According to the Brain Injury Research Institute, concussions are among the most common types of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Any time a person’s head is bumped or jolted, they may experience a concussion. Car accidents often lead to concussions, whether they occur at fast or slow speeds. If you have suffered a brain injury in a motor vehicle collision that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you should speak with a personal injury attorney to learn how you can receive financial compensation.
Common Symptoms of a Concussion
After an accident takes place, a person who has suffered a concussion may lose consciousness, vomit, or become disoriented. Other potential symptoms of concussions include nausea, head and neck pain, dizziness, fatigue, mood changes, irritability, and insomnia. Even if a person receives a mild concussion, it is wise to seek medical treatment immediately, since records related to this treatment can be used when making a personal injury claim.
Treating Concussions
Concussions can vary in severity, and in most cases, the best form of treatment is to rest and allow oneself enough time to recover. In order for the brain to heal and to reduce the chances of re-injury, most concussion victims are instructed to avoid strenuous activities, such as exercise and sports. Physical therapy, however, is a common practice that can be helpful. This form of treatment may last for several weeks or months.
Documenting Your Treatment and Recovery
Although concussions are serious, it is not always immediately clear when a victim has sustained this type of injury. Even if you did not lose consciousness, you may still have a concussion, and your symptoms may develop slowly over the days and weeks following the accident. Since concussions can cause forgetfulness, mood changes, and difficulty sleeping, your quality of life can be directly impacted. When filing a personal injury claim, it is important to have proper documentation to show the extent of the injuries and how you have been affected. Your attorney can help obtain the necessary medical records and other relevant documentation, which will demonstrate that the concussion and its effects were a direct result of the accident, even if the symptoms were not immediately apparent.
Seeking Compensation for Damages Related to Concussion Injuries
Under Wisconsin law, victims may seek compensation for their damages after suffering a concussion in an accident that was someone else’s fault. In addition to recovering medical expenses and the costs of ongoing treatment, you may also be compensated for your pain and suffering and any income you have lost because your concussion prevented you from returning to work following the accident.
Contact an Appleton, WI Brain Injury Lawyer
From the expense of ongoing physical therapy to missed workdays to emotional pain and suffering, a concussion can greatly impact your life. If you suffered a concussion in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you should be sure to understand your options for pursuing compensation. Schedule a free consultation with the attorneys at Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. today by contacting a Green Bay personal injury attorney at 920-739-7366.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15038-concussions/management-and-treatment