Can You Claim for Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Personal Injury

What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome, and Can It Affect My Life?

Any accident or injury to the head can cause numerous and varied symptoms. Some injuries may seem mild, but others can cause Post-Concussion Syndrome, TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), and even death.

Even a mild car accident or fall can cause a concussion that can be followed by ongoing “Post-Concussion Syndrome.” In general, concussions are commonly considered mild traumatic brain injuries. However, the injuries can still have severe, significant consequences such as cognitive malfunction, consistent or intermittent pain, and many more.

If your initial concussion symptoms persist beyond any standard course of recovery, then you probably have Post-Concussion Syndrome (or PCS).

Commonly, many of your concussion symptoms will diminish or even disappear in approximately two weeks. However, your medical staff may diagnose your condition as Post-Concussion Syndrome if your symptoms last for one to two months or more.

The symptoms you originally had from your concussion may continue to appear when you are resting or engaging in excessive physical or cognitive activity. This re-appearance may force you to alter or withdraw from your routine physical, professional, or social life.

Many symptoms occur immediately after a concussion, but many (as with all TBI’s) can appear weeks or months after your accident.

For example, losing the ability to pay attention, loss of memory, and focus problems are typical examples of cognitive symptoms if you have PCS, which could alter your life. Also, PCS victims may sleep far more than usual at first or have trouble falling asleep.

After your concussion, becoming more irritable is prevalent, and many people experience anxiety and depression. Additionally, immediately after your concussion, you may have headaches, neck pain, mild to severe dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound, and more.

Accordingly, however, if these symptoms persist, you probably have Post-Concussion Syndrome.

So, a concussion, especially PCS, should never be taken lightly, as this condition can impact many vital aspects of your life. If you feel you have PCS, consult a qualified, experienced PCS personal injury lawyer and learn your legal options.

Can Post-Concussion Syndrome (of a TBI) Change My Life?

For most people, PCS means recovery time from a concussion takes longer than usual. But in some cases, it can last years. PCS, as with any cognitive or brain injury, can also be frustrating because it’s an illness that often isn’t visible to others. The symptoms of it can be “hidden,” disruptive, unpleasant, and even disabling.

You probably don’t realize that over a million people go to their doctor yearly due to a head injury. One hundred thousand or more of these people will be diagnosed with concussion, Post-Concussion Syndrome, or even TBI, which can affect their lives horribly for a time, possibly for the rest of their lives. 

After your accident, you may have immediate symptoms of concussion, or these symptoms may emerge days, weeks, or months later.

No matter how minor physical or cognitive symptoms may seem, your doctor should be immediately contacted when they appear.

Even a concussion can have the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and drowsiness
• Problems with speech and cognition
• Loss of consciousness for a few seconds, a few minutes, or more
• No loss of consciousness for feeling dizzy, confused, or disoriented.

So, the wise path to follow is that, even if you have had a minor head injury, the first thing to do is receive immediate and comprehensive medical treatment. Traumatic head injuries should never be taken lightly. Your doctor will do all the right tests to ensure you get proper treatment, and although it may involve costly ongoing medical care, you must follow through with what needs to be done.

Can I Receive Compensation If I’ve Been Diagnosed With PCS?

The simple answer is yes, you can. Suppose you’ve had an auto accident, slip & fall, etc., that caused your concussion and subsequent Post-Concussion Syndrome. In that case, you must consult with a qualified Hidalgo County brain injury lawyer immediately.

Let’s say you suffer even a mild concussion or TBI symptoms after a truck, motorcycle, or car accident, and it was due to another’s negligence. You could have solid legal grounds to pursue a post-concussion syndrome car accident settlement.

Most settlements will include compensation for current medical bills, future medical treatment, present and future lost income, pain and suffering, and possibly more.

In all brain injury and personal injury cases, the monetary damages you receive will make you physically and financially whole again. They compensate you (as the victim) for the physical, cognitive, financial, and emotional losses you’ve endured due to your injury and ongoing medical care.

However, no “ magic formula” is used to determine your exact settlement value because each injury (physical or cognitive) is unique. However, suppose you obtain an experienced, skilled, empathetic, and thorough brain injury lawyer. In that case, they will know precisely how to investigate the situation to build and present a solid and robust case.

How Can My Lawyer Help Me With My Post-Concussion Syndrome Case?

All personal injury cases involving brain injuries, such as concussions, TBIs, etc., are legally complex and challenging to present and prove. Brain injuries are often “hidden” disorders that affect many areas of your life.

A concussion or Post-Concussion Syndrome can put you out of work for several weeks, months, or more. This condition also can lead to other ongoing serious complications. A person diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome (PCS) could have constant headaches, difficulty concentrating, and even be emotionally unstable.

Also, be aware that there is no actual treatment for PCS, and your symptoms may last a year or more. The treatment may have to be done for months or years, and this condition may forever alter your life.

So, your Edinburg County brain injury lawyer will work diligently to gather all the medical information, witness testimony, continuing medical evaluations, and other pertinent information needed to prove your case. This is where the skill and experience of your brain injury lawyer will prove invaluable: by fighting to obtain all the compensation, you need to move on with your life.

I’ve Had a Head Injury In An Accident; What Should I Do?

Always remember that Post-Concussion Syndrome symptoms may not appear immediately, and it could be weeks or months before you know precisely how a brain injury could impact your life and your entire family. Treatment can be enormously costly, and if you couple this fact that you may not be able to work, it paints a bleak financial future.

First, get the medical attention that you need as soon as possible. Then, If you must pursue litigation for your brain injury, you’ll have the documentation necessary for your lawyer to begin.

You can discuss all your legal options by consulting with a qualified, experienced, and professional Edinburg brain injury lawyer.

The brain injury lawyers at the Brasure Law Firm PLLC have a long and winning history of helping Hidalgo County clients obtain the total compensation their injury deserves. Call them today at (956) 903-2873 and allow their dedication and decades of experience to help you move confidently into the future.