Wisconsin Concussion Injury Lawyer
Whether you slipped and fell at work, were in a car crash, or the victim of a dog attack, there are many different causes of concussions. While your injury may seem as though it is relatively minor, our Wisconsin concussion injury lawyer understands the serious nature of these injuries. The symptoms of a concussion can remain with you for many weeks, and even months. Future concussions will also put you at greater risk of sustaining permanent damage.
A concussion will also create a physical, mental, and financial burden. Concussion victims can do very little while recovering from the injury, and you likely will not be able to return to work for some time. If someone else’s negligence caused your concussion, you can file a claim against them to recover compensation. Before filing a claim, it is important to speak to an attorney who can provide the legal advice you need.
Understanding Concussions
Concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries that are caused by a bump or violent blow or jolt to the head. When the body is hit with enough force that it causes the head to jerk forwards, backwards, or to the side violently, this can also cause a concussion. Whatever the cause, a concussion will disrupt regular brain function.
A concussion will bruise and stretch the blood vessels and nerves in the brain. This triggers a chemical change in the brain that results in the loss of normal brain function temporarily. While one concussion will not typically cause permanent damage, many concussions within a person’s lifetime can permanently change the structure of the brain.
Generally speaking, concussions are not considered a life-threatening injury. Still, the effects from a concussion are often serious and can stay with an accident victim for days, weeks, and even longer.
Types of Accidents that Cause Concussions
People typically suffer from a concussion after being involved in an accident. Some of the most common types of accidents that cause concussions are as follows:
- Auto accidents
- Dog and animal bites and injuries
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
- Slip and fall and other premises liability claims
- Nursing home neglect and abuse
Symptoms of Concussions
Many people think that to suffer a concussion, a person must lose consciousness. A loss of consciousness, even for just a few seconds, is very concerning and one of the most serious concussion symptoms. However, it is very possible to suffer a concussion and not lose consciousness. Some of the most common symptoms of concussions are as follows:
- Headache, which is the most common symptom
- Nausea, with or without vomiting
- Problems with balance, lightheadedness, or dizziness
- Confusion
- Ringing in the ears
- Double or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to noise and light
- Trouble concentrating or understanding
- Sadness and depression
- Nervousness, anxiousness, and irritability
- Feelings of being in a ‘fog’ or ‘just not right’
- Forgetfulness and memory loss
Infants and toddlers commonly hit their head. When a small child suffers a concussion, it is more difficult to diagnose because they cannot communicate how they feel. Some of the most common signs of concussion in very small children include:
- Refusing to nurse or eat
- Changes in sleep patterns, such as being tired at unusual times
- Increased fussiness, will not stop crying even when comforted
- Blank stare
Concussions in small children are very serious. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends calling your doctor any time your child bumps their head and it results in more than a small bump on the head.
Long-Term Consequences of a Concussion
The brain is such an important yet fragile organ that any injury to it, even a minor concussion, is a serious matter. Even when the symptoms of a concussion start to get better within a few weeks, a person may still not have made a full recovery.
Although a single concussion is not enough to result in permanent brain damage, many studies have shown that subsequent concussions can have a cumulative effect over a period of time. Over time permanent injuries can develop such as depression, memory problems, and mood swings. The problems with concussions in professional football is one of the most high-profile examples of the long-term consequences of concussions.
If you or someone you love suffered a concussion, it is critical that you prevent any further head injuries until you have made a full recovery. Avoid the activity that caused the concussion, particularly while you are still in recovery. Second Impact Syndrome is one of the worst things that can happen to a concussion victim. This occurs when one concussion has caused the brain to start swelling. Before the brain can return to normal size, a second injury causes another concussion. Second Impact Syndrome can immediately become permanently debilitating and the condition can even be fatal.
Obtaining Compensation for a Concussion
If another person’s negligence or carelessness caused a concussion injury, you can file a claim against them for damages. Under Wisconsin law, you have the right to pursue the following types of compensation:
- Medical expenses: You can recover the cost of treating your injuries from doctors’ bills to medication to medical imaging and physical therapy.
- Lost income: People cannot perform basic daily tasks when recovering from a concussion, including going to work. You can recover any lost wages, bonuses, vacation pay, and other employment benefits.
- Pain and suffering: These damages compensate you for the physical pain you suffered due to the injury.
- Disability: If your concussion resulted in permanent or long-term effects, you can also claim compensation for the disability.
Call Our Concussion Injury Lawyers in Wisconsin Today
Concussions may sound like minor injuries, but they are not. If you have suffered this type of injury and another person is to blame, you need to learn more about your legal options. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our Wisconsin concussion injury lawyers can advise you of what those are, identify the liable party, and hold them fully accountable for paying the maximum damages you deserve. Call us now at (608) 784-4370 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and to get the legal help you need.