WHAT IS THE AVERAGE CONCUSSION SETTLEMENT VALUE FROM A CAR ACCIDENT INJURY?
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident injury, a workplace accident, or any other type of unfortunate accident and have suffered a concussion, then you are very likely eligible for fair compensation.
You see, head injuries are among the most common and most dangerous types of injuries that can happen during a crash or accident. Accidents happen every day, but if you suffer a concussion due to someone else's negligence, then it's in your best interest as an injured person to fight for your right to seek compensation for your damages and losses.
To speak with a car accident attorney in Monroe, Louisiana, about your injury claim, call 318-855-1613.
Keep reading to learn what criteria go into calculating the average settlement values for head injuries and concussions.
What are the Common Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion Injury?
A concussion is one of the most common types of brain injury; this type of head injury is categorized as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The severity of a concussion can range from mild to severe.
Unlike other visible injuries to the head or body, a concussion can be pretty tricky to diagnose. Symptoms can be subtle, you see. For instance, we all experience headaches or "brain fog" on the occasional off day or when we aren't feeling our sharpest selves. If you've recently been in an accident, these types of symptoms may be indicative of a concussion. So if you've been in a car accident or bodily injury at work (a slip and fall, say), then you'll want to watch out for any noticeable symptoms.
Here are several potential concussion symptoms to look out for
Sleep disturbances — If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep (more than usual), this could be a sign of a head injury or concussion.
Nausea — Nausea or upset stomach are common symptoms of any kind of accident. But if you experienced lingering dizziness or even threw up after the car crash, you might have suffered a concussion.
Headaches — Most concussions cause some degree of pressure, discomfort, or headache symptoms at some point, whether mild or severe.
Mood disturbances — Moodiness, irritability, or even depressed feelings could also be signs of a concussion. Especially if a friend or loved one comment on a noticeable change in your general disposition, that may be a sign of a head injury.
Confusion or memory loss —Some degree of memory loss following a traumatic accident is normal. But suppose confusion or memory issues persist or are delayed in their onset. In that case, that may be a symptom of a concussion.
Loss of consciousness — If you're in a car crash and go unconscious from the force of the impact, this is likely a head injury event. It might be caused by hitting your head on the wheel, the dashboard, or the windshield.
As you can see, there are many symptoms associated with concussion. That said, the most common symptoms after a car accident are headache, memory loss, and general confusion. Car accidents are often traumatic and frequently disorienting, even if no serious injury has taken place.
I should note that it is possible to experience delayed concussion symptoms after an accident. If you've ever read headlines about famous football athletes or martial artists having succumbed to a concussion, then you know that these types of injuries often go unrealized until a doctor discovers the damage in a medical evaluation.
Delayed symptoms of a concussion injury may include sleep troubles, sensitivity to light and sound, and even changes in taste and smell.
Additionally, mood imbalances and difficulty concentrating, and other cognitive impairments are common clues that a serious concussion has taken place.
How are Concussions Caused?
Any physical assault to the head and brain has the potential to cause a concussion. Motor vehicle accidents. Falls at work. Contact sports, most familiarly. Concussions are typically the result of some sort of accident — often an auto accident or car accident.
In the case of a high-speed rear-end car crash, for example, the violent force of the collision will inevitably jostle your head and body around the vehicle in a whiplash motion. It is the impact of the head against a surface that can lead to brain damage and impairment. Even a mild traumatic brain injury, such as a concussion, has the potential to cause severe, lasting damage to one's health and well-being in life.
Seatbelts, rear-view mirrors, proximity-sensing safety technologies, and cameras all work together to keep us safe on the road. But at the end of the day, there is an inherent danger in driving a motor vehicle. Every time you step in the driver's seat and turn the ignition, you are taking a risk — that's a fact. You can control your behavior on the road, but you can't control the other drivers.
Think of it: you are driving in a large object moving at potentially very high speeds. What's more, your body is confined in this vessel, subject to the laws of gravity and physics. When your body is an object in motion, it wants to remain in motion — even in the event of a catastrophic accident.
