A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury. Even though concussions are referred to as mild TBIs, they can cause long-term impairments. A concussion is a disturbance of brain systems caused by trauma. Any disturbance in brain functions can have serious consequences for the victim, including physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments.
Here, our Las Vegas brain injury lawyers discuss concussions and what you need to know about brain injury claims.
Common Causes of Concussions in Nevada Personal Injury Cases
A concussion can be caused by a sudden jolt to the body that causes the head to whip back and forth or side to side and the brain to shift within the skull. Each time the brain strikes the skull, it can cause damage. Concussions can also be caused by a direct blow or bump to the head or a penetrating injury.
Common causes of concussions include, but are not limited to:
- Car accidents
- Rear-end crashes
- Nursing home abuse
- Workplace accidents
- Assaults and violence
- Motorcycle accidents
- Playing sports and participating in recreational activities
- Truck accidents
- Blasting and explosions
- Slip and fall accidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
When someone develops a concussion, it makes them more vulnerable to traumatic brain injuries in the future. Successive concussions and TBIs could result in permanent impairments. The person who caused your accident could be liable for your damages. However, you must prove they caused the injury before they are financially liable for damages.
What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion?
Concussion symptoms vary depending on the severity of the injury, the type of injury, and the person. Therefore, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms, but not all of them:
- Loss of consciousness, although it is not required for a concussion diagnosis
- Headaches, which could grow worse with time
- Blurred vision
- Vomiting and/or nausea
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness
- Fatigue or drowsiness
A concussion may cause other symptoms. A person may experience confusion and a lack of coordination. They may have slurred speech, sensitivity to light/sound, trouble concentrating, and sleep disturbances. Sometimes, the symptoms may not appear immediately but develop within hours or the next day.
Children may experience any of the above symptoms of a concussion. However, children may also display other symptoms, including regression of learned skills, excessive crying, and a loss of interest in favorite toys or activities.
What Should I Do After a Concussion Injury in Las Vegas, NV?
Seek immediate medical treatment for a head injury. Until a physician evaluates you, you cannot be certain of the severity of a head injury. A doctor evaluates your symptoms and may conduct one or more diagnostic tests, depending on the nature of the head injury. Tests may include cognitive tests, neurological examinations, and imaging tests.
After a concussion diagnosis, your doctor may admit you to the hospital for observation. Generally, observation lasts about 24 hours to ensure that your symptoms are not worsening and you are not developing additional symptoms.
A mild concussion may heal without extensive medical treatment. A physician may advise you to rest and take over-the-counter medications for headaches. However, if you develop additional symptoms or your symptoms worsen, seek immediate medical care. You could have a more severe brain injury that requires additional medical treatment.
Some individuals may develop post-concussion syndrome. You may have this condition if you experience concussion symptoms for more than two months. Repeated head injuries can increase the risk of post-concussion syndrome.
What Damages Are Available for a Concussion Injury Claim in Las Vegas, NV?
If you sustain a concussion in an accident or other personal injury situation, you may be entitled to compensation for damages. The damages in a concussion injury claim include economic and non-economic damages.
The types of damages for a concussion injury include:
- Past and future medical bills and expenses
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life and quality of life
- Impairment and disability
- Lost wages and benefits
- Diminished earning capacity
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term care
- Rehabilitative therapies
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Property damage
The value of your damages depends on the severity of your brain injury and other factors in your case. A personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas, Nevada, can analyze your case and damages to determine how much your personal injury claim is worth. If necessary, your attorney may hire medical specialists, financial professionals, and other experts to assess the severity of your impairment and the value of future damages.
How Does Contributory Fault Impact a Personal Injury Claim for a Concussion Injury in Nevada?
Nevada Revised Statute §41-141 adopts a modified contributory fault standard for personal injury claims. If a victim is 51% or more to blame for causing their concussion, they cannot recover any money for their damages.
On the other hand, if their fault is less than the 51% bar, they can receive compensation for their concussion injury. However, the amount they receive is adjusted based on their level of fault. For example, if they are 30% to blame for the car accident that caused their concussion injury, the court reduces their damages award by 30 percent.
Contributory fault can significantly impact how much you receive for a concussion injury claim. Talk with an attorney before discussing your claim with an insurance company. Something you say to an insurance adjuster could be misinterpreted to imply fault.
What is the Deadline for Filing a Concussion Injury Claim in Nevada?
The Nevada statute of limitations sets deadlines for filing personal injury claims, including claims for concussion injuries. Most personal injury cases have a two-year deadline to file a lawsuit. You can lose your right to pursue a court case if you do not file a lawsuit before this time.
However, do not assume you have two years to file a lawsuit. Exceptions to the statute of limitations and factors in your case can change the deadline to file a lawsuit. Therefore, you should talk with an attorney as soon as possible after a concussion injury. An attorney will review your case to determine the deadline to file claims and lawsuits.
Do You Have Questions About a Concussion Injury Claim?
If you need help with a concussion injury claim, call our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers for a free consultation at (702) 222-9999. We will review your case at no charge and explain your legal options for recovering compensation for your damages.