A concussion is a type of brain injury that is caused by a bump, jolt, or blow to the head that causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull. You may also hear a concussion referred to as a traumatic brain injury or TBI.
It is important to know what to do after a concussion because concussions can lead to a loss of consciousness, confusion, drowsiness, and dizziness, as well as memory problems, headaches, and nausea.
If you were hurt in an accident and believe you may have a concussion, see a doctor for an immediate evaluation.
If you were diagnosed with a concussion, in addition to following all of your doctor’s orders, you should get plenty of rest, take time off from work or school as needed, and avoid physically or mentally strenuous activities until you have recovered.
Concussion Symptoms
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, in 2014, over 2.8 million people with traumatic brain injuries were treated in emergency department visits in the United States.
If you suffered a head injury, first speak with a doctor and undergo a thorough medical checkup. Concussions cause different health issues in different people of different ages. They can lead to memory problems, confusion, sensitivity to light, issues with balance, and slowed mental responses.
These symptoms may appear right after an injury, or they may take some time to develop.
What to Do After You Injury
As soon as you suffer a head injury, do not immediately move. Someone should call 911 and wait for emergency personnel to arrive. If you can move on your own, you can move to a safe location and sit or lie down until help arrives.
You should undergo a thorough evaluation as soon as possible. Your doctor may ask to perform an imaging study such as an MRI or a CT scan. If you sustained a serious head injury and there is bleeding or swelling of your brain, you may need surgery or another form of medical intervention.
If a doctor confirms a concussion, they may request that you do not participate in sports, drive, operate machinery, or be alone for the first 24 hours or for as long as your doctor prescribes. This is because your symptoms may continue to develop, and you run the risk of losing consciousness or having unusually slow responses during this time.
A doctor may also recommend that you avoid caffeine and the consumption of alcohol, since it can worsen your symptoms or mask them.
Post-Concussion Syndrome
If your concussion symptoms get worse, or if they do not improve within the timeframe indicated by your doctor, you may want to follow-up with your doctor for further evaluation. Concussion patients may develop post-concussion syndrome, which is defined by Mayo Clinic as headaches, dizziness, or other concussion-related symptoms that linger for weeks and sometimes months after an injury.
Consider Civil Action for Your Injuries
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may want to consider pursuing them for your damages in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit after a concussion.
Personal injury cases are often triggered by:
- Car, truck, or bicycle accidents
- Slip and falls accidents
- Construction accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Other types of accidents
If you are able to prove that another party’s negligence caused your concussion, you may be able to recover the following types of damages:
- Current and future medical treatment
- Lost wages for the time your injuries forced you to miss work
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- And more
Contact Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. Today
The key takeaway regarding head injuries is that they should not be taken likely. Over time, these injuries can have a profound impact on your life physically, mentally, and financially.
If someone else’s negligence caused your concussion, Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. will represent you. When we take over your case, a lawyer from our firm will:
- Keep you updated on the progress of your case
- Identify the liable parties
- Communicate with all parties for you
- Gather evidence in your defense
- Determine a value for your case
Please contact Friedman & Simon, L.L.P. for assistance with accidents or personal injuries such as a concussion. Speak to a member of our team for a free consultation on your case when you call (516) 932-0400. Our staff takes calls in Spanish, Greek, Bengali, Tamil, and Kannada.