Blunt Force Trauma to the Head: Symptoms, Causes, and Your New York City Injury Claim

Blunt force trauma to the head occurs when the head is struck by an object or surface or when the head moves violently and impacts another surface. Unlike a penetrating injury, blunt force trauma does not involve an item passing through the skull. However, the lack of an open wound does not indicate that the damage is small.

In New York City, head injuries can result from car and pedestrian accidents, falls, construction accidents, scaffolding occurrences, and assaults. If another person’s negligence caused your accident, you may be able to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

What Is Blunt Force Trauma to the Head?

Blunt force trauma is a bodily injury caused by a collision with a blunt object or surface. When the head is involved, the impact can damage the skull, brain, blood vessels, or surrounding tissues without necessarily creating an open wound.

The severity of the injury depends on factors including the force and location of the impact and whether the brain moves or rotates inside the skull.

Blunt force vs. penetrating head injury

A blunt head injury does not involve an object piercing the skull. Examples include colliding with a dashboard in a car accident, falling and banging your head on a sidewalk, or being hit by a falling object.

A penetrating head injury occurs when an item breaks through the skull and penetrates the brain or surrounding tissue. Both sorts of injuries can be dangerous, necessitating immediate medical attention.

How it relates to traumatic brain injury (TBI)

When a blunt force trauma disrupts or damages brain tissue, it can result in a traumatic brain injury.

A TBI can range from a concussion to serious brain damage that causes prolonged unconsciousness, permanent disability, or death. The injury may be limited to a single part of the brain or affect many areas.

Types of Head and Brain Injuries

Blunt force trauma can produce several different types of injuries, ranging from relatively mild to life-threatening.

Concussion and contusion

A concussion is a type of TBI that temporarily impairs brain function. It can be caused by a direct hit to the head or by violent movement of the head and upper torso. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory or attention issues, as well as balance and coordination difficulties.

A brain contusion is basically a bruise on the brain induced by an impact. Contusions can cause bleeding and swelling in the brain and may coexist with a skull fracture or other traumatic brain damage.

Although many concussions resolve with proper treatment, they should not be considered minor injuries. Some people have lasting symptoms or consequences.

Hematoma and diffuse axonal injury

An intracranial hematoma occurs when blood gathers inside the skull, usually as a result of trauma to the blood vessels. As blood collects, it can put pressure on the brain, causing a medical emergency. Depending on the severity and location of the bleeding, treatment could include monitoring, medication, or surgery.

A diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a serious type of brain injury produced by sudden acceleration, deceleration, or rotational forces that strain and destroy the brain’s axons. DAI can cause prolonged unconsciousness, coma, and serious neurological disability.

Skull fractures

A skull fracture happens when the force of an impact causes one or more of the skull’s bones to crack or break. Some fractures can occur without leaving a visible outward wound.

Skull fractures can be more dangerous when bone fragments penetrate brain tissue or when the fracture is accompanied by hemorrhage, edema, or other brain injuries. Individuals who experience a significant head impact should seek medical attention.

Symptoms of Blunt Force Head Trauma

Symptoms depend on the type and severity of the injury. Some people experience obvious symptoms immediately, while others may initially feel relatively normal.

Immediate vs. delayed symptoms

Immediate symptoms of blunt force head trauma can include:

• Headache or migraine
• Confusion or disorientation
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Blurred or double vision
• Slurred speech
• Memory problems
• Loss of coordination
• Nausea or vomiting
• Drowsiness or unusual fatigue
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures

Some symptoms may occur later rather than immediately following an injury. Persistent headaches, difficulties concentrating, memory issues, mood swings, sleep disruptions, and other neurological symptoms should be examined with a doctor.

When to seek emergency care

A severe blow to the head requires medical treatment, especially if symptoms are present or worsening. If you have suffered a head injury in an accident, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and seek emergency care when appropriate.

Common Causes of Head Trauma in New York City

Blunt force head injuries may happen in a variety of situations. Some of the most common occurrences in New York City are car accidents, pedestrian accidents, falls, construction accidents, and attacks.

Car and pedestrian accidents

Vehicle collisions can subject a person’s head to sudden acceleration, deceleration, and impact forces. A driver or passenger may strike their head against the windshield, dashboard, seat, or another part of the vehicle.

Pedestrians and cyclists suffer very high risks because they have minimal protection when hit by a vehicle. A pedestrian may suffer a head injury after being thrown onto the hood or pavement or after striking another object during the collision.