You could also sustain a concussion in the workplace or public setting due to someone's negligence. Slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and hazardous working environments can also cause accidents that lead to head injuries or concussions. A workplace injury in Louisiana can entitle you to workers' compensation benefits.
When a concussion goes undiagnosed and unnoticed for weeks, or possibly months after an accident, this condition is called post-concussion syndrome.
What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Post-concussion syndrome is a condition that occurs when you experience the symptoms of a concussion for a length of time after the accident. Typically, the recovery period lasts two to four weeks.
Left untreated, injuries tend to get worse, and symptoms increase in severity over time. The same is true for concussions. The symptoms of post-concussion syndrome are similar to typical head trauma, only worse. Symptoms like headache, light and sound sensitivity, emotional instability, or dizziness may increase in severity with time.
My advice? If you've been in an accident, your priority is to seek medical attention and rule out the possibility of a concussion. The last thing you want is to try and "walk it off."
In my experience as a professional personal injury attorney, I know that victims who get a full medical evaluation immediately after an accident set themselves up for a smoother recovery and a better post-concussion syndrome settlement process. Don't wait!
Common Types of Brain Injuries Suffered in Car Accidents
Concussion– This is the most common type of brain injury, often caused by whiplash.
Contusion - Contusions are bruises that form on the brain itself, often caused by violent impact to the back of the head. Extensive contusions may need to be surgically removed.
Coup-Contrecoup — A coup injury occurs under the site of impact with an object. A contrecoup injury occurs on the side opposite the area of impact. Both are types of brain contusions.
Diffuse-Axonal Injury — This injury may be caused by strong rotation of the head and causes extensive tearing of nerve tissue throughout the brain.
Penetration — Often the result of a violent crash, penetration refers to any foreign objects (broken glass, metal fragments, etc.) that forcefully penetrate the skull and into the brain.
How Do I Calculate My Concussion Settlement Amount?
Here's the truth: there is no way to calculate your concussion settlement amount accurately. There is no fancy calculator to determine the settlement offer value for any type of accident or car crash.
That's because every head injury case is unique. Many variables must be weighed and considered to come up with fair compensation to cover any damages and losses.
A concussion settlement, like any other kind of settlement, depends on the facts of the case. Generally speaking, the more severe the injury and the greater the damage done, the more money you stand to receive as compensation for your injury. Like I said, your settlement value will depend on the facts of the case. Here are some questions that will be asked by the insurance company to help determine the settlement amount for your economic and non-economic damages:
How serious is the injury?
How much are your medical bills?
Do you need rehabilitation or ongoing physical therapy?
Is there permanent physical impairment?
Did you have to leave work? How much income did you lose from lost wages?
Will you ever be physically able to return to work?
Have you lost future earning potential due to your injury?
What amount of pain and suffering has the accident caused you?
Were you negligent in the accident or injury? Was it your fault or someone else's?
Asking yourself these types of questions will help you arrive at a ballpark estimate for your settlement. They are also the questions the insurance company claims adjuster, the judge, and the jury, and a personal injury lawyer will want answers to help arrive at a determination.
Contact Bruscato Law Firm today to discuss the details of your injury case and settlement options. Call 3188551613 for a free case evaluation today.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Receive for a Car Accident Concussion?
Compensation for concussions usually takes the form of a single lump settlement. Still, in some cases, punitive damages may be awarded. If you're an accident victim and have suffered a concussion or severe head injury, you stand to receive compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including:
Medical expenses
Medical treatment
Medical care
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Decreased quality of life
Disability
Disfigurement
Emotional distress
An experienced personal injury attorney can help investigate your case and discover the extent of your concussion settlement value.
Call a Monroe Personal Injury Attorney Today to Discuss Your Concussion Injury
Head injury cases can be complicated. As you learned, concussions are not so easy to diagnose, and claims adjusters will use that to their advantage in limiting your settlement offer. Take action today, and seek legal counsel to maximize the value of your settlement.
Bruscato is a leading personal injury law firm serving Monroe, Louisiana, and surrounding locations. Call us today at 3188551613 for a free consultation to talk about your personal injury claim and your entitlement to a fair settlement.