Why Do I Need a Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney if I Just Suffered a Concussion?

Concussions are among the most frequently sustained types of brain injuries. They’re a common sports injury and are highly likely to occur in many types of car accidents. Unfortunately, concussions also have a reputation for being “not too serious.”

It’s easy to understand why many people might believe that. The Mayo Clinic, for example, defines a concussion as mild traumatic brain injury (TBI).

However, focusing on the word “mild” ignores the fact that a concussion is indeed a traumatic brain injury. Even the mildest TBIs are still serious injuries that can have lifelong consequences.

As such, if you suffer a concussion due to someone else’s negligence, you should contact a traumatic brain injury attorney immediately. The experienced TBI lawyers at Commonwealth Law Group will fight to help you get the compensation you need to recover from your injury and avoid the most debilitating effects.

The Long-Term Effects of Concussions

What makes concussions concerning are the long-term effects. Like any traumatic brain injury, the damage from a concussion, even a relatively minor one, is effectively permanent. Your brain may be able to adapt in the short term, but the injury can hinder you for the rest of your life.

One well-understood long-term effect of concussions is that they can result in persistent symptoms. Thus, the headaches or dizziness you experience immediately after the initial impact may return sporadically throughout your life.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to predict whether this will occur or not. Typically, traumatic brain injury attorneys will delay filing a lawsuit for about a year to determine whether the symptoms are persistent.

Another significant long-term danger of concussions involves multiple brain injuries.

As noted, the damage done by a concussion never entirely goes away. This means that if you suffer another head injury later on, it’s likely to be even more serious than the first one. That damage compounds with each subsequent injury. Every concussion therefore increases the likelihood that the next concussion will have fatal complications.

Navigating Complex Insurance Claims

The fact that concussions often involve lifelong complications makes insurance claims highly complex.

Insurance companies, as a rule, will only pay compensation for an injury once. If you accept a settlement, it’s almost impossible to get more money later when you discover more symptoms. This is problematic when you don’t know for certain what treatment you may need decades from now for an injury you recently suffered.

The personal injury attorneys at Commonwealth Law Group have decades of experience handling concussion cases. We know what types of symptoms to look for and can accurately estimate the value of a case, even with limited information.

While we prefer to wait to file a claim or lawsuit until the victim is fully recovered, that often isn’t possible after a concussion. Virginia’s statute of limitations only gives you two years to file a lawsuit. Our team can help you navigate that time limit to obtain fair and adequate compensation from the insurance company.

Proving Liability and Loss After a Head Injury

Our TBI attorneys can also help you prove liability and calculate your losses following a concussion. We know how to gather evidence to support our clients’ cases, including investigating the accident scene and talking to witnesses. The more evidence we can compile to prove liability, the easier it will be to get you compensation.

Additionally, we’ll take steps to preserve your medical and financial records. Many clients find it difficult to maintain these records while recovering. Our skilled legal team makes it easy.

Protecting Your Rights

You may have the right to pursue economic and non-economic compensation after suffering a concussion. However, the insurance companies might try to trample on that right by denying or undervaluing your claim.

By working with a qualified lawyer early in the process, you can protect and assert your rights from the moment you file your claim. This can make all the difference between getting a fair settlement and getting nothing.

FAQ

How Much Is My Traumatic Brain Injury Worth?

It’s difficult to answer that question until we’ve had a chance to investigate your claim. Typically, we try to collect as much evidence as possible before determining the value of a case. Only then can we provide an authoritative estimate of your eligible compensation.

Can I Get Compensation for a Traumatic Brain Injury Suffered While Playing Sports?

Possibly. While those who play sports often assume some level of liability for the risks involved, that doesn’t mean someone else didn’t act negligently. For example, if you were playing in a league and you were issued substandard protective gear, you would have grounds to file a lawsuit for your injuries.

Do I Have to Accept a Settlement Offer From the Insurance Company if It Approves My Claim?

No. Many insurance companies will make lowball offers just to close a claim. Our knowledgeable legal team will look over any offers you receive and determine whether they’re fair. If you get an unfair offer, you have the right to refuse it and file a lawsuit to secure the payment you deserve.

Consult a Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney at Commonwealth Law Group Today

If you’ve suffered a concussion because of someone else’s actions, you can’t afford to treat it like a minor injury. Concussions can have lasting effects that may not be immediately apparent.

We know this type of injury well and can help you understand your legal rights and treatment options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.