Concussions have become an epidemic in the United States, with millions of mild traumatic brain injuries happening each year. They can be caused from hard hits in sports, from falls, and often from the impact of an auto accident. Making an injury claim for concussions and post-concussion syndrome can be complicated because it is not immediately clear when a victim has sustained this type of injury. Even if an accident victim did not lose consciousness, they may still have a concussion, and their symptoms may develop slowly over the days and weeks following the direct impact. Let’s take a closer look at concussions and post-concussion syndrome after an auto accident.
- Common Symptoms of a Concussion
- Treating Concussions
- Documenting Treatment and Recovery
- Making an Injury Claim for Concussions and Post-Concussion Syndrome
Common Symptoms of a Concussion
If you’ve lost consciousness, vomited, or became disoriented following an accident, there is a good chance you suffered a concussion. Other symptoms include nausea, head and neck pain, dizziness, fatigue, mood changes, irritability, and insomnia.
When any of these symptoms are present immediately following an accident, or in the days or weeks that follow, it is important to get medical attention immediately. Â This is critical for your health, but also, it provides important documentation that could make or break your personal injury claim.
Treating Concussions
A concussion is considered a traumatic brain injury, or TBI. It’s often caused by violent shaking or a blow to the head. The brain is made of soft tissue and is cushioned by spinal fluid and encased in the protective shell of the skull. The sudden jolt to the head can cause bruising, damage to the blood vessels, and injury to the nerves.
Concussions can vary in severity, and most often, the best form of treatment is rest. In order for the brain to heal and to reduce the chances of re-injury, most doctors instruct concussion victims to avoid strenuous activities such as exercise and sports. Physical or other therapy is also a common treatment that can last for several weeks or months.
Documenting Treatment and Recovery
Because symptoms associated with a concussion may take days or even weeks to appear, it is important to have proper documentation to show the extent of your injuries and how you’ve been affected. Be sure to seek treatment after any accident to ensure you have documentation to back up a future claim. You should also keep records of your condition in the days and weeks following the accident, journaling how you are feeling and any limitations you may have.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys at GLS Injury Law will provide the proper guidance, make sure the necessary medical documentation exists and help you build a strong closed head injury claim to ensure you can demonstrate the concussion and its effects were the direct result of your car accident, even if the symptoms weren’t immediate.
Making an Injury Claim for Concussions and Post-Concussion Syndrome
Brain injury cases can be among the most complicated types of legal claims. Insurance companies know the system and often try to take advantage of individuals who do not properly document their symptoms after an auto accident. Unfortunately, often, they get away with paying the auto accident victim much less than they should.
These “invisible injuries” can often mean long-term medical care is necessary. Medical bills from traumatic brain injuries can be formidable. An experienced and court-tested personal injury attorney can help you get compensation for loss of income, medical bills and pain and suffering.
A small percentage of auto accident victims develop post-concussive syndrome after suffering a concussion. This means, their symptoms may increase in severity, and they may last for a year or more. Symptoms of post-concussive syndrome include:
- Headaches
- Increase Sensitivity to Light and Sound
- Fatigue
- Blurry Vision
- Dizziness
- Changes in Emotional State (Depression, Irritability, and Anxiety)
- Memory Problems
- Concentration Problems
- Insomnia
To recover compensation for post-concussion syndrome, an accident victim must prove the other party was responsible for the accident and that the accident itself was the cause of the post-concussive syndrome. They must also prove that they sustained damages related to the condition (such as medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering).
Because the symptoms associated with post-concussive syndrome can be subjective, it is essential to seek medical treatment, to report all symptoms, and to have a doctor document everything. Again, keeping detailed records of treatment and damages will only help in recovering maximum compensation for injuries and damages.
Contact Lancaster’s TOP Concussion Attorneys Today!
As a law firm that represents countless individuals and workers who have sustained brain injuries in motor vehicle and work accidents, we work alongside you to ensure you get the maximum compensation provided for by law. Brain injury victims can face huge setbacks in their daily lives, their ability to work, their emotional health and their overall well-being. Our award-winning attorneys will hold the at-fault parties accountable, securing much-needed compensation.
If you or someone you know has suffered a concussion or is dealing with a post-concussion syndrome following an accident, Call Georgelis First at 717-394-3004. We are available 24/7 and we never collect a fee until we win money for you!
