Vermont Head Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one suffered a head injury in an accident in Vermont, Larson & Gallivan Law can help you understand your legal options. Our Vermont head injury lawyers represent individuals and families seeking compensation after car accidents, falls, and other incidents involving negligence. From our Rutland office, we assist injured clients throughout Vermont and offer free consultations to discuss their cases.

Common Types of Head Injuries

Most head and brain injuries occur when the head is impacted with force–for example, if the head is struck with an object. Head injuries can refer to external, superficial wounds to the face, head, or skull, such as lacerations, bruises, and scalp injuries, or they can refer to a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Many minor head injuries resolve within a few days with care and precautions, such as rest and sleep. In fact, many if not most of us have had minor concussions in falls or sports injuries or hitting our heads on the cellar stairs, and we have recovered well. However, over time and with multiple concussions, healing can be slower and permanent damage can occur.

What Is the Difference Between a Concussion and a TBI?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. It is caused by a blow or jolt to the head or neck that causes the brain to impact the inside of the skull. The brain “bounces” off the bones of the skull, and as it does the nerves that make up the brain can stretch, twist and break. The brain structure and chemistry can change because of this shearing injury to the nerves and the other structures.

Meanwhile, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) refers to any injury to the brain caused by a blow (a “trauma”). It covers all brain injuries from a mild concussion to a deep brain injury with skull fractures and a patient who is in a coma. For that reason, it isn’t the most useful term – it describes such a broad range of outcomes.

That said, there is no real definition of the difference between the terms “concussion” and “traumatic brain injury.” Most people call a head injury that lasts a few days or less a “concussion.” You may have a concussion and not even know it – but your brain has suffered a mild injury just the same.

While concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and often cause temporary symptoms, they can also have serious effects. Concussions may disrupt thinking, memory, language, emotions, and sensory processing. These effects can be especially concerning for individuals who have experienced previous concussions or other brain injuries, as repeated injuries can increase the risk of long-term complications.

If you or your child has experienced a blow to the head during a sporting event, fall, or car accident, it’s important to seek medical evaluation. For individuals in southern Vermont, including Rutland, Bennington, and Windsor counties, resources for concussion treatment include the Concussion Clinic at Rutland Regional Medical Center (RRMC) in Rutland, Vermont, and the Sports Concussion Program at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire.

Watch out for these signs of a concussion or TBI:

• Loss of memory of the injury
• Stunned or dazed
• Clumsiness, forgetfulness, confusion
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Common Causes of Head Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries and other head injuries usually occur when the head is hit with force. This might happen as the result of a slip and fall accident, a motor vehicle accident, a pedestrian or bicycle accident, a motorcycle accident, a diving accident, a workplace accident, or another accident type. TBIs can also happen as a result of the brain being deprived of oxygen, which could happen in a drowning accident or as a result of medical malpractice.

If someone else was to blame for your head injury, our lawyers will aggressively advocate for your rights, including your right to your full compensation award.

Compensation Available After a Head Injury in Vermont