If you were involved in a personal injury accident and suffered a concussion, you may be experiencing headaches. A concussion, or, in medical terms, a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), can have lasting effects. These effects often include headaches.
In this article, we will discuss mild traumatic brain injuries and their common symptoms. In addition, we will discuss how you can file a legal claim against the party who caused your concussion. Our goal is to help you be more fully informed about your condition and your legal rights when filing a lawsuit.
In addition, if you suffered injuries in an accident, we want you to know that GJEL Accident Attorneys is here for you. At GJEL, we have experienced personal injury attorneys who can help you get the justice and compensation that you deserve after an accident.
So, What Is a Mild TBI?
Mild TBIs, or concussions, are usually caused by sudden bumps, blows, or jolts to the head. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around in the skull, cause chemical changes in the brain, and can even stretch or damage brain cells. Mild TBIs can affect how a person sleeps, acts, learns, feels, or thinks. If you are experiencing signs of a concussion, we recommend that you seek medical attention as soon as possible.
What Are Some Concussion Symptoms?
Mild TBIs may be accompanied by a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Sensitivity to light or noise,
- Dizziness or balance problems,
- Attention or concentration problems,
- Fogginess,
- Problems with short or long-term memory,
- Irritability,
- Anxiety or nervousness,
- Sleeping problems,
- Vision problems,
- Nausea or vomiting, and
- Headaches.
These are just some of the symptoms of a mild TBI. And, as you can see, headaches after a concussion are a relatively common symptom.
Long-Term Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury
In addition to the symptoms listed above, there can also be long-term side effects that result from concussions. In fact, between 80,000 to 90,000 people who suffer a TBI each year develop long-term disabilities from their injury.
Long-term effects usually vary depending on the area of the brain that was injured. Trauma to the frontal lobe or forehead area can cause problems with reasoning, judgment, and impulse control. Trauma to the left side of the brain can cause problems with speech and the ability to understand others when they are talking. Trauma to the right side of the brain can cause problems with one’s ability to perform regular or familiar tasks.
In addition, the long-term effects of a TBI can include the following:
- Memory loss,
- Headaches,
- Seizures,
- Paralysis,
- Fatigue,
- Visual changes,
- Dizziness,
- Mood swings, and
- Reduced language skills.
Dealing with the long-term effects of a TBI can be challenging, but modern medicine has a lot of new, innovative technologies to help combat these challenges.
How to File Your Legal Claim
If the wrongdoing or negligence of another led to your TBI, you might have a cause of action against them to recover damages. Damages can compensate you for the losses that you incurred as a direct result of the accident. Below, we list the three steps you can take to file your legal claim.
Step 1: Gather Evidence
The first step in any personal injury claim is to gather as much documentation as possible. This documentation will serve important evidentiary purposes down the line. Your documentation should include any relevant:
- Police reports,
- Witness statements,
- Medical records,
- Photos or videos of the accident scene,
- Property damage estimates,
- Employment records, and
- Communications.
Once you have gathered this information, you can move on to the next step.
Step 2: Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
If you are going to file a claim against the at-fault party in an accident, we highly recommend that you seek the advice of a personal injury attorney first. A personal injury lawyer can:
- Negotiate with opposing parties and insurance companies,
- Help you understand the relevant law,
- Let you know your legal rights and responsibilities,
- Help you meet important legal deadlines,
- Maximize the amount of compensation that you can receive, and
- File the legal claim on your behalf.
In addition, a personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal system so you can have the best chance of recovering your losses.
Step 3: File the Legal Claim
Once you have gathered all the evidence and consulted with an attorney, your attorney can help you file the claim against the at-fault party. This typically involves filling a claim with the insurance companies and filing a lawsuit in civil court. However, your attorney will advise you on the best way to go about submitting your legal claim.
What Kinds of Damages Am I Entitled To?
If you suffer a TBI or other injuries in an accident, you will likely be able to recover a wide range of damages. Some of the most important damages include compensation for the following:
- Hospital bills,
- Doctors visit costs,
- Costs of treatment,
- Medication costs,
- Property damage costs,
- Lost wages,
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress,
- Loss of enjoyment of life, and
- Permanent or temporary disfigurement.
One of our personal injury attorneys can advise you on what types of damages you may be able to recover. In addition, we can give you an estimate to how much compensation you may be able to receive.
GJEL Accident Attorneys Is Here to Help You
At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we are passionate about victims’ rights. We have a 99% success rate in the cases we take on, and our expert legal team has what it takes to stand up for your legal rights.
Further, because we understand that an accident can lead to some tough financial times, we work on a contingent basis at GJEL. This means you do not owe us our fee or have to pay any money until we win your case for you. If we don’t win, you don’t have to pay us. To schedule a free consultation, you can reach out to our office online or by phone at 1-855-508-9565.
Visit our office nearest to you.