If you have suffered a concussion, you likely will assume it is not a serious enough injury to take legal action. However, that is not always the case. Just like other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions can affect a person’s memory, judgment, reflexes, speech, balance, and muscle coordination, ultimately negatively impacting their everyday life. As such, those who have suffered a concussion after an accident caused by another party’s negligence may be entitled to significant compensation for their damages. Please continue reading to learn more about concussions and how a determined New York City Personal injury Attorney can help you fight for the maximum compensation you may be entitled to for your damages.
What is the difference between a concussion and a traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
If you have been involved in a car crash, slipped or fallen, or experienced any other form of accident where you suffered a blow or jolt to your head or body, or if something has penetrated your skull and entered the brain, you may have sustained a TBI. A TBI is a severe head injury that can cause temporary or permanent problems with a person’s normal brain functions. This can include issues with how the person thinks, understands, moves, communicates, and acts. Unfortunately, severe TBIs can be life-altering, resulting in permanent disability and death.
To many people’s surprise, a concussion is a type of TBI. Brain injuries are typically classified into mild, moderate, and severe categories. A concussion is the mildest form of a TBI. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), symptoms of a concussion can include:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Loss of coordination
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Sensitivity to light
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Memory and concentration issues
- Sleep problems
- Loss of taste or smell
- Personality changes
Unfortunately, the symptoms may not be evident immediately after a TBI, such as a concussion. The symptoms may be delayed, appearing days or even weeks later. As such, you should not delay medical treatment after an accident. Head injuries can be unpredictable, escalating quickly if left untreated. Therefore, if you have been injured in an accident, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention to have your injuries examined and treated by a medical professional.
What should I do after a TBI?
If you suffer a TBI due to another party’s negligence, you can pursue legal action to seek monetary compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. To safeguard your legal rights, taking specific steps in the immediate aftermath of an accident is vital. Firstly, even if you think you are not injured, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. It is also imperative to file a store incident or police report. To satisfy the burden of proof, capturing pictures of the accident scene and your injuries is beneficial. You should keep track of all of your medical records to prove the extent and severity of your injuries. However, the most crucial step you need to take after an accident is retaining the legal services of an experienced attorney who can help you investigate the circumstances of the accident and gather evidence to help you prove your claim.
If you or someone you love has suffered a concussion due to another party’s negligence, contact a talented attorney from the Law Office of Brian J. Elbaum, who can help you fight to obtain the just compensation you deserve.
