Concussions have received considerable attention as of late, especially in the context of the National Football League. Given the head protection worn by players, just about all of those concussions involve closed head injuries. A closed head injury doesn’t penetrate the skull or brain. A concussion is a closed head injury.
Concussions and Whiplash
Concussions are usually caused by trauma to the head, but they can also be caused without any direct trauma at all. As per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 15 percent of all concussions are suffered in car and other motor vehicle accidents. They’re often referred to as traumatic brain injuries. They might even result from a whiplash situation when the a victim’s head and neck are violently thrown back and forth. The brain itself can crash from side to side or front to back against the skull and become bruised. Sometimes the brain even becomes twisted or torn, but the victim doesn’t suffer a visible scratch.
Concussion Grades
Concussions are graded in accordance with the symptoms that accompany them. They’re classified at the three following grades:
- Grade 1, when there is no loss of consciousness but maybe some amnesia for about 30 minutes.
- Grade 2, when there is a loss of consciousness, and amnesia might be experienced for 30 minutes to 24 hours after the accident.
- Grade 3, when the individual is unconscious for more than five minutes, and he or she experienced amnesia that lasts more than 24 hours.
Symptoms
Concussion symptoms can be wide ranging. Whether one was suffered in an auto accident, a fall or participation in sports, here are some common signs of a concussion:
- Unconsciousness
- Headache
- Memory issues
- Slow reflexes
- Poor coordination
- Unsteady balance
- Nausea
- Slurred speech
- Communication issues
- Light sensitivity
- Depression
Any signs of a concussion must be evaluated right away. That starts in an emergency room and possibly an examination by neurologist. Be aware of the fact that symptoms of a concussion might not be immediately apparent. Symptoms of most concussions tend to disappear in a few days to weeks, but some researchers maintain that about 15 percent of all concussion victims might continue to experience debilitating symptoms beyond that time frame. There are a minority of concussions that can even be permanent or life threatening.
The Statute of Limitations
When you’re an innocent victim, and another driver who was careless and negligent caused your concussion, you should contact a car accident attorney at our offices right away. The general rule is that there’s a two year statute of limitations on personal injury cases in Texas. If you fail to file your lawsuit for your concussion injuries in that time, it’s highly likely that a judge will dismiss your case forever. Contact the Law Offices of David Kohm right away after leaving the hospital to arrange for a free consultation and case review at any of our convenient locations.
Arlington 817-552–4451
Denton 940-222-4060
Dallas 972-362-6848
Fort Worth 817-764-1375
Cedar Hill 972-338-9427
McKinney 469-522-3688
Lewisville 972-364-4605
Frisco (972) 725-7681
You can also contact us online by using our quick contact form.
