Concussions
Concussion Injury Lawyer
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a particularly devastating type of catastrophic injury, and TBIs can happen in almost any type of accident. Generally speaking, TBIs can range greatly in terms of severity, from a mild traumatic brain injury to a severe TBI.
Concussions are one type of relatively mild traumatic brain injury, and have numerous causes. In many cases, someone else’s negligence is responsible for another person’s concussion. Whether you sustained a concussion while playing sports or after being struck by a motor vehicle in a car crash, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation.
As an injury attorney in Ohio, I routinely represent clients in a wide variety of catastrophic injury claims, and I can help you to seek financial compensation for your concussion.
What is a Concussion?
According to the Mayo Clinic, a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that “affects your brain function.” Concussions typically result from a bump or a blow to the head, and in some cases, “violently shaking the head and upper body can also cause concussions.” Concussions, like other traumatic brain injuries, can result in a loss of consciousness. However, it is possible to sustain ahead injuries that are concussions without realizing it. The signs and symptoms can seem minor even though you may have suffered a very serious injury.
When you’ve been in an motor vehicle accident or have been hit while playing a contact sport, it is important to see a healthcare provider to be assessed for concussion injuries. Especially if you lose consciousness. When a person sustains multiple concussions, research suggests that the person may be at risk of developing chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is a degenerative disease of the brain.
Concussion Symptoms and Signs
Signs and symptoms of a concussion can vary depending upon the person, and sometimes it takes hours or even days for signs to appear. When you experience symptoms of a concussion, it may be weeks or longer before the symptoms begin to resolve. The following are examples of signs and symptoms of concussions, according to the Mayo Clinic:
Headache
A headache is a common symptom of a concussion because the brain, being a sensitive organ, can become irritated or injured upon impact or sudden movement, leading to a headache. The head trauma from a concussion can disrupt normal brain function, causing changes in blood flow, chemical imbalances, and activation of pain receptors, resulting in the sensation of a headache.
Temporary Loss of Consciousness
Temporary loss of consciousness can occur as a result of a concussion due to the impact or jolt to the head, causing a brief loss of awareness and responsiveness.
Confusion or Fogginess
Concussions often lead to a state of confusion or fogginess, where you may have difficulty thinking clearly, feeling disoriented, or experiencing mental sluggishness. The brain’s normal cognitive processes are temporarily disrupted. If you experience these symptoms, please, go get a medical examination.
Amnesia
Amnesia, or memory loss, can occur following a concussion due to the disruption of brain functions involved in encoding and retrieving memories. You may have difficulty recalling events before, during, or after the injury.
Dizziness
Dizziness is a common symptom of a concussion caused by the disruption of the brain’s balance and equilibrium centers. Head injuries can manifest as a feeling of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or a spinning sensation.
Ringing in the ears
Known as tinnitus, ringing in the ears can be a symptom of a concussion resulting from the impact affecting the auditory system. It may manifest as a persistent ringing, buzzing, or other abnormal sounds in the ears.
Nausea and/or Vomiting
The brain’s disruption after a concussion can affect the gastrointestinal system, leading to feelings of nausea and possibly leading to repeated vomiting. This symptom can be a result of the brain’s response to the injury or a consequence of other related factors.
Slow to Respond to Questions
Slowness in response to questions is common in concussions, as the brain’s processing speed may be temporarily impaired. It may take you longer to comprehend and formulate responses.
Concentration or Memory Problems
Concussions often result in difficulties with concentration and memory due to the impact on cognitive functions. You may struggle to focus, retain new information, or experience gaps in their ability to recall recent events.
Irritability
Irritability is a common emotional symptom following a concussion, likely caused by the disruption of brain networks involved in emotional regulation. You may become more easily agitated, short-tempered, or emotionally sensitive.
Sleep Issues
Concussions can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle, leading to various sleep problems. These can include difficulty falling asleep, experiencing frequent awakenings, or having changes in sleep patterns, such as increased sleepiness or insomnia. This is a sign of post concussive syndrome.
Psychological Issues
Concussions can contribute to the development or exacerbation of psychological issues such as anxiety or depression. These conditions may arise due to the physiological and neurological changes caused by the injury or the psychological impact of the injury itself.
Smell or Taste Disorders
Damage to the brain’s olfactory or gustatory centers can lead to temporary smell or taste disorders following a concussion. You may experience changes in your ability to smell or taste certain odors or flavors, or you may perceive distorted smells or tastes.
Concussions from car accidents or any other serious blow to the head can have serious effects on your brain. Serious head injuries lead to hospital visits, missed work, and under the worst circumstances, fatal brain swelling and wrongful death. I have been a personal injury lawyer for over 40 years, and I’m here to get you the help you need. Call me today, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
What To Do If You Have Suffered A Concussion
Seek immediate medical attention: Concussions can have serious consequences, and a healthcare professional can evaluate your condition, provide appropriate treatment, and offer guidance on recovery.
Rest and avoid physical exertion: Resting allows your brain to heal and reduces the risk of further injury. Avoiding physical exertion helps prevent symptoms from worsening and promotes recovery.
