Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can disrupt normal brain function. Though they might initially be considered mild, or non-life-threatening their effects can be long-lasting and severe.
Concussions are often caused by acceleration or deceleration forces occurring secondary to a direct blow to the head. This causes a transient altered mental status, which can range from confusion to loss of consciousness. Nearly every accident type, from slip-and-falls to trucking accidents, can cause concussions and impact the most critical organ in the body – the brain.
Concussion Awareness Day is observed on Sept. 20, making now the ideal time to discuss concussion symptoms, prevention, and how to file a TBI claim.
TBI By The Numbers
According to the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 2,744 TBI-related fatalities in the State of Georgia in 2021, the sixth-highest in the country. The same information noted that Tennessee saw 1,734 fatalities, just six spots behind at #12. Combined, the fatalities in these two states comprise more than 15% of the national total.
Concussions were at the root of many of these tragedies, and they are not always easily detected and therefore not always treated in a timely fashion.
Concussion Symptoms
Concussions can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, and even changes in mood and behavior. In severe cases, multiple concussions can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition.
Pritchard Injury Firm has represented accident survivors who suffer from post-concussion syndrome, where symptoms persist for up to months. This impacted their daily activities, job performance, and overall quality of life.
How To Treat A Concussion
If you or your loved one has sustained a concussion – or if you believe they have – seek regular medical check-ups. This is not a time for the victim to be tough or stubborn; do not walk it off and do not let anyone brush you off.
If you're involved in activities with a high risk of head injury, regular check-ups with a healthcare professional can help monitor brain health and catch any potential issues early.
Even if the signs a concussion are not visible, it can also lead to emotional trauma. In the states of Georgia and Tennessee, accident victims may be entitled to non-economic damages such as mental anguish and PTSD, depending on the specifics of their case.
Filing A TBI Or Injury Claim Due To Concussion in North Georgia and Tennessee
Concussion victims must be diligent about filing a TBI claim in North Georgia and Tennessee.
Gather Evidence. If you are not well enough to collect evidence on your own, ask someone you trust for help. The types of items you can use and methods for gathering evidence to maximize your chances of success during a personal injury suit in North Georgia and Tennessee civil courts.
Digital evidence is a common and effective way to demonstrate the extent of an injury. Take photos with your own phone and ask witnesses to share their images and video. Preserving and digitizing evidence is crucial in a personal injury claim in North Georgia or Tennessee because tangible evidence (such as paper statements and clothes) may deteriorate or become unavailable.
All pictures, video, and audio of the scene or accident, as well as images of your own injuries, should be uploaded to a secure cloud-based storage site (such as Google Drive or Dropbox). If all else fails, write down the sequence of events as they happened to you and then email it to yourself or save to a cloud.
Follow Doctor's Orders. Abiding by your doctor's plan is crucial for your recovery and strengthening your personal injury claim in North Georgia. If you fail to comply with the doctor’s orders, the defense may argue that your injuries would have been less severe or that you contributed to your own damages. Furthermore, maintain records of medical visits, and follow prescribed treatments to bolster your claim.
Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney: Navigating the complexities of personal injury claims in North Georgia and Chattanooga, Tennessee without legal representation can be a costly mistake. An experienced personal injury attorney understands the laws and regulations, knows how to negotiate with insurance companies, and can build a strong case on your behalf. The injury lawyer in North Georgia or Chattanooga, Tennessee will fight for you and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, pain, suffering, and other damages.
Cars can be repaired, and certain body parts can even be replaced or rehabilitated. But each brain is unique and must always be protected. Early recognition and proper management of a concussion are crucial to prevent further injury.
Ahead of National Concussion Day on Sept. 20, everyone in North Georgia and Tennessee has reason to pause use their thinking caps, and protect them as well.
Your GA/TN Injury Lawyer
Pritchard Injury Firm wants everyone in North Georgia and Tennessee to be aware of concussion symptoms, how they link to TBI and have lasting effects. Contact us if you have suffered a concussion or head injury due to the recklessness or negligence of someone else. Pritchard Injury Firm is here to provide the compassionate legal and emotional support you deserve. Contact Pritchard Injury Firm for a free consultation.
