car accident victim being treated for concussionA concussion may be considered a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), but it can still cause physical and cognitive disturbances that can last for several days. The loss of normal brain function from a concussion is usually temporary, and should resolve on its own with a few days of healing—but in some cases, patients may suffer complications from the injury that have lifelong effects.

When Patients and Families May Be Owed Compensation for a Concussion

People with concussions should be monitored carefully to ensure that the concussion is not masking a more serious brain injury. It is normal for patients to have difficulty recalling information, staying focused on one activity, or coping with vision problems during recovery. However, if a patient has difficulty speaking, slowed reflexes, or poor balance and muscle coordination, he or she could have suffered a complication that requires medical intervention.

Patients may be able to collect compensation if a concussion was the result of a vehicle accident, slip and fall, or medical malpractice and has resulted in:

  • Prolonged symptoms. A patient may be able to sue for damages if a concussion has made it difficult to live and work normally during recovery. Patients may be unable to earn a living due to severe headaches, vision disturbances, dizziness and nausea, light sensitivity, memory loss, concentration problems, and unpredictable mood swings.
  • Brain swelling. A blow to the head may cause symptoms of a concussion, but microscopic damage to the brain cells could result in the swelling of the brain tissue. If the pressure inside the skull is not relieved, the lack of oxygen to the brain may cause brain cell death or even a stroke.
  • Disability or death. While a single concussion does not usually cause permanent damage, it leaves the brain vulnerable to any further trauma. A patient who suffers a second concussion in the days or weeks after the first one may suffer permanent disability or death.

As the nature of brain injury recovery can be costly and unpredictable, it is important to seek an attorney's advice to get the best continuing care for your loved one. Our Tennessee brain injury attorneys fight tenaciously to get the maximum amount of compensation you need to recover—and we do not collect anything from you until after your case is won. Simply fill out the short contact form on this page or request a free copy of our book, The 10 Worst Mistakes You Can Make With Your Tennessee Injury Case.