Of the roughly 1.7 million traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that are reported annually in the United States, about 75%, over 1.2 million, are mild TBI – Concussions. Most people fully recover from concussions, but they are a serious injury nevertheless. In addition to the short-term issues, every concussion carries with it the risk of permanent impact on the person's physical, psychological and cognitive function.
A concussion is temporary loss of brain function to do head trauma. The consistency of the brain is soft, like gelatin. When something causes the head to suddenly move quickly in one direction and then another, or to very suddenly stop moving, the brain may move so suddenly that it hits the wall of the skull. When this happens, some brain function is temporarily lost; sometimes just for a moment, sometimes for longer periods. There is also the possibility of bleeding or swelling, either of which puts pressure on the brain and could be fatal. If you suspect that you or someone near you has a concussion, seek medical help immediately.
Concussions are generally caused by blows to the head or sudden movements to the skull as in a whiplash motion of the head. Many concussions occur while playing contact sports. Accidents are another common cause of concussion. If you or a family member has suffered a concussion in an accident, speak with a Denver brain injury attorney to discuss your options. Because concussion symptoms can take time to present, you may need help negotiating with your insurance company.
The most common symptoms of concussion include headaches, disorientation, nausea, short term memory loss, trouble with vision, and occasionally loss of consciousness. Additionally, there can be emotional issues such as sadness or anxiety. If you see feel these symptoms in yourself or see them in someone around you after an event that involved a blow to the head, seek emergency medical care. Remember, most people recover from concussions but they can be life-threatening.
The importance of medical care for any brain injury cannot be overstated. Especially if the person has had concussions in the past, immediate medical care is essential. If you or your loved one has suffered a concussion in an accident, once your health is secure, speak with an experienced Denver brain injury attorney. An attorney can file disability claims, negotiate with your insurance company, and assess negligence in the accident. If appropriate, a brain injury lawyer will take legal action against the negligent party. Keith Fuicelli is a brain injury attorney who is dedicated to protecting the safety and security of his clients. For more information, and a FREE CONSULTATION, contact Keith at Fuicelli and Lee at (303)355-7202.
We represent clients throughout Colorado who have been injured due to another's negligence, carelessness or wrongful acts. Our firm handles a broad range of personal injury cases, including: