Head trauma - 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund claims

Head trauma is a frequently recorded injury in individuals affected by the 9/11 events

Individuals who were in the vicinity of the World Trade Center during the collapse of the towers were at risk of head injuries from debris or being thrown against objects during the explosions and the subsequent chaos. Out of the survivors, about 44% were injured, and 13% of them sustained serious injuries, including head traumas, as reported in a study on persons injured during 9/11. Many head traumas from 9/11 victims have been attributed to the following causes:

• Falling debris
• Force or blast of explosions (shockwaves)
• Collapse of structures

The chaotic and horrific destruction of the World Trade Center resulted in a hazardous environment. Those present had an increased risk of suffering head traumas. Different types of head injuries include:

• Concussions
• Skull fractures
• Intracranial hematoma
• Epidural hematoma
• Subdural hematoma
• Contusion or intracerebral hematoma
• Diffuse axonal injury

If you were diagnosed with one of these head injuries you may qualify for filing a claim. Did you sustain a 9/11-related head injury but did not find your diagnosis in the list above? Your healthcare provider may have documented your diagnosis with terms such as:

• Open or penetrating traumatic brain injury
• Closed or blunt traumatic brain injury

In addition to these types, head injuries may also be classified based on their severity. There are mild, moderate, and severe traumatic head injuries. Each kind presents different symptoms. For example, moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries may show symptoms as listed below, which are not typically associated with mild head injuries:

• Loss of consciousness
• Coma
• Weakness in arms and legs
• Loss of or reduced hearing
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Slurred speech
• Seizures or convulsions
• Blood from ears or nose

On the other hand, mild, moderate, and severe traumatic brain injuries share the following signs and symptoms:

• Bump or bruise on the affected area
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness and headaches
• Loss of balance
• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
• Confusion, difficulty concentrating and thinking
• Short-term memory loss
• Fatigue or feeling like the world is in slow motion

Head injuries may also bring about changes in a person’s mood. The head trauma may manifest as anxiety, sadness, depression, aggression, irritability, and anger. Furthermore, traumatic brain injuries can cause sleep disruptions. If you experienced these symptoms and were diagnosed with a 9/11-related head injury, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact our lawyers to file a 9/11 Victim Compensation Claim for head trauma.