What’s the Difference Between a Concussion and Brain Injury?

The difference between a concussion and a brain injury lies in severity and how the brain is affected. A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow to the head or sudden jolt, leading to symptoms like headaches and confusion.

Brain injuries can range from mild to severe and may result in long-term or permanent impairments. A brain injury lawyer in Los Angeles can evaluate the circumstances of a negligence-based accident that results in a brain injury and determine the appropriate steps for pursuing compensation.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild TBI that occurs when a sudden impact or jolt causes the brain to move within the skull. A forceful impact disrupts normal brain function, leading to temporary physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. 

While considered “mild” compared to more severe brain injuries, concussions can still have a significant impact on a person’s daily life and may require medical attention.

Los Angeles personal injury lawyers often represent victims who suffer concussions in car accidents, where the force of a collision can cause the head to hit a surface or jerk violently. 

Typical symptoms of a concussion include headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, sensitivity to light or noise, and trouble concentrating.

Symptoms may appear immediately or develop over time, and in some cases, they can persist for weeks or months. Early evaluation and treatment can reduce the risk of complications.

What Is a Brain Injury?

A brain injury involves damage to the brain resulting from an external force, ranging from mild to severe. These injuries can disrupt normal brain function temporarily or permanently, depending on the severity of the trauma. They are typically classified as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and can result in a wide spectrum of physical, cognitive, and emotional effects.

Moderate to severe TBIs involve more significant damage to brain tissue. For example, contusions are bruises on the brain resulting from direct impact.

Hemorrhages involve bleeding in or around the brain. Diffuse axonal injuries occur when nerve fibers are torn due to a violent movement of the head.

Severe brain injuries usually lead to serious symptoms, such as prolonged loss of consciousness, impaired motor function, memory loss, and speech difficulties. Victims may suffer permanent disabilities as a result, often requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term care.

Negligence-Based Accidents Can Lead to Brain Injury Claims

Brain injuries often occur in accidents where another party’s negligence plays a role. Negligence happens when someone fails to act with reasonable care, creating a dangerous situation that leads to harm. 

Negligence-based accidents that result in brain injuries include car crashes, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian collisions, and slip-and-fall incidents. In these cases, the at-fault party may be held legally responsible for the damages caused by their actions.

How a Lawyer Helps With a Brain Injury Claim

A lawyer can handle an insurance claim or file a lawsuit after a brain injury. When dealing with insurance companies, a lawyer acts as an advocate, handling communications and negotiations to push for fair compensation. 

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent the injured party in court, working to achieve the best possible outcome.

Seek Medical Attention and Start a Brain Injury Claim as Soon as Possible

If you suspect a brain injury after an accident, seek medical attention immediately since severe brain injuries may have delayed symptoms and worsen without treatment. Prompt medical care ensures proper diagnosis and treatment and creates documentation linking the injury to the accident.

You also have a statutory countdown for filing a brain injury lawsuit. In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is usually two years from the date of the injury, per California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. Waiting too long to take legal action can result in losing your right to pursue compensation.

Starting your claim early allows your attorney to gather and preserve evidence before it is lost or altered. Accident reports, witness accounts, and medical records are easier to obtain soon after the incident.

Early legal action gives your lawyer more time to consult with medical experts and determine your long-term care needs and future expenses. 

We Can Help You File a Claim for a Brain Injury

Our attorneys have strong relationships with physicians to help clients receive the care they need for their injuries. We can arrange settlement liens, allowing clients to get treatment without upfront costs. 

At Vaziri Law, LLP, we have recovered over $1 billion in client settlements and verdicts, providing financial relief to individuals after life-changing accidents. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, but our case results demonstrate our dedication to our clients.

Contact Vaziri Law, LLP today for a free consultation.