Obtaining the maximum settlement in a concussion case largely depends on proving the loss of quality of life that results from the concussion trauma. Here are some factors that significantly diminish quality of life after a concussion.
Daily Life Struggles
The sudden onset of a concussion usually involves severe headaches, dizziness, loss of memory, loss of the ability to concentrate, slowed thinking, vision or speech issues, fatigue, and a host of other symptoms that destroy quality of life and make it difficult to work or take care of household and family responsibilities.
Beyond the physical and cognitive that restrict daily life, concussion symptoms may develop into emotional and psychological issues that complicate the recovery, such as irritability, frustration, unusual anxiety, and depression.
As the symptoms persist, concussion victims often become frustrated because they just don’t feel right. On top of this, they may be dealing with other injuries that come along with a significant blow to the head.
Management of a Concussion
In addition to the high medical expenses for treatments and concussion rehabilitation, the medical recovery may be extended and involve special types of therapy, including speech, vision, and vestibular therapies. While these therapies help, the patient often finds themselves having to manage the injury on their own. They must live cautiously and be careful not to over-extend themselves.
People going through a concussion recovery also complain of unusual fatigue that is a constant companion in their daily life. Along with fatigue, obtaining restful sleep is difficult. As the day lengthens, a concussion victim can feel overwhelmed.
As a result, a person undergoing recovery from a concussion may not be able to work, thereby incurring a loss of income. Physical restrictions also may limit the ability to take care of household and family responsibilities during the medical recovery adding more stress to their life..
When a concussion victim is released from medical treatments and rehabilitation, they often are given a “guarded prognosis”. This means that that they will likely continue to face issues and have to learn to live with their injury.
Longer-Range Consequences of Concussion
Following a concussion, some people may continue to experience concussion symptoms that impact their physical, cognitive, and psychological well-being. This is referred to as “post-concussion syndrome” (PCS).
PCS can cause may longer-term complications including pain medication overuse, problems thinking and focusing, memory loss, trouble working or being unable to work at all, long-term sleep disruptions, and problems participating in a daily routine.
Generally, there are 2 ways to cope with PCS, either using medications or engaging in therapies. Because there is no cure for PCS, people with PCS have to take an active role in managing their symptoms on their own.
Concluding Thought
There is no doubt that a concussion can substantially diminish a person’s quality of life and have far-reaching effects. As a result, the legal representation must be detailed and diligent in making sure all past, present, and continuing effects of the concussion are accounted for.
About Attorney Doug Horn
Doug is founder and Lead Attorney of The Horn Law Firm, P.C. where he concentrates in cases involving head, neck, back, orthopedic, neurological, and other traumatic injuries that require extended medical care and rehabilitation.
Since 1992, Doug has maintained a track record of success in a wide variety of personal injury cases, including cases involving motor vehicle collisions, work accidents, and injuries caused by dangerous or hazardous conditions. Based in Independence Missouri, Doug represents injured persons in Missouri, Kansas, and across the Midwest.
Outside of his law practice, Doug frequently lectures in the area of personal injury law, giving legal education presentations for national attorney audiences. Most recently, his presentations have focused on new approaches to proving both economic and non-economic damages.
