Can I File a Claim for Concussion Injuries from a Car Crash?
North Carolina Head Injury Lawyer Explains Concussion Compensation
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that results when the brain impacts the inner walls of the skull due to a violent shock to the head of the victim. Concussions often result from car accidents, since a person’s head may hit the steering wheel or headrest during a collision. In some cases, the force of an airbag deploying can cause a concussion. In fact, you can sustain a concussion even if your head does not actually impact anything; the force of a crash can cause your head to whip violently back and forth, causing mild trauma to the brain. While concussions are relatively commonplace, they can still cause serious pain and ongoing symptoms that can make it difficult to return to your normal life. If someone else is responsible for your car crash, then you may be able to recover compensation for your concussion.
Have you or someone that you love suffered a concussion injury in an auto accident caused by a negligent driver? At Riddle & Brantley, our concussion injury lawyers believe that no one should endure the consequences of head trauma because of another person’s negligence. You should have the knowledge and experience of a trained legal team behind you when struggling with the aftermath of a concussion. With the help of a North Carolina head injury lawyer from our law firm, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills and lost wages, as well as other concussion-related expenses.
What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion?
Concussions are a kind of brain injury which can result from even a seemingly minor force or blow to the head. The symptoms of a concussion may not be as severe as other brain injuries. However, left untreated, a concussion can result in serious complications and possibly permanent difficulties. Therefore, if you or a loved one demonstrates any concussion symptoms after a car accident or any kind of accident, then you should seek medical care as soon as possible. If the victim loses consciousness for any period of time, then you should visit the emergency room immediately.
Short-term symptoms of a concussion vary from person to person but generally include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Loss of balance
- Sensitivity to light/noise
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Memory loss
- Slurred speech
These symptoms, sometimes collectively called “post-concussion syndrome,” may persist for days. However, in some cases, these may give way to longer-lasting complications, including:
- Difficulty focusing
- Memory problems
- Confusion
- Judgment issues
- Changes in personality
- Mood swings
- Epilepsy
- Insomnia
- Chronic depression
It is also important to note that damage from a concussion injury can take days and weeks to surface; sometimes, the long term effects can take years to manifest.
Additionally, these mental issues take time, effort and money to combat, especially since the medical field concerning concussion is still evolving. After your accident, your only job should be to focus on healing yourself, not to figure out how to afford treatment for your injuries or whether you can take time off work to recover. A North Carolina head injury lawyer can help you and your family get back on track after your accident.
Can I File an Injury Claim for a Concussion?
Any trauma to the brain is an incredibly serious injury. A concussion can result in any number of mental, physical and/or emotional problems for the victim. These may persist for years and seriously affect your quality of life. However, if you believe another person or business is responsible for the harm you suffered, then you may have a strong case for compensation. You may be able to recover the cost of:
- Emergency medical bills. If you visited the emergency room after a car accident, then you can usually file a claim for these costs. Depending on the circumstances, the ER doctors may diagnose your concussion or order further tests.
- Ongoing therapy. If your concussion caused ongoing mental or emotional challenges, then you may be able to claim the cost of any therapy that you require.
- Medication. You may need ongoing medication to handle permanent concussion symptoms; if so, then you may be able to recover these costs.
- Lost wages. If your concussion keeps you from work, either temporarily or permanently, then the responsible party may be liable for your lost income.
- Pain and suffering. Depending on the extent and severity of your symptoms, you may be able to claim additional damages for pain and suffering.
Consulting with our concussion injury lawyers is critical in determining the best course of action for you and your loved ones after a crash. We can help to review the details of your incident and advise you of the most effective options to move forward with a damages lawsuit.
What Are Common Causes of Concussions and Mild Head Trauma?
Any number of scenarios may give rise to a concussion or other head injury. Virtually any circumstance that causes a head trauma or unusual force on the brain may result in a concussion. However, the most common causes include:
- Car accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Sports accidents
Numerous variables determine whether head trauma and/or a concussion will result in these or other types of accidents. Auto accidents are a very common source of head trauma. If you were hit by a negligent driver and now suffer from permanent concussion symptoms, then you deserve justice—our concussion injury lawyers are ready to go to work for you today.
Questions About Concussions? Contact a NC Head Injury Lawyer Now
At the North Carolina law offices of Riddle & Brantley, our goal is always to pursue fair compensation for our clients. We genuinely understand that injury victims often have medical expenses to pay and other financial obligations. We also understand that the complications associated with your concussion can make life more difficult than it should be.
For a free, no-obligation consultation about your head injury claim, contact Riddle & Brantley today. We can review the details of your incident and determine if you have sufficient grounds to file a damages lawsuit.