Any auto accident can result in a concussion, and it’s a common injury. Whether the collision was a T-bone or your car was rear-ended, you get thrown around on impact, and your head can easily hit the steering wheel, the dash, headrest, or the window.
That impact causes injury to the brain, and concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). In South Carolina, concussion issues are taken very seriously. As the brain and skull are injured in a sudden impact, brain damage can be the result, which can lead to life-altering problems.
If you get a concussion injury in South Carolina, you need a personal injury lawyer. Even a minor concussion injury isn’t something you should dismiss or take lightly. Always remember that any kind of brain injury is serious. So getting medical and legal assistance as soon as possible after an accident is critical.
What Compensation For Concussion Can I Expect?
There’s no single answer to this question, as it all depends on what caused the accident and whose fault it was. If you’re in an unavoidable traffic collision and the other driver was negligent, your chances of accident concussion compensation are much higher than if negligence isn’t a factor.
One of the best ways to determine how much compensation for a concussion you might get after a car accident is to think about the costs of that injury. So you’ll need to factor in:
- The cost of medical treatment (both present and future costs), including any payments necessary for caregivers, medical equipment, or any prescription medicines you may need
- Any lost wages or earnings due to an inability to work safely
- Loss of quality of life due to pain/suffering.
As already mentioned, South Carolina takes concussions seriously. And not just when car accidents are involved. Laws are in place to protect sports players who suffer from concussion-causing injuries.
How much you’re likely to get in compensation for a concussion caused by a traffic accident will vary, and no two cases are the same. It can range from several thousand dollars to millions of dollars. However, if your head injury causes you to suffer from post-concussion syndrome, your concussion compensation will likely be significantly higher as the long-term effects of post-concussion syndrome are more debilitating and life-changing.
It might be frustrating not knowing an exact price to expect for accident concussion compensation. Being told “it depends on a lot of different things” can be off-putting! That’s why it’s crucial that, as well as medical treatment, you get legal advice as soon as possible after an accident that results in a concussion. The quicker you have a personal injury lawyer working on your behalf, the more likely you will get a positive compensation result.
Tips For Winning A Concussion Case
If you are involved in an accident that results in a head injury, even if you think it’s not severe, you must get checked by a medical expert. If you do find you have a concussion, getting medical treatment should be your priority.
That medical treatment can be vital should you decide to claim concussion compensation. If you hope to win a case, remember that concussion can be a challenge to prove because there’s no open wound. However, you can obtain medical evidence of a concussion, so if you’re making a compensation claim, the following will be helpful:
- All medical records, including the diagnosis of the concussion, bills, and records such as any MRI scans
- Testimony from a doctor — in many cases, this will only need to be written communication from a doctor, but in some cases, there may be an affidavit required or the doctor may be required to take the stand
- Any notes you can gather that document your life following the accident, including any instances of pain and suffering caused by the concussion.
Never overlook the importance of getting medical treatment after a head injury, even if you think it’s only minor. If another driver was negligent, such as driving when drunk or driving aggressively, your next step after getting medical treatment should always be legal advice.
What To Do After A Concussion Diagnosis In South Carolina?
There are several medical risks associated with a concussion and financial risks. If you’re in an accident, vehicular or otherwise, and you get a concussion diagnosis, it’s essential that you:
- Follow your doctor’s advice: They will tell you to rest, as this has been shown to speed up the recovery time of a concussion.
- Know the warning signs: Any TBI can get worse over time, so you need to make sure that you are always monitoring your symptoms. Get medical advice if you start to suffer from any signs of delayed injury. If you have been diagnosed with a concussion, be on the alert for the following signs that your concussion may be more serious than expected;
- Constant headaches
- Motor control loss
- Issues with your balance
- Bouts of dizziness
- More sensitivity to bright light or sudden sounds
- Reduced attention span
- Clouded thinking (such as struggling to find obvious words when talking)
- Bouts of confusion or disorientation when carrying out everyday tasks.
These could all be signs that you have more than a concussion.
- Speak to a personal injury lawyer: Get legal representation as quickly after your accident as possible. Your personal injury lawyer will get to work immediately, working with insurance companies and doctors on your behalf. Ensure you know the best questions to ask your lawyer after a car accident.
Accident Concussion And The Statute Of Limitations
In South Carolina, there is a time limit for you to file a claim for personal injury caused in a traffic accident, including concussion injuries. If you try to file a claim after three years have passed since the accident, your case will be rejected, and you will have lost rights to your claim. There are many causes of traffic accidents, and concussion is a common injury after vehicle collisions. Don’t lose your right to claim concussion compensation by waiting too long.
Speak To A South Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been in an accident resulting in concussion injuries or any other type of head injury, contact The Clardy Law Firm today. We can help you get the compensation you deserve after an accident that wasn’t your fault. TBIs have to be taken very seriously by you and your doctor, and there can be a lot of stress involved. Your personal injury lawyer will communicate with everyone involved on your behalf, leaving you to focus on your recovery.
If you suffered from a concussion and are seeking compensation, contact an experienced South Carolina personal injury lawyer to discuss your options and the next steps for tackling your case.
