Is a Concussion a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Discover Why a Concussion is More Than Just a Bump on Your Head
According to the Mayo Clinic and other prominent medical authorities, a concussion is a traumatic brain injury. Concussions are among the most common injuries reported by our clients who are involved in car accidents, slip and falls, and other personal injury accidents. In most instances, though, relief from concussion takes a bit more than an aspirin and a few days of rest.
While some victims experience concussion symptoms for a few weeks or months at most, it’s not unheard of for some concussion symptoms to last for months or even years.
What Causes a Concussion?
A concussion (traumatic brain injury) is usually caused by a hard hit to the head or violent and sudden shaking of your upper body.
Car and truck accidents, slip and falls, bicycle and motorcycle accidents are classic causes of concussions. In fact, roughly 14 percent of all concussions in the U.S. are the result of car accidents, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Remember, the substance of your brain resembles gelatin. Any sudden jolt or bump to the head can actually stretch and damage the brain cells and the brain’s chemical reaction.
How do I Know if I Have a Concussion?
Like many injuries from falls and accidents, symptoms from a concussion or traumatic brain injury can take a few days to make themselves known.
While some concussion victims may experience a brief loss of consciousness immediately after the event, others may not.
Telltale signs of a concussion include:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Eye pupils appearing to be different in size.
Again, because concussion symptoms can take a while to appear, it’s best to be examined by your doctor as quickly as possible following your accident. Doing so will give you a head start on any treatment and launch a paper trail of your condition.
What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
If your concussion or traumatic brain injury symptoms continue for three months or more, you may have post-concussion syndrome.
Physicians are unsure of the exact causes of post-concussion syndrome. Some say its damage to the brain structure. Others say existing psychological factors – depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – contribute to post-concussion syndrome.
It’s also common for a combination of the two factors to contribute to post-concussion syndrome.
The symptoms for post-concussion syndrome are similar to concussions, only more severe.
For example:
- Headaches will be more intense, and feel like migraines
- Sensitivity to light is more powerful
- Dizziness and feelings of vertigo are more pronounced
- Sleep disorders intensify
- Depression sets in.
How Long Can Post-Concussion Syndrome Last?
It can last for months or even years. Some experts feel, though, that if the symptoms last for three years of more, you may never fully recover from it.
Can I Recover Compensation for a Concussion or Post-Concussion?
If there’s medical proof that your concussion stems from an accident caused by someone else, you certainly can.
Consider, though, that filing a claim is different from actually collecting.
To successfully recovery compensation, your personal injury lawyer will need to prove:
- You were owed a certain level of care from the other person;
- The other person was negligent by not providing that care;
- That negligence was the direct cause of the accident; and
- Your concussion and/or other injuries were a result of the accident.
Most cases being with a pre-litigation (pre-law suit) negotiation with the insurance company for the person or company that caused your injuries. If that negotiation is unsuccessful, your case may then proceed to court.
How Much Can I Recover?
If your personal injury lawyer can successfully prove the above three elements, you’ll likely be able to recover costs for a range of expenses, including:
- Medical bills – including for treatment you’ve already received and are expected to receive in the future;
- Pain and suffering, both in the past and in the future (typically the largest portion of any settlement);
- Lost wages;
- Any decrease in your earning power;
- Property damage, and more.
If You or a Loved One Has Experienced a Brain Injury Because of Someone Else, Call the Santa Monica Personal Injury Lawyers at Sina Rez Law.
When you or someone you love has been injured by someone else, your full attention should be on recovering and following doctor’s orders.
We’ll take up the legal battle on your behalf to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
For a free case evaluation, get in touch with Sina Rez Law by calling 818.784.010, sending an email or completing our online form.
