Have you recently been diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome and are not sure how to proceed? This can represent significant changes in your life and it is important to talk to an experienced and qualified attorney to get help with your legal claim. If post-concussion syndrome is the only injury you have sustained, you may still have substantial expenses and a long road for recovery ahead of you, but it is often the case that someone in a catastrophic injury case suffers multiple injuries at the same time. Knowing what to do if you’ve been diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome is extremely important.
What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Post-concussion syndrome, or PCS, is a condition that can occur after mild traumatic brain injuries, also referred to as a concussion. A person experienced PCS may also continue to show symptoms that last well beyond a typical concussion recovery period. The typical concussion is diagnosed within a few days to weeks after the accident and the symptoms of PCS may continue on for several weeks. Symptoms of PCS can include dizziness, headaches, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, memory issues, sensitivity to noise or light and irritability.
Post concussion syndrome will vary significantly in terms of severity and duration. It is essential to get comprehensive medical evaluation and management for anyone who believes they may have PCS, to support recovery, address symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
Do I Really Need an Attorney For a PCS Case?
Post-concussion syndrome can be significant and can have far-reaching impacts on your life. You may not be able to go back to work right away and may have lost wages, but you may also suffer other consequences as a result of your injuries.
Hiring an attorney to help guide you through this process can make a big difference in the outcome of your case and also give you peace of mind that you have an advocate in your corner. This is why it is essential to communicate with an attorney as soon as possible. You need a lawyer who is familiar with post-concussion syndrome and any other aspects of your personal injury claim. If you suffered PCS symptoms in a recent accident, you need someone to advocate for you to receive maximum compensation. It can be hard to calculate your future medical expenses at this point in time, but working with an attorney who is familiar with PCS can help you arrive at a fair settlement offer.
In many cases, the inability to properly calculate your future expenses can make it hard to negotiate with the insurance company, often resulting in a low-ball settlement that may appear to cover your current medical bills. However, because accident-related effects can be long-lasting, it’s important to work with an attorney who can help ensure your settlement is truly fair.
What Kind of Accidents Lead to Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Any type of injury that leads to a mild traumatic brain injury can cause post-concussion syndrome. This can be caused by multiple types of accidents, such as sports-related injuries, physical altercations, slip and falls or motor vehicle accidents. Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of PCS because vehicular incidents can cause abrupt deceleration or acceleration leading to concussions and head injuries. Recreational accidents, bicycle accidents, repetitive head trauma and workplace accidents are other common causes of PCS.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Only your doctor can tell you more about your diagnosis and how it may continue to affect your life for years to come, but it is essential to realize that you need the support of an attorney as soon as possible and your doctor to help you pursue maximum and fair compensation. The right lawyer will be able to guide you through this process and help you get the medical care you need, including second opinions or hiring medical expert witnesses where necessary. Post-concussion syndrome can range in terms of the severity of the injuries and how long they affect you.
Common Symptoms Linked to Post Concussion Syndrome
Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with long-term PCS. Headaches and migraines are common long-term effects contributing to ongoing discomfort, difficulty completing daily activities or difficulty getting through work.
Cognitive impairments may also occur with a PCS diagnosis. Individuals with PCS may continue to experience difficulty with memories, overall cognitive function and concentration, affecting their ability to engage in intellectual activities or work. Sleep disturbances can be significantly impairing for someone who has suffered with long-term PCS. Insomnia, restless nights or difficulty falling asleep may affect your overall quality of life. Sensory sensitivities are other common impacts of long-term PCS. This can include heightened sensitivities to noise, certain smells or light, causing limited participation in various environments or discomfort. Balance and coordination issues and fatigue and reduced stamina are also very common.
What Are the Most Common Treatments For Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Ongoing medical care is essential for identifying a treatment plan that gives you the best possible path to maximum recovery. Bear in mind that due to the severity of post-concussion syndrome, you may not ever fully recover, but following a doctor’s orders and keeping up with all of your treatment gives you the best chance for making a complete recovery or recovering as much as possible. Cognitive and physical therapy can help to alleviate long-term effects and getting support from your family members is crucial.
How Do I Prove That Someone Else is Responsible For My Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Legally proving post-concussion syndrome requires putting together a compelling case that shows a direct link between the traumatic car accident, your sustained concussion and the development of PCS symptoms. Your attorney can help you gather this information and organize it for submission to court. Working with an attorney is vital for ensuring you gather this information as soon as possible, as it may include long-term information like your medical bills, as well as other information tied directly to the accident such as your police report. The combination of evidence often used in long-term PCS cases includes getting timely medical attention, medical professional testimony, medical documentation, diagnostic tests, treatment records, a functional impact analysis and showing consistency in your symptoms.
Daily activity logs and witness testimonies may also be involved. You’ll need to prove causation, document damages and submit prognosis details related to your rehabilitation and long-term care. Your attorney can also help you with other components of your long-term PCS case, such as illustrating pain and suffering and showing your lost wages and earning capacity. Many personal injury lawyers familiar with PCS will not only help you prepare for settlement discussions, but also build your case with trial in mind. This dual approach positions you well to be able to access full and fair recovery of compensation, whether that is achieved in settlement or in trial. Contact our California-based personal injury law firm today to learn more.
Shouldn’t My Insurance Company Just Help Me with Payment for This Case?
If you have been recently hurt in a serious accident, you may assume that your insurance company will do the necessary work to approve your claim and get you paid out. However, it can be very frustrating to realize that this is not always the case. Working with a qualified and experienced attorney can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
When the insurance company is delaying communication with you or is not giving you the proper information to move your case forward, you may be able to engage an attorney to escalate the management of your situation and hold the insurance company accountable. Unfortunately, far too many people with serious injuries find themselves dealing with difficult insurance companies post-accident.
This can hold up your ability to get the treatment that you need and to move on with your life after a critical accident. If your insurance claim adjuster is downplaying your injuries or is refusing to keep you up to date about your case, hiring an attorney can show them that you are taking this seriously and that you intend to do everything possible to protect your interests.
Do not wait to contact a qualified attorney, as you need to take action quickly to comply with California’s personal injury statute of limitations. The sooner you reach out about your case, the faster a lawyer can walk you through what to expect in a post-concussion syndrome case and how to avoid some of the common pitfalls for victims in this situation.
Our lawyers know how hard it can be to pick up the pieces after a major accident. You and your family now must adjust your way of living and incorporate in new time and expenses for caring for your needs. If you have been diagnosed with an injury like this recently, take it seriously and find a lawyer who can guide you through the legal process.
