Filing a Concussion Claim and Recognizing Symptoms

Many people suffer from concussions after car accidents and other physically traumatic events. While common, some don’t know how to recognize the symptoms or make a claim with a personal injury lawyer. There are also several uncommon symptoms and a phenomenon known as post-concussion syndrome that you may not be aware of. Here are the things to look for after an injury and how to file a claim.

Common and Uncommon Symptoms

Most people are aware of the common symptoms of concussions from exposure to its effects through athletes and commercials for car accidents. Perhaps the most common symptoms, aside from pain, would be headache, nausea and dizziness. Other common symptoms include confusion, ringing in the ears and temporary irritability.

The less common symptoms tend to be more dramatic, so most people don’t think that they could be related to the concussion. These symptoms include seizures, depression, slurred speech, sleep problems and changes in personality.

Post-Concussion Syndrome

Few people know about post-concussion syndrome because it’s fairly rare and doctors don’t completely understand it yet. The syndrome contains most of the same symptoms as a regular concussion, but there is an emphasis on headaches and behavioral changes. This will affect sufferers for weeks, months or even years after the initial impact. Only about 10 percent of those who suffer from a concussion will develop post-concussion syndrome.

Getting this diagnosis from a doctor may be difficult as the injury is not completely understood yet. Be sure to discuss this with your doctor to get his or her opinion.

Filing a Claim

Filing a pain and suffering claim is fairly easy and very common for injury lawyers. Aside from talking to a lawyer, you must see a doctor and receive a diagnosis. If the doctor doesn’t feel that you are suffering from a concussion, then receiving compensation will be close to impossible.

While your testimony is usually required, you must get a doctor to diagnose you with a concussion or post-concussion syndrome. If your current doctor doesn’t feel that you have a concussion and you disagree, then try to find another doctor who agrees with you.