When an external force causes the brain to shift inside the skull, traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions, can be the result. Although concussions are considered milder injuries than other types of head trauma, they still have health consequences that can impact the victim for days, weeks, or longer.
If you’ve suffered a concussion because of another party’s negligence or misconduct, you may be entitled to file a claim to recover your losses. Learn more about these injuries and what to expect from the legal process.
Understanding Concussions
Concussions temporarily impact the way the brain functions, causing chemical changes that can have variable effects.
You might experience symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Sleeping problems
- Blurry vision
Some people also deal with mood swings and personality changes. Although these usually aren’t permanent, they can still impact your daily life considerably.
In some instances, a concussion victim can also have mild early symptoms and then develop more serious ones days after the impact. These delayed symptoms can include feelings of depression or heightened emotion, as well as changes in taste or smell.
Common Causes of Concussions
Concussions can occur for numerous reasons, but falls and motor vehicle accidents are among the leading causes.
Being in a car accident, especially one that takes place at a high speed, can result in a concussion due to direct head trauma or the force of deceleration — when a vehicle comes to an abrupt stop, an occupant’s brain can continue moving even after their body meets external resistance.
A slip and fall accident can also cause someone to hit their head hard enough to result in a concussion. Even a seemingly minor accident can give rise to painful and disruptive symptoms.
Contact sports are another common cause of concussions. Sports like football, hockey, and boxing, for example, can involve being struck in the head or thrown to the ground violently.
Even though players wear helmets, they aren’t fully protected. Some 3.8 million concussions occur each year in the U.S. because of recreational activities and sports. As many as half of those can go undetected.
When Can You File a Personal Injury Claim After a Concussion?
If you suffered a concussion because someone else was careless, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. To recover compensation, you must show the other party owed you a duty of care and violated it. You also need to prove that their actions caused your concussion.
A concussion can affect your health, work, and daily life, so it is important to connect the injury to the negligent act. Medical records, accident reports, and witness statements often help prove this link. A lawyer can also help you understand which type of claim fits your situation.
Claims After a Collision in Illinois
If your concussion happened in a car, truck, or motorcycle crash, you must prove the other driver caused the collision. Illinois is an at-fault state, which means the responsible driver pays for the victim’s losses. Your claim can include medical bills and other crash-related costs.
You may also be able to recover money for time missed from work, reduced earning ability, and pain from the injury. Because insurance companies often argue about who caused the crash, evidence like photos, video, and police reports can be critical. Getting help early can make it easier to build a strong claim.
How Comparative Fault Can Affect Your Case
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages if you were partly at fault, as long as you were not more to blame than the other party. Your compensation will be reduced based on your share of fault.
For example, if you are found 20% responsible for the crash, your final recovery is reduced by 20%. Insurance companies often try to increase your share of blame to lower what they pay. A lawyer can push back using evidence and clear legal arguments.
Contact the Chicago Brain Injury Lawyers at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Concussions can be debilitating and make you more likely to suffer future brain injuries. They could keep you from working for days or weeks at a time, and be emotionally distressing. If you were hurt because of another party’s conduct, Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers can help.
By working with our experienced Chicago brain injury attorneys, you can focus on healing while they handle the rest. We are prepared to fight for your rights. Contact our team today at (312) 635-5400 for a free case evaluation.