EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Workload
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Wake Vortex Encounter
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
While on climb out we encountered severe turbulence; possibly wake turbulence from a B777 that was climbing out in front of us. We were passing through 23500 ft when suddenly the aircraft was thrown violently into a left roll; followed immediately by a sudden roll to the right and a jolt. The autopilot continued to function which helped keep the aircraft in a controllable flight. I had the FO call and check on the FA and she told us that she had fallen and hit her head. I made the decision to air return back to ZZZ. At this time the FO took control of the flying duties while I coordinated with ATC; the company and OPs. I also rechecked on the FA; and she stated that she was starting to feel dizzy and light headed. We [advised ATC] and were turned directly towards ZZZ. This all happened within 2-3 minutes of initial occurrence. We returned and landed with no further problems. We were met at the gate by paramedics and the Inflight Supervisor and our FA was escorted to the ambulance. It was decided that she was going to be transported to the hospital for further evaluation.In a situation like this there can be numerous threats. 1st; aircraft upset by turbulence; 2nd; and injured crew member; 3rd communicating with ATC; OPs and then coming up with a quick plan to safely bring the aircraft and passengers back to the airport. As with almost any situation; looking back; there are things to be learned. As a pilot the 'I can do it all' attitude has to be put aside and one must use all resources at hand. I learned; again; that crew resource management; i.e. the FOs quick and initial; 'I can fly while you make a plan and communicate with everybody' (not quite the quote) helped make this situation more controllable. It would help; however; if there was one person who could be called after landing to coordinate. As it was I had to call dispatch; scheduling; ops; Maintenance; and none seemed to know that I was on the phone with the other.
EMB-145 Captain reported returning to the departure airport after a Flight Attendant was injured during a wake vortex encounter climbing through FL235 in trail of a B777.