Limit cognitive activity: Reducing mental strain by avoiding activities that require concentration, such as reading, studying, or using electronic device. Doing this for a brief period can help alleviate symptoms like headaches and cognitive difficulties.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription pain relievers like acetaminophen can help manage headache and discomfort associated with a concussion. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Follow a gradual return-to-activity plan: Once symptoms start to improve, gradually reintroducing physical and cognitive activities under the guidance of a healthcare professional can help facilitate a safe and successful recovery.
Get plenty of sleep: Restorative sleep aids in the healing process and promotes overall recovery from a concussion. Ensure you establish a regular sleep schedule and prioritize quality sleep.
Avoid alcohol, drugs, and activities that increase the risk of another injury: Alcohol and drugs can impair cognitive function and prolong the recovery process. Additionally, engaging in activities that increase the risk of another head injury should be avoided to prevent further damage.
Communicate with your healthcare provider: Keep your healthcare provider informed about your symptoms, progress, and any concerns you may have. They can provide ongoing guidance, monitor your recovery, and make adjustments to your treatment plan if necessary.
Gradually return to normal activities: As your symptoms subside and with the approval of your healthcare provider, gradually resume your regular activities. This includes work, school, and physical exercise, while ensuring you do not overexert yourself.
Follow up with medical appointments: Attend all follow-up appointments as scheduled to monitor your recovery. Address any ongoing symptoms, and ensure that you are fully healed before resuming all activities without restrictions.
Jobs Commonly Associated With Concussions
While concussions can occur in various work environments, here are some jobs commonly associated with a higher risk of sustaining a concussion, along with brief descriptions of the job and how concussions can occur:
Construction Worker
Construction workers engage in physically demanding tasks, such as operating heavy machinery, working at heights, or being exposed to falling objects or debris. They can sustain concussions from falls, being struck by equipment or materials, or being involved in accidents on the construction site.
Athlete/Sports Player
Athletes participating in contact sports like football, hockey, or boxing are prone to concussions due to direct blows to the head, collisions with other players, or falls during intense physical activities.
Military Personnel
Service members are at risk of concussions due to exposure to explosions, blast injuries, or combat-related injuries. These events can cause concussions through direct impact, blast shockwaves, or penetrating injuries.
Emergency First Responder
Paramedics, firefighters, and police officers may encounter situations where they can sustain concussions. Situations such as responding to a car accident, engaging in physical altercations, or being exposed to explosive devices.
Professional Driver
Commercial drivers, including truck drivers or delivery personnel, face the risk of concussions in the event of a motor vehicle collision. Also, sudden jolts that cause their heads to strike against surfaces within the vehicle.
Healthcare Worker
Healthcare professionals, such as nurses or aides, can sustain concussions during patient handling tasks, accidental falls, or workplace violence incidents involving aggressive patients or visitors.
Industrial Worker
Workers in industries involving heavy machinery, manufacturing, or assembly lines may face the risk of sustaining a concussion due to accidents. Possible issues with machinery, falling objects, or slips, trips, and falls on the factory floor are all risks.
Airline Crew
Pilots and flight attendants can be at risk of concussions in the event of turbulence or sudden impact during takeoff, landing, or emergency situations.
Law Enforcement Officer
Police officers may encounter situations that can result in concussions, such as physical altercations, accidents during vehicle pursuits, or being struck by objects or projectiles while on duty.
Damages For Concussions
Medical Expenses
This includes the costs associated with medical evaluations, diagnostic tests, treatments, medications, therapy, and any ongoing medical care related to the concussion.
Lost Wages
Compensation for the income and benefits lost due to the inability to work during recovery from the concussion or any long-term effects that impact the individual’s ability to work.
Pain and Suffering
Damages awarded to compensate for the physical pain, discomfort, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life resulting from the concussion and its associated symptoms.
Rehabilitation and Therapy
The cost of rehabilitative services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive therapy aimed at restoring functional abilities impaired by the concussion.
Future Medical Expenses
Compensation for anticipated future medical costs related to the concussion, such as long-term care, specialized treatments, or ongoing medical monitoring.
Loss of Consortium
Damages awarded to compensate for the negative impact the concussion and resulting symptoms may have on the injured person’s relationship with their spouse or family members.
Disability or Impairment
Compensation for long-term disabilities or impairments resulting from the concussion, which may include limitations in physical, cognitive, or emotional functioning and the associated impact on the individual’s daily life and future prospects.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, if the responsible party’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be sought to punish and deter similar behavior in the future.
Statute of Limitations in a Concussion Lawsuit
If you sustained a concussion as a result of someone else’s careless or reckless behavior, you should file a lawsuit. However, you need to know that you only have a limited amount of time to do so. Under Ohio law (Ohio Rev. Code Section 2305.10), most concussion claims have a statute of limitations of two years. This means that you will need to file your lawsuit within two years from the date you sustained the concussion.
Although you may be thinking that two years is a long time and you have time to file, let me say this: The longer you wait, the more difficult it can be to gather the evidence we need to prove your claim. Moreover, the sooner you file your lawsuit, the quicker you can be eligible to receive financial compensation to help cover your medical bills and lost wages.
Contact Me to File a Concussion Lawsuit
As an experienced personal injury attorney, I have decades of experience representing plaintiffs in traumatic brain injury claims. I want to make sure the responsible party pays you for your losses. Contact me at for more information about filing a claim. I can talk with you today about how I’ll Make Them Pay!®
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