Average Settlement For Post-Concussion Syndrome Injury
If you have had a brain injury due to a car accident, you may develop Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS). This is a condition that occurs after the injury and can be recognized through post-concussion testing. It is the most common injury resulting from car accidents. Patients with PCS may take longer to recover. There are many misunderstandings about settling a car accident case involving PCS, so it is important to know the facts. This article will answer common questions and provide an overview of how post-concussion syndrome affects those who experience it.
What Are The Most Common Post-Concussion Syndrome Symptoms?
Symptoms of post-concussion syndrome usually show up a few weeks after a head injury or trauma, and can sometimes surface up to months later. These symptoms can affect work and employment and include headaches and other possible symptoms related to a concussion. Some examples of these additional symptoms may include, but are not limited to:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Problems with concentration
- Problems with memory and recall
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Ringing in the ears
- Sleep pattern changes,
- Noise and light sensitivity
- Mood swings
- Nausea
Common Causes Of Post-Concussion Syndrome
Although doctors are uncertain why some head injuries lead to PCS and others do not, research suggests that the risk of developing PCS is higher for severe head injuries. Traffic accidents, falls, and sports-related injuries are among the incidents that can cause head injuries and potentially result in PCS.
- Car accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Construction accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
If you have been in any kind of accident, it’s crucial to talk to a personal injury lawyer in Arizona without delay to understand the extent of your claim and potential compensation for concussion injuries, which can have lasting harmful effects.
Concussions And Car Accidents
During a car accident, the sudden and intense impact can cause concussions. This is because the occupants of the car experience an abrupt movement of the head due to the immediate change in speed and direction. As a result, the brain may hit the interior of the skull, leading to a concussion. Concussions can occur in various situations during a car accident.
Whiplash
If a vehicle is hit from behind or suddenly stops, the occupants may experience a concussion. This is because their heads will jerk back and forth, causing their brains to hit the inside of their skulls due to rapid acceleration and deceleration. Whiplash is very common and can create additional injuries.
Direct Impact Collisions
If someone’s head hits the steering wheel, dashboard, side window, or other parts of the car in an accident, they might experience a concussion because of the impact force. Concussion cases with evidence of blunt force trauma often end up with higher settlement amounts.
Rotational Forces
If there is a considerable force during a rollover or side-impact accident, the brain can rotate inside the skull due to the collision’s rotational forces, leading to a concussion. It is more probable to have these types of injuries in case of significant impact force.
Factors That Affect Post-Concussion Settlement Amounts
Settlement amounts for individuals seeking compensation are mostly influenced by post-concussion syndrome. Nevertheless, the settlement amount can also be affected by the severity of symptoms and receiving treatment. It’s also important to consider additional factors.
- The severity of the injury and length of time post-diagnosis before treatment begins.
- The average payout for a post-concussion syndrome car accident settlement is if it’s diagnosed early enough to begin treatment right away, as opposed to waiting several years until symptoms appear or worsen drastically.
- Any pre-existing conditions that post-concussion patients have
- Whether the post-concussion syndrome is work-related or not, which can significantly affect settlement amounts
What Is The Average Settlement Payout For A Concussion?
The compensation amount for post-concussion syndrome in a car accident settlement is determined by different factors such as the severity of the injury and the timing of treatment. As per the NINDS (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke), the average settlement amount for this condition in car accidents is $48,000.
When seeking a settlement for post-concussion syndrome, your personal injury attorney into consideration. This includes your medical expenses. While previous settlements may appear low when compared to your expenses, it is important to remember that we will assess all costs, such as medical bills and income loss. We will also consider additional expenses, like future medical bills and emotional distress, which differ by state.
If you receive a post-concussion syndrome settlement proposal from the other party, but it doesn’t cover all of the expenses and damages that resulted from the accident, it may be wise to seek advice from a personal injury lawyer. They can assist you in either rejecting the proposal or presenting a counteroffer. It’s crucial to find a lawyer who has a good understanding of personal injury claims, as it can make a significant difference in your case.
How to Calculate the Value of Your Post-Concussion Syndrome Damages
To ensure that you receive the highest possible compensation for your losses, your attorney will need to thoroughly examine all your damages. These damages could include financial, emotional, or physical harm, and you may be eligible for various types of compensation.
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of income
- Hospital and ambulance bills
- Prescription medication costs and co-pays
- Cost of medical equipment and ongoing medical treatment
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional trauma
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Disfiguring skin scars
- Inconvenience and apprehension
- Shock and shame
- Fear and anticipation
- Insurance rate hikes
- Damage to your credit score
- Reputational damages
- Permanent disability
- Loss of potential future earnings
- Loss of household services
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Post-Concussion Testing?
Doctors employ a set of tests known as post-concussion testing to assess the severity of post-concussion syndrome in people. This testing is usually utilized to verify the diagnosis and investigate possible treatment approaches. Most individuals with post-concussion syndrome are already familiar with their condition.
How Long Does A Concussion Last After a Car Accident?
The duration of symptoms after a concussion from a car accident can vary significantly. Recovery time can be as short as one day or as long as permanent brain damage. The severity of the injury, the impact, the individual’s overall health, and the effectiveness of treatment are all factors that play a role in the length of recovery time. It’s crucial to keep in mind that concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury, and there is a broad range of symptoms and recovery times.
The recovery process for concussions can be unpredictable and differ among individuals. While some may recover from symptoms in a matter of weeks, others may experience post-concussion syndrome lasting several weeks or months.
Why Do Concussion Settlements Vary?
The amount of compensation you receive for a settlement is based on the unique details of your case. Everything about the case is considered when determining the payout amount. Settlement amounts are affected by factors such as:
- The cause of your concussion
- The severity of your concussion
- At-fault party
- Insurance coverage
- Having an experienced lawyer
Contact Our Arizona Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you suffer from post-concussion syndrome due to a car accident, it can pose various challenges for you. Therefore, it’s crucial to hire a skilled attorney who can help you obtain a fair settlement. Our law firm, Klink Law, PLLC, specializes in handling severe injury cases, including those related to post-concussion syndrome. Please get in touch with us today for a free consultation to discuss how we can assist you.