After a serious accident, not all injuries are immediately visible. You may walk away from a car crash, truck collision, or fall believing you were uninjured, only to develop severe pain, dizziness, or internal complications hours or days later. Blunt force trauma is one of the most common yet misunderstood injuries accident victims experience in Louisiana.
At Chaz Roberts Law, our personal injury attorneys help injured individuals understand what blunt force trauma is, how it can affect your health, and what legal options may be available. If you suffered blunt force injuries due to someone else’s negligence, our team can guide you through the process of pursuing compensation and protecting your rights.
What is Blunt Force Trauma? Understanding the "Invisible" Injury
In simple terms, blunt force trauma refers to an injury caused by impact with a non-penetrating object. Unlike cuts or stab wounds, the skin may remain intact. However, the force of the impact can cause significant internal damage.
Blunt force trauma often occurs in:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle and bicycle crashes
- Slip and fall incidents
- Workplace accidents
- Physical assaults
Because there may be no open wound, these injuries are sometimes described as invisible. Victims may experience pain, swelling, bruising, or subtle neurological symptoms that worsen over time. In severe cases, blunt force trauma to the head or torso can become life threatening if not treated promptly.
Common Blunt Force Injuries in Louisiana Car and Truck Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of blunt force injuries in Louisiana. The sudden deceleration of a crash can throw the body into steering wheels, dashboards, airbags, or other objects inside the vehicle.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Blunt Head Trauma
Blunt force head trauma occurs when a person’s head strikes an object or is violently jolted during impact. Even without a skull fracture, the brain can shift inside the skull, causing a traumatic brain injury.
Symptoms of blunt force trauma to the head may include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Loss of consciousness
Some TBIs are classified as mild concussions, while others can result in permanent cognitive impairment. In severe cases, victims may require long term medical care or rehabilitation. If you experience any symptoms after an accident, seek medical attention immediately.
Thoracic and Abdominal Trauma: The Danger of Internal Bleeding
Blunt force trauma to the chest or abdomen can damage vital organs such as the lungs, liver, spleen, or kidneys. Seat belts, airbags, and steering wheels can all cause significant impact during a crash.
Internal bleeding is especially dangerous because it may not be obvious at first. Warning signs can include:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat
- Weakness or fainting
- Deep purple bruising
Left untreated, internal injuries can lead to organ failure or death. Prompt diagnosis through imaging tests such as CT scans is often necessary.
Orthopedic Injuries: Fractures and Deep Tissue Contusions
The force of a collision can also result in broken bones, crushed limbs, and deep muscle bruising. Orthopedic blunt force injuries commonly affect:
- Arms and wrists
- Legs and ankles
- Ribs
- Hips
- Collarbone
Deep tissue contusions may appear as large bruises but can involve significant muscle damage. Fractures may require surgery, physical therapy, and months of recovery time. In catastrophic injury cases, blunt force trauma may result in permanent disability.
Recoverable Damages: What is Your Blunt Force Injury Claim Worth?
If someone else’s negligence caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life.
Recoverable damages in blunt force trauma cases may include:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care and surgery
- Future medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
In the most tragic cases, surviving family members may pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim. Whether your injuries stem from a car crash, bicycle accident, or slip and fall, the attorneys at Chaz Roberts Law evaluate every aspect of your losses.
Louisiana Legal Timelines: The New Two-Year Statute of Limitations
Louisiana recently extended its statute of limitations for most personal injury claims to two years from the date of the accident. This means that, in many cases, injury victims now have two years to file a lawsuit.
However, certain exceptions may apply depending on when the accident occurred and the specific facts of your case. Waiting too long can jeopardize your right to recover compensation. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and insurance companies may attempt to delay proceedings.
It is best to consult with a Lafayette personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to protect your claim and not miss any important legal deadlines.
Why You Need a Lafayette Personal Injury Lawyer for Blunt Force Claims
Blunt force trauma cases can be medically and legally complicated. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize invisible injuries, arguing that symptoms are exaggerated or unrelated to the accident.
An experienced attorney can help by:
- Investigating the cause of the accident
- Gathering medical records and expert opinions
- Calculating the full extent of your damages
- Negotiating with insurance adjusters
- Filing a lawsuit if a fair settlement is not offered
At Chaz Roberts Law, we understand how devastating blunt force injuries can be. From blunt force head trauma to internal organ damage, these cases require careful documentation and strong legal guidance.
If you or a loved one has suffered blunt force trauma in Louisiana, do not wait to explore your options. Contact us today at (337) 504-3202 to schedule your free, confidential consultation. Our team is committed to helping injury victims pursue the compensation they need to move forward with confidence.
