You may not think of a concussion as one of the more severe injuries you can suffer in a car accident, but this type of trauma is still quite dangerous. According to the Mayo Clinic, a concussion actually falls under the medical classification of a traumatic brain injury that affects your brain function. You may suffer a concussion when you sustain a blow to the head or violent shaking of the head, both of which may occur due to the extreme force of an auto collision. The brain, which is normally suspended in fluids and tissues that protect it, actually strikes against the surface of the skull. You may experience a range of symptoms and complications, so you should consult with a knowledgeable lawyer if you suffered a concussion in a Florida car accident. Some general information may also be useful.
Short-Term Effects
The brain is similar to many other organs and tissues in the human body, in that it fills with fluid and may swell after undergoing trauma. However, the brain is different in one key respect: It has nowhere to expand. Instead, pressure will increase inside the brain, causing one or more short-term effects:
- Headaches;
- Confusion;
- Memory loss;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Dizziness; and,
- Ringing in the ears.
Not all concussions are accompanied by loss of consciousness, but passing out is a sign of a moderate to severe injury. Some of these symptoms may appear right away, while others may not manifest until hours or days later.
Long-Term and Ongoing Health Problems
Serious concussion injuries may affect a victim for many months, or even years after a car accident. Medical professionals group long-term concussion conditions into three categories:
- Cognitive: This type of health issue makes it difficult for a victim to process information he or she gathers from the surrounding world. There may also be problems with attention, decision-making, expression of thoughts, and memory loss.
- Perception: Vision, hearing, and sense of touch may be reduced when a victim suffers concussion. Problems with balance and orientation are also concerns falling into the perception category.
- Physical: Pain is common, but fatigue and mental tiredness are other physical effects of a concussion. In serious cases, a victim may also experience seizures, paralysis, tremors, slurred speech, sensitivity to light and dark, and sleep problems are common.
Consult with an Experienced Attorney About Your Right to Compensation
If you’ve suffered a concussion after a Florida car accident, it is critical to take the injury seriously and seek proper medical attention right away. When you are able, you should discuss your injuries with a knowledgeable lawyer. Your recovery may be long and painful, you will incur medical expenses, and you may even be out of work for some time. Florida law allows you to recover compensation for these losses, and a skilled attorney can help you get the amount you deserve. For more information on concussion and other auto crash injuries, please contact Piccin & Glynn, Attorneys at Law at 352-558-8480. We can conduct a free consultation to review your case and tell you more about your legal options.
Resource:
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/symptoms-causes/syc-20355594