Concussions or Traumatic Brain Injuries |Chicago's Shuman Legal
Concussion | Traumatic Brain Injuries

Concussion | Traumatic Brain Injuries

Concussion injuries or mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) are the most frequent brain injury in traumatic accidents. Common causes of a concussion include car or motorcycle crashes, falls, sports injuries, and assaults.

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Have you suffered from a concussion caused by an accident? Get FREE Legal Advice Now!Call us at 312-422-0700

Some of our nation’s experts on concussions or TBIs:

The Mayfield clinic describes Traumatic brain injury (TBI) as sudden damage to the brain caused by a blow or jolt to the head. Injuries can range from mild concussions to severe permanent brain damage. Did you know that your brain has the consistency of gelatin? It’s cushioned from everyday jolts and bumps but a violent blow to your head and neck or upper body can cause your brain to slide back and forth forcefully and that’s how you get a concussion or TBI.

According to the CDC, Those who survive a TBI or concussion can face effects that last a few days or the rest of their lives. Most people who suffer moderate to severe concussions will need rehabilitation to recover and relearn skills. Effects of TBI can include impairments related to thinking or memory, movement, sensation (e.g., vision or hearing), or emotional functioning (e.g., personality changes, depression). These issues not only affect individuals but can have lasting effects on families and communities too.

That unknown recovery time is an important reason not to allow pressure to settle your case and push you into any decisions until recovery is absolute.

So, how do you know if you have a concussion?

The signs of a concussion or symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not show up immediately. However, when they do the symptoms can last for days, weeks, or even longer. These injuries are hidden from the naked eye, so it’s important if you have had a jolt that you seek an exam as soon as possible afterward.

Common symptoms after a concussive traumatic brain injury include headaches, loss of memory (amnesia), or confusion. Amnesia usually involves forgetting the event that caused the concussion.

Mayo Clinic suggests that some of the physical symptoms or signs of a concussion are:

  • Headache
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
  • Blurry vision

Other signs and symptoms of a concussion include:

  • Confusion or feeling as if in a fog
  • Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event
  • Dizziness or “seeing stars”

A witness may observe these signs and symptoms in the concussed person:

  • Temporary loss of consciousness (though this doesn’t always occur)
  • Slurred speech
  • Delayed response to questions
  • Dazed appearance
  • Forgetfulness, such as repeatedly asking the same question

You may have some symptoms of concussions immediately, and some can occur for days after the injury, such as:

  • Concentration and memory complaints
  • Irritability and other personality changes
  • Sensitivity to light and noise
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Psychological adjustment problems and depression
  • Disorders of taste and smell

What does having a concussion have to do with Lawyers?

Brain injuries are nothing to take lightly. Therefore, you should find an experienced brain injury attorney as soon as possible if you think that you or someone you know might be suffering from a traumatic brain injury. An experienced attorney will be able to recommend the right medical specialists to ensure your injury is accurately diagnosed and treated.

Sudden blows or violent shaking of the head, caused by events like a car accident, can cause brain injury that affects brain function. You can’t see inside your head and your brain needs you to take proactive steps if you have been in an accident to ensure your wellbeing!

This type of brain injury may lead to bleeding in or around your brain, causing symptoms such as prolonged drowsiness and confusion. These symptoms may develop immediately or later. In drastic cases, they can be fatal. That’s why anyone who experiences a brain injury needs monitoring in the hours afterward and emergency care immediately.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in the United States.

In 2014, an average of 155 people in the United States died each day from injuries that include a TBI.

Those who survive a TBI can face effects that last a few days or the rest of their lives. These issues not only affect individuals but also can have lasting effects on families and communities.

If you or a loved one are a victim that has incurred one of these devastating injuries through no fault of your own, you will face financial demands that arise because of that unfortunate injury and you are entitled to compensation to assist with that burden.

Navigating the system to get fair compensation is daunting when things are not stressful, in these situations it is pronounced. This is where our professional team can step in and make sure that you get what you need while you focus on recovering and restructuring your life to meet the demands of your family.

Shuman Legal® has over 77 combined years of experience advocating for over 20,000 injury victims and their families. We advocate on your behalf, so you can focus on the task of recovery. Call for a free consultation to see how we can support you.

