If you or a loved one suffered a concussion, it’s essential to understand your rights and options. If someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing caused your brain injury, you may be entitled to compensation.
Here is what you should know about concussion injuries, including symptoms to watch for and damages you may be entitled to in a personal injury claim.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), occurs when a blow or jolt to the head causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce or twist within the skull, leading to chemical changes and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.
While concussions are typically not life-threatening, their effects can be serious and long-lasting.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion?
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a concussion is crucial for early intervention and treatment.
Common symptoms include:
- Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Temporary loss of consciousness
- Sensitivity to sound or light
- Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
- Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event
- Dizziness or “seeing stars”
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Delayed response to questions
- Appearing dazed
- Fatigue
Some signs and symptoms may appear immediately. However, delayed concussion symptoms are common. It may be hours or days before you realize something is wrong.
What Are the Long-Term Consequences of a Concussion?
The long-term effects of a concussion can be debilitating. One significant potential outcome is post-concussion syndrome (PCS). This is a complex disorder where concussion symptoms last longer than the typical recovery period. Symptoms of PCS include persistent headaches, dizziness, cognitive difficulties, emotional instability, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Less than half of people who experience a moderate to severe concussion return to their pre-injury function after 12 months. Despite evidence of lasting effects, the long-term consequences of mild brain injuries are still not well understood.
Risk factors for developing PCS include multiple concussions, severe initial symptoms, and a history of anxiety or depression. Early diagnosis and management are essential to mitigate these long-term effects.
One of the most serious long-term risks is chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This degenerative brain disorder is likely triggered by repeated brain injuries, including concussions and subconcussive head trauma.
Athletes who play contact sports or suffer repetitive head trauma are at the highest risk of CTE. In one study, 40% of contact sports players who died before 30 had CTE. It has also been found in non-athletes. Repeated concussions from assault or accidents may increase the risk of this disease.
What Causes Concussion Injuries?
Concussions can result from any scenario that causes a blow to the head or rapid movement of the head.
The most common causes include the following.
- Motor vehicle accidents: Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are responsible for 17% of brain injuries.
- Falls: Half of brain injury-related hospitalizations are caused by falls. Seniors are at the highest risk.
- Workplace accidents: Construction and other physically demanding jobs have a high risk of workplace accidents and concussions. They usually happen due to slip, trip, or fall accidents or when a worker is struck by falling objects.
- Assaults: Physical assault, including domestic violence, can lead to head trauma.
- Sports and recreational activities: Contact sports like football, soccer, and hockey have high rates of concussions. Recreational activities like horseback riding and rollerblading can also pose a risk.
It’s important to understand that you can suffer a concussion even without a blow to the head or losing consciousness. A car accident without serious physical damage or obvious injuries can still cause a concussion if your head whips back and forth from the impact. This is because the rapid deceleration can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull.
What Is My Concussion Injury Case Worth?
Several factors may influence the value of a concussion injury claim:
- Severity and type of injuries: The more severe your injuries, the more your case is likely worth.
- The circumstances of the accident: Details surrounding how the injury occurred may be important, such as the defendant’s behavior.
- Ability to return to work: If the concussion impairs your ability to work, you might receive compensation for lost wages.
- Shared fault: If you are partially at fault, it can reduce the compensation you are entitled to recover.
- Insurance coverage: The available insurance coverage can significantly affect the claim value.
- The strength of your evidence: The stronger your evidence to establish liability, the more valuable your claim may be. With a weak case, the insurance company has less incentive to settle or pay all your damages.
The best way to understand what your case is worth is to consult an experienced Tennessee personal injury attorney. We can help you understand the possible value of your claim and explore your options.
What Compensation Can I Recover For My Concussion in Tennessee?
In a successful personal injury case, you may recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to financial losses you incurred. Non-economic damages are your highly personal losses without intrinsic monetary value.
Common damages available in a concussion injury claim include:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Reduced quality of life
Every case is unique. Your lawyer will help you document all your damages to pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have To File a Concussion Injury Lawsuit in Tennessee?
Tennessee law imposes a strict deadline for filing personal injury lawsuits. The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including concussion injury claims, is one year from the date of the accident.
Failing to file within this period can result in losing your right to seek compensation. It’s crucial to consult an attorney promptly to ensure your case is filed on time.
Contact Our Nashville Personal Injury Lawyers For a Free Consultation To Discuss Compensation For a Concussion
If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you. Contact our law office today for a free consultation with a Nashville personal injury attorney. We are here to discuss your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
