Every year, millions of people every year suffer a concussion or another type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), often due to a severe personal injury accident. Unfortunately, a lot of people don't realize how common concussions are in accidents throughout the country.
This is why health and safety officials created National Concussion Awareness Day, which takes place this year on Sept. 16. The goal of the campaign is "to start a conversation to increase concussion awareness nationally, raise funds for brain injury charitable organizations and show support for those suffering."
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Sometimes referred to as a mild TBI (mTBI), a concussion often occurs due to the brain being violently shaken or a blow to the head. Concussions can cause chemical changes to the brain that alter a person's ability to think.
Many times, concussions cause temporary changes to someone's cognitive brain function. However, severe concussions or multiple concussions can cause structural changes to the brain and can result in permanent brain damage.
This is why injury victims must seek immediate medical treatment if they believe they sustained a concussion in an accident. Otherwise, their brain injury might worsen, and they may have long-term medical issues.
More than 3 million TBIs each year
Concussions are among the most common traumatic brain injuries. Each year, an estimated 3 million people suffer concussions that require emergency medical care or hospitalization. That's according to head injury statistics compiled by the Concussion Legacy Foundation.
And while that figure might seem high, it could be even higher. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many concussions are never diagnosed.
What causes concussions?
As we mentioned above, concussions often occur due to a blow to the head or the brain being violently shaken. According to the Concussion Legacy Foundation, slip and fall accidents are the leading cause of concussions and other mild traumatic brain injuries, accounting for 48 percent of emergency room visits for head injuries.
Being struck by an object causes an estimated 17 percent of concussions. Other common causes include sports-related injuries, explosions, physical assaults, and motor vehicle accidents, including rear-end car accidents and other collisions.
Who's most at risk?
Certain people are more at risk of sustaining a concussion than others, including teenagers, who sustain an estimated 2.5 million concussions each year. Moreover, 1 million teenagers sustain two or more concussions each year, according to the Concussion Legacy Foundation.
Older adults also sustain a large number of concussions. According to the CDC, people 75 and older have the highest hospitalization rate for concussions. An estimated 32 percent of TBI-related hospitalizations and 28 percent of TBI-related deaths involve adults over 75 years old.
Common concussion symptoms
There are often many warning signs of a concussion, including:
- Dizziness
- Frequent headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Excessive tiredness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss
- Difficulty remembering words
You know yourself. If something doesn't seem right, seek immediate medical attention. Then, talk to a lawyer to review your legal rights and options.
When to contact a lawyer after a concussion
You might think you don't need an attorney if you sustained a concussion in an accident due to someone else's negligence. However, many concussion claims quickly turn into complicated legal cases. This is because your brain injury represents a threat to the insurance company's bottom line. And in such cases, the insurance company for the at-fault party will often do everything they can to reduce or deny your claim.
At The Cerasa Law Firm, we can calculate the actual cost of your concussion, including medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. We can also build a strong, fact-based case and deal directly with the insurance company on your behalf so that you can focus on your recovery. Finally, we can advocate for the compensation you deserve and, if necessary, file a lawsuit and prepare your case for trial.
In addition, we handle concussion cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation to learn more about how an experienced concussion attorney can help with your potential legal case. Serving Orlando and Central Florida, our law firm is located in Winter Park, FL.