A proper concussion diagnosis can help you better recover.
Concussions are common injuries, yet, they are not commonly understood.
Often the result of motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, sports, and construction accidents, concussions are hard to define for most adults, according to research.
They may be known as “mild” traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), but concussions should always be taken seriously. To help raise awareness about the injury, Merriman Legal, LLC is participating in National Concussion Awareness Day (September 16, 2022) by sharing general information about concussions.
If you suffered a concussion or another type of brain or head injury after an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other losses. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options. Our office is in Cleveland, and our brain injury attorneys represent clients throughout Ohio.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a medical condition that affects your brain’s ability to function normally and can reduce your awareness and capacity for thinking. Concussions can rise to the level of moderate or severe.
How do concussions happen?
Concussions are typically caused by a violent blow or jolt to the head. However, they can also occur due to rapid movement that causes the brain to ricochet off the inside of the skull. Frequent causes of concussions include car accidents, semi-truck collisions, motorcycle wrecks, slip and falls, and construction accidents.
In a car accident, a concussion may result from the sudden acceleration or deceleration of the body in a crash. For example, if you’re rear-ended at a stop sign, the sudden jolt could cause your brain to bounce off the interior of your skull. You can also suffer a concussion if you hit your head on the steering wheel, windshield, window, or headrest or if you’re struck by debris from the crash.
At a construction site, a concussion may be caused by a fall from scaffolding, being struck by a crane or falling object, or being caught in machinery.
What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?
Unlike a skull fracture or brain bleed, concussions are not always easy to identify, especially in the immediate aftermath of a car accident. Remember, when you’re rushed to the hospital, the emergency room doctors are trying to determine if you need emergency surgery or other life-saving medical treatment. As a result, you could have a concussion and get diagnosed by an ER doctor with a neck sprain.
Keep in mind that sometimes concussion symptoms may take longer to appear after an accident. That’s why it is always prudent to see a doctor for a thorough examination if something feels off or you’re experiencing any of the following signs of a concussion:
- Sensitivity to light and noise.
- Inability to balance, feeling dizzy.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Headache.
- Unclear or blurry vision.
- Feeling sleepy and low-energy.
- Memory problems and feeling foggy.
- Anxiety and sadness.
Most symptoms go away within 6-10 days, but some take weeks to heal. If symptoms continue past 3-6 months, the injured person may have post-concussion syndrome (PCS). Common ways to treat a concussion include pain medication, rest, and modifications to your activity. For example, you may need time off from work to recover, and you may not be able to participate in certain hobbies, such as sports.
In some cases, concussions can worsen. It is rare, but sometimes a blood clot forms and applies a dangerous amount of pressure on the brain. Someone with a concussion requires emergency medical attention if:
- One of their pupils (the dark center of the eye) is larger than the other.
- They won’t wake up.
- There’s a change in personality or behavior.
- They experience seizures.
- They suffer from a headache that won’t go away.
Always take a concussion seriously. Call our law firm to see how we can help you.
Taking your concussion seriously means holding the at-fault party accountable for your losses and putting yourself in the best position to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.
At Merriman Legal, LLC, our highly skilled legal team can investigate the circumstance of your concussion, help you get appropriate medical treatment, calculate the actual cost of all your damages now and in the future, and aggressively advocate for the compensation you’re entitled to under the law.
Don’t go it alone if you or someone you love suffered a concussion in an accident. Get Merriman Legal on your side and get results.
To find out how we can help you, contact us today for a free consultation.
