Concussion injury

Concussions may not seem serious, but they can create major health problems for people of all ages. They happen after a person has taken a blow to the head through some type of accident or violent act. Concussions can create severe physical and cognitive challenges for the victim. In this blog you will learn what personal injury lawyers in Charlotte, NC, have to say regarding concussion injuries

What Is a Concussion?

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that’s caused by a sudden impact or jolt to the head. The force can cause the brain to bounce around the inside of the skull, which often leads to chemical changes and damages brain cells.

Concussions are generally considered “mild” compared to other forms of TBI because they’re not usually life-threatening. However, they could still have serious and lifelong effects on a person’s health and well-being.

Concussions can result from a wide variety of situations, such as:

  • Car Crashes: Sudden braking and impact can send the driver or passenger’s head into the steering wheel, dashboard, or window
  • Slip and Fall Accidents: Uneven pavement, wet floors, or poorly kept sidewalks can make a person trip and hit their head on the ground or another hard surface
  • Sports Injuries: Contact sports like football, soccer, and hockey are a common cause of concussions among kids and teens
  • Workplace Accidents: People in construction and manual labor environments frequently fall from high places, get hit by falling objects, and collide with equipment
  • Assaults: Physical violence, even just a single punch, can create severe head trauma

Concussions have three grades of severity. Regardless of how bad the injury is, if you think you’ve got a concussion after taking a blow to the head, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Head injuries can be sneaky, and you might not realize how bad it is until it suddenly gets worse.

What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion?

Common symptoms include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to light and noise
  • Confusion
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Amnesia
  • Slowed thinking
  • Slurred speech
  • Change in taste and smell
  • Concentration issues
  • Mood changes
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Clear fluid draining from the nose
  • Loss of consciousness

Symptoms can vary greatly and might not appear immediately after the injury. They can be physical, cognitive, or emotional in nature, and it’s important to recognize them early so you can seek the appropriate medical care.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If your doctor suspects a concussion, they’ll often do a neurological exam and imaging tests to rule out more severe brain trauma. However, concussions are typically diagnosed based on the patient’s reported symptoms and the circumstances behind the injury.

Treatment generally involves rest. This means staying away from activities that require intense concentration or physical exertion. 

Depending on how bad the concussion is, treatment might include:

  • Physical Rest: No sports, heavy lifting, or strenuous activities until symptoms improve
  • Cognitive Rest: No reading, screen time, or work tasks that need a lot of mental effort
  • Gradual Return to Activities: Slowly resuming normal activity as symptoms improve
  • Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen, not ibuprofen or aspirin) for headaches

Every situation will be different, so your doctor may recommend varying levels of rest. There’s also a common misconception that a person shouldn’t sleep after a concussion or needs to be woken up throughout the night. It’s more of a popular movie trope than anything. Sleep is perfectly safe as long as you are coherent and can hold clear conversations.

Your doctor may still recommend having someone with you for the first 24 hours after the injury. However, in the absence of any obvious symptoms, you don’t have to force yourself to stay awake.

Potential Complications of a Concussion

Most people recover completely from a concussion within a few weeks. However, some experience more long-term impacts, especially if they’ve taken several blows to the head or returned to their normal activity levels too soon. 

Complications could involve:

  • Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS): Persistent symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating that last for weeks or months
  • Second Impact Syndrome: A rare but severe condition where a second concussion happens before the first has healed, leading to rapid and often fatal brain swelling
  • Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE): A degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma that’s often seen in contact sport athletes

You should begin to feel better relatively soon after a concussion. If you don’t, chances are you’ll experience one of these or other complications in the aftermath of your head trauma. Make sure to talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you have concerns.

Suffering a concussion can lead to hefty medical costs, lost wages, and a reduced quality of life. In South Carolina, people who have suffered head trauma from someone else’s negligence might be able to recover compensation for their injuries.

Every case is different, but most victims can get payment to cover losses such as: 

Exact payment amounts will vary depending on circumstances and the severity of the injury. To improve your chances of winning your case, you need to be able to prove that the other party is liable. 

That process usually involves establishing the following:

  • Duty of Care: The liable party had a legal obligation to act safely and responsibly
  • Breach of Duty: They violated that duty of care
  • Causation: That violation directly led to the injury
  • Damages: The injured person suffered physical, emotional, and financial damages as a result of the injury

Personal injury cases can get complicated in a hurry, so it’s a good idea to hire a strong attorney to help you. They’ll collect the evidence you need to prove your case, negotiate with the insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

Protect Yourself From a Concussion

It’s impossible to predict and eliminate the risk of a concussion entirely. However, there are still steps you can take to better protect yourself and lessen your chances of experiencing this kind of injury.

If you work in a high-risk industry, for example, follow the safety rules outlined by your company and wear proper safety gear. When worn properly, helmets and protective equipment can go a long way in protecting workers. Safety gear is also strongly encouraged for certain recreational activities and sports.

Additionally, always stay alert and cautious. Be mindful of your surroundings as you go about your life so you can avoid falls and accidents. Pay attention to and follow traffic laws, and watch out for others who may not be doing the same. If you do get hurt, get checked out as soon as possible.

If you’ve suffered a concussion and someone else was responsible, contact Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation today. Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your recovery. Do not hesitate to call us at (803) 324-7574.