An open traumatic brain injury (TBI) is often referred to as penetrating head trauma. This type of injury occurs when a foreign object pierces through the skull. If a foreign object enters the brain, direct damage to brain tissue may occur. The morbidity and mortality associated with this type of injury are high and constitute the most severe TBIs. The key to a favorable outcome in penetrating head trauma cases is interprofessional team management and preventing further complications.

A penetrating brain injury may be traumatic for the affected individual and their family. If you suffered an open TBI or another type of head trauma in an accident, our skilled personal injury lawyers are here for you. Call our attorneys for free, friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

At AutoAccident.com, we have handled personal injury cases since 1982. Over the years, we have worked hard to secure favorable outcomes in our clients’ accident cases. Besides our history of successful results and excellent service, another trait that sets us apart from other law firms is the connection we establish with our clients. Our legal team believes that having our client’s goals and best interests at heart helps us build strong and compelling cases on their behalf. For more information, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our penetrating head trauma attorneys.

The symptoms an individual may experience from penetrating head trauma will vary based on the cause of injury and its severity. The signs generally include the following:

• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of bladder and bowel function
• Loss of consciousness
• Profuse bleeding from the head

In the hospital, stabilization and resuscitation should be performed on a patient presenting with a penetrating brain injury. A primary survey should be conducted immediately to identify a life-threatening injury. Stabilization should focus on the ABCs: airway, breathing, and circulation. Immediate recognition of polytrauma is essential, which may be accomplished with the assistance of a trauma team. The superficial wound should be inspected to identify the entrance and exit wounds if present.

The presentation of a penetrating brain injury is generally based on the mechanism, area of the lesions, and associated trauma. A thorough review of patient history should include the time and date of the incident, how long the patient was unconscious, whether they experienced a seizure at the time of the impact, use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants, and any existing co-morbidity.

An initial encounter with a patient will include a primary trauma survey and a secondary trauma survey. A comprehensive physical exam will be conducted, which consists of a neurological evaluation. The treating physician should document Glasgow coma scale (GCS) findings, sensory and motor examination, and assess cranial nerve involvement. All results associated with the patient’s neurology should be thoroughly documented.

The following techniques may be performed in a penetrating head trauma case:

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: For an evaluation of the presence of cerebral edema or hematoma, a CT scan of the head should be ordered for a hemodynamically stable patient. Findings from a CT scan may provide the basis for the relationship between intracranial structures and the penetrating object. It may also be used to determine the severity of the injury.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI scan may be ordered if a wooden object is suspected to be the penetrating object that caused head trauma. This type of imaging should not be ordered if metallic fragments are present in intracranial structures. If these are not present, then an MRI scan of the brain may be performed for a hemodynamically stable patient. Findings from an MRI scan may include the severity of possible associated injuries and posterior fossa structures.
• Plain Radiograph: Information from a plain radiograph may include the penetrating object and its shape, the presence of skull fractures, and whether there is a foreign object in the intracranial structure.

When intracranial pressure is monitored, and intracranial hypertension is present, treatment measures may include high-dose barbiturates, cerebrospinal fluid drainage, mannitol, and hyperventilation. Patients will require medical and operative management in most penetrating brain injury cases.

Surgery may be indicated for a penetrating head injury if a hematoma is present. These should be treated immediately with early decompression and conservative debridement if necessary. A craniotomy is necessary for a penetrating brain injury if there is a presence of a foreign object protruding from the head. The survival rate for the initial injury will be based on immediate and early surgical management in addition to neurocritical care.

Surgery should be performed within 12 hours of the injury. This serves to limit the risk of complications, mainly infections. The common vascular complications after penetrating head trauma include vasospasm, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and arteriovenous fistulas or traumatic intracranial aneurysms.

When an accident leaves you with injuries, such as penetrating head trauma, you may deal with extensive medical care and missed time at work. If the incident resulted from negligence by another individual or entity, an injured party may seek reimbursement for losses in a bodily injury claim. An injured person may be compensated for medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering, and other losses associated with the crash.

With a traumatic injury, such as penetrating head trauma, the question of whether there is enough bodily injury liability coverage often comes to mind. Having UM coverage may help when the other side does not have liability insurance or the incident was a hit-and-run accident. Conversely, UIM coverage may be useful in cases where the negligent party has bodily injury liability coverage but not enough to pay for all damages. Our personal injury law firm recommends that everyone carry at least $100,000 and $300,000 in UM/UIM protection for peace of mind.

Even if you have UM and UIM coverage, you are not guaranteed to be fairly compensated for the penetrating head trauma and associated injuries you suffered from the incident. Insurance companies, including your own, have ulterior motives meaning they are looking to pay as little as possible on claims. This may occur in the form of an insurance adjuster disputing the value and validity of the claim. A penetrating head injury lawyer from AutoAccident.com can help you with your case to ensure that your rights and best interests are protected throughout the process.

Some of the duties that your brain injury lawyer may perform in service of your penetrating head trauma case may include:

• Collecting and preserving evidence associated with the incident that caused a penetrating brain injury
• Assigning a value to accident-related injuries and related damages
• Handling verbal and written communication with the insurance company on your behalf
• Negotiating an insurance settlement based on the value of reported losses
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court to protect the statute and proceed with litigation if it proves necessary

The personal injury attorneys from our law firm will seek maximum financial recovery for economic and non-economic damages caused by the defendant’s actions in your accident case. Contact us today to learn more about our services through a free consultation or watch this video.

When you contact our legal team from AutoAccident.com to discuss your penetrating head trauma case, here is what you should expect:

• A conversation with a skilled and compassionate injury lawyer who will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your case
• A discussion of accident-related injuries and their impact on your life, family, work, and future
• Answers to any questions you may have about the personal injury claims process with insurers and what to expect from it moving forward

Since 1982, we have helped many Californians who have suffered life-changing injuries, including penetrating head trauma, obtain maximum financial recovery. Our accident attorneys are available to help you through this difficult time. We work on a contingent fee basis, meaning we do not get paid unless we obtain a successful resolution in your case.

The effects of an accident may be traumatic and lasting. This is especially true when injuries like penetrating head trauma are involved. At AutoAccident.com, our legal team is committed to helping injured parties obtain the justice and financial recovery they need to move forward with their lives. Learn how we can help and receive free, friendly case advice by calling (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.

Image Credit: Karolina Grabowska on Pexels

:ds [cs 1502] bw