Have you suffered from a concussion caused by an accident? Get FREE Legal Advice Now!Call us at 312-422-0700

Illinois Brain Injury FAQ

What’s the difference between a concussion and a traumatic brain injury?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head or body that causes your head to move rapidly, damaging your brain. There are also other types of traumatic brain injuries.

A mild brain injury is usually caused by a concussion that does not lead to the loss of consciousness, or when the loss of consciousness is very short. More severe brain injuries are often accompanied by longer loss of consciousness and longer-lasting side effects.

How can I tell if my child is suffering from a brain injury?

Children, especially very young children, may not be able to understand or express the symptoms they suffer after a traumatic brain injury. However, there are certain things you can observe that might suggest that they have suffered one. If you are concerned that your child might have suffered a traumatic brain injury, you should always check with your doctor.

Some of the behaviors that might suggest a traumatic brain injury are:

* Unusual or unusually frequent irritability

* Sudden change in eating habits

* Decline in ability to pay attention and focus

* Seizures

* Sudden loss of interest in favorite activities

* Change in sleeping habits

How can I tell how bad a brain injury is?

If you believe that you have suffered from a traumatic brain injury, your first priority should be to discuss the matter with your doctor and receive care. They will be better able to determine the scope of your injury than you will, especially if you are still disoriented from your injury.

If you have lost consciousness for an extended period (several minutes or more), suffer from convulsions or seizures, struggle with a persistent headache following a head injury, or struggle to wake up after sleeping, you may be suffering from a moderate to severe brain injury. These are all serious concerns and should not be ‘toughed out’. Inform your doctor of your symptoms and seek treatment as soon as reasonably possible.

What kind of long-term effects do I have to plan for after a brain injury?

After a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury, there are often negative aftereffects that stretch on for years.

In the years after your brain injury, you are 50 times more likely to suffer from seizures; 11 times more likely to die from accidental drug poisoning; 9 times more likely to suffer from infections; and 6 times more likely to get pneumonia. It is then extremely important that you take precautions against this, and that it is taken into account during your claim when considering your long-term medical expenses.

A personal injury lawyer can help you consider these and other possible risks that you might not be aware of and make sure that you get the assistance and compensation you need, even if you didn’t know you needed it.

I had a mild traumatic brain injury from an accident. Is it really a big deal?

Any injury to the head is absolutely a big deal.

The medical terms for ‘mild’, ‘moderate’, and ‘severe’ brain injury are used to describe the scale of the effect the injury had on your brain function. Even a mild brain injury can still be a profoundly serious injury with potentially long-lasting consequences if it is not promptly diagnosed and treated. If you have experienced a blow or other traumatic injury to your head, please seek medical attention as soon as possible.

How long does it usually take to recover from a brain injury?

The time it takes to recover from a brain injury depends on its severity, but even mild injuries with rapid recoveries can take three to six months. Most symptoms from mild brain injuries tend to either disappear or improve within about a year from your injury.

More severe injuries can take years to recover and have long-term effects that stretch far into the future, requiring regular checkups to ensure that your condition does not worsen. Because of how unpredictable the duration of some of these effects can be, it can be difficult to quantify exactly how much your ongoing medical expenses can be. Consulting with your doctor, as well as an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you find out what your costs really are.  In this way, we can make sure that you get the treatment and compensation you deserve.

What can I expect after a concussion or brain injury?

After a brain injury, there can be numerous lingering effects that might not be immediately obvious to expect from having hit your head. Reduced concentration, irritability, tiredness, and a poor general mood are quite common. Short-term memory problems, headaches, anxiety, and difficulty focusing on thinking are also common symptoms, as are dizziness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.

These symptoms usually pass or grow less severe after a few months. If your symptoms have not been reduced or get worse after a period of three to six months, speak with your doctor about it. You may have experienced a more significant injury than you initially thought.

What kind of accidents usually result in brain injuries?

While there are many possible accidents that could lead to an unfortunate brain injury, almost half of the traumatic brain injuries recorded in the United States every year come down to one of four categories:

* Auto Accidents. Over three hundred thousand injuries happen every year because of automobile-related accidents. That’s way too many.

* Assault. An absolutely tragic amount- almost two hundred thousand every year.

* Falls. There are more than half a million injuries every year from preventable falls.

* Being unintentionally struck by an object. Upwards of 280,000 injuries yearly. This is especially common for those working physical jobs like construction.

 

 

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