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Two Types of Brain Injuries | Mandell, Boisclair and Mandell, Ltd
September 22, 2021

What Is the Difference Between Closed Brain Injuries and Open Brain Injuries?

Traumatic brain injuries occur when a sudden, external, physical force damages the brain. These types of injuries are typically classified as either open or closed. 

Open brain injuries occur when an object fractures or penetrates the skull, while closed brain injuries happen when the skull is not penetrated. Both of these types of injuries are incredibly dangerous and can lead to severe, lifelong consequences or death.

For 45 years, Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd has stood by brain injury victims and their families. Our traumatic brain injury lawyers have the extensive knowledge these complex cases require. We have substantial experience helping injured parties obtain the compensation they deserve and a distinguished record of success to prove it.

What is a Closed Brain Injury?

A closed brain injury is an injury to the head that does not penetrate the skull. This type of injury occurs during a traumatic impact when the brain collides violently with the inside of the skull. Closed brain injuries can be mild or severe, depending on the force with which the brain hits the interior of the skull and which part of the brain is impacted. A closed brain injury can cause damage to a localized area or could affect multiple areas of the brain.

Symptoms of Closed Brain Injuries

Symptoms of closed brain injuries include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Breathing problems
  • Convulsions
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Dilated pupils or vision issues
  • Emotional or behavioral changes
  • Language or speech problems
  • Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid from the ears or nose
  • Death

What Is an Open Brain Injury?

An open brain injury – or penetrating brain injury – occurs when the skull is broken, fractured, or penetrated in some way. This type of injury can happen when metal or other sharp debris strikes the head with enough force to break or pierce the skull.

Open brain injuries are extremely dangerous, especially when the penetrating object enters the brain. They can result in permanent disability or death.

Common Causes of Open Brain Injuries

An open brain injury can be caused by a fall, car accident, sports-related accident, or a blow to the head. In other cases, these injuries can result from a piece of bone breaking off from the skull during a skull fracture. Open brain injuries may also be caused by a violent act, such as a stabbing or shooting.

Symptoms of Open Brain Injuries

Open brain injuries are very serious and can inflict permanent damage to victims, including death.

Symptoms of open brain injuries include:

  • Coma
  • Paralysis
  • Seizures
  • Infection of the brain or spinal column (meningitis)
  • Dementia
  • Death

Seeking Justice After a Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries have the potential to inflict tremendous physical, emotional, and financial harm to victims and their families. Pursuing damages for TBI through a personal injury lawsuit is crucial to ensure you receive quality medical care without suffering undue financial burdens to do so. 

After a traumatic brain injury, you will likely face a multitude of unexpected expenses, such as the loss of income and medical bills that include general treatment, therapy, prescriptions, assistive devices, home modifications, and ongoing professional care.

Depending on the unique circumstances surrounding your injury, the experienced brain injury lawyers at Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd can help you pursue compensation for:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering and mental anguish
  • Physical and psychological therapy costs
  • Expenses for medical and adaptive devices
  • Other out-of-pocket expenses
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Traumatic brain injuries can cause lifelong challenges and economic hardships. If you or a family member has been hurt by someone’s negligence, our firm is standing by to explain your rights and legal options.

Contact a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer in Providence Today

If you or a loved one have suffered a traumatic brain injury, the attorneys at Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd can help. Our law firm is familiar with these specific types of injuries and the unique issues they involve.

These complex cases require the skill and knowledge of a legal team that understands the complexities of these difficult cases. 

See our landmark results.

Contact Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd today online or at (401) 273-8330 for a free initial consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout Providence and across Rhode Island.