One of the more common types of injuries seen in an accident in Illinois is an open head injury. This type of head injury can affect different areas of the body, including the face and brain. Even when an individual is involved in a low-impact accident in Illinois, the injuries can be serious.
When the negligence or carelessness of another results in an accident in Illinois and you suffer injuries, you may be able to pursue compensation through an Illinois personal injury claim. A Chicago car accident attorney will investigate your case to determine if you are eligible to file a claim.
Broken Nose as a Result of an Open Head Injury
One type of injury that can result from an open head injury is a broken nose. Most often the nasal bones sustain the brunt of the injury. However, other areas surrounding the nose could also suffer fractures.
A number of complications can arise from a broken nose.
It may interfere with an individual’s ability to breathe properly, and even with cosmetic surgery, an individual could be left with disfigurement. In some cases, depending on the location of the fracture, a CSF (cribriform plate fracture) leak could lead to an abscess in the brain or the development of meningitis.
Splinting, medication and sometimes surgery are necessary to treat a broken nose after an accident in Illinois.
All of this can lead an individual to pursue an Illinois personal injury claim where they may be entitled to damages related to hospital costs, medical bills, disfigurement and pain and suffering.
Other Problems Resulting from an Open Head Injury
Most other injuries stemming from an open head injury involve damage to the brain or skull. A skull fracture can be accompanied by open wounds, lacerations and swelling. Depending on the severity of the damage, treatment could include irrigation (cleaning out the open wound), medication or surgery.
When a penetrating head injury or a brain contusion results in seizures this is known as post-traumatic epilepsy. This kind of epilepsy may last a few weeks or several years and require ongoing treatment with medication.
Another potential long-term effect of a TBI is cerebreospinal fluid leakage which can surround the brain or even leak out of the individual’s eyes and nose. Surgery may be required to stop the leakage and repair any skull fracture. This type of delicate surgery can lead to a lengthy recovery time.
Some of the other long-term effects that can be suffered as a result of a traumatic brain injury from an accident in Chicago include damaged blood vessels, cranial nerve injuries and chronic pain.
Surgery, rehabilitation and medication may be necessary forms of treatment.
All of these complications can decrease an individual’s quality of life and result in disability, loss of enjoyment of life, and even the inability to socialize or continue to work.
Some of the disabilities that an individual with a traumatic brain injury can suffer from include:
- memory loss;
- cognitive dysfunction;
- inability to concentrate or pay attention;
- inability to make judgments or problem solve;
- language/communication problems;
- impaired senses; and
- emotional/behavioral problems.
All of these conditions can prevent an individual from returning to work, taking care of their children or otherwise living the life they once lived. Treatment and non-economic considerations associated with traumatic brain injuries may be recoverable through a personal injury claim when they are the result of someone else’s negligence from an accident in Chicago.
Consulting with a knowledgeable and experienced Chicago injury attorney is the best way to fully understand what your legal rights are during this time. A Chicago injury attorney will explain what options you have available in pursuing a personal injury claim.
When to Hire a Chicago Injury Attorney
A Chicago injury attorney at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. has dealt with similar cases to yours and knows the best course of action for your claim. To improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all the paperwork involved in an Illinois personal injury claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.
