Car Accident Settlements for Post-Concussion Syndrome
Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, are a common injury caused by motor vehicle accidents. While most concussion symptoms improve within a week or two and resolve completely within a month, some patients end up dealing with Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS). PCS is a complex health condition that affects 30 percent to 80 percent of patients with mild to moderate brain injury. If the following symptoms persist after a month or two, it could be a sign that you are experiencing PCS: headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears, insomnia, loss of concentration and memory, and irritability. Women and older adults as well as those who have had previous concussions are at greater risk of developing PCS.
If you suffered a traumatic brain injury because of a car accident and it has progressed into PCS, a car accident lawyer can ensure that you receive a full and fair settlement for your injuries. Health issues like PCS that take time to develop and diagnose are one of the reasons that injured parties have three years to bring an accident claim in Washington State. It’s important not to accept an accident settlement until you know the full extent of your injuries, medical bills, and time off of work to recover.
Effects of PCS
Post-Concussion Syndrome can have a very serious impact on a person’s life. Debilitating headaches or dizziness alone can prevent someone from returning to work or school, socializing or maintaining relationships. For some, even basic communication becomes a problem. As a result, it is common for those diagnosed with PCS to suffer from anxiety and depression.
Getting a diagnosis for PCS
It is very important for anyone who is involved in a car accident to seek a medical evaluation after the crash. A concussion should be diagnosed during this initial visit. If symptoms of concussion such as headache and nausea persist after two weeks, the patient should seek a follow-up appointment with their primary care physician to rule out or diagnose PCS. While there are no standard diagnostic tests for PCS, your doctor should be able to assess your symptoms and determine whether you are suffering from the condition. Doctors may order a CT scan or other brain imaging test to rule out the possibility of a more serious issue.
Even when a diagnosis is made, there are no specific treatments for post-concussion syndrome. Your doctor will work with you to prescribe therapies that can help reduce the pain and/or eliminate the underlying cause.
How Do Car Accident Settlements for Post-Concussion Syndrome Work?
Those who suffer from PCS after a car accident are entitled to a car accident settlement that “makes them whole again.” The settlement should cover all damages, including pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, loss of consortium, and mental anguish.
Before accepting a settlement offer, you should know the true value of your claim. Schedule a meeting with a car accident lawyer who can assess your damages.
Seek the help of a car accident lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
