Concussions are the most common types of head injuries. However, they are also one of the most misunderstood injuries.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TB) that occurs when your brain moves or twists inside your skull. While not all are life-threatening, they must be taken very seriously.
You should never rush your recovery. If you suffer a second concussion before the first one has fully healed, it could be fatal.
Concussions can have numerous causes. If you have been involved in any incident that causes a jolt to your head, you need to know the warning signs of a concussion.
If another party’s wrongdoing causes your concussion, you deserve to be compensated for your damages. Our Oklahoma City traumatic brain injury attorneys at Warhawk Legal can help you get the full compensation you are entitled to.
Call (405) 397-1717 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
Symptoms of a Concussion
Concussions may result in various signs and symptoms. Not all concussions cause a loss of consciousness. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Memory problems
- Problems concentrating
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Insomnia
- Sleeping more or less than normal
- Feeling tired
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- A feeling of lightheadedness
- Headaches or a feeling of pressure in your head
- Neck pain
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to sounds
- Tinnitus
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Blurred vision
- Problems with balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Feelings of sadness
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Irritability
- Mood swings
Symptoms may appear immediately or show up days or weeks after the accident. If you think you or your loved one may have suffered a concussion, seek immediate medical help.
In rare cases, a blood clot could result in severe brain damage. Do not wait for emergency medical care if you have any of these or other unusual symptoms after an accident.
Common Causes of Concussions
Any blow or jolt to the head can cause a concussion.
Some of the most common causes include falls, motor vehicle accidents, biking and pedestrian accidents, physical violence, and sports injuries.
If you experience any of these incidents or others, keep a close watch for concussion symptoms and contact our Oklahoma City accident lawyer for legal help.
Concussion Complications
Concussions may have serious complications, including bleeding and swelling inside your brain. Another concerning consequence of a concussion is called a “midline shift,” which occurs when your brain moves off-center in your skull.
When symptoms last much longer than usual after an original head injury, you may be diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome (PCS), which puts you at a greater risk for other complications.
If you have experienced one concussion, you are at an increased risk of having another, more serious concussion if you do not let your brain heal before returning to normal activities.
When you have a second concussion before the first one heals, it is known as a second-impact syndrome (SIS) and can be very serious and even fatal.
If you experience multiple concussions and other head injuries, you may develop chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which affects how your brain functions and how areas of the brain work together.
Repeated concussions may also increase your risk of developing dementia, memory loss, depression and other mental health conditions, ADHD, mood disorders, and Parkinson’s disease.
Having even one concussion in your lifetime may increase your risk of dementia by 72%, Parkinson’s by 57%, Mood and Anxiety Disorders by 72%, and ADHD by 39%.
How Much Is My Concussion Personal Injury Case Worth?
If the fault of another party causes your concussion or other injuries, you have the right to seek compensation for your accident damages.
Determining what your case is worth depends on numerous factors, including the severity of your injuries and how long it takes you to recover.
No attorney can guarantee you will receive a certain amount for your case. However, after our attorneys have analyzed your case, we can offer you an estimate of what we believe your case is worth.
When our attorneys take on a case, we thoroughly investigate your accident to determine possible causes and potentially liable parties and to identify essential evidence.
We also seek all insurance coverage sources that may cover your injuries.
Our attorneys often consult medical and economic experts to determine the predicted costs of your current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of income opportunities.
We work tirelessly to build your case and support your claims for maximum non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, mental and emotional anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and much more.
All these expenses and losses are carefully considered and adequately valued to determine your case’s worth. Only after we know the true value of your case can we determine whether a settlement offer is fair.
What Type of Damages Can I Recover For My Concussion?
The type of damages you can recover for your concussion will depend on the specific facts of your case. In general, you should be able to recover economic and non-economic damages. In rare cases, you may be able to recover punitive damages.
Economic damages include current and future medical costs, current and future lost wages, property damage, and other necessary expenses incurred because of your injuries.
Non-economic damages include your pain and suffering, emotional and mental anguish, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disability, scarring and disfigurement, and more.
Both economic and non-economic damages are intended to compensate you for your losses. Punitive damages, however, are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Under Oklahoma Statutes Title 23 §9.1, a jury may award punitive damages only under certain conditions. This type of damages is reserved for cases where the defendant’s actions are reckless, fraudulent, or intentional.
If you can prove by clear and convincing evidence that a defendant acted with reckless disregard for the rights of others and this behavior caused your concussion or other injuries, a jury may award punitive damages.
Contact Warhawk Legal
If you have experienced a concussion caused by another party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional actions, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages.
Concussions can be life-threatening. Even when you have recovered from a concussion, studies show that you are at a much greater risk of developing serious complications later in life.
You need to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who understands how to recover maximum compensation for head traumas such as concussions.
The OKC injury attorneys at Warhawk Legal have a proven track record of recovering maximum compensation for their personal injury clients and want to do the same for you.
Call (405) 397-1717 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.