What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head that can affect brain function. It can also occur from a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This can cause stretching and damaging of brain cells, chemical changes in the brain, and decreased blood flow to the brain.

These changes cause concussion symptoms, some of which are serious and could last for years. Even a small impact can cause a concussion, especially if you have a history of hitting your head on things or participating in a contact sport.

If you’ve been injured in an accident and received a concussion, speak with a New York brain damage lawyer for advice. You may be able to get compensation to pay for the costs of your concussion treatment and its effects on your life.

What Are the Common Causes of Concussions?

Concussions can occur in various situations, including:

• Car accidents
  
• Slip and fall incidents
  
• Sports injuries, particularly in contact sports
  
• Workplace accidents
  
• Physical assaults

How Serious is a Concussion?

While often referred to as a “mild” traumatic brain injury, concussions can have serious and lasting effects. In some cases, individuals may experience post-concussion syndrome, leading to long-term complications. Diagnosing the seriousness of a concussion typically involves:

• A physical examination
  
• Cognitive tests to assess memory and concentration
  
• Balance testing
  
• Imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs in severe cases

Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a complex disorder that can occur when concussion symptoms persist beyond the expected recovery period after the initial injury. PCS can affect up to 30% of individuals who experience a concussion.

The symptoms of PCS can be wide-ranging and may include persistent headaches, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, loss of concentration and memory, and noise and light sensitivity. These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s daily life, affecting their ability to work, study, or maintain relationships. 

What Are the Immediate Signs of a Concussion?

Common immediate symptoms of a concussion include:

• Headache or pressure in the head
  
• Confusion or feeling dazed
  
• Temporary loss of consciousness
  
• Dizziness or balance problems
  
• Ringing in the ears
  
• Nausea or vomiting
  
• Slurred speech

If you experience any of these symptoms after a head injury, seek medical attention immediately. You could be experiencing a concussion. Avoiding medical treatment could become fatal.

Are There Delayed Symptoms of a Concussion?

Yes, some concussion symptoms may not appear immediately. Delayed symptoms can include:

• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
  
• Irritability or personality changes
  
• Sensitivity to light and noise
  
• Sleep disturbances
  
• Depression or anxiety
  
• Fatigue or drowsiness

These delayed symptoms can be just as serious as immediate ones. If you notice these symptoms in the days or weeks following an accident, consult a medical professional and consider speaking with a personal injury attorney.

What is the Typical Treatment for a Concussion?

The primary treatment for a concussion is rest, both physical and cognitive. This may include:

• Limiting physical activities
  
• Reducing screen time and mental stimulation
  
• Gradually returning to normal activities as symptoms improve
  
• Following a healthcare provider’s recommendations for medication and therapy

Recovery time varies from person to person. Most people recover fully from a concussion, but the timeline can vary. In rare cases, individuals may experience long-term effects, particularly if they’ve had multiple concussions.

When Should I Consider Legal Action for a Concussion?

If your brain injury resulted from someone else’s negligence – whether in a car accident, a slip and fall, or another incident – you may be entitled to compensation. Consider legal action if:

• Your concussion has led to significant medical expenses
  
• You’ve lost wages due to your injury
  
• You’re experiencing long-term effects that impact your quality of life
  
• The injury occurred due to someone else’s negligent or intentional actions

A personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and the potential for legal action in your case. You may be able to seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including future treatment costs
  
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
  
• Pain and suffering
  
• Emotional distress
  
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Our experienced attorneys at Morelli Law Firm know how to quantify these damages so you can get a fair settlement deal. If you do not have a lawyer, you may get less than you deserve, even for a no-fault case.

Seek Help for a Concussion

Concussions are serious injuries that can have lasting effects on your health and well-being. Now that you know what a concussion is, it’s time to take action to do something about it if you’ve suffered one.

If you’re experiencing prolonged symptoms after a concussion, you need to consider the potential legal implications, especially if your injury resulted from someone else’s negligence. You may have grounds for a lawsuit against whoever harmed you.

Seek medical attention for diagnosis and treatment. Then contact Morelli Law Firm today for a free consultation. Let us put our experience and dedication to work for you to help you get financial compensation for your brain injury.