While many people write concussions off as nothing more than a bump to the head, they’re serious injuries. A minor concussion may require taking time off work or disrupting routine activities, but a severe concussion can lead to a lifetime of debilitating bouts of confusion, memory loss, sleep issues, and mood changes.
If you or a loved one sustained a concussion because of another party’s negligent actions, you might be entitled to compensation. However, concussion lawsuits are complex and can be affected by a number of different factors, including recovery.
Here’s everything you need to know about how recovery from a concussion can affect your settlement.
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that results from a bump, jolt, or blow to the head, causing the brain to hit the skull. This impact damages brain tissue and tears blood vessels.
Common Causes of Concussions
While any blow to the head can result in a concussion, some of the most common causes include:
- Slip and falls
- Workplace accidents
- Sports-related accidents
- Car and motorcycle accidents
- Assaults
- Medical malpractice
Common Symptoms and Effects
Depending on the severity and type of blow to the head, concussion symptoms may set in immediately, or they may take some time to surface. How do you differentiate a simple bump on the head from a serious concussion, then? Look for symptoms such as:
- Prolonged, severe headache
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Seizure
- Balance issues
- Difficulty speaking
- Mood changes
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in vision
If you or a loved one sustains a head injury and notices any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Concussion Treatment and Recovery
Just as there are many ways to suffer a concussion, there are many ways to treat one. Treatment often involves managing symptoms while allowing the brain to rest and recover. Medication to ease pain and nausea may be recommended, as well as refraining from strenuous activities following the accident. This often includes limiting physical activity and reducing screen time.
No two concussions are the same, and while some people will be back to normal after a few days, it takes other patients much longer to recover.
Who is Liable for Concussion Injuries?
That depends on the cause of the injury. Some examples of parties who may be held liable for a concussion include:
- Negligent drivers
- Business owners if poorly maintained property caused a fall
- Coaches, schools, or recreation departments that neglected to follow safety protocols
- Negligent doctors, nurses, or other hospital workers
- An assaulter in the case of abuse, an altercation, or an attack
Damages Available in Concussion Lawsuits
Depending on the circumstances of your injury and recovery, you may be entitled to several different types of compensation, known as damages. These damages may include:
- Special Damages: Special damages include items and expenses with a distinct economic value, including medical bills, lost wages, as well as any property that may have also been damaged in the accident.
- General Damages: General damages include intangible things that do not have a distinct monetary value but still impact your life, such as pain and suffering.
- Future Damages: After sustaining a concussion, you might be unable to return to your usual way of life for some time. Future damages take those costs into consideration and include things like future medical treatment and expected lost wages.
- Punitive Damages: If another party’s exceptionally malicious or reckless behavior caused your accident, you may also be entitled to punitive damages.
How Recovery Time Can Affect Your Settlement
Your recovery time can play a part in determining the amount of compensation you receive. Recovery factors include:
- How long you’ve to abstain from your regular daily activities
- Severity and duration of symptoms
- Pain and suffering due to an inability to partake in routine activities
- If you’ve had medical treatment since the injury
Contact a California Concussion Attorney Today
Navigating the legal process while recovering from a concussion can be complicated and overwhelming. It’s important to have an experienced head and traumatic brain injury attorney representing your case every step of the way.
At Adamson Ahdoot LLP, we ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve. Let our team focus on the legal aspects of your injury so that you can focus on your recovery.
Contact us today at (800) 310-1606 to learn more about concussion lawsuits and how we can help.