Concussions – A Type of Traumatic Brain Injury

Concussions and other types of brain injuries have recently been making the headlines a lot. The reason is that the scientific and medical communities now know that concussions are much more frequent and much more serious than was once believed.

What people used to call “getting your bell rung” is actually a traumatic brain injury. Unfortunately, the rapid advancement in knowledge has created a lag between what leading scientists and doctors know and what your average person knows. If you have suffered a concussion in a motor vehicle accident, it can be harder to convince an insurance company (or even a judge!) of your injuries than it would be for any other injury. There are steps you can and should take if you want to be able to prove your concussion diagnosis and symptoms, which can be serious and long-term.

If you experience any of the following symptoms following a motor vehicle collision, you may be suffering a concussion, a type of traumatic brain injury:

•  Headache
•  Vomiting
•   Nausea
•   Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
•   Slurred speech
•   Confusion
•   Dizziness
•   Inability to recall the traumatic impact; and
•   Fatigue.

While a person may temporarily lose consciousness following the trauma, we now know that the vast majority of concussion-sufferers DO NOT lose consciousness.

Other concussion symptoms may be delayed. These include:

•   Difficulty concentrating
•   Memory problems
•   Sensitivity to light and sound
•   Irritability
•   Depression or other mood disorders; and
•   Difficulty sleeping.

If you experience any of the listed symptoms following a motor vehicle collision, you must report them to your family doctor regularly, just as you would with bodily injuries. Additionally, it is important to track and report the difficulties your symptoms have created for you. For example, if memory and concentration difficulties are causing you problems at work, make sure you tell your family doctor and your employer. Due to the subjective nature of concussion symptoms, they can be very difficult to prove in retrospect. Reporting your symptoms will greatly improve your chances of 1) receiving the treatment you need, and 2) receiving proper ICBC compensation for any injury claim you may have.

Insurance companies and courts in British Columbia make their decisions based on evidence. Too often, concussion claims fail because there is not enough evidence to show there even was a concussion. Concussions are serious injuries with serious, possibly permanent implications. If you suffer a concussion as a result of car accident, those injuries and implications may be compensable. The key to maximizing your potential for fair compensation is proper understanding, documentation, and treatment of your post-concussion symptoms.

Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer in Vancouver Today

As a team of personal injury lawyers in Vancouver,  Simpson, Thomas & Associates is a firm dedicated to working with victims of car accidents. With 50 years of experience the legal team are experienced in handling traumatic injury cases such as brain injury, spinal cord injury, and more.  We act as your advocates–both in the medical system and court system. Contact 1 (604) 689-8888 to book a free consultation today.