Concussions are very common head injuries. Many people will experience at least one in their lifetime. Sometimes the symptoms may be so mild that you will not even be aware that you have had one. Cumulative blows to the head can also lead to serious brain injuries that are exacerbated with time. If your head trauma resulted from a car accident, slip and fall, or various other traumatic incidents, you may have the right to pursue a lawsuit.
While most concussions are mild, they are not to be taken lightly. Brain injuries are often misunderstood or “brushed off” because they are not visible. However, they are still traumatic brain injuries that require medical attention and consideration. Contact your Hampton, Virginia-based attornies at the Brain Injury Law Center online or by calling (757) 244-7000 to discuss your case specifics.
Read on to learn more about the harm caused by repeated concussions, what causes concussions, and what compensation could be available to you and your family.
What Are the Effects of Multiple Concussions?
Multiple concussions sustained within a short time frame can exacerbate symptoms and even cause long-term damage to your brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), those who have experienced repeated head traumas may have long-term problems with memory, concentration, headaches, or even keeping their balance. Some may also experience longer recovery times and more severe concussion symptoms.
One of the most well-known effects of multiple concussions is CTE or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain injury caused by repetitive blows to the head. Retired athletes who participated in heavy-contact sports such as football and ice hockey have reported intense bouts of depression, and dementia-like symptoms years after they have ended their sports careers. While most people will not experience concussion symptoms to this extent, it is an important disease to be aware of.
What Causes Concussions?
You can sustain a concussion in an instant. Concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries that can occur as a result of a bump or jolt to the head. According to a University of Michigan study, about 3.8 million concussions occur every year from sports-related injuries alone. Concussions are often not serious but it is important to remember that they are still brain injuries that can involve damage to blood vessels and nerves, bruising, and swelling. They are not to be taken lightly–especially if you have experienced more than one!
Symptoms of a concussion include:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Blurry vision
- Nasuea and vomiting
If you have sustained a concussion, you may be able to bring a lawsuit and recover damages depending on the facts and circumstances of your accident. Damages may include economic losses such as lost wages, medical bills, loss of employment, or loss of other business opportunities. If your injuries are severe, pursuing a lawsuit for damages is a good way to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
What Types of Accidents Cause Concussion Injuries?
Concussions are common injuries that often result from:
- Car and truck accidents: Any sort of collision can result in trauma to the head, neck, or skull. If you have experienced a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and have a doctor check you for closed head injuries.
- Sports injuries: Sports with high rates of concussion include ice hockey, football, horseback riding, soccer, boxing, and lacrosse
- Slip and fall: Young children and the elderly are especially susceptible to concussions during slip and fall accidents. Concussions in the elderly can sometimes be indicative of nursing home or elder abuse.
If you have sustained a concussion in any one of these accidents, you may be entitled to bring a lawsuit and pursue damages. Talking about your case and injury with an experienced personal injury attorney will give you a better sense of what kind of damages you can expect to receive.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
The personal injury lawyers at the Brain Injury Law Center are skilled and experienced at handling complicated traumatic brain injury litigation. Their accolades include a $60.25 million dollar jury award for a man who experienced a traumatic head injury in a train accident as well as a $10 million dollar award for a man who experienced a mild head injury in a car accident. You deserve experienced legal representation when pursuing damages for your injury.
To begin the legal process, contact the personal injury attorneys at the Brain Injury Law Center online or by calling (757) 244-7000. We are here to help you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.
