Many people think that getting a concussion only occurs from playing football or other physical sports. Although this may be true, car collisions and bike collisions have high incidents of concussions due to the force of impact to a person’s head. A car collision is likely to force a person’s head forward or to the side, causing the brain to hit the inside barrier of your skull. Even impacts at lower speeds like 25 mph can result in a significant force on the head and neck, leading to a concussion. Most concussions resolve in three weeks with rest. However, if you continue to have concussion symptoms after three weeks, you likely have post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
Symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome
People with post-concussion syndrome experience symptoms that are similar to those they would have immediately following a concussion. A person with post-concussion syndrome has ongoing and noticeable changes to their motor skills, thought processes, and even mood. The difference is that their symptoms may continue for months or even years after sustaining a concussion.
To be diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, you need to be experiencing three or more of the following symptoms:
- Headaches: People may feel pain or pressure in their head for days after a concussion. If the headache persists for days or gets worse, it is sign of a concussion.
- Dizziness: Concussions can cause people to feel unsteady on their feet or lose their balance.
- Fatigue: People may have low energy levels.
- Nausea: Upset stomach and vomiting. Repeated vomiting signals a concussion.
- Insomnia: Medical conditions such as concussions may cause the inability to sleep.
- Amnesia: Few people suffer severe memory loss after a minor TBI, but some individuals lose memory of the event that caused the brain injury. People can also suffer memory issues in the days or weeks following the accident.
- Others include: Irritability, Anxiety, Depression, Sensitivity to light and noise, Behavioral or mood changes, etc.
Determining Liability for Post-Concussion Syndrome (Negligence v. Intentional Harm)
Negligence
If someone else was driving negligently and caused a car accident in which you were hurt, that person would be liable for your head injury and the resulting PCS.
Intentional harm
If someone was driving aggressively and purposely cut you off in traffic, causing a collision and injuries, a judge might determine that person intended to harm you. If so, the perpetrator would be liable for your damages, including medical expenses and time off from work due to your head injury.
Including Post-Concussion Syndrome as Part of Your Personal Injury Claim
If you suffered a concussion in a car accident or developed post-concussion syndrome after a crash, you may be able to recover damages. This often involves working closely with insurance companies by filing a formal claim and then negotiating a settlement. While many people attempt the claims process themselves, it can be complicated and difficult to work with insurance adjusters while you are trying to heal and manage the costs associated with the accident.
Determining Damages
Time away from work, medical treatment, medication, and therapy can be costly and may extend beyond what your health insurance may cover. Your future earning potential could be compromised, leading to ongoing economic struggles.
An experienced brain injury lawyer has the depth of knowledge necessary to seek adequate compensation for your injury from the at-fault party, so you and your family do not have to suffer financially in the future.
Contact Quintana Law
If you or a loved one has been suffering from any of these symptoms, it is time to get professional help. If your injury was caused by an accident in which you were not at fault, an experienced personal injury lawyer can pursue your claims against the party responsible for post-concussion syndrome and other injuries after a car accident. Contact Quintana Law for a FREE consultation at (602) 418-0733. We can help.