What We Can Learn from the Bob Saget Head Trauma Story

Sometimes, it takes a tragedy for us to take life seriously. With the death of beloved comedian Bob Saget, who sadly lost his life due to a head injury, it is a good idea for us to consider how these types of injuries can be sinister and life-threatening even when we think they’re not. Even a bump to the head may be an injury that can end up taking your life if you are not careful. Head injuries are common and we should be aware of the damage and harm they can do to us.

What happened to Bob Saget?

While no one knows what caused the injury that led to Bob Saget’s death, experts agree that he most likely hit his head accidentally, thought nothing of it, and went to sleep that night. The autopsy reports showed that Saget had “fractures to the back of his head and around his eyes.” This sort of injury shows the importance of making sure that you get any head trauma checked out, even if you do not think it needs any further inspection.

Why are head injuries so serious?

While our heads are one of the most important parts of our bodies to protect, head injuries are incredibly common. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2018, “more than 220,000 people in the U.S. suffered from traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and more than 60,000 TBI-related deaths were reported in 2019. That’s about 165 TBI-related deaths each day.” The elderly make up the majority of head trauma victims, making up around 32 percent of TBI-related hospitalizations and 28 percent of TBI-related deaths, according to reports from the CDC.

All sorts of injuries can happen due to experiencing trauma to the head. Whether they are mild, such as a bruise, cut, or bump (though a simple bump can occasionally be dangerous as well), or more severe, such as a concussion, deep laceration, or a fractured skull, these injuries should be looked at seriously until one is certain that they are not dangerous. Ways in which you can tell whether you should go to the hospital or you can stay home is checking the symptoms you are experiencing.

Mild injuries can often include such symptoms as:

• Sensitivity to noise and light
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Raised or swollen area from a bump
• Nausea

Moderate to severe injuries can include symptoms such as:

• Loss of consciousness
• A severe headache lasting for days
• Repeated nausea and vomiting
• Seizures

These symptoms are signs that you should see a doctor or medical professional as soon as possible. It is not just the short-term symptoms we need to worry about, but also the long-term effects of the head injury, especially if you ignore the initial symptoms.

It is important to try to avoid hitting your head repeatedly, as the side effects and complications can grow and worsen. However, you can suffer long term effects from even just one head trauma experience.

Long-term effects include:

• Trouble concentrating
• Difficulty with vision
• Blurry vision

Untreated head trauma can result in continued internal bleeding or swelling because of increased pressure on and around the brain, which can be fatal. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to head injuries.

Do I need a lawyer for my Huntsville brain injury claim?

Many head injuries occur because of someone else’s negligence. If this is the case, then you are likely eligible for compensation from the at-fault party. This may be your employer for failing to keep your workplace safe, or a stranger who crashed into your car while driving distracted.

Oftentimes, brain injury cases can be incredibly complex, and having an experienced attorney who has handled many cases like this before is important. At Martin & Helms, we take these cases very seriously, and we work with experts in the medical field who will review your medical records, and determine how your injury will affect your life in the short and long term.

That includes the long-term effects that you may be left with because of the injury that you have suffered, and also the financial impact this injury has had and will have on your life. If you suffer a brain or head injury that causes you to lose your job, or requires you to seek ongoing medical attention, then those damages must be included and documented. We will work hard, and we are ready to advance costs to make sure you secure the compensation you deserve.

It is a tragedy that Bob Saget possibly died due to a treatable head injury, but we can learn from his mistake. Rather than simply assuming there is no real damage done to us when we bump our heads or suffer a more severe head injury, we should make sure we see a medical expert to be sure. If someone else’s actions or negligence led to your head injury, then you have a way forward that will make sure that you secure all the financial compensation possible for you to live with the possible long-term complications of head trauma.

If this is you, then talk to our Huntsville traumatic brain injury attorneys today. We at Martin & Helms want to ensure you secure all the financial compensation you require, and have access to the resources you need to recover as much as possible from your injuries. To schedule a consultation to discuss your case, call us at 256-539-1990 or fill out our contact form. We also have offices in Decatur, and proudly serve clients in Athens, Madison, and throughout North Alabama.