When someone sustains a blow to the head in a car accident, it could result in a concussion.
Although most people recover from this type of injury, in some cases a concussion can be severe enough to lead to serious complications. In such cases, financial damages can be great, and accident victims may seek restitution.
Signs and Symptoms That a Car Accident Victim Has Sustained a Concussion
Symptoms don’t always present themselves immediately. It may not be until a few days later that an individual begins to experience them. The duration of symptoms can be hours, days, weeks or even months. It’s also important to note they can vary from one person to the next.
The following are some of the common signs and symptoms that could indicate an individual has suffered a concussion:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Slurred speech
- Dilated pupils
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in ears
- Loss of consciousness
- Light/noise sensitivity
- Difficulty concentrating/thinking
- Insomnia or sleeping more than usual
- Nausea and vomiting
- Depression
When to See a Doctor after a Head Injury and Why
Young children who sustain concussions in car accidents can’t always express that they are experiencing these symptoms.
It’s important to look for signs such as:
- Changes in sleeping/eating patterns
- Crying more than usual
- Loss of balance
- Listlessness
- Lack of interest in playing with toys
- Irritability
When a child has sustained a head injury, parents should take him or her to a doctor immediately. Although everything might appear to be okay, it’s best to have him or her checked out.
There could be signs that a physician knows to look for that a parent might not, or a physician may perform tests to check for signs of a concussion. Parents should seek emergency medical attention if a child complains about any of the symptoms listed. Adults should also seek medical care regardless of whether they feel fine after an accident.
Adults should seek emergency medical care when a head injury is accompanied by:
- Frequent vomiting
- Loss of consciousness lasting beyond a minute
- Seizures
- When symptoms progressively get worse
A physician can evaluate the severity of the injury and make a determination as to the type of treatment the patient requires. Concussions are many times mild, but can also range from moderate to severe.
After a doctor determines the seriousness of the head injury, the patient may be sent home with instructions such as to rest and take medication for pain. Someone might need to stay with the person and watch for worsening signs.
In a more serious injury, the patient may need to be hospitalized for observation or to treat complications, such as a blood clot.
Medical and Financial Concerns After a Concussion and How an Attorney Can Help
With a mild concussion, there might not be a lot of medical bills. But if the accident was serious and the person has to be hospitalized or treated for complications, there could be significant medical expenses. This is especially true if the injury was serious and there is permanent damage.
Not only is there the prospect of additional medical costs but the patient could experience costs long-term. For instance, in a severe head injury the individual might need ongoing physical therapy or even to be admitted to a rehabilitation center.
Other financial concerns are a loss of income while unable to work. Or if the injury is disabling, it could prevent the individual from ever returning to the workforce. The family could be significantly burdened with both medical bills and the lack of income.
These are just some of the issues that a victim and family could be facing. It’s important to consult with an attorney to learn if there are legal options available. A victim or the family of a loved one who has sustained a severe concussion might be eligible to pursue a claim against the other driver who was negligent and caused the accident.
Hensley Legal Group helps accident victims in Indiana pursue rightful compensation after a car accident. Set up your appointment today: call (317) 472-3333 or contact us online.