A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). While it is a common injury in accidents, it can have major consequences. 

Some accident victims suffer from delayed concussion symptoms. If you are involved in an accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately – even if you haven’t sustained an obvious injury. Doing so can help you avoid dealing with untreated and delayed concussion symptoms. 

Causes of Concussions and Traumatic Head Injuries 

Concussions occur when there is a bump, jolt, or blow to the head. Concussions can also result from a fall or blow to the body where the head moves rapidly back and forth. These violent movements can lead to damaged brain tissue. 

Concussion symptoms may be experienced after the following: 

  • Contact sports, including hockey, football, rugby, soccer, boxing, lacrosse, and karate 
  • Sports with the potential for high-impact falls, including gymnastics, skiing, pole vaulting, skateboarding, and snowboarding
  • Violent crimes, including assault, domestic violence, battery, and robbery
  • Falls from great heights 
  • Exposure to explosions 
  • Car accidents 
  • Motorcycle accidents 
  • Slip and falls 
  • Truck accidents 

Whether you slip on a wet floor in the mall or you sustain helmet-to-helmet contact in a recreational football game, a concussion can result. 

Symptoms of a Concussion

Concussions are serious brain injuries, even if they are categorized as the least severe TBI. Whether you lose consciousness or remain cognizant with only delayed symptoms, the consequences can be life-altering. 

If you are experiencing concussion symptoms, you may be affected cognitively, physically, or emotionally. 

The following are common symptoms of a concussion: 

  • Inability to recall events before or after a hit or fall
  • Appearing dazed or confused
  • Forgetful of instructions or assignments
  • Moving clumsily 
  • Speaking slowly
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Change in mood, behavior, or personality
  • Headache
  • Pressure in head
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Balance problems 
  • Dizziness
  • Double or blurry vision
  • Light or noise sensitivity
  • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
  • Concentration or memory problems

A concussion may present with one symptom or several. Symptoms may also develop and change over time. If you experience a blow to the head, seek medical attention regardless of your symptoms. A concussion should never be ignored, and doing so will only make the injury worse. 

How Long After a Head Injury Can Symptoms Occur? 

Typically, concussion symptoms will appear immediately. However, sometimes, symptoms are delayed following an injury to the head. If you suffer a suspected concussion, you should go to the hospital right away. 

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following symptoms: 

  • Loss of consciousness 
  • Seizures
  • Bruising to the eye area
  • Numbness or weakness 
  • Vomiting 
  • Slurred speech

The above symptoms are cause for concern and require immediate medical attention. Failing to get the treatment you need in a timely fashion can impact the rest of your life. 

Delayed concussion symptoms can negatively impact your daily life. Your medical bills and out-of-pocket expenses may begin accumulating as you seek the treatment you need. If your concussion is the result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. 

An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you pursue the following damages after sustaining a concussion: 

  • Medical expenses
  • Future medical costs
  • Lost income 
  • Diminished earning capacity 
  • Rehabilitation
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering 
  • Emotional distress and anxiety
  • PTSD 
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Loss of consortium 

In Louisiana, you only have one year to bring a personal injury lawsuit if you sustain a concussion due to another party’s negligence. If you fail to bring your claim before the statute of limitations expires, you will be barred from recovering compensation. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer after sustaining a concussion can help you avoid missing important deadlines in your case. 

A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can fight for you to recover the compensation you need as you focus on your post-concussion treatment.     

Contact the Louisiana Personal Injury Law Firm Of Kenny Habetz Injury Law for Help Today

If you’ve been injured in Louisiana, please call Kenny Habetz Injury Law for a free case evaluation with a Louisiana personal injury lawyer or contact us online. We have offices in Lafayette and Crowley, LA.

Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Lafayette
110 E Kaliste Saloom Rd Ste 101 Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 399-9000

Kenny Habetz Injury Law – Crowley
604 S Parkerson Ave. Crowley, LA 70526
(337) 329-8883