Concussions Attorney in Portland, Oregon

Concussions — the invisible injuries, often dismissed as just a 'bump on the head'. But in reality, they are a silent epidemic, influencing lives in more ways than many of us realize. With the potential to alter your brain function, they can leave a ripple effect on your health, employment, and quality of life. When it comes to personal injuries, concussions hold significant importance. They can be the pivotal point in cases, where negligence has turned a life upside down, and justice seeks to right the balance.  

From my office, Injury Lawyer PDX, LLC, I understand how overwhelming it can be when you or a loved one has suffered a concussion due to someone else's negligence. The road to recovery can be long and challenging, and the legal aspects can add an additional layer of stress.

When you work with me, you can explore your rights under personal injury law and take your next steps forward. If you have been injured in or around Portland, Oregon — including Clackamas County, Washington County, Multnomah County, Marion County, Lincoln County, and Tillamook County — reach out to my firm today for support. 

Understanding Concussions

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that's usually caused by a blow to the head. It's not something you can see like a cut or a bruise, but it can change how your brain functions. 

When you get a concussion, your brain moves back and forth in your skull. This movement can cause your brain cells to change and even get damaged. It's a bit like shaking an egg — the outside looks fine, but the inside gets all scrambled up. 

The tricky thing about concussions is that they don't always show symptoms immediately. You might feel fine right after the bump, only to start feeling dizzy or nauseous hours or even days later. That's why it's so important to get checked out if you've taken a hit to the head. 

How Do Concussions Happen? 

Concussions can occur in a multitude of ways, particularly in personal injury situations. They are commonly caused by motor vehicle accidents, where the abrupt impact can cause the head to jerk suddenly, leading to the brain shaking inside the skull. Similarly, bicycle or motorcycle crashes often result in concussions due to the likelihood of head injuries during these incidents. Slip and fall mishaps, especially on hard surfaces, can also result in a concussion.

Sports injuries are another common cause, particularly in high-contact sports like football or boxing, where blows to the head are frequent. In essence, any situation that involves a strong force or blow to the head can result in a concussion, underlining the importance of taking appropriate safety measures to prevent such incidents. 

It's not just about how hard you're hit. Sometimes, even a minor blow to the head can cause a concussion. Other times, you might take a serious knock and not get concussed. It really depends on a lot of factors, like the angle of the hit and how prepared your body was for the impact. 

Symptoms and Long-Term Implications

While most people recover from a concussion in a few weeks, some might experience symptoms for months or even years. This is known as post-concussion syndrome, and it can seriously impact your life. 

As far as symptoms go, you might have trouble concentrating or remembering things. You could also experience headaches, dizziness, or sleep problems. In some cases, a concussion can even lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. 

Concussions and Personal Injury Law 

If you've had a concussion because of someone else's negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. That might be a driver who wasn't paying attention and crashed into you, or maybe a store owner who didn't clean up a spill, causing you to slip and hit your head. 

The challenge with concussions is proving that you have one. Because the symptoms can be delayed, it's important to get a medical examination right after the incident. This can provide evidence that links your concussion to the accident. 

Potential Compensation for Concussion Injuries 

If you've had a concussion because of someone else's negligence, you might be wondering about potential compensation. This can vary widely, depending on factors like the severity of your concussion and how it's affected your life. 

Generally, you could be compensated for medical expenses, lost wages if you've had to take time off work, and pain and suffering. In severe cases, where the concussion has led to long-term issues—like the mental health issues we just discussed, for instance—the compensation could be significantly higher. 

Protecting Your Legal Rights After a Concussion 

After any sort of head injury, the first thing you should do is get medical attention. Even if you feel fine, it's important to get checked out. This not only ensures your health but also provides documentation for your injury. 

Next, document everything. Take photos of where the accident happened, write down what you remember, and keep track of your symptoms. Also, make sure to hold onto any medical bills or other expenses related to your concussion. 

And lastly, get in touch with a personal injury lawyer. They'll be able to guide you through the process and help you get the compensation you deserve.