Concussion Following an Accident in LA, Do I Need an Attorney?
Concussions are among the most common serious injuries reported in the United States. According to the latest data put out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 2.9 million Americans seek emergency room assistance for concussions/traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) each year. These injuries occur in a wide range of accidents—from car crashes to slip and falls.
If you suffered a concussion in an accident, you need to know how to protect your rights. You may be wondering: Should I hire an attorney to help with my brain injury case? Here, our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers provide an overview of your rights and explain when you need to hire an attorney after sustaining a concussion in an accident.
Concussions Require Immediate Medical Attention
First and foremost, it is essential that you seek immediate medical attention after suffering a head injury in an accident. You have the right to see a doctor without delay. Concussions and TBIs are notoriously difficult to diagnose. As they frequently occur with a delayed onset, you may be far more seriously injured than you initially think. The Mayo Clinic notes that the following are symptoms of a concussion or traumatic brain injury:
- General confusion;
- Feelings of disorientation;
- Loss of short-term memory;
- A major headache;
- Lethargy & fatigue;
- Blurred vision;
- Nausea, even vomiting;
- Pupil dilation;
- Slurred speech;
- Loss of consciousness;
- Tingling or numbness in the hands & fingers;
- Tingling or numbness in the feet & toes.
The sooner you get medical attention after suffering a head injury, the better position you will be in to make a full and complete physical and mental recovery. Concussions often require ongoing care and support. Beyond seeing a doctor for your own health and well-being, you must seek medical attention to bring a personal injury claim. Without medical records that document your concussion/TBI, you will not be able to get a financial settlement or verdict.
You Can Hold a Negligent Party Liable for Your Head Injury
In California, most brain injury cases are negligence claims. To hold a defendant (or its insurance provider) legally liable for your injuries, you must put forward evidence that establishes that their reckless or careless conduct contributed to your accident. Concussions happen in a wide variety of accidents, including:
- Motor vehicle collisions;
- Commercial truck accidents;
- Motorcycle wrecks;
- Bicycle accidents;
- Pedestrian collisions; and
- Slip and fall accidents.
Ultimately, all accidents require a comprehensive investigation. With an immediate investigation, you will be in the best position to secure all relevant evidence. By proving liability, you can seek financial compensation for the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, ongoing physical therapy, mental health support, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent impairment.
Suffered a Concussion and Might Have a Legal Case? You Should Speak to a Lawyer
It is not always easy to know if you should hire an attorney after an accident. As a general rule, you should consult with a personal injury attorney if you suffered a serious injury and you believe that another party may be at fault. Start with a free case evaluation from an experienced legal professional. During a free initial consultation, a brain injury lawyer in Los Angeles will:
- Review the specific facts of your case;
- Answer your questions;
- Let you know if you have a case at all;
- Help you understand the value of your case; and
- Explain the next steps to seek justice and the maximum financial compensation.
Corporations and insurance companies are highly aggressive when they defend personal injury claims. Even in a serious injury case—such as when the victim suffered a severe concussion or a traumatic brain injury—insurers will still try to resolve the case for the minimum amount of financial support. They may even try to deny liability outright. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will protect your rights and help you and your family get the best outcome.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Los Angeles Brain Injury Attorney
At Fisher & Talwar, our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers have the skills and legal knowledge to handle the full range of concussion and TBI claims. Defendants and insurance companies must be held to account for paying claims. If you or your family member suffered a significant head injury in an accident, we are more than ready to help. Contact us now for a free, no obligation review and evaluation of your case. We represent injured victims throughout Southern California, including in Los Angeles, Anaheim, Long Beach, Inglewood, Riverside, Downey, Lancaster, and Compton.