One of the most common types of accident injuries is concussions. A concussion is a result of the brain being jolted inside of the skull when there is some type of impact or direct hit to the head. Many people who have received what they perceive as a minor head injury in an accident do not always realize how dangerous a concussion can be. Although a concussion is medically considered the least serious type of brain injury, the truth is that a concussion can result in serious symptoms, which should be addressed immediately.

Are closed-head or concussion injuries the same as traumatic brain injury? If there is a follow-along diagnosis that says it has the hallmarks of a mild traumatic brain injury, our brain injury lawyers refer to that as a TBI.

TBIs can be life-altering, so we dedicate everything we can to getting the right specialist for that client. We consult with neuropsychiatrists (a psychiatrist with special training in brain injuries), rehabilitation or educational specialists who can discuss the needs for the rest of that client’s life, and vocational experts to determine lost lifetime earning capacity.

If you have been diagnosed with a brain injury caused by another party’s negligence, we are here to help. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we represent traumatic brain injury victims on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.

Contact us today at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation.

What Are the Signs of a Possible Concussion?

Another misconception that many people have regarding concussions is that there is always some lapse of consciousness, even if just for a few seconds. Although the impact or blow often knocks out a concussion victim, this usually only happens in the most serious type, a Grade 3 concussion. In fact, many victims do not realize they have a concussion because symptoms are delayed for several hours or even several days. If you or a loved one receives a blow or impact to the head, it is critical to watch for any of the following symptoms:

  • Balance issues
  • Concentration and memory difficulties
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Dizziness
  • Enhanced sensitivity
  • Feeling dazed
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sensitivity to noise
  • Sluggishness or marked drowsiness
  • Slurred speech
  • Uncharacteristic clumsiness
  • Unusual behavior or personality changes

What Is the Treatment for Concussions?

Grade 1 and Grade 2 concussions are usually treated with rest and recovery until the symptoms go away. Grade 3 concussions are more serious and usually require more aggressive medical treatments. Typically, the victim will undergo coordination and reflex tests, CT scans, or MRIs to determine whether there is a more serious injury or internal bleeding.

All concussion victims need to watch for future concussion risks because of the cumulative effects these injuries can have on the brain. Victims who suffer repeated concussions – such as athletes – can suffer from swelling of the brain, disabilities, permanent brain damage, and even death.

What Are the Potential Long-Term Impacts of a Concussion?

At our personal injury law firm, we have assisted countless clients who have suffered brain injuries due to the negligence of another party. Many of these victims were injured in car accidents. The impact of vehicles smashing into each other can create a devastating force, slamming vehicle occupants into the dashboard, windows, or doors. If a person isn’t wearing a seat belt, they are also at a high risk of being ejected from the vehicle. Even a minor head injury, such as a concussion, can cause serious issues. Some of the more common include:

  • Brain impulse abnormality: Brain injuries can cause issues with the ability to concentrate, mood swings, depression, and difficulty sleeping.
  • Impairment of fine motor skills: Balance and hand-eye coordination can be affected due to a concussion.
  • Impairment of mental capacity: Brain injury victims can have issues with their memory or critical thinking and reasoning skills and difficulty with sense of logic. They may have a hard time staying focused on what they are reading.
  • Impairment of sensory input processing: Many concussion victims have hearing issues or can experience blurred vision if the blow was to the back of their head.
  • Speech issues: Some victims have difficulty speaking and/or understanding what other people are saying to them. This can also lead to difficulties with reading and writing.

How Can Your Personal Injury Law Firm Help?

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free case evaluation and find out what legal recourse your family has for the losses you have sustained.

Call us today at 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation with a traumatic brain injury lawyer. Let us help you get the care and compensation you need. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.