When you suffer a serious head injury, a simple mistake can have lasting consequences. In this article, we discuss what not to do after a head injury.
One of the worst types of injuries that you can sustain in a personal injury case is a head wound. Injuries involving the head and neck are often exacerbated by things that happen following the accident, but if you know a few common mistakes to avoid, you can be sure to protect yourself in the event you are hurt.
Here are five head-wound mistakes to avoid following a serious accident.
What Not to Do after a Head Injury
Do Not Move a Person with a Head Wound
According to the Mayo Clinic, an injured person “should lie down with the head and shoulders slightly elevated.” You should only ever move a person with a head wound to move them away from imminent harm. The reason why is that the person might have a spinal injury or traumatic brain injury that could be made worse at even the slightest change in position.
If you have a head injury yourself, you should try to be as still as possible until medical help arrives.
Do Not Remove a Helmet
For a similar reason, you should never attempt to remove an injured person’s helmet—for instance, if they were in a motorcycle accident—if you suspect they have a head injury. The amount of force it requires to pull certain helmets off a head can lead to further injuries.
Do Not Drink Alcohol
When it comes to what not to do after a head injury, drinking alcohol is toward the top of the list.
Alcohol impairs the central nervous system, and after a head injury you could be more susceptible to these effects. When a person is intoxicated or their motor function is impaired, they are more likely to hurt themselves. Many people experience hard falls, which you should avoid after any type of head injury.
Do Not Drive
Even after an injury like a concussion, which is a milder—yet still serious—type of head trauma, you should not attempt to drive right away. There is a chance that you may fall unconscious while driving and cause further damage to yourself.
Wait at least 24 hours and consult a doctor before driving.
Do Not Skip Medical Attention
Speaking of doctors, you should always consult one after hurting your head. Serious complications can arise if you forego medical attention, so the sooner you get treated, the less severe the damage may be.
If you are concerned about the cost of seeing a doctor, you should know that a personal injury lawsuit can help you receive compensation for your medical bills.
Now that you know what not to do after a head injury, talk to someone who can help you seek compensation for your condition.
Get in touch with Pacin Levine, P.A. now to discuss your case.
Are you ready to pursue your case? Contact us today and set up an appointment to speak to an attorney. Call us at 1-800-24-7-CRASH or write to us at [email protected].
