Concussions are among the most common injuries suffered by motor vehicle accident and slip and fall victims. Many people are unaware they may be entitled to compensation for financial losses arising from their injury. We offer the following Frequently Asked Questions to help inform individuals who believe they developed a concussion because of another person’s negligence, whether in a New Hampshire motor vehicle accident or another manner. Call Tenn AND Tenn, P.A. at 888-332-5855or contact us online with additional questions.
1. What is a concussion?
A concussion is a form of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). It occurs when a hard blow, bump, or jolt to your head, neck, or body causes your brain to slam against the interior of your skull. The impact can cause the brain to swell, damage nerves, and alter brain chemistry and function, triggering physical, cognitive, and emotional changes. While such effects are rarely life-threatening, they can seriously disrupt your life.
2. What are the common causes of concussions?
Motor vehicle accidents, slips and falls, and contact sports injuries are the most common source of concussions. Keep in mind that your head doesn’t necessarily need to strike a hard object to cause a concussion. For example, in a motor vehicle accident, a deploying airbag or whiplash can give rise to a concussion just as easily as if your head hits a window.
3. What are the most common concussion symptoms?
Concussions symptoms vary across individuals and can range from mild to severe. If you’ve experienced a motor vehicle accident or a fall, mild or moderate signs and symptoms of a concussion may include:
• brief loss of consciousness (less than a minute)
• persistent headache
• confusion/brain fog
• balance problems or dizziness
• nausea or vomiting
• sensitivity to light
• blurred or double vision
• attention or memory difficulties
• a slowed reaction time
• feelings of unexplained irritability or depression
• changes to sleep patterns (from sluggishness to insomnia)
• feeling “not like yourself.”
4. What symptoms suggest a dangerously severe concussion?
Severe concussion symptoms include:
• extreme drowsiness/difficulty waking up
• an ongoing headache that keeps getting worse
• slurred speech
• weakness or numbness in the body, especially one side only
• increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation
• seizures or convulsions
• persistent nausea and vomiting
• loss of consciousness longer than one minute.
If you experience any of these symptoms after a motor vehicle accident, fall, or sports injury, seek medical attention immediately.
5. How long does it take to develop symptoms of a concussion?
Most concussion symptoms present anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours after the blow to the head. However, it can sometimes take days or even weeks for symptoms to manifest or grow more severe. If you’ve experienced an accident or fall and exhibit signs of concussion, you should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
6. How are concussions treated?
Medical professionals typically recommend refraining from strenuous physical or mental activities for 48 hours after the concussion diagnosis. After a few days, you may be able to engage in light exercise or physical activity. Your doctor may also prescribe medications, physical or mental therapy, or other specialized treatments to address your symptoms. They may also recommend missing work or a shorter workday until your symptoms resolve.
7. How long does it take to recover from a concussion?
Most individuals recover from a concussion within 14 to 21 days, although some may continue to experience symptoms for months or even years. This situation is called Post-Concussion Syndrome and can harm the quality of a person’s life.
8. What should I do if I may have gotten a concussion from a motor vehicle accident or a fall that was someone else’s fault?
First, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Next, keep a detailed written record of your symptoms, treatment plans, medical expenses, healthcare appointments, and missed work days in the days and weeks following the incident. Finally, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss whether you have a potential claim for damages. You might be entitled to receive economic damages (lost wages, medical bills, etc.) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering and distress).
9. How can a New Hampshire personal injury lawyer help me?
A personal injury lawyer can be essential in helping you recover the full and fair amount of compensatory damages for your injuries, whether from the at-fault party or their insurance company. Your lawyer can help find evidence showing you were not at fault, fight to ensure you aren’t “low-balled” in a settlement, file a lawsuit, and generally negotiate the best possible outcome for you.
Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys Serving Bedford, Concord, Nashua, Hampton, and Beyond
You shouldn’t have to pay for another person’s mistake. If you’ve suffered a concussion after a motor vehicle accident or fall, contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. The knowledgeable New Hampshire personal injury attorneys of Tenn And Tenn, P.A. have helped numerous concussion and TBI victims recover damages throughout the state, including in Manchester, Londonderry, and Goffstown. Call us today at 888-332-5855or reach out online for your free consultation. We are ready to fight for you the financial recovery you deserve.