What is a closed head injury?

A Closed Head Injury is a type of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) caused by an external force impacting the head. Unlike open head injuries, where the skull is penetrated, closed head injuries occur without a break in the skull. However, the brain can still suffer serious damage due to the force of the impact or violent motion.

Common causes of closed head injuries include:

• An object striking the head, such as during a fall or an accident.
• The head striking an object, like hitting a windshield in a car crash.
• Sudden, violent movements, such as whiplash, causing the brain to shift forcefully within the skull.

At De Caro & Kaplen, LLP, attorneys Michael V. Kaplen and Shana De Caro have decades of experience representing clients with traumatic brain injuries. Their knowledge of the medical and legal complexities involved ensures that clients receive trusted and effective advocacy.

How Is a Closed Head Injury Different From an Acquired Brain Injury?

A Closed Head Injury results from external trauma, such as a fall, car accident, or impact. In contrast, an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is caused by internal factors, such as medical conditions or disruptions in oxygen supply.

What Are Common Causes of an Acquired Brain Injury?

Acquired brain injuries can result from:

• Stroke: A sudden interruption in blood flow to the brain.
• Infections: Conditions like meningitis that impact brain function.
• Birth complications: Traumatic events during labor and delivery, such as oxygen deprivation.

Shana De Caro, a nationally recognized brain injury attorney and former Chairwoman of the Brain Injury Association of America, emphasizes that acquired brain injuries are often misunderstood, requiring both medical and legal expertise to address their impact fully.

What Are the Consequences of a Closed Head or Acquired Brain Injury?

Both closed head injuries and acquired brain injuries can lead to severe and life-altering effects, including:

• Cognitive challenges: Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or confusion.
• Physical impairments: Persistent headaches, dizziness, or coordination problems.
• Emotional and behavioral changes: Depression, irritability, or mood swings.

The severity of these injuries depends on factors such as the force of the trauma or the specific areas of the brain affected. Michael Kaplen, who teaches traumatic brain injury law at The George Washington University Law School, explains: “Understanding the full extent of a brain injury requires a combination of legal insight and collaboration with medical professionals.”

Why Is Legal Representation Important After a Brain Injury?

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, seeking legal representation is critical. Brain injuries often result in:

• High medical expenses and long-term rehabilitation costs.
• Loss of income or reduced earning capacity.
• Emotional and physical suffering.

At De Caro & Kaplen, LLP, we understand the profound impact of brain injuries. We provide compassionate, expert legal guidance to help clients navigate their cases and seek justice.

How Can De Caro & Kaplen, LLP Help You?

Our experienced brain injury attorneys will:

• Investigate the circumstances of your injury to identify responsible parties.
• Collaborate with medical experts to assess the full impact of the injury on your life.
• Pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages.

Why Choose De Caro & Kaplen, LLP?

By choosing De Caro & Kaplen, LLP, you’re selecting attorneys with a proven track record in brain injury cases. Michael Kaplen and Shana De Caro have been recognized as leaders in brain injury advocacy, combining legal expertise with a deep understanding of the challenges survivors face.

• Michael Kaplen has been named one of New York’s top 100 trial lawyers and is board-certified in Civil Trial Advocacy.
• Shana De Caro is a member of the Board of Directors of the Brain Injury Association of America and is widely recognized for her contributions to brain injury law.

Together, they fight tirelessly to protect their clients’ rights and secure the compensation they deserve.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has sustained a Closed Head Injury or an Acquired Brain Injury, don’t wait to seek help. Contact De Caro & Kaplen, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Let us provide the support and legal expertise you need to rebuild your life.

About The Author

Michael V. Kaplen represents victims of vehicle collisions, unsafe buildings and construction sites, and medical malpractice, and is a preferred attorney of The Brain Injury Association of America.

Michael is board certified as a Civil Trial Advocate and board certified in medical malpractice litigation. He is a Professorial Lecturer in Law, The George Washington University Law School, The Legal Aspects of Traumatic Brain Injury.

Michael is past chairman of the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Automobile, Highway and Premise Liability Section, past chairman of the AAJ Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, three term president of the Brain Injury Association of New York State served two terms as chair of the New York State Traumatic Brain Injury Services Coordinating Council and vice-president, New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers.

He was invited by President Obama to participate in the White House Healthy Kids & Safe Sports Concussion Summit.

He is admitted to courts in New York, Florida, and Washington, DC. He has been selected as a New York Super Lawyer and recognized by Best Lawyers of America and U.S. News and World Report in personal injury law.