What are the Risk Factors for Suffering Permanent Brain Damage After a Concussion?
A concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), typically the result of trauma that causes the blood vessels in the brain to stretch and tear. This damage can cause the brain to fail to function properly, redirecting all its efforts to healing.
Common symptoms of a concussion include disorientation, sensitivity to light and sound, and mood changes, among others. While many people recover completely following a concussion, others suffer long-term effects, requiring individuals to receive constant medical treatment. No matter the severity of your concussion, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
If you or a loved one has experienced a concussion, the Lancaster catastrophic injury lawyers at HGSK Injury Lawyers are here to assist you in filing your claim.
Playing Sports
A concussion is caused by a sudden jolt or strike to the head. Most seen in sporting activities, each year, an estimated 1.6 to 3.8 million athletes suffer a concussion. Whereas some types of TBIs are open-head injuries (occurring when an object pierces the skull), concussions are a type of closed-head injury. A closed head injury, also known as a non-penetrating brain injury, occurs when the brain shakes rapidly back and forth within the bony skull. This causes damage to delicate brain tissue, disrupting normal brain function.
Even though football requires players to wear helmets, this does not prevent the brain from jostling back and forth, leaving players vulnerable to concussions. Other sports that place an individual at risk include soccer, hockey, and rugby.
If Your Brain is Still Developing
Given that children’s brains are still developing connections between brain cells (in a process known as myelination), a concussion often has more serious effects in children than in adults. Symptoms in young children and infants differ, including irritability, a refusal to eat or nurse, and crying more than usual.
A TBI can permanently stunt a child’s cognitive and psychological development. Since many school-aged children participate in recreational sports, it is important that coaches and referees are trained in the appropriate steps to take following a concussion.
Prior History of Concussions
If you have a history of concussions, you are at greater risk of sustaining future concussions. The reason is two-fold, depending on:
- The vulnerability of your brain: Once you have suffered a concussion, your neural pathways will be rewired, causing your brain to be permanently impacted and more susceptible to future injuries.
- Impairments: If a past concussion caused you to experience a lasting impact on your balance, coordination, and basic motor function, you may be in more danger of suffering a concussion down the road.
Compensation for a Traumatic Brain Injury
No matter the type of TBI you suffered, at HGSK Injury Lawyers, our legal team is aware that your injuries are more than physical, affecting every aspect of your life. If there is a party that is responsible for your injury or who did not seek medical intervention in a timely manner, our Lancaster catastrophic injury lawyers can help seek compensation on your behalf.
Damages may be economic or non-economic in nature. Economic damages are losses that take money directly away from you, including:
- Lost income
- Loss of future earnings
- Ambulatory services
- Medical imaging and laboratory testing
- Medical procedures and treatments
- Rehabilitative therapies
- Prescription costs
Other losses may impact your quality of life but may not have a financial component. Known as noneconomic damages, these may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Infliction of emotional distress
- Loss of companionship and society
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of reputation
- Post-traumatic stress
Our catastrophic injury lawyers have different methods for calculating non-economic damages. We will work with you to find out which method gains you maximum compensation for your injuries.
Reach Out to Our Lancaster Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Today
If you have suffered the misfortune of sustaining a TBI, HGSK Injury Lawyers are prepared to fight for you. Our Lancaster catastrophic injury lawyers have experience negotiating with insurance companies to recover the most compensation for our clients. If you are ready to schedule your free consultation, contact us online or by phone today.