Concussions are common brain injuries that vary in recovery times among different people and their accident’s severity. After suffering a brain injury, like a concussion, the injured individual has legal rights to seek compensation for their suffering when the liable and negligent parties involved are to blame. An important factor in the outcome of personal injury settlements, in this case, is the concussion recovery time of the injured.
When seeking compensation after a concussion due to another’s faults, having an experienced lawyer on your side can help you get the compensation you deserve. At The Law offices of JG Winter, our attorney is skilled in brain injury cases involving concussions. Below we’ve included more information about how concussion recovery times affect settlements.
What Is a Concussion?
As described by the CDC, a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by any bump, jolt, blow directly to the head, or hit to the body that forces the head to move rapidly back and forth. When this occurs, the brain bounces around or twists in the skull, and chemical changes in the brain can stretch or damage brain cells. Concussions are serious injuries, despite being referred to as ‘mild TBIs’, leaving the injured person experiencing symptoms that affect their mental status and ability to perform daily functions. Common symptoms following a concussion include:
- Head pain or pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness and balance problems
- Vision issues
- Sleep changes
- Mood changes
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Confusion or memory problems
The severity of the symptoms and length of recovery varies between individuals and the accident’s severity leading to a concussion. No matter how mild or simple the symptoms may be, injured individuals should seek medical attention right away to get proper evaluation and treatment after the accident.
How Do Concussions Happen?
Each year, many of the reported concussions fall under sports injuries, car accidents, slip and fall accidents, and acts of violence. However, these categories are not the only ways concussions can occur. No matter how mild or simple they seem, every concussion is severe. In the United States alone, 1.5 million people suffer from TBIs. Additionally, concussions are the number one cause of death among children and young adults. Here are some common ways concussions occur:
- Car accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Sports Injuries, mainly head-to-head tackles
- Any trauma to the head
Many events and circumstances can lead to concussions. When someone is at fault for your injury, no matter what the case is, your legal team can support you in seeking compensation to help your recovery. Settling can be a lengthy process, with new symptoms and resulting damage that can appear over time after the concussion initially occurs. At JG Winter, our experienced legal team understands the law and your injuries.
Factors in Concussion Recovery Times
No concussions are alike, and no set recovery time applies to all brain injuries involving concussions. Many factors affect the recovery time of the injured person and when a settlement is finalized.
Medical Care and Evaluation
After suffering a concussion, the initial visit to a doctor or hospital is only the beginning of the recovery process. While some may not experience the severity of their brain injury right away due to shock and an adrenaline rush after an accident, the injured are advised to follow up with their doctor and start resting to recuperate. The initial evaluation may not always reflect the extent of the damage caused to brain cells, as well as the pain and suffering in totality.
Treatment and Therapy
Once a concussion is determined by a medical professional, the injured are advised to seek the treatment and therapy needed to recover properly. This could entail vision evaluations, balance therapy, or even mood treatment to alleviate the symptoms in the aftermath of the concussion. Many injured people are also recommended to take time off work, avoid sports, and limit their daily activity to decrease the risk of worsening damage or complications. The treatment and therapy timeline differs among every concussion victim, and the pain and suffering could be reflected even years after an accident occurs.
Recovery Complications
Another critical factor in the recovery timeline for the injured is the occurrence of complications. After suffering a concussion, many individuals face an increased risk of post-concussive syndrome, ongoing headaches, seizures, loss of consciousness, and other health complications. In this period, many will find the true extent of the pain and suffering caused by concussions. This could elongate a trial process or settlement in seeking proper compensation for the totality of this brain injury.
How Recovery Times Affect the Settlement Outcomes
With severe and complex brain injuries, many have faced life-changing symptoms and complications to their health. The recovery times can vary between concussion victims depending on the severity of brain damage and the treatment needed to recover. Here are some factors that determine compensation and settlement for a concussion:
- Level of impairment seen in signs, symptoms, and health status of the injured
- Whether or not the injured sought medical attention and if it was necessary
- Lost wages and medical bills that determine the financial strain on the injured
Special and general damages are split in a brain injury case to determine economic and monetary losses along with the pain and suffering endured. Choosing an amount for a settlement and the calculated damages may be difficult in brain injury cases, but a skilled lawyer can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Call JG Winter for a Professional Brain Injury Lawyer in Sacramento, CA
Understanding the extent of your injuries and how to skillfully calculate the damages and costs that you have endured can’t be done without a dedicated personal injury lawyer. Jeremy G. Winter has helped thousands of clients seek proper compensation for their brain injuries. Reach out to our office today by using our contact form or give us a call at (844) 734-2626 to schedule your free consultation.
