An penetrating head injury, also referred to as an open head injury, is a type of injury to the head in which the other layer of the brain is pierced. A penetrating head injury is typically caused by a bullet, a knife or some other type of high-velocity object that is driven into the head. In other cases a violent blow to the head that causes a skull fracture, with fragments of the skull piercing the brain. This can happen in a car accident, far, or in instances where the victim is struck in the head by a falling object. Because penetrating head injuries leave the brain exposed, there is a significant risk of infection. If your head or brain injury was caused because of another person’s negligent or reckless behavior, you should contact a New York penetrating head injury lawyer right away who will help you receive just compensation for the losses due to your head injury.
Common causes of penetrating head injuriesOne of the leading causes of penetrating head injuries is a criminal assault that involves a gunshot wound to the head, or a stab wound to the head. A fall where the victim’s skull is fractured can lead to bone fragments piercing the brain. Falls are the leading cause of older people suffering penetrating head injuries. Similarly, vehicle accidents where the victim suffers a skull fracture can result in a piece of the skull breaking off and penetrating the brain.
Pursuing compensation for a penetrating head injuryAs a New York penetrating head injury lawyer will explain, if your head injury was caused by another person’s negligence, you have the legal right to file a claim against that person and demand payment of damages. This is critical because the medical bills associated with a penetrating head injury can be substantial. For example, depending on the severity of the injury and the location of the injury, you may require surgery by a neurosurgeon. During surgery the doctor will remove the skull fragments from the brain, drain fluid from the brain, and relieve pressure from the brain caused by swelling. Treatment may also require medication for pain and to control seizures. You may also required rehabilitation such as physical, occupational, and psychological therapy.
Furthermore, because of the physical and behavior effects of a brain injury, you may not be able to return to work for weeks, months, or even years. The hit to your finances may be considerable. In order to win your claim, you have to prove that the defendant was negligent and that the negligence caused your injury. While the defendant may admit liability, the defendant may not be willing to pay you fair compensation for you injuries. An experienced penetrating head injury attorney in New York will vigorously advocate for you to ensure that you receive a settlement that is in your best interests. This is the case even if your injury occurred during a criminal assault. In addition to facing criminal charges, you have the right to file a civil claim against the defendant and demand payment for the losses you suffered.
Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & AssociatesIf you or someone you love suffered a penetrating head injury that was caused by the intentional, reckless, or negligent act of another person, you need experienced legal representation who understands how to litigate complex personal injury cases and who also understands the medical issues associated with serious injuries to the brain. The penetrating head injury attorneys serving clients in New York at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates are experienced in representing clients who have suffered serious injuries in car accidents, falls, construction accidents, and assaults. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.