Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) occurs when symptoms of a concussion linger beyond the typical recovery period. This medical condition can result from a car accident and may be severely debilitating. Suffering from PCS can affect individuals both in their professional lives and personal relationships. If you experience PCS following a car crash, you are entitled to seek compensation.
What are the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome?
Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a medical condition where symptoms of a concussion persist longer than usual. A concussion is a brain injury caused by the brain colliding with the skull. This type of injury, usually detectable by a CT scan, can result in a variety of symptoms that differ significantly among individuals. Common symptoms include:
- dizziness,
- fatigue,
- loss of consciousness,
- headaches or migraines,
- nausea,
- vertigo,
- vision issues such as double or blurred vision, or sensitivity to light,
- hearing problems, including tinnitus or hypersensitivity to sounds,
- loss of smell,
- insomnia,
- memory loss,
- mood swings or personality changes,
- confusion,
- concentration or attention difficulties,
- anxiety,
- frustration,
- irritability,
- depression,
- posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Typically, these symptoms last about two weeks, with most individuals recovering fully within a month with proper care. However, if symptoms continue beyond a month, it might indicate post-concussion syndrome. Not all initial symptoms will persist in PCS; the most common ongoing issues are cognitive, such as fatigue, impaired memory, and slowed thought processes.
How can PCS affect life?
PCS can significantly impact your quality of life due to its symptoms and impairments. This serious injury can affect both your personal and professional life.
In your career, PCS can compromise cognitive abilities essential even in manual labor jobs, such as maintaining concentration and staying on task. People with PCS often find these cognitive challenges make it difficult to perform their jobs effectively. Furthermore, the personality and behavioral changes associated with PCS might affect how others perceive your reliability and likability, posing additional risks to your professional stability.
In your personal life, PCS can also create difficulties. Issues with attention and cognition may strain relationships with friends and family. Additionally, PCS can lead to increased frustration and depression, further complicating personal interactions and emotional well-being.
Are these injuries common after a car accident?
Concussions are a frequent type of injury resulting from car accidents. They can occur in two primary ways:
- Direct impact: You may hit your head on parts of the car such as the steering wheel, airbag, headrest, or window during the collision.
- Indirect impact: The force of the crash can cause a violent shaking of the head, leading the brain to collide with the inside of the skull.
Many individuals suffer concussions without realizing it, especially if they do not directly hit their head. Consequently, they may experience concussion symptoms without understanding the cause. Often, they might not seek immediate medical attention or consult with a neurologist or other medical professional, which can contribute to underdiagnosis.
Among those who do suffer a concussion, resulting in mild traumatic brain injuries (mild TBIs), between 10 and 25 percent will develop post-concussion syndrome. This percentage tends to be higher among victims of more severe traumatic brain injuries.
What compensation can I get for a traumatic brain injury?
If you suffer from post-concussion syndrome following a car accident and you were not at fault, you are entitled to compensation. The responsible party, typically the other driver, should cover all losses resulting from the incident.
To claim this compensation, you can initiate an insurance claim or file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. The insurance company of the driver who caused the accident is obligated to compensate you for the damages you have endured.
Personal injury lawyer help?
A skilled car accident attorney from a reputable law firm can greatly assist in securing a favorable settlement to cover your post-concussion syndrome by representing you in negotiations with the insurance company. If these negotiations fail to result in a fair offer, your attorney can escalate the matter by filing a lawsuit on your behalf.
Insurance companies frequently attempt to minimize their payouts by claiming that the victims of post-concussion syndrome (PCS):
- were partly responsible for the accident,
- are exaggerating the severity of their injuries, or
- are fabricating their symptoms.
Such allegations are often made to justify low settlement offers, despite what your medical records may indicate.
Once your personal injury claim is officially filed, a trial date is set, intensifying the settlement discussions as new evidence comes to light and the insurance company begins to take your claim more seriously. Most personal injury cases are resolved with a settlement agreement that both parties find acceptable. An experienced car accident lawyer will negotiate with the defendant and their insurance on your behalf. If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer is prepared to take the case to trial, where the jury will decide the compensation you rightfully deserve.
