Physical violence can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). This kind of violence could include assault, domestic violence, or other similar situations including punches, kicks, or shoves to head or actions that cause a fall and related head injuries.
Physical violence and assault can be deadly. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, assaults were a leading cause of TBI-related death for children ages 0-4 in 2013. Violent physical assault is also a common cause of TBI severe enough to require hospitalization for those between the ages of 15 and 44.
The Severity of Traumatic Brain Injuries Caused by Physical Violence
The traumatic brain injuries caused by physical violence can vary widely from a mild concussion to a severe penetrating injury. Secondary injuries are also possible when the initial injury causes a brain bleed or leads to swelling of the brain. If you suffer a head injury because of physical violence, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
It is important to note that obvious external trauma does not have to occur for the victim to suffer a traumatic brain injury. They may not even lose consciousness or only lose consciousness for a few minutes before police or other first responders arrive on the scene. However, even a mild TBI can cause:
- Dizziness and disorientation
- Headaches and migraines
- Issues with memory
- Problems with vision and sensitivity to light
- Uncontrolled and unusual emotional changes
- Insomnia or severe fatigue
- Difficulty thinking clearly, recalling words, and reacting quickly
- Struggling with many everyday tasks
Moderate TBIs and severe TBIs may lead to a longer loss of consciousness and require more intensive medical care. Victims of even moderate TBIs may miss months of work, and some with more severe injuries may not be able to return to their previous job. Severe TBIs often require several weeks of inpatient care followed by an extended stay in inpatient rehabilitation and months of outpatient therapy.
How Does Physical Violence Cause Traumatic Brain Injuries?
There is a risk of a head injury any time there is physical violence. This includes muggings, car jackings, choking, fights, rapes, and many other types of crimes. According to the National Women’s Health Network, there is some evidence that women and children who are the victims of domestic abuse may be at an especially high risk of TBI from physical violence.
Physical violence can cause traumatic brain injuries in several different ways:
Blows to the Head
Blows to the head are a common cause of violence-related TBI. A punch or kick is not the only way the victim can suffer this type of injury. It could also occur if they are:
- Shoved against a wall or other hard surface
- Pushed or knocked down
- Shot with a firearm
- Hit with another weapon
Coup and Contrecoup Injuries
Coup and contrecoup injuries are bruising of the brain caused by violent shaking that forces the brain to bounce back and forth inside the skull. Shaking and shoving are common causes of this type of TBI.
Anoxia
Anoxia occurs when there is a disruption in the flow of oxygen to the brain. Most often, this occurs when the victim cannot breathe. In a violent situation, strangulation or holding something over the victim’s mouth and nose may lead to an anoxic brain injury.
Recovering From a Traumatic Brain Injury Caused by Violence
If you were the victim of physical violence, the perpetrators broke the law and may be held criminally responsible for their actions, but you may have civil recourse as well.
If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury during an assault or other violent act, we will evaluate your case for free. The brain injury lawyers from Newsome | Melton have fought for the rights of personal injury victims for more than 20 years. Let us:
- Explain your rights and legal options
- Evaluate the viability of your case
- Determine your eligibility to pursue compensation
Call us today at (800) 917-5888 to talk to a member of the Newsome | Melton team about your case.