Tampa Bay Claim For Concussion And Post-Concussion Syndrome

What is a Tampa Bay Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that usually occurs after a blow to the head. Concussions can be caused by any number of causes including car accidents, falls, as well as sport-related injuries. The symptoms of concussion can include headaches, inability to concentrate, and impairment of memory, judgment, balance and/or coordination. After a concussion, the blood vessels in the brain are stretched and the nerves are damaged. It can be hard to diagnose this type of Traumatic Brain Injury as it may not always be revealed in diagnostic testing. Fortunately, most concussions are mild, and, therefore, most people who get concussions recover fully.

What is a Florida Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Post-concussion syndrome is a complex condition in which the patient’s symptoms can last for weeks, months, or even a year or more after the concussion. Approximately 10% of people who get concussions suffer from post-concussion syndrome. According to Smithsonian.com^[1], a new study has shown that abnormalities in the brain caused by a concussion can persist for as long as four months after an injury happens, even after the behavioral symptoms of a concussion have ended. The symptoms of post-concussion syndrome are similar to those of concussion, but can also include new complications such as dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, light and noise sensitivity, and behavioral or emotional changes. The symptoms are worse in some people than in others. Post-concussion headaches can feel like migraine headaches, but are usually more like tension headaches.

Long-Term Effects from Tampa Bay Concussions

A recent study was undertaken by lead researcher Yvonne W. Lui M.D.,^[2] Neuroradiology section chief and radiology professor at NYU Langone School of Medicine. The study, published in the Journal of Radiology, provides that “the brain undergoes a measurable loss after a concussion. In some patients, there were structural changes after a single concussive episode.” The study further provides that that 10 – 20 % of MTBI patients continue to experience neurological and psychological symptoms more than one year following trauma. Brain atrophy has long been known to occur after moderate and severe head trauma, but less is known about the lasting effects of a single concussion.

Legal Claim for Concussion Injury

A legal claim filed on behalf of a concussion victim depends on the specific circumstances of the brain injury. Slip and fall accidents, motor vehicle accidents, intentional harm, and other impacts are claims that are usually filed under the heading of personal injury or premises liability. Disease-induced, toxin-induced, and birth/labor-induced brain injuries are often brought as medical malpractice actions when the blame can be placed on the physicians, nurses, technicians, or hospital for performing below the reasonable standard of care.

Damages for Tampa Bay Concussion Related Injuries

Depending on the seriousness of the injury and the extent to which the injury has negatively affected the victim’s life, the individual may be eligible for a substantial damage award. With serious brain injuries, a victim may require continuing and long-term cognitive/psychological/physical therapy, which may be beyond their financial means. Additionally, the injuries may preclude the individual from working, or reduce their workplace efficiency to such an extent that future earnings potential is limited.

Concussions are like any other diagnosis. A victim can claim damages for a concussion injury as part of a personal injury case. As part of the claim, the victim may be able to seek damages for the following:

General Damages for pain and suffering

The exact amount will be assessed according to the extent of the injury, estimated recovery time and rehabilitation needed as well as whether or not further medical treatment or even lifelong care is needed in the case of severe brain injury after a concussion.

Special Damages to cover medical fees and out-of-pocket expenses

Expenses might include physiotherapy, loss of earnings, travel expenses to hospital or damage to personal items. In more serious cases leading to permanent brain injury, ongoing care, loss of future salary and pension or adaptations to your home may also be included.

Contact a Tampa Bay Brain Injury Attorney

After sustaining a concussion, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. It may also be necessary to speak to an experienced Tampa Bay brain injury attorney to determine if you can recover compensation for your damages. At the Dolman Law Group in Clearwater, Florida, our team of highly skilled brain injury lawyers have helped many victims obtain the recovery they deserve for their injuries. Please call our office at 727-451-6900 today.

Dolman Law Group
800 North Belcher Road
Clearwater, FL 3375
(727) 451-6900

https://www.dolmanlaw.com/legal-services/brain-injury-attorneys/

References:

[1] http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/four-months-after-a-concussion-your-brain-still-looks-different-than-before-180947795/?utm_campaign=11212013&utm_medium=socialmedia&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_content=smartnewsconcussion3
[2] http://pubs.rsna.org/doi/abs/10.1148/radiol.13122542