A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs after a hard hit or jolt to the head causes the brain to be shaken around inside the skull. Concussions are usually considered mild compared to other types of brain injuries, but there’s nothing mild about the way they can affect a victim’s memory, focus, mood, and overall ability to function.
Many people walk away from impacts to the head thinking they’re fine. A few hours later, however, the brain fog begins to roll in. Your head may start to hurt. It might be challenging to communicate. Lights may seem too intense. All of these are potential signs that a concussion is setting in.
Symptoms of a Concussion
Concussions can be tricky to diagnose because no two people experience them the same way. The symptoms can be immediate or take time to develop, and they can be extremely subtle. Some head injury victims might feel off for a few days, while others might struggle for months or years, or possibly even for the rest of their lives.
If you’ve recently hit your head, make sure to watch out for the following warning signs of a concussion:
- Persistent headaches or a feeling of pressure in the head
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Confusion
- Slowed thinking
- Issues with memory or concentration
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Depression
- Sleep problems (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or sleeping excessively)
- Feeling “off” or “in a fog”
All of these may be signs that your brain is struggling to get back to normal. If you’re experiencing any of them after a head injury, consider it a red flag.
How a Concussion Can Disrupt Your Life
The real damage from a concussion doesn’t always show up in a scan, which can be frustrating. You might look normal, but a concussion can throw off your ability to work, drive, socialize, or even just get through the day without feeling exhausted. And because the symptoms may not make sense to those around you, it’s easy to feel isolated or misunderstood.
For some, recovery takes a matter of weeks. For others, it can turn into post-concussion syndrome, which is when symptoms drag on for months or years. That can lead to lost paychecks, mounting medical bills, ongoing therapy sessions, and a constant struggle to keep your life on track.
If the concussion was caused by someone else’s negligence (for example, a reckless driver or hazardous property), it can become a legal problem as much as a medical one.
The Hidden Cost of “Mild” Brain Injuries
Many people hear the word “mild” and think it means their condition isn’t a big deal. But in the world of brain injuries, that term only refers to the initial severity—it doesn’t mean the impact is small. In fact, some so-called “mild” TBIs lead to serious long-term complications.
These injuries can interfere with your ability to earn a living or maintain relationships. They can also make simple tasks difficult and overwhelming. Even worse, the insurance companies may try to downplay the seriousness of the situation, leading to inadequate compensation or outright denial of benefits.
Getting documentation from doctors, neurologists, or therapists helps, but it can still be an uphill battle, especially if your injury isn’t visible on a scan. The symptoms are real, and so is the effect on your life. But proving it often takes more than just a diagnosis.
Concussion Cases Can Be Complicated
No two concussion cases are exactly alike. The circumstances that caused the injury, the way it’s affected your life, and how long your symptoms have lasted all factor into the bigger picture.
There’s also the matter of how well-documented the injury is. If you didn’t go to the hospital right away, or if your symptoms showed up later, securing fair compensation might take a little more planning.
Insurance adjusters rely on delays and inconsistencies to challenge or outright deny injury claims. They might suggest that your injury isn’t serious or claim that something else caused it. Medical records are critical in cases like this, but you’ll still need more.
Witness testimony, expert opinions, and similar forms of evidence can all be instrumental in establishing the severity of your concussion injury and obtaining meaningful compensation.
Contact Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A concussion may be labeled a “mild” injury, but its effects can be anything but minor. If your head injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve experienced legal representation to help you recover the compensation you need for medical care, lost wages, and lasting pain.
At Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand how disruptive a concussion can be—and we know what it takes to prove the seriousness of your injury. Our team is ready to investigate your case, handle the insurance companies, and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact our office today at 205-933-1500 for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.