A common type of brain injury that people don’t always pay too much attention to is a concussion. Although concussions are often classified as mild traumatic brain injuries, they can still result in frustrating and lasting symptoms.
If you sustained a concussion because of another party’s behavior, you may be able to obtain compensation for your losses by beginning a personal injury claim. Learn more about these injuries and what the legal process involves.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that can be caused by a jolt or blow to the head. The sudden movement can cause chemical changes in the brain and may stretch or damage brain cells, leading to physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related symptoms.
The most common symptoms of a concussion include:
- Headaches
- Memory loss
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Temporary loss of consciousness (not always present)
A challenging aspect of these injuries is that the symptoms may not be immediately apparent. Some symptoms appear immediately, while others may not appear or be noticed for hours or days.
The most common causes of concussions are motor vehicle accidents, like car and motorcycle crashes, as well as slip and fall accidents. Assaults and contact sport incidents can lead to concussions, too.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention for a Concussion?
You should seek medical attention if you experience concussion symptoms after a blow or jolt to the head. Some symptoms can also signal a more serious brain injury that requires emergency care.
Seek immediate emergency medical care for danger signs such as:
- A headache that gets worse
- Repeated vomiting
- Seizures
- Slurred speech
- Increasing confusion or unusual behavior
- Weakness or numbness
- Difficulty waking up
Getting prompt medical care can help identify the extent of the injury and rule out more serious complications. Medical records can also document your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment if you later pursue a personal injury claim.
Concussion Treatments
Treatment for a concussion often begins with a short period of relative rest. A doctor may recommend limiting physical and mental activities that make symptoms worse during the first few days.
As symptoms improve, people can usually begin returning to normal activities gradually under medical guidance. Recovery times vary. Many people improve within a few weeks, while others experience symptoms for longer.
Anyone who suspects a concussion should seek medical attention. A doctor can evaluate the injury, provide instructions for recovery, and determine when it is safe to return to work, school, sports, and other activities.
Concussion Complications
One possible complication is post-concussive syndrome, which occurs when concussion symptoms continue for months after the injury. Ongoing headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and other symptoms can interfere with work, school, and daily activities.
A history of concussions can increase the risk of longer recovery or more severe symptoms after another concussion. Repeated head impacts are also a concern. Research has linked long-term exposure to repeated head impacts with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), although there is no strong evidence that one or more concussions alone cause CTE.
Personal Injury Claims After a Concussion
If another person or business is legally responsible for causing your concussion, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
In a negligence claim, you generally must show that the other party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries and resulting losses. Evidence may include medical records, accident reports, witness statements, photographs, and other documentation.
What Compensation May Be Available After a Concussion?
A concussion can affect your health, work, and daily life.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation in a personal injury claim may cover losses such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Other accident-related losses
The compensation available depends on the facts of the case and the harm caused by the injury.
How Can an Attorney Help With a Concussion Claim?
Concussion claims can be difficult when symptoms are delayed or there is a dispute over what caused them. An insurer may also challenge liability, the severity of the injury, or the value of the claimant’s losses.
A personal injury attorney can gather evidence, evaluate the losses involved, communicate with insurers, and negotiate on the client’s behalf. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, the attorney can also determine whether filing a lawsuit is appropriate.
Contact the Middletown Personal Injury Attorneys at Rolo Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A concussion can affect your health, work, and daily life long after an accident. If someone else’s actions caused your injury, Rolo Law Personal Injury Lawyers can review what happened and explain your legal options.
Our Middletown personal injury lawyers prepare cases with litigation in mind and are ready to pursue a lawsuit when necessary. Contact Rolo Law Personal Injury Lawyers today at 845-383-7790 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your concussion injury claim.