Though a concussion is most commonly associated with athletes, these injuries can happen off the field or court. Unfortunately, many car accident victims suffer this injury, leaving them in pain and out of work. Luckily, car accident attorneys can help you through these challenging matters. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, understanding the signs of a concussion is critical to taking the measures to get the care you need. The following blog explores some of the questions you may have if you are unfamiliar with these injuries.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury someone can sustain when they suffer a blow, jolt, or hit to the head. When these happen, the brain hits the inside wall of the skull, causing injury to the brain. This is because the injury can alter brain chemicals and damage critical brain cells.
People most commonly associate these injuries with athletes getting hit by other players or sports equipment, but they can, unfortunately, happen anywhere. As such, they are typically reported by car accident victims, as they will often hit their head on the inside of their vehicle during the collision.
Though these are often deemed a mild brain injury, they can be severe if left untreated.
What are the signs of a concussion?
It’s imperative to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of this injury, as you’ll need to ensure you take the necessary steps to treat it and prevent further damage. As such, the most common symptoms include the following:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Inability to recall events before or after the hit
- Slow or sluggish movements and speech
- Balance issues
- Light and noise sensitivity
- Confusion
- Mood issues
To treat a concussion, it must first be properly diagnosed. Essentially, a doctor will hear the symptoms and, if necessary, perform cognitive function tests. Once diagnosed, the doctor will order the patient to rest in a quiet and dark room, limit screen time, refrain from working, and avoid exercise. Though this may seem dull or frustrating, it is necessary to ensure you fully recover from the injury.
Why do I need a lawyer?
Sustaining a brain injury, even a mild concussion, can impact your life. To heal, you must take time off of work, which can affect your earnings. Additionally, you may suffer long-term effects of a concussion that impact your earning capacity and quality of life. As such, enlisting the assistance of an attorney can help you fight for compensation from the negligent party liable for the injuries you’ve sustained.
When you are injured, the team at Friedman Schuman is ready to fight for you. We understand how devastating a concussion can be, especially when caused by the negligence of another party. That’s why our team is ready to fight for you. Contact us today to learn how we can help guide you through these complex matters.
