New York City Concussion Lawyer
Concussions are a common injury that many people may be familiar with. A concussion is often considered a mild form of traumatic brain injury, but the effects and the pain involved can still be severe. If you suffered a concussion because of someone else’s negligence, it is important to consider taking your case to a personal injury lawyer.
Suing for a concussion after an accident can help you recover compensation to cover the medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering you face because of someone else’s carelessness. If you suffered a concussion in an accident in New York City, contact the New York City concussion attorneys at Sullivan and Galleshaw. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling personal injury and concussion cases on behalf of injury victims. Call our law offices today to discuss your case in a free, confidential consultation. Our number is (718) 843-0300.
Symptoms of a Concussion Injury
Concussions are classified as a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) since they involve injury to the brain that occurs from harmful or forceful contact. These injuries are usually distinguished from TBI by noting that they are mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI). Because of this, concussions are not always seen as serious injuries, though some concussions can lead to more serious injuries and conditions.
A concussion occurs when blunt force trauma causes the brain to impact against the inside of the skull. This force can damage brain tissue and often causes unconsciousness. Common symptoms of a concussion can range from mild to severe but usually include some of the following symptoms:
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Unconsciousness
- Dizziness
- Trouble balancing
- Trouble thinking
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Lethargy and tiredness
- Headaches
- Ringing in the ears
- Light sensitivity
In contrast, traumatic brain injuries usually have more severe forms of these symptoms and may even include problems with motor skills, control of parts of your body, and severe cognitive issues.
While concussions are not usually life-threatening like TBI, underlying injuries may linger and last for years. The damage from a concussion is not often enough to have a severe impact on your life, but if you suffer from multiple concussions throughout your life, your condition could deteriorate.
One of the most serious potential complications with concussions is chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a brain disease common among professional football players and other life-long athletes who suffer multiple concussions throughout their lives. This condition is marked by behavioral changes, problems involving memory or thinking ability, and other serious symptoms. CTE often worsens over time, with symptoms becoming more severe and pronounced.
Filing a Lawsuit for a Concussion
Concussions are common injuries in many types of accidents. Concussions are not typically life-threatening injuries, and most concussion victims can make a full recovery. However, receiving an injury because of someone else’s negligent actions or inactions usually entitles you to some sort of damages, even if there is no lasting injury.
Who is Responsible for Concussion Injuries?
When another person is responsible for your injuries, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit against them. Who the responsible party is in a concussion case usually depends on how the injury happened and what type of accident you suffered. For things like car accidents, the at-fault party is usually another driver or the driver of the car in which you were a passenger. In slip and fall cases where you fall and hit your head, the property owner or the business that operates on that property is usually responsible for the injury. In cases of concussions from sports injuries, the responsible party may be the coaches or league supervisors who allowed unnecessary roughness or dangerous playing that results in a serious injury.
Damages for a Concussion
Once you determine whom to sue, you must determine how much you should be entitled to sue for. Calculating damages for your lawsuit is something your attorney can help with, and you should never trust the at-fault party’s calculation or accept any settlement offers before discussing your case with an injury lawyer.
Damages for a concussion usually involve medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages. The medical expenses for a concussion could involve MRIs, CT scans, and other brain scans to ensure that the injury is not more severe. You may also need to undergo testing and observation to ensure that there is no internal bleeding or any other symptoms which could make the injury much worse. You may also need medical treatment for other injuries sustained in the accident, such as broken bones or cuts and lacerations.
Damages for lost wages are common any time the injury and the recovery process make it hard to go back to work. After a concussion, you should take it easy for a few days, which might mean missing work or not being able to perform job tasks like bending and lifting.
Pain and suffering damages are available in New York without limitation or legal cap. This means that the physical pain and mental suffering you face from your concussion might be the largest part of your damages. These damages are usually involved in any case, even if the medical costs or lost wages were low, so do not hesitate to talk to an attorney about claiming pain and suffering damages after receiving a concussion.
Call Our New York City Concussion Injury Lawyers Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident and suffered a concussion, call Sullivan and Galleshaw today. Our NYC concussion lawyers offer free consultations to help injury victims understand their claim and what their case might be worth. To schedule a free consultation with our attorneys, call our law offices today at (718) 843-0300.