( Disponible en anglais seulement )
Have you recently suffered a concussion, due to someone else’s fault? In this post, we explore 5 things to keep in mind when dealing with a traumatic head injury.
- Seek Medical Advice
Unlike a visibly broken leg or dislocated joint, concussions are not always easy to identify, and may be overlooked or misunderstood by accident victims. In the past, such an injury might have even been blown off as “getting your bell rung.” But more and more research is being done every year regarding traumatic brain injuries, and it is important to have a qualified medical professional investigate any signs or symptoms of head injury, which can include: dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light/sound, impaired balance, and even problems with memory or concentration.
- Be a Patient Patient
Some concussion sufferers will find their symptoms improving within a week or two, but many can last much longer. Unfortunately, resting and avoiding stimulation are typically prescribed for this injury, which can be a particularly hard remedy to accept. The typical ways we pass the time when sick or injured (like watching television, reading books, or playing on the computer) can be counter-productive. Boredom, anxiety, and fear of missing out may tempt concussion sufferers to go back to their activities before their brain has had time to heal.
- Avoid Re-Injury
Returning to work, school, or sports after a concussion needs to be done under the guidance of your medical team. One of the biggest concerns is proactively avoiding situations that could expose your head to further trauma. A recent study of young athletes showed that those who continued to play through their concussions took twice as long to recover. During that time, their brains are particularly vulnerable to re-injury and symptom aggravation.
- Check In With Those Who Know You Best
Victims of traumatic brain injuries often complain of issues with memory, word finding, lack of concentration, and even emotional upset. However, for others, the symptoms are obvious to everyone around them but themselves. Fatigue and grumpiness can easily be mistaken as a by-product of body pain, instead of a symptom of a brain injury. Friends, family members, and co-workers may notice personality changes that the victim does not even realize, and their perspectives can be very helpful to the medical experts involved in providing care.
- Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer
At Miller Thomson LLP, our accident injury lawyers deal with a full range of claims, from whiplash injuries to spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death claims. Whether your claim arose from a car/truck accident, a bicycle collision, or even as a pedestrian in a crosswalk, we can help.
Miller Thomson’s team is part of a national, full service law firm, with outstanding access to resources and strategic connections. Through our broad network of legal professionals across the country, we are strategically positioned to bring claims in other jurisdictions, investigate complex liability questions, and connect with leading experts.
We also have established relationships with local clinics and therapists, to help our clients obtain timely access to diagnostic and rehab services. We know how to navigate the system, what pitfalls to watch for, and we can take over communications with the insurance companies to move your claim towards a fair settlement.
Our clients get the benefit of a large, national firm and all its resources – but at the same cost as a small boutique firm – because our contingency fee percentage is the same competitive amount as the others.
Contact us today for a free, no obligation, consultation regarding the benefits and compensation you may be entitled to claim.
Cynthia Carels
ccarels@millerthomson.com
780-429-9747 (direct line)
