Concussions are one of the most common types of personal injuries in Portland. They can occur due to any type of bump, blow, or violent and sudden shaking or jolting of the head, which may happen in a variety of different types of accidents. While symptoms may be subtle at first, they can have serious impacts on a victim’s health and have the potential to result in long-term impairments. Our Portland personal injury lawyer explains more about concussion injuries and the impacts, as well as how to get the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs you incur as a result.
Raising Awareness Of Concussion Injuries
The third Friday in September is designated as National Concussion Awareness Day. It was started by a teenage girl who suffered a concussion while playing in high school sports. The goal is to make people more aware of how common concussions are, how they happen, and the ongoing impacts victims often suffer from.
Concussions are a common type of traumatic brain injury, which can happen as the result of any type of impact that damages brain tissues or disrupts neural pathways. According to the Oregon Health Administration, more than 15,000 people throughout the state suffer concussion injuries each year. Accidents are a common cause, and ways in which they frequently happen include:
- Motor vehicle accidents, which can impact drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians and are commonly caused by reckless driving behavior;
- Premises liability accidents, such as slips and falls or getting struck by objects, due to negligence on the part of property owners;
- Product liability cases, in which designers, manufacturers, and distributors may be held accountable for defects and failure to want consumers of obvious dangers;
- Sports and recreational accidents, due to failure to take proper precautions on the part of coaches, staff, facility owners, and program administrators.
Symptoms Of Concussion In Portland
When any type of accident happens and a head injury is suspected, it is important to report it to the proper authority and to seek medical attention immediately. Concussion injuries in Portland have the potential to be life-threatening and may cause permanent disabilities, but symptoms are often subtle and may take days or even weeks to fully appear. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these are likely to include:
- Momentary loss of consciousness;
- Difficulty remembering anything about the accident;
- Severe headaches, which may become chronic;
- Difficulty walking and coordinating movements;
- Problems communicating thoughts or understanding what others are saying;
- Hearing and vision impairments;
- Feeling excessively tired and having difficulty waking up after sleeping;
- Nausea, vomiting, and ongoing vertigo;
- Personality changes, such as increased anxiety, anger, or depression.
Long-Term Impacts That Can Result From Portland Concussion Injuries
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons warns that concussions are one of the most complex types of personal injuries. Even a minor bump or blow to the head can cause ongoing impairments that prevent the victim from working, engaging in their favorite hobbies, or performing even simple activities of daily living. These may include:
- Physical impairments, impacting the victim’s ability to walk or provide for themselves;
- Cognitive impairments, impacting memory and comprehension;
- Emotional impairments, putting victims at risk of isolation, mental health disorders, and addiction.
Victims need to be cautious and take steps to prevent any additional head injuries, as suffering a concussion increases the chances any subsequent injuries will be severe or even fatal.
When a concussion happens due to the reckless and negligent behavior of others involved, victims and their families have the right to hold those at fault accountable. They can be held liable for current and future medical expenses, lost wages, future lost earnings due to long-term disabilities, and any pain and suffering that results.
Contact Our Portland Personal Injury Lawyer And Request A Consultation
Concussions are one of the most serious personal injuries in Portland and can happen in different types of accidents. Any time a head injury is suspected, notify the police, the property owner, or other authorities immediately. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, and follow all of your doctor’s instructions regarding testing, treatment, and activity restrictions. In the aftermath, reach out to the Johnston Law Firm for trusted legal guidance in filing a claim.
We provide the caring support and comprehensive legal services victims of concussions and their families need. Call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Portland personal lawyer online and request a consultation today.