Have you suffered a concussion due to another party’s negligence, perhaps in a car accident, workplace incident, or other situation? If you are considering pursuing compensation for your injury, understanding how much compensation do you get for concussion can be a significant concern.
This article will delve deeper into the factors that influence concussion compensation, helping you better understand what you might be entitled to. We’ll also explore frequently asked questions for concussion cases.
What Are Concussion Injuries?
Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury that disrupts how your brain works. Often associated with a bump to the head, a surprising fact is that whiplash can cause concussions too. The forceful jolting of the head and neck can make the brain bounce against the skull. (Source: “Can whiplash cause concussion?”)
More than a simple “knock to the head”, concussions can be very serious, resulting in symptoms like headaches, dizziness, sickness, and even temporary confusion. You should seek medical attention if you have had a head injury, even if it is minor, to exclude concussion.
Can People Claim Compensation for a Concussion Injury?
Yes, you may qualify for compensation in case another person’s negligence caused your concussion. This is what it means:
- The person or entity (defendant) was legally obligated to ensure your safety (duty of care).
- The defendant’s negligence caused an accident.
- You suffered a concussion during the accident.
The specifics of your case will determine the applicable law. Workplace accidents might involve the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, while road accidents could fall under the Road Traffic Act 1988. While your solicitor will handle this aspect, gathering evidence to support your claim can be beneficial.
Types of Concussion Injuries People Could Claim Compensation for?
Before knowing how much compensation do you get for concussion, you should understand when you can make a compensation claim. Here are some of the most frequent scenarios where people claim compensation for concussions:
- Workplace Accidents: Employers have a responsibility to ensure your safety. You might be eligible for compensation if your employer’s negligence leads to a concussion. Examples include falls due to inadequate safety equipment, injuries from faulty machinery, or slips on spills from leaking equipment.
- Sports Injuries: Though contact sports have some built-in hazards, concussions that result from mismanagement, hazardous playing grounds or fields, violence during play, or not well-fastened protective gear, can qualify for compensation.
- Physical Assaults: If you suffer a concussion during a crime reported to the police, you can seek compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), even if the perpetrator is unidentified. There’s a two-year time limit for such claims.
- Road Traffic Collisions: Head injuries are common in road accidents. Whether you were driving, traveling by car, biking, or walking during an accident caused by somebody’s negligence. You could demand compensation if they were overspeeding, drunk driving, texting while driving, or having inappropriate road manners.
- Medical Negligence: Misdiagnosis and failure to properly diagnose a concussion could lead to complications. These cases can be intricate, so it would be advisable for you to seek help from an expert advisor.
Even though your situation is not mentioned here, you may still be able to recover damages for your injuries. For more information about how claims work, look at our resources on whiplash and concussion settlement.
How Much Compensation Do You Get For A Concussion?
The amount of money given as compensation for a concussion varies according to the seriousness of the injury and its impact. It normally includes medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. More severe cases with lasting effects can lead to higher compensation.
In the legal context, calculating compensation often involves lawyers and insurance companies. They consider medical records to determine a settlement range.
Benefits of Having a Concussion Claim Solicitor for Your Situation
Following a head injury, particularly a concussion, navigating the legal process to secure the compensation you deserve can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, retaining a concussion claim solicitor offers many benefits that can significantly ease your burden and maximize your chances of a successful outcome.
- Legal Expertise: The intricacies of personal injury law can be challenging for the uninitiated. A solicitor possesses in-depth knowledge of concussion claims, ensuring all legal requirements are met, and your rights are protected. They will expertly handle communication with all parties involved, adhering to strict legal guidelines.
- Checking if Your Claim is Legitimate: Not all concussions qualify for compensation. A lawyer will carefully evaluate your case, considering the cause, severity, and impact on your life. This thorough assessment determines if pursuing a claim is the right step for you.
- Maximizing Compensation: Your compensation should reflect the full extent of your concussion’s impact. A lawyer will diligently identify all losses, including wages, medical bills, and pain. They’ll negotiate to ensure you receive the highest rightful amount.
- Talking to Insurance Companies: Negotiating with insurance companies can be challenging and time-consuming. A lawyer handles all communication on your behalf, presenting your claim persuasively for a fair settlement. This removes the stress of navigating insurance procedures
- Collecting Proof: A strong claim relies on solid evidence. Your lawyer will work to gather medical records, witness statements, and more to support your case, giving it the best chance of success.
- Speaking for You in Court: If litigation becomes necessary, your lawyer will represent you in court. Their experience ensures your case is presented effectively before a judge.
- Making Things Less Stressful: Recovering from a concussion is stressful enough. A solicitor alleviates this burden by handling the complexities of the legal process. They will inform you of every step, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being.
Limitation on Concussion Claim Time
There is a deadline for filing a concussion compensation claim. In most cases, you have three years from the accident date or the date you discovered your injury (known as the date of knowledge).
The rules differ for children. A parent or guardian can file a claim anytime before the child turns 18. If no claim is filed earlier, the child will have three years from their 18th birthday to pursue compensation.
To maximize your chances of success, you should act promptly. Early action gives your lawyer more time to gather evidence and for you to recall details. Additionally, your lawyer may be able to secure necessary rehabilitation before your claim concludes.
Seek Advice from Browning Law
Determining how much compensation do you get for concussion depends on the specific details of your case. While this article provided a general overview, Browning Law’s experienced personal injury attorneys can offer a more precise estimate tailored to your situation.
Browning Law Firm offers complimentary consultations, during which you can evaluate your case and get advice on the best course of action. Don’t hesitate to protect your rights – contact Browning Law now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To help clarify this issue on how much compensation do you get for concussion, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about concussion compensation:
- How Do You Prove You Have a Concussion?
You can’t directly prove a concussion, but a doctor can diagnose it through:
- Your symptoms and medical history.
- Cognitive tests to check memory, focus, and thinking.
- Imaging scans (MRI/CT) to rule out bleeding or bruising in the brain (not to diagnose concussion itself).
- How Much Compensation for Brain Damage?
Brain damage compensation varies widely depending on severity. It can range from thousands to millions of dollars.
- How Much Can You Get for Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Post-concussion syndrome settlements vary widely, ranging from tens of thousands to over $1 million. The more your life is impacted, the higher the potential settlement.