Different Types of Concussions and Their Effects
A concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI),1 though all too often, the effects of a concussion are not “mild” at all. Concussions can have serious signs and symptoms that can have long-lasting effects on a victim’s ability to work, succeed in school, or even participate in everyday activities or conversations. Treatment for a concussion is not one-sized-fits-all, but can vary significantly from victim to victim. The type and extent of treatment required will depend on the kind of concussion that occurred and the severity of the resulting brain damage. The following is some brief information regarding different kinds of concussions and their effects on victims.
Blunt injury concussion
A blunt injury concussion is a brain injury that results from direct trauma or impact to the head. This type of injury is common in the following accidents and incidents:
- Car and truck accidents
- Motorcycle and bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Falls from heights or down stairs
- Slip and falls
- Getting hit by an object
- Assaults
All of these events have the potential to cause MTBI in victims, who then experience adverse effects of the concussion. Some effects include issues with balance and coordination, difficulty with cognitive functioning including memory, concentration, information processing, and communication, as well as difficulty controlling or displaying emotion. The length of the symptoms varies depending on the severity of the concussion.
Blast injury concussion
A blast injury concussion occurs after an individual is exposed to some type of explosion. It does not necessarily involve getting hit in the head by debris from the explosion, but instead refers to the brain injury that can result from the brain shaking around inside the head from the blast force. When the brain shakes, it can hit the inside of the skull in various places and often results in MTBI. This type of brain injury is common among active-duty military members and individuals who work in industries that commonly use explosives.
Though many of the effects of MTBI from a blast injury are similar to concussions from a blunt injury, a study in recent years2 showed that victims of blast force MTBI may be more prone to certain behavioral effects. Specifically, the study indicated that blast injury concussion victims became more apathetic, aloof, introverted, and even cold-hearted. In this way, their MTBI could have a significant effect on their relationships, ability to work, and even on their general quality of life.
Recovering for your losses after a concussion
Whether you sustained a mild traumatic brain injury due to a blunt injury or blast injury, you deserve to receive financial compensation from any negligent party that caused or contributed to your injuries. Such parties can include employers, the government, manufacturing companies, business or property owners, drivers, or other private citizens.
You are entitled to recover for all of your proven losses associated with your injury, including the following:
- Medical expenses for emergency treatment, diagnostic tests, visits to doctors or neuro specialists, all recommended courses of treatment or rehabilitative therapy, as well as the estimated costs of your necessary treatments in the future.
- Lost income and benefits from time off work to recover, as well as compensation for estimated future lost wages if you will continue to miss work or lost earning power if you are unable to ever return to your previous position.
- Compensation for noneconomic losses such as emotional distress, physical pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and much more.
Contact an experienced Clearwater brain injury attorney for help today
No matter what type of concussion you sustained, you are likely facing medical bills along with wages lost from missing work while you recover. In addition to your financial losses, you have likely experienced physical pain and emotional issues due to your brain injury and the resulting challenges and effects. The qualified brain injury lawyers at the Dolman Law Group in Clearwater, Florida have helped numerous TBI victims recover financially by holding the party responsible for their TBI liable for their losses. We know how to handle complicated brain injury claims, so please call 727-451-6900 to schedule your free consultation with our office today.
Dolman Law Group
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-451-6900
https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/brain-injury-attorneys/
References:
1http://www.biausa.org/mild-brain-injury.htm
2http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23252434
