association of American (BIAUSA).2 If a victim does live, however, they can experience many different symptoms and effects of their injuries, often on a permanent basis. In addition to the wide array of cognitive, physical, and emotional effects of any type of brain damage, victims of penetrating injuries often suffer extreme changes in demeanor and personality.
One famous example of such effects of an open head injury is of a man who was working on a railroad in 1848.3 In a sudden explosion, a long, sharp tool flew through the man’s cheek, through his brain, and out of his skull. Though he survived, he lost all vision in one eye and started having seizures. However, perhaps the most fascinating symptom of his injury was reportedly that his personality completely changed and he no longer enjoyed the same activities or friends, became very profane and rash in judgment, as well as other changes. As a result, he lost his job and his friends due to the effects of his open brain injury.
Find out how an experienced Tampa Bay brain injury lawyer can assist you today
Any kind of traumatic brain injury can be catastrophic and an open or penetrating brain injury can be particularly devastating for victims. If another party caused your traumatic brain injury, you likely have the right to substantial financial recovery to compensate you for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost earnings, emotional distress, permanent disabilities, and much more. In cases in which the liable party’s behavior was especially egregious, you may even be entitled to punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the party at fault and to deter similar behavior in the future and the recovery can be significant if punitive damages are available in your case.
The qualified brain injury attorneys at the Dolman Law Group in Tampa Bay, Florida have helped numerous TBI victims obtain full and just compensation for their losses. We understand how important financial recovery can be in this type of situation and we will always strive for the best possible result in your case. If you have sustained any type of TBI please call our office today at 727-451-6900 for a free consultation.
Dolman Law Group
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-451-6900
https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/brain-injury-attorneys/
References:
1http://www.cdc.gov/TraumaticBrainInjury/severe.html
2http://www.biausa.org/about-brain-injury.htm
3http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/phineas-gage-neurosciences-most-famous-patient-11390067/?no-ist
