Learn what to do if you suffer a concussion in an accident that was not your fault
After a car accident, pedestrian accident, slip and fall accident, or other accident resulting in bodily injury, some injuries and symptoms will be more noticeable than others. Broken bones and lacerations will be immediately obvious, but “invisible” injuries such as a closed traumatic brain injury or concussion may not be. If you suspect you have suffered a concussion, here are the 4 most important steps to take.
Seek Medical Attention
Any time you suffer a strong blow to the head, a concussion is possible. This is true even if you do not pass out. The only person who can tell for sure whether you have suffered a concussion is a doctor, so it is best to seek medical care as soon as possible after any kind of head injury so you can get a proper diagnosis. If you have suffered a blow to the head in a serious accident such as a car accident and you know or suspect you have other bodily injuries, it is best to wait for emergency medical personnel to arrive. That way, you won’t risk aggravating your injuries by trying to get yourself to the hospital. If you hit your head in a fall or other minor accident, you may be able to get to the doctor under your own power.
Rest
In many cases, a minor concussion will heal quickly and symptoms will be gone in 7 to 10 days. However, in the case of a more severe brain injury, you will need more time to recover. Either way, the best treatment for concussion is rest. Be sure to slow down and take it easy. Avoid stressful or strenuous activities, and if you do have to get physically active, be sure to stop and rest if you feel dizzy or sick.
Monitor Your Symptoms
The symptoms of a mild concussion, such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light, should improve with time and rest. However, if your symptoms are not improving, this could indicate a more serious problem. If your symptoms get worse, or if you notice issues with coordination, movement, speech, memory, or cognition, you need to tell your doctor.
Consider Legal Action
One final step you should take after a concussion is to consider whether or not you can file a personal injury lawsuit. If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may have the ability to do this. The best way to find out is to contact an experienced personal injury attorney such as The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker. We can investigate the facts of your case to determine liability for your injury and ensure your injuries and symptoms are properly documented to position you to secure maximum compensation. To learn more, call us at 800-333-0000 for a free consultation.
