fatal head injuries, Wisconsin Personal Injury LawyerA recent incident that made international headlines demonstrates the severity of an unexpected head injury. On August 24, 2015, 37-year-old Justin Wilson—a longtime IndyCar driver—succumbed to a severe head injury, leaving behind his wife and two young children. He had been in a coma since a freak accident occurred the day before during a race on the Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania.

Toward the end of the 200-lap race, the lead driver lost control and crashed, causing debris to fly off his car and back toward the drivers behind him—a type of situation particularly dangerous during IndyCar races since the racing vehicles have open tops which leave a driver’s head exposed. For this reason, drivers have little more than a helmet to protect them from head and brain injuries. When a large metal nose cone came off the wrecked vehicle and careened into Wilson's vehicle, it hit Wilson in the head and caused him to lose consciousness. Wilson was in a coma until he passed away from his injuries the next day.

Head Injuries Can Occur in a Number of Ways

The IndyCar incident is reported to be an accident, with no driver being held directly responsible for the injuries to Wilson. However, this accident is a reminder of just how serious head injuries can be and how quickly head injuries can lead to serious disability or even death.

Even head injuries that, at first, seem to be minor can result in rapid bleeding, uncontrollable brain swelling and pressure, and similar complications. Additionally, if a head injury unknowingly causes a skull fracture, part of the skull may chip away and cause damage and bleeding in the brain. For these reasons, it is always important to seek a medical evaluation after any kind of head trauma to reduce the risk of complications and possibly death.

Many head injuries occur due to the negligence of others and the responsible parties should be held accountable for their actions and for an injured victim’s losses. The following examples of accidents can commonly cause head injuries and related medical issues:

  • Any type of fall;
  • Motor vehicle accidents, including cars, trucks, or motorcycles;
  • Bicycle accidents;
  • Pedestrian accidents;
  • Sports injuries;
  • Falling objects; and
  • Construction accidents.

If you are ever involved in any of these accidents and receive a blow to the head, you should visit the emergency room even if you have not lost consciousness or have any identifiable symptoms. Such symptoms can begin appearing hours after an accident occurs when it may be too late to avoid complications.

Contact an Appleton and Green Bay Head Injury Attorney Today

If you have suffered any type of head or brain injury in an accident, please speak with a qualified Appleton personal injury lawyer or Green Bay personal injury lawyer at [[title]] as soon as possible. Our attorneys can advise you of your options and help to stand up for your rights to recovery. We have offices in Oshkosh, Appleton, and Green Bay, so please do not delay in calling at 920-739-7366 to schedule your consultation.

Source:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2015/08/24/indycar-driver-justin-wilson-dies-from-head-injury-suffered-in-race/