Yes, a concussion is a form of brain injury, specifically known in the medical community as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). This categorization underscores not just the seriousness of concussions but also the necessity for proper diagnosis, treatment, and legal consideration.
For individuals or loved ones affected by a concussion, possibly due to an accident that can support a good faith claim or lawsuit, a Jericho brain injury lawyer can help you understand the implications this type of brain injury can have on potential legal action.
In This Article
Reading time: 5 minutes
- What Is a Concussion?
- Symptoms and Diagnosis of Concussions
- Legal Implications of Concussion Injuries
- Treatment and Recovery from Concussions
- How Can a Personal Injury Law Firm Help?
- Your Questions Answered During a Free Consultation
What Is a Concussion?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), concussion is a brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.- Common causes include falls, contact sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and being struck by or against an object.
- Unlike more severe brain injuries, concussions do not usually result in visible brain structure damage but can still lead to significant and lasting effects.
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Symptoms and Diagnosis of Concussions
The common symptoms of a concussion can vary greatly among individuals but often include:- Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Double vision or blurred vision
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Short-term memory loss
- Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
- Dizziness or "seeing stars"
- Ringing in the ears
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Delayed response to questions
- Fatigue
- Emotional symptoms
Legal Implications of Concussion Injuries
Understanding the legal side of concussion injuries involves more than just knowing they are serious. It's about carefully dealing with personal injury law. Concussions can seem minor at first but may lead to significant issues that affect someone's daily life, including their mental and emotional health. The law aims to fully recognize the true impact of these injuries to make sure victims get a fair evaluation. Legal processes should help those who suffer from concussions because of someone else's negligence can receive the support they need. This includes compensation for things like medical bills and the emotional challenges they face. It's all about making sure victims are treated fairly and get the help they need to recover. However, actually realizing this ideal, that is, making the general goal of the legal system a reality for a specific injured victim of negligence, almost always requires determined legal representation characterized by fierce advocacy. When personal injury cases involve concussions, it's important to examine what caused the injury and how it might affect the person's life in the long run. The law offers procedures to recover compensation that covers the immediate medical bills and the broader effects, like ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and changes needed in the person's home or lifestyle. The legal system provides a path to win compensation for lost wages, especially since healing from a concussion might prevent someone from working. When a concussion seriously harms someone's quality of life, the law acknowledges this by giving the injured person a way to obtain compensation for the emotional and personal hardships they face, in addition to their financial losses.Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Treatment and Recovery from Concussions
Treatments for concussions focus heavily on giving the brain the rest it needs and minimizing activities that could worsen the symptoms. When managing this type of brain injury, healthcare providers usually advise:- A gradual return to normal activities, guided by symptoms. This approach means slowly resuming daily tasks and responsibilities as symptoms improve, rather than all at once, to prevent a setback in recovery.
- Avoiding physical and cognitive (thinking, memory) activities that worsen symptoms. Activities that strain the brain, such as heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or intense mental tasks, should be limited. This includes screen time on computers and smartphones, which can exacerbate headaches and sensitivity to light.
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How Can a Personal Injury Law Firm Help?
When a concussion is caused by someone else's negligence, hiring a personal injury lawyer becomes essential for navigating the legal landscape and ensuring fair treatment. A reputable personal injury law firm offers numerous key services, which may include, among others, the following:- Provide a thorough assessment of your case. Before taking any legal steps, it's crucial to understand your case's strengths and potential challenges. A skilled attorney will review the details of the incident, medical reports, and any other relevant information to build a strong foundation for your claim.
- Moving your case through the complexities of legal proceedings. The legal process can be daunting, especially for those recovering from an injury. Personal injury lawyers are well-versed in the procedural aspects of legal claims. They can efficiently navigate court systems, paperwork, and legal requirements, reducing the burden on you and your family.
- Secure compensation for the full extent of your losses. This includes immediate medical expenses, ongoing care costs, lost income due to time off work, and compensation for pain and suffering. A skilled lawyer will advocate to ensure that all aspects of your injury and its impact on your life are considered in any settlement or court decision.
Your Questions Answered During a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one suffered a concussion due to someone else's negligence, it's crucial to understand your legal rights and options. Friedman & Simon, LLP is committed to advocating for the injured and will provide the dedicated representation you need to navigate the aftermath of a concussion injury. Contact us today for a free consultation.Call or text (516) 932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form