You felt fine at first. Maybe you walked away from the accident. Maybe the symptoms didn’t show up until later. But something doesn’t feel right now.
You’re dizzy, tired, and struggling to focus. That headache won’t go away. You may be wondering, what are concussion injury claims? If someone else caused your injury, you could be entitled to financial compensation. But knowing what to do next can be confusing, especially when your brain isn’t working the way it used to. A traumatic brain injury lawyer can help you understand your rights, build your case, and fight for the support you need to recover.
Schedule a Free Initial Consultation Today!
A Concussion Is a Brain Injury
Concussions are often called “mild” traumatic brain injuries, but there is nothing minor about how they can affect your life. A concussion happens when your brain is jolted inside your skull.
This can happen during a car crash, bike accident, fall, or sports collision. Even if your head doesn’t hit anything directly, the force of a sudden stop can cause the brain to bounce or twist.
Symptoms vary. Some people recover quickly. Others deal with lasting problems. You may have trouble thinking clearly, working, driving, or even sleeping. These symptoms can last for weeks or longer.
Doctors may diagnose a concussion based on your symptoms, history, and physical exam. Imaging like CT scans often appears normal. That doesn’t mean you’re fine. It just means the damage isn’t always visible. That’s one reason concussion cases can be hard to prove without the right support.
Common signs of a concussion include:
- Headaches that last or worsen
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Memory issues or brain fog
- Mood changes or irritability
- Trouble sleeping or fatigue
How a Concussion Disrupts Your Daily Life
Most people think of concussions as temporary. But for many, they interfere with normal life in big ways. You might miss weeks of work. You might avoid social events. You could find that reading, driving, or watching a screen makes symptoms worse. Even light and noise may become unbearable.
These are not just inconveniences. They can change how you live your life. You may need help caring for your kids or doing household chores. Some people lose their jobs because they can’t focus or perform tasks. Others find their relationships strained because of irritability or confusion.
The effects of a concussion don’t always show up on paper. Insurance companies may try to claim you’re exaggerating or that you’re okay because you look fine. That’s why documenting your symptoms and getting proper care matters.
Daily tasks that may become harder after a concussion:
- Driving safely
- Focusing on work
- Remembering appointments or names
- Maintaining emotional control
- Being in noisy or crowded places
What Are Concussion Injury Claims?
Concussion injury claims are legal cases brought by people who suffered a concussion due to someone else’s carelessness. If you were injured in an accident caused by another person or company, you may be able to file a claim for damages.
These include medical bills, lost wages, and the pain your injury has caused.
The claim starts with showing that someone else was responsible. That could be a driver who ran a red light, a store that failed to clean up a spill, or an employer who ignored safety rules.
Once fault is clear, the next step is to show how your concussion has affected your life. You don’t have to have a visible wound to make a valid claim. Brain injuries can be invisible but still serious.
With the right documentation, like medical records, witness statements, and symptom logs, you can build a strong case.
Concussion injury claims may arise from:
- Car or truck accidents
- Bicycle or pedestrian collisions
- Slips and falls on unsafe property
- Sports injuries caused by negligence
- Workplace accidents
How Insurance Companies Treat Concussion Claims
Insurance companies often treat concussion claims with skepticism. They may argue your symptoms are mild or that you’re imagining them. They look for reasons to delay or deny compensation without an obvious scan or test result.
They may also try to rush you into a quick settlement. That’s a problem because you may not know how long your symptoms will last. A concussion that seems mild at first can turn into post-concussion syndrome, with issues that last for months.
A lawyer protects your rights during this process. They’ll collect evidence, talk to doctors, and handle negotiations. This ensures you don’t settle for less than what your case is worth.
Insurance tactics used in concussion claims:
- Denying the seriousness of symptoms
- Blaming symptoms on unrelated conditions
- Offering quick but low settlements
- Asking for unnecessary or repeated medical records
- Disputing medical recommendations
Evidence That Supports a Concussion Claim
Concussions don’t show up the same way as broken bones. That’s why strong documentation is so important. Every appointment, test, and symptom can help paint a picture of how your injury has changed your life.
Start by keeping a journal. Write down how you feel each day, what symptoms show up, and what tasks become harder. Save all receipts from doctor visits, medications, therapy, and transportation.
Ask family or coworkers to write statements if they’ve noticed changes in your behavior or performance.
Photos of the accident scene, written incident reports, and witness information are also valuable. These details may not seem important now, but they could be key in proving your case later.
