How Much is My Concussion Settlement Worth?
The value of your concussion settlement will vary greatly depending on the severity of your injury.
Like all personal injuries, putting a dollar amount on your injury is difficult because each case and injury is unique.
If you have suffered a concussion in an accident or because of someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer who is familiar with the particulars of concussion injury cases and concussion settlement values.
Is a Concussion a Serious Injury?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and should not be taken lightly.
Concussions are caused when the head hits a hard surface and the brain strikes the inside of the skull.
The blow to the head is not what causes the concussion; it’s the reverberation of the brain inside the skull. This can cause chemical changes in the brain and damage brain cells.
Concussions are not limited to football/nfl players and contact sports; they frequently occur in car accidents and slips, trips, and falls.
The symptoms can be relatively subtle and not show up immediately after an accident. They can also be hard to self-diagnose.
Concussions can cause lasting cognitive impairment, including memory loss, personality changes, loss of concentration, and attention span.
How Do You Prove You Have a Concussion?
The symptoms of a concussion can range from mild and barely noticeable to extreme.
If you experience any of the following symptoms in the days, weeks, or months after an accident, seek medical help right away. (The signs and symptoms of a concussion are not limited to this list.)
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Pressure (feeling like you’re wearing a hat that is too tight)
- Blacking Out/Loss of Consciousness (even if it’s only for a few seconds)
- Confusion/ Disorientation
- Looking Dazed/ Feeling “Foggy”
- Ringing in the Ears
- Memory Loss
- Nausea/ Vomiting
- Poor Balance/ Lack of Coordination
- Slurred Speech
- Sensitivity to Noise and Light
- Seizures
Your doctor may want to order imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan to check for brain swelling or bruising or bleeding of the brain.
If, after seeking medical treatment, these symptoms do not improve, you or the accident victim may be suffering from another traumatic brain injury (TBI) called post-concussion syndrome.
One of the best ways to keep track of your symptoms is to log them daily.
Our “Injury Victim’s Diary” will make it easy for you to record your accident and keep track of your injuries and symptoms. By writing everything down, it will be easier for your personal injury attorney to prove loss of quality of life when seeking damages.
How Much Compensation Do You Get for a Concussion?
If you or a loved one have suffered from a concussion in an accident or from someone else’s negligence you may be entitled to damages.
Because each case is so unique, there is no set amount when it comes to personal injury cases.
While a concussion is usually thought of as a mild traumatic brain injury, the results can in some cases be severe.
The amount of damages you receive will be based on the severity of your injury, degree of impairment, and the circumstances involved that led to you being injured. Some of the factors that your personal injury attorney will examine to determine your settlement amount will be:
- Medical Bills
- Lost Wages
- Loss of Future Earnings
- Property Damage
- Physical Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Pain and Suffering
Can You Sue For a Concussion?
Yes, you can sue for a concussion, but you should never try to represent yourself in court or reach a settlement on your own. If your head injury occurred in an accident, the insurance companies will try to get you to settle right away.
By doing this, you are taking a risk of getting significantly less than what you may be entitled to because the symptoms of a concussion can take several days to several weeks to show up.
For tips on avoiding common mistakes following an accident, get our free book "Quick Guide to Louisiana Accident and Injury Claims".
Concussion cases can be complicated and you’ll need the help of an experienced local attorney. Your personal injury attorney will work with your doctors to determine the severity of your concussion injury and make sure that the amount of your settlement will be enough to cover your medical bills and future expenses.
The best way to determine if you have a case worth pursuing is to call our office at (985) 240-9773. We will discuss your case and help you determine the next plan of action.
