The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

Actress Natasha Richardson died of blunt impact to the head, which resulted in an epidural hematoma two days after falling on a beginner’s ski slope in Quebec. The autopsy results, which were just released to the public today, are consistent with what has been thought since it was reported that Richardson suffered some kind of injury.

These types of traumatic brain injuries are obviously extremely serious. The fact that Richardson seemed fine just after her fall proves how fast things can change when there is bleeding in the brain. Though it was suggested she go to the hospital immediately, aid was declined and Richardson returned with her ski instructor to the hotel when she began feeling poorly about an hour after the accident. A ski patrol medic arrived within minutes of the accident, but did not observe any visible signs of trauma, but there aren’t necessarily any indicators, such as bruising, when there is a brain injury. When an ambulance was called to the hotel, it was reported Richardson was conscious, but she “wasn’t in good shape.”

When there is bleeding in the brain, there is no room in the skull and pressure can build up. When pressure builds up, the brain is deprived of oxygen and things can begin to tailspin very quickly.

Natasha Richardson was on a beginner ski slope where high rates of speed are usually not a factor. She was not wearing a helmet, but plenty of people who fall while skiing don’t wear one. However, it all depends in how the head hits the ground. Most of the time, the person will either not hit their head at all in a fall or will bounce right back up. Again, it doesn’t take much to cause a severe traumatic brain injury. And maybe that’s the only lesson we can take away from this tragedy.

If you have lost a loved one due to a traumatic brain injury, please contact the Cochran Firm to speak to one of our experienced traumatic brain injury attorneys. We serve clients nationwide.