Helpful evidence in a concussion claim includes:
- Medical records and treatment plans
- Symptom journals or daily logs
- Statements from loved ones or coworkers
- Police or incident reports
- Photos or video of the accident
The Hidden Costs of a Concussion
Concussions don’t just bring hospital bills. They create a ripple effect in your life. You may spend money on prescriptions, transportation to appointments, or childcare while you recover. You may lose income or miss career opportunities. Some people even need to switch jobs entirely.
Emotional stress can grow, too. Not being able to think clearly or control your emotions is frustrating. You may feel isolated or anxious. Those changes can be deeply upsetting if you’re used to being independent and active.
These costs add up. A concussion injury claim doesn’t just cover your medical expenses. It looks at your life as a whole and asks what this injury has taken from you, and what it will cost to rebuild.
Hidden or unexpected concussion-related costs:
- Time away from work or school
- Therapy for cognitive or emotional symptoms
- Lost career progress
- Ongoing medical follow-ups
- Changes to lifestyle or relationships
Steps to Take While Healing from a Concussion
What you do in the days and weeks after a concussion matters. It can shape your recovery and your legal options. Many people downplay symptoms or wait too long to seek help. That delay can make the injury worse and make it harder to prove your claim.
Start by following your doctor’s advice closely. Attend all follow-up appointments. If you’re referred to a neurologist, go. If you’re told to rest, take that seriously. These records show that you are taking your health seriously and that the injury is affecting your life.
Track your symptoms in a daily journal. Make notes about mood swings, sleep issues, pain, or memory lapses. These personal records are powerful evidence in a concussion case.
Things to do in the weeks after your concussion:
- Keep all medical and therapy appointments
- Record symptoms in a journal every day
- Save receipts for all injury-related expenses
- Limit screen time and stressful activities
- Stay off social media, especially about your injury
Long-Term Effects of a Concussion
For some people, a concussion heals in a few weeks. For others, the effects last much longer. This condition is often called post-concussion syndrome. It can affect your memory, focus, sleep, mood, and ability to handle stress.
Some people even experience speech issues or vision problems that linger. These long-term symptoms don’t just go away with time. You may need cognitive therapy, medication, and new ways of handling daily tasks. This can change your life in quiet but lasting ways. It can also make it harder to return to work or enjoy time with family.
A strong legal claim takes these effects into account. It’s not just about how you felt in the ER. It’s about how your life has changed and what you may face in the future. A well-documented concussion claim includes this long view, which can increase your compensation.
Long-term problems linked to concussion include:
- Lasting memory or focus issues
- Chronic headaches or light sensitivity
- Irritability or mood swings
- Anxiety or depression
- Trouble sleeping or constant fatigue
Why Timing Matters in a Concussion Claim
Concussion symptoms can show up slowly. But legal time limits don’t wait. Every state has a deadline for filing injury claims. In Florida, that deadline is usually two years. If you wait too long, your right to seek compensation may disappear—even if your case is valid.
There are other time-sensitive steps, too. Some insurance policies require notice of injury within a short window. You may face additional filing rules if the at-fault party works for the government. These rules can be strict and confusing.
This is why it’s smart to speak with a lawyer early. Even if you don’t file a claim right away, a lawyer can protect your timeline and explain your options. They make sure no deadline slips through the cracks.
Time-sensitive issues in concussion cases:
- State deadline for personal injury lawsuits
- Deadlines in private or employer insurance policies
- Time limits to report injuries to government agencies
- Rules for preserving evidence or requesting footage
- Gaps in treatment that may weaken your case
How a Lawyer Builds a Strong Concussion Case
A lawyer helps you organize the facts of your case and protects you from common mistakes. They begin by listening to your story. Then, they gather your medical records, contact witnesses, and calculate the value of your losses. They may also bring in professionals who can support your diagnosis and explain how it affects your life.
They negotiate with the insurance company and handle all communication. You won’t need to return calls, send records, or explain your symptoms repeatedly. If the other side refuses a fair settlement, your lawyer can prepare your case for court.
Having a lawyer on your side helps you feel less isolated during recovery. You know someone is working to get you the support you need while you focus on healing.
What a lawyer may do for your concussion case:
- Review all accident and medical documents
- Gather statements from witnesses and experts
- Request footage or reports if available
- Handle communication with insurers
- Prepare for court if needed
You Deserve Legal Support That Works for You
The Russo Firm has helped people in your position get the help and compensation they deserve. They know what concussion victims face, and they don’t let insurance companies brush those struggles aside. A dedicated personal injury attorney from their team can guide you through the process and ensure your voice is heard.
Call (954) 767-0676 to talk to someone who will listen and offer clear next steps. There’s no pressure to commit, and the consultation is free. Let them help you protect your health, time, and future.
