One of the most common car accident injuries is a concussion. In fact, vehicle accidents are the third most common cause of brain injuries each year in the United States. Although a concussion is referred to as a “mild” traumatic brain injury, it can be anything but mild. Almost 15 percent of all fatal brain injuries are sustained in car accidents.
A Virginia personal injury lawyer understands the impact that all brain injuries can have on a victim and their family, even a concussion. It is not uncommon for these injuries to leave long-term effects that the victim has to deal with. Multiple studies have been done that show that sustaining a concussion can leave the victim at risk of serious health issues in the future.
In one study led by the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania shows that a single head injury could lead to dementia later in life. The researchers found that a person who suffered one concussion had a 1.25 times increased risk of dementia, while those that had suffered two or more concussions in their lifetime were at double the risk of a person who had never experienced a concussion. Other major studies have shown that concussion increases the risk of the victims developing Parkinson’s disease and suffering a stroke.
Signs of a Concussion
Many people do not realize right away that they have suffered a concussion. This is why it is important to seek out medical attention immediately following a car accident, even if the crash appeared to be a minor one.
Symptoms of a possible concussion include:
- Changes in sleep habits
- Disorientation or confusion
- Double vision
- Headaches
- Loss of balance
- Loss of consciousness
- Mood changes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Seizures
- Sensitivity to stimuli
- Slurred speech
- Unequal pupil dilation
Contact a Virginia Beach Personal Injury Attorney for Assistance
As mentioned above, even a minor brain injury can cause potentially serious issues. A more serious brain injury often causes long-term or permanent issues requiring rehabilitative care.
Brain injury victims often face high medical bills for diagnostic testing, treatment, and therapy. There are often lost wages because the victim is unable to work while they recover from their injury.
In addition to these financial losses, there are other losses that the victim may suffer that can entitle them to financial compensation. Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and any long-term or permanent disability the injury may leave the victim with are all issues that can be pursued in a personal injury lawsuit
A Virginia car accident attorney can pursue financial damages against the at-fault driver that will assist your family in providing the care your loved one needs, including future medical care, loss of income, pain, mental anguish, and permanent disability, like the $340,000 award we obtained for one client who suffered a brain injury in a car accident caused by a distracted driver.
Contact the legal team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp today to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation to find out how we can help.
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