Falls and premises hazards

Falls are another common cause of blunt force trauma. A person may strike their head against a floor, staircase, sidewalk, curb, or other hard surface.

Property owners and other responsible parties may potentially be liable when dangerous conditions, such as defective stairs, inadequate lighting, slippery surfaces, or other premises hazards, contribute to an accident.

Construction and scaffolding accidents

Construction workers and others at construction sites can suffer serious head injuries from falls, falling objects, collapsing structures, or other site hazards.

Assault

An assault can also result in blunt force trauma if a person is struck in the head with a fist, object, or other blunt surface.

How Much Is a Traumatic Brain Injury Claim Worth in New York City?

There is no set sum for a traumatic brain injury claim in New York City. A case’s value is determined by elements such as the nature and severity of the injury, the medical care necessary, the duration of symptoms, the impact on the victim’s ability to work, and if the injury results in permanent impairment.

Value by injury severity (mild, moderate, severe)

A mild TBI, such as a concussion, may result in brief symptoms and minimum medical therapy. However, some people endure persistent symptoms that have a substantial impact on their everyday life.

A moderate TBI may result in long-term neurological problems, more extensive therapy, and limitations on a person’s ability to work or engage in typical activities.

A severe TBI may cause persistent cognitive or physical damage, necessitating substantial medical care, rehabilitation, assistive services, or long-term supervision.

The severity of a TBI does not determine the claim’s worth. Medical evidence, prognosis, lost income, and the overall impact of the accident on the individual’s life can all influence damages.

Damages you can recover

Depending on the circumstances of the case, compensation for a brain injury may include:

• Medical expenses and future medical treatment
• Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
• Rehabilitation and therapy expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Other economic losses resulting from the injury

The damages available will depend on the facts of the accident and the applicable New York law.

Does a Head Injury Meet New York’s Serious Injury Threshold?

People injured in motor vehicle accidents in New York are generally required to seek certain benefits through their own no-fault insurance, regardless of who caused the crash. To file a personal injury claim for additional damages, including pain and suffering, individuals must demonstrate a serious injury as defined by New York Insurance Law Section 5102(d).

A traumatic brain injury may fall within the serious-injury threshold, depending on the medical evidence and the circumstances. An attorney can assess the diagnosis, medical records, symptoms, and functional limits to decide whether a case is possible.

Time Limits to File a Brain Injury Lawsuit in New York

The applicable deadline can vary depending on the type of claim and the identity of the potentially responsible party.

You typically have three years from the date of the accident or injury to file a standard personal injury claim for traumatic brain injury. However, for claims against government agencies, you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident, and you have only one year and 90 days to file the lawsuit.

Because missing an applicable deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation, it is important to speak with a qualified New York personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a serious head injury.

Consult a New York City Brain Injury Lawyer

Blunt force head trauma can have long-term implications. Even if there is no obvious injury, damage to the brain or skull can result in considerable medical costs, lost income, cognitive challenges, and long-term impairments in a person’s quality of life.

Greenberg & Stein P.C. has represented people injured in accidents throughout New York City. If you or a loved one suffered a head or brain injury because of someone else’s negligence, contact Greenberg & Stein P.C. to discuss your circumstances with an experienced personal injury attorney. Call 212-681-2535 to schedule a free consultation.

FAQ

What is blunt force trauma to the head? 

A head injury caused by impact  striking a surface or being hit by an object  that doesn’t penetrate the skull. Depending on the force, it can range from a mild concussion to a severe traumatic brain injury.

How much is a brain injury claim worth in New York? 

Values vary widely. Mild TBIs often settle in the lower six figures, while severe, permanent injuries can reach seven or eight figures depending on medical costs, lost earning capacity, and long-term impact. An attorney can assess your specific case.

Does a head injury meet New York’s serious injury threshold?

Moderate and severe TBIs often qualify under Insurance Law §5102(d)  by causing a permanent or significant limitation, or exceeding $50,000 in economic loss  which may allow a pain-and-suffering claim after a car accident. Minor concussions may not; an attorney can advise.

What are the symptoms of blunt force head trauma? 

Common signs include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, nausea, and light sensitivity. Symptoms can be delayed hours or days, so prompt medical evaluation matters even if you feel fine at first.

How long do I have to file a brain injury lawsuit in New York? 

Generally three years from the injury under CPLR §214. If a government entity is involved (a city vehicle, public property), a Notice of Claim is usually required within 90 days  so early legal advice is important.