A concussion can change your life significantly. Suppose you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident; this can be either a car accident, a motorcycle accident, a commercial vehicle accident, a pedestrian knock down or even a bicycle accident. Concussions are also common in slip and fall cases or sporting injuries. In many cases, it is likely that you are suffering from a concussion and you may not be aware of it for many weeks following the accident.
This article discusses when to hire a personal injury lawyer who has experience helping concussion victims and their families obtain maximum compensation.
How Prevalent are Concussions in Canada?
According to the Canadian Psychological Association, concussions are the most common type of head injury in the country, with an incidence of 210,000 per year.
Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury or TBI. This is usually caused by a blow or jolt to the head, neck, or body that causes your head and the brain to move rapidly back and forth.
Medical experts have described concussions as “mild” brain injuries because they are typically not life-threatening. Still, the effects of concussions are severe and can last for a long time.
How Long Do Concussions Last?
According to Beaumont Health, around 80% of concussions heal within seven to 14 days, with an average of 10 days. This is why people with concussions are advised not to go back to sports or other physical activities earlier than one week from the time of injury. It is also advisable that if you have been in any kind of accident that you make it a priority to see your family doctor and be monitored for a possible concussion.
How do concussions affect your life?
A concussion will affect your brain function. Generally, the effects are temporary. These include headaches, difficulty with concentration, memory problems, and difficulty with balance and coordination.
Some people with concussions lose consciousness, but most do not.
If left untreated, an individual may suffer long-term effects of a concussion such as post-concussion syndrome.
Post-concussion syndrome can last for several months, and in some cases, symptoms persist for a lifetime. It may be difficult for someone with a concussion to go back to daily activities. It may be difficult for them to go back to work.
When Should I Hire a Concussion Lawyer?
If another person’s negligence caused your concussion (e.g., a car accident caused by an intoxicated driver or a motorcycle accident caused by another driver who ran a red light), you might have grounds for filing a lawsuit and require a concussion lawyer. If your injuries result in long-term disability, you should file a case against the at-fault party.
To ensure optimum compensation for your injuries, you need to hire a car accident lawyer or motorcycle accident lawyer in Ontario.
“Whenever I take on a personal injury case, I am committed to helping my clients settle their claims effectively. A concussion may drastically change your life, but I will help you obtain maximum compensation for your injuries.”
Derek Wilson
Personal Injury Lawyer
What Can You Expect During a Personal Injury Claim?
If you have been involved in an accident, you need to be cautious with what you say. Don’t say things like, “I’m sorry,” or “I’m not hurt,” or “It’s not his fault.” These can be taken out of context, and they can be used against you when you file a personal injury claim.
Be polite but do not talk too much since you are most likely in a state of shock. In situations like this, some people say something that affected the outcome of their personal injury claim.
If you can, try to document everything that happened during the accident and everything that happens after the accident. If you cannot do this, ask a family member or a trusted friend to do it for you.
It would be best for you to go to the emergency room immediately after the accident so you can receive initial treatment and evaluation. After this, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician for further assessment and treatment as needed.
Before dealing with the at-fault party’s insurance company, it would be best to consult a personal injury lawyer.
Traumatic brain injuries like concussions can disrupt your life, and they can also negatively impact the life of your entire family. Hiring a personal injury lawyer who is compassionate and dedicated to giving you the best results can provide you with peace of mind.
Derek Wilson is an experienced, trustworthy personal injury lawyer who will help you obtain justice against the person at fault in your car accident. He will also make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve.
If you are feeling anxious, angry, or uncertain about proceeding with your personal injury claim, contact us today for a free consultation. Derek Wilson Personal Injury Law Firm is more than happy to assist you with your case.
Testimonial
“When I needed to hire a personal injury lawyer, I researched and met with a couple of lawyers, but the minute I walked into Derek Wilson’s office, I knew I was in the right place. No one was as extremely professional, and friendly as Derek and his team. They made me feel welcomed at every visit. He was upfront every time I had questions, which I like and appreciated. I felt comfortable throughout the whole process. We shared personal stories, which validates that he’s not just a lawyer, but he’s someone that I could totally hang out with. If you are looking for a lawyer who understands with a compassionate heart, I would definitely recommend Derek Wilson to anyone seeking a personal injury lawyer.”
A.C. – ON
FAQs
How common are concussions in motor vehicle accidents?
According to the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and concussion in Ontario is between 493 per 100,000 and 653 per 100,000 incidents. Concussions are caused by head or body trauma, with motor vehicle accidents and falls accounting for almost 50% of cases in Canada.
What are the complications of a concussion?
Some potential complications of a concussion are:
- Post-traumatic headaches some people experience up to seven days after suffering a brain injury.
- Post-traumatic vertigo some people experience for days, weeks, or months after a brain injury.
- Post-concussion syndrome, which some people (15 to 20%) experience. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and difficulty in concentration. If these symptoms last beyond three months, it is characterized as post-concussion syndrome.
- Sensitivity to light, sound and movement making it difficult to carry out your normal daily activities or routines.
Is post-concussion syndrome permanent?
Post-concussion syndrome is not necessarily permanent, but symptoms can last for several years or even decades if left untreated. Unfortunately, most doctors are not equipped to help patients recover from post-concussion syndrome.
