Memory loss after a concussion is one of the most common and frustrating symptoms associated with head injuries. If you sustained a head injury in Las Vegas due to someone else’s negligence and are now dealing with memory issues, you may be entitled to compensation. Knowing how concussions impact memory, how to treat them, and what your legal rights are can greatly help your recovery and future.
How Concussions Cause Memory Loss
Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when a blow to the head or a sudden jolt causes the brain to move inside the skull. This movement can stretch brain cells and even hurt them.
In particular, damage to the hippocampus and frontal lobe affects memory. These areas help us encode and retrieve memories. When they are harmed, short-term memory can suffer, leading to confusion and trouble concentrating.
Concussion-related memory loss can include:
- Retrograde amnesia: forgetting events that happened before the injury
- Anterograde amnesia: being unable to form new memories after the injury
- Short-term memory problems: forgetting names, misplacing items, or missing appointments
- Working memory impairments: struggling to hold and process information temporarily
These effects can last for days or even months. This is more likely if the concussion is severe or the person has had multiple head injuries.
Accidents That Often Cause Concussion Injuries
Memory loss after a concussion may arise from many types of incidents, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slips and falls on unsafe premises
- Sports injuries
- Physical assaults or workplace accidents
If someone else’s careless or reckless actions caused the accident, they might have to pay for your injuries. This includes any cognitive impairments you may have.
Signs of Concussion-Related Memory Loss
Many people are unaware they are experiencing memory loss until it affects their daily life, and signs include:
- Repeatedly asking the same questions
- Forgetting recent conversations or events
- Difficulty recalling information needed for tasks
- Trouble remembering names, faces, or directions
- Feeling disoriented, confused, or overwhelmed by details
If these issues develop after a head injury, medical attention is critical. Neurocognitive evaluations can determine the extent of memory dysfunction and inform treatment.
Treatment for Memory Loss After a Concussion
There is no instant cure for post-concussive memory issues. However, treatment often includes:
- Rest and reduced cognitive stimulation
- Occupational therapy and cognitive rehabilitation
- Memory training exercises and tools
- Medication for associated symptoms such as depression or anxiety
A full recovery depends on the severity of the concussion, the patient’s overall health, and access to proper care. Documenting these efforts is vital in any injury claim.
Types of Compensation for Concussion-Related Memory Loss in Nevada
Nevada law allows injured individuals to pursue compensation when someone else’s negligence caused their harm.
This includes both economic and non-economic damages related to memory loss after a concussion, like:
- Medical expenses: emergency care, diagnostic tests, therapy, rehabilitation
- Lost income: wages missed during recovery, diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering: physical discomfort, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium: impact of the injury on personal relationships
In cases involving egregious conduct, punitive damages may also be available.
Liability for Concussion-Related Injuries
Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. If you are 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation, though your recovery will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
An experienced Las Vegas personal injury lawyer will ensure the blame is not unfairly put on you.
Time Limits to File a Personal Injury Claim in Nevada
Under Nevada law, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Failing to file before the statute of limitations expires means forfeiting your right to compensation. Starting early gives your attorney time to build a strong case and gather supporting documentation.
Proving Memory Loss After a Concussion
Memory issues can be difficult to prove without clear, consistent documentation.
Helpful evidence includes:
- Medical records and neurology reports
- Test results from cognitive assessments
- Statements from family, friends, and coworkers
- Personal journals tracking daily struggles
- Employment records showing missed work or accommodations
The goal is to demonstrate that your memory problems are real, persistent, and connected to the concussion caused by the accident.
Contact Our Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Memory loss after a concussion can interfere with your daily life, career, and relationships. Whether the effects are short-term or long-lasting, you shouldn’t have to carry the burden alone, especially if someone else’s negligence caused your injury.
At De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers, we understand the medical, emotional, and financial toll of concussion-related memory loss. Our Las Vegas personal injury team is here to fight for the compensation you deserve and help you move forward. Contact us today at (702) 222-9999 to schedule a free consultation and let us advocate for your recovery.