Collecting Compensation for Your Concussion

Many people assume that concussions are a relatively minor form of head injury and are not cause for major concern until a victim has suffered a number of these types of injuries. The reality is that concussions are a type of brain injury (TBI) and as such, should be taken seriously, especially in young victims. Concussions can be sustained in a variety of accidents ranging from collisions in sports and falls to car accidents and bicycle crashes and can have devastating and long-term consequences, so if you or a loved one suffered a concussion as a result of someone else’s negligent or reckless conduct, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you seek compensation for your treatment-related expenses.

What Qualifies as a Concussion?

Concussions occur when the brain collides suddenly with the inside of the skull as a result of a forceful blow to the head, which in turn, causes potential damage and bruising to nearby brain tissue, blood vessels, or nerves. Concussions fall under one of three categories. Grade One and Two concussions are generally considered less severe and usually have a relatively short recovery time, while Grade Three concussions require more intensive treatment and can leave injured parties struggling with permanent memory loss or cognitive problems.

General Symptoms

The type and severity of the symptoms of a concussion depend on a number of factors, including the age and general health of the victim, as well as the forcefulness of the blow. The most common concussion-related symptoms include:

• Constant or recurring headaches;
• Blurred vision;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Fatigue or sleep disturbances;
• Ringing in the ears; and
• Memory loss.

Fortunately, most concussions heal on their own if the injured party is given time to rest and recuperate. However, if a concussion is particularly severe, the symptoms could actually worsen over time, making it difficult for the injured party to concentrate or manifesting as slower reaction times, mood swings, or even a loss of consciousness. Teenagers and young children are at an increased risk of these types of symptoms, as their brains remain largely undeveloped.

Diagnosis

Many accident victims are unaware that they have suffered a concussion until their symptoms worsen, at which point, treatment could become much more difficult. For this reason, accident victims who suffer a blow to the head are strongly encouraged to make an appointment immediately after their accident with a professional who can perform a physical examination. Diagnosis could also require a number of tests, including MRI and CT scans to determine whether a victim is suffering from swelling or bleeding in the brain, in addition to neurological examinations. Fortunately, these costs will be covered if the injured party can provide evidence that an accident was the result of another person’s negligence or recklessness.

Call an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today

Please contact Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC by calling 419-241-5500 and we’ll help you schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated personal injury attorneys.