Kansas City Concussion Injury Attorneys
A common injury from car accidents and other personal injury cases is a concussion, caused by either a blow to the head or other activity that causes violent movement. A concussion can also be caused by a strong blow to the body that causes the head to move forcefully from side to side or backwards and forwards.
Concussion is a milder form of Traumatic Brain Injury, and is not usually considered permanent or life-threatening. Most people recover over time. Generally, this type of injury heals within three to four weeks, but not always. In some cases, a concussion can have lasting effects on a person’s life.
Causes of Concussion
Because brain tissue is soft, any type of movement that causes the brain to hit against the skull interior can damage and stretch the brain cells and causes chemical changes in the brain. Any type of blow or jolt to the head can cause a concussion, such as:
• Car and other vehicular accidents
• Sporting accidents such as bicycle crashes
• Slip and fall accidents
• Blasts from explosions
• Physical violence such as assaults
• Any violent shaking or twisting of the head and upper body that causes the head to whip around quickly, such as a car accident or roller coaster accidents with sudden acceleration or deceleration of the body.
Concussion can happen even without a physical strike to the head. Brain injuries can occur when the brain slams into the inside of the skull without any exterior trauma. Even a low-speed accident can leave a driver or passengers with a concussion from the transfer of kinetic energy during the crash. But because a vehicle may not be badly damaged, the driver may believe that they have not suffered a concussion.
There are multiple types of concussion. Although a concussion is considered “mild,” it doesn’t mean that the injury shouldn’t be taken seriously. The effects of a concussion can be critical, so it’s important to seek medical care following any accident that might lead to one.
Symptoms And Signs of A Concussion
A concussion may not be obvious in the immediate aftermath of an accident because symptoms may not show up for several days. The initial diagnosis may not include a concussion, but if these symptoms appear later or worsen, return to your doctor immediately for further evaluation.
• Chronic headaches
• Extreme fatigue
• Mood swings or changes, such as irritability, anxiety, depression, sadness
• Blurry or double vision
• “Brain fog” or confusion
• Sound or light sensitivity
• Memory loss
• Difficulty with concentration
• Difficulty sleeping or changes in sleeping patterns
• Impacts on reflexes, balance, muscle coordination speech, memory, and judgment
While headaches are the most common complaint from concussion, it’s possible to have a concussion without them, with or without a head strike. A person can recover from a single concussion, but multiple concussions can become disabling.
Physically active children and adolescents are also prone to concussions, and their symptoms may be more pronounced. Athletes may also experience pronounced symptoms and should not continue participating until the concussion heals.
Most people do not lose consciousness with a concussion. Only about 10% of people pass out. Losing consciousness may be indicative of a more serious TBI, so immediate medical treatment is needed to determine the extent of the damage.
Why Do You Need An Attorney For A Concussion Injury
Following your concussion injury, your first step is to seek medical attention. This both gets you started on your recovery and documents your injuries for your claim. Your next step should be to contact our concussion injury attorneys at The Popham Law Firm to discuss your case.
A concussion isn’t a “minor injury,” it’s a form of traumatic brain injury and should be treated that way. Just because you didn’t exhibit symptoms on the day of the accident doesn’t mean you won’t see them weeks—or months—later. You can’t assume that you’ll be OK in a few days or weeks. Any type of brain injury can impact your daily life.
At the same time, you will have to communicate with insurance companies and other adverse parties. If you are not familiar with Missouri personal injury law, you could end up with thousands of dollars less than you need at a time when you are recuperating and may not be able to work.
The concussion injury attorneys at Popham Law will thoroughly investigate your case, including examining your medical records, the circumstances of the accident, and determining who is liable for your injuries. We will work to recover all available compensation for you, such as:
• All medical expenses, current and future
• Lost wages
• Lost future wages
• Pain and suffering
• Additional damages related to the injury
Insurance companies will attempt to deny your claim, especially for a low-speed crash. Their reasoning is that because the vehicle didn’t sustain significant damage, you could not have been seriously injured.
If you’re experiencing concussion symptoms, you may not be able to think or speak clearly. This can lead to problems and your claim may be denied. We strongly suggest that you don’t speak to the other parties, their insurance company, or their lawyers on your own. When you work Popham Law, you can simply refer those calls, letters, and other communications to our office and focus on taking care of yourself.
The Popham Law Firm stands ready to defend your rights and fight to get you the compensation you need for treatment and to help preserve your quality of life. Call us today.
Contact The Popham Law Firm Today and Seek Justice for Your Injuries
At The Popham Law Firm, we have personally witnessed the devastating effects that can result from the negligence and/or wrongdoing of another. Whether that person was texting while driving, or a landlord or employer didn’t follow proper safety measures, we will fight for the justice you deserve and the compensation to help you get the medical help and financial security you need. To speak with our team of personal injury lawyers, you can contact our Kansas City law office today at (816) 221-2288 or (844) 243-2288 (toll free). Free consultations are available.
You matter.
We believe the best legal outcomes happen when lawyers commit to clients, not just results. We’re dedicated to exceeding your expectations in every way— from the way we treat you to the size of your settlement.