Rhode Island Accident Lawyer Representing Victims of Head & Brain Injuries

Head injuries are one of the most common causes of death and disability in Rhode Island and throughout the United States. Serious head injuries may cause damage to the brain, resulting in incapacity and a lifetime of treatment and care. At the Pawtucket law offices of Ray Pacia, we handle catastrophic injury cases with skill and compassion, wholly committed to helping our clients obtain the compensation they need to move past tragedy.

Causes of Head Injuries in Pawtucket & Nationwide

Every year, almost a quarter million people are hospitalized because of traumatic injuries to the brain, and 50,000 people die. While trauma is required to cause a head injury, the trauma does not have to be violent. Slipping and falling or falling into a hard object may be enough to cause damage, and more than 50% of traumatic brain injuries are attributed to auto accidents.

Types of Brain & Head Injuries

Generally, head injuries are classified as either open or closed. Open head injuries break or crush the bones of the skull, injuring the brain and allowing germs to come in contact with the brain. They are emergencies that require immediate medical care.

On the other hand, closed head injuries do not break through the bones of the skull, and while the skull may have fractured, the scalp is not cut or scraped. Closed head injuries are usually caused by a hard blow or impact that jars the brain within the skull, causing bruising, stretching or tearing of the brain tissue, nerves or blood vessels. Both open and closed head injuries may cause:

• Concussion - A concussion is an interruption in the way the brain normally works.
• Contusion - A contusion is bruising or swelling of the brain tissue.
• Bleeding - Bleeding within or around the brain is a life-threatening injury. Symptoms of bleeding may be the same as those of a concussion, but more serious symptoms usually develop within 24 hours after the injury.
• Paralysis - If a head injury results in nerve damage, full or partial paralysis may result.

Approximately half of people who have sustained a severe head injury will require surgery to remove or repair ruptured blood vessels or bruised brain tissue. After initial treatment, rehabilitation is often necessary in the areas of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, psychology, and social support.

Talk to an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Rhode Island

If you or a loved one has suffered a head or brain injury in an accident, please contact Raymond A. Pacia Attorney at Law to schedule a free initial consultation and interview. If you are receiving treatment or recovering from an injury, we will meet with you in your home, hospital room or another place of convenience.