A “closed head injury” is head trauma that does not penetrate or fracture the skull. The term can cover a range of injuries. A closed head injury is often the result of a sports accident, a traffic collision, or an on-the-job accident. When a closed head injury victim files a personal injury suit against the party presumably responsible for the injury, several issues are raised. In accidents involving other injuries such as fractures or burns, an impact to the head might be overlooked during the immediate treatment. When this happens and symptoms emerge later, a defendant can argue that the closed head injury has an entirely different cause.

Symptoms of closed head injuries – personality changes, memory loss, headaches, trouble concentrating, or ringing in the ears – can develop months after even a somewhat minor accident. These symptoms are not only difficult to document and demonstrate; some insurance companies are known to accuse victims of simply faking the symptoms. Other symptoms of a closed head injury can include seizures, paralysis, slurred speech, hearing and vision problems, and reduced feelings in the hands, arms, and legs.

The general term “closed head injury” includes (but is not limited to): concussions, hematomas, contusions, and diffuse axonal injuries. If you even suspect that you or someone you love is dealing with an undiagnosed closed head injury, seek medical attention immediately. If you’re in an accident, seek immediate medical treatment and a prompt diagnosis as well as legal counsel from an experienced personal injury attorney.

When you file a personal injury claim regarding a closed head injury, a good personal injury lawyer should make sure that you obtain the treatment you need – not only to prove your symptoms are real, but also to help you achieve a full recovery. In the San Diego area, if you or a member of your family has suffered a closed head injury in an accident, and another party was responsible for that accident, contact experienced California personal injury attorney Gary Sernaker right away at (858) 509-0188, or email him at Gsernaker@gmail.com to discuss your rights and options under California law.