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Concussion Injury Claims in Washington, DC

Concussions are serious brain injuries that can change lives in an instant. At Regan Zambri Long, our Washington, DC brain injury attorneys understand the profound impact a concussion can have on your daily life, career, and relationships. Whether caused by a distracted driver’s reckless actions or a property owner’s failure to maintain safe conditions, these injuries often result from someone else’s negligence – and you deserve justice.

Our experienced legal team has a proven track record of securing substantial compensation for concussion victims. We know these injuries can be challenging to prove, as the symptoms – including persistent headaches, memory loss, and vision problems – aren’t always visible to others. That’s why we work closely with leading medical experts to thoroughly document your injury’s impact on every aspect of your life.

Don’t let anyone minimize the seriousness of your concussion. As a form of traumatic brain injury, a concussion injury requires proper medical attention and fair compensation for your recovery. While you focus on healing, our DC concussion injury attorneys will fight to protect your rights and secure the resources you need to move forward.

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What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a kind of traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden movement that shakes or bounces the brain around the skull. Though often not life-threatening, concussions are still traumatic brain injuries and need to be treated as such. Someone with a head injury might display any or all of the following signs:

  • lapse of memory about what happened right before or right after the head injury
  • feeling dazed or stunned
  • forgetfulness, confusion, or uncertainty
  • clumsy motion and/or slow cognitive function
  • loss of consciousness
  • mood, behavior, or personality changes

Additionally, someone with a brain injury is likely to experience post-concussion headaches, nausea, balance problems, dizziness, blurry vision, noise and/or light sensitivity, and sluggishness. A head injury can take time to reveal its seriousness, so it is important to seek medical attention quickly and to continue monitoring the injured person for worsening or increasing signs and symptoms.

Common Causes of Concussions

concussion injury claims in DCAny kind of head injury can result in a concussion. One pervasive myth about concussions is that you must hit your head to have a concussion. In reality, a concussion occurs when the brain moves rapidly inside the skull, meaning any incident that jolts or shakes your body can cause this kind of injury—even without direct head impact. Since symptoms of a concussion can take up to 48 hours to appear, it’s important not to dismiss the possibility of an injury just because someone initially feels fine.

Common causes of these traumatic brain injuries include:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of concussions. Even with functioning seat belts and airbags, the force of a collision can jolt the body enough to cause mild or severe concussions. A concussion can occur even if your head doesn’t strike anything—whiplash alone can cause the brain to move inside the skull, leading to injury. Motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are at an even higher risk of sustaining brain injuries during accidents because they lack the same level of protection that vehicle occupants have. Whether the collision involves another vehicle or a stationary object, the lack of protection significantly increases the likelihood of a serious concussion.

Sports and Recreation

Sports and recreational activities are another common source of concussion injuries. While contact sports like football, hockey, and soccer are well-known for causing concussions, other sports such as basketball, baseball, and softball also see high rates of brain injuries each year. Even seemingly low-risk activities, like playground games or skiing, can result in concussions from falls or collisions.

It’s critical to recognize that concussions aren’t limited to contact sports. Non-contact activities like biking, running, or even working out at the gym can lead to serious head injuries. For both children and adults, early treatment is essential to prevent long-term damage from repeated concussions or untreated injuries.

Slips and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls are surprisingly frequent causes of concussions, yet they often go unreported because people don’t always seek medical attention right away. Falls may occur at work, in stores, or even at home, and while negligence isn’t a factor in every case, it’s important to know that if a hazardous condition caused your fall, you could be entitled to compensation. Pay close attention to how you feel after a fall — headaches, dizziness, or confusion could all point to a concussion. If symptoms persist or worsen, don’t delay seeking medical care. Early diagnosis can prevent more serious complications.

Contact our experienced DC personal injury lawyers today to discuss your case and schedule a free consultation. We’re here to help you get the care and compensation you deserve.

How Much Are Concussion Claims Worth in Washington, DC?

The value of a concussion claim can vary widely depending on several key factors. While there is no set amount for these types of claims, settlements and awards can range from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars or more. Here’s what determines how much your concussion claim might be worth:

  • Severity of the Concussion: A mild concussion may result in a smaller settlement compared to a severe concussion that causes long-term or permanent issues such as memory loss, headaches, or cognitive impairments.
  • Medical Expenses: Compensation typically includes the cost of medical treatment, including emergency room visits, diagnostic tests (like MRIs or CT scans), follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and any future medical care you may need.
  • Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity: If your concussion caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to recover lost income. If your injury affects your ability to work in the future or limits your career prospects, compensation for diminished earning capacity could significantly increase the claim’s value.
  • Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages like pain, suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life are often a significant part of concussion claims. Since these damages are subjective, the amount can vary based on the specifics of your case.
  • Long-Term Impact: Some concussions lead to long-lasting complications, such as post-concussion syndrome (PCS), which can cause ongoing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. If your injury results in permanent disability or ongoing medical issues, the claim will likely be worth more.
  • Liability and Negligence: The strength of your case and the ability to prove that another party’s negligence directly caused your concussion will affect how much compensation you can recover. In some cases, partial liability may reduce the amount you’re awarded.

If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion due to someone else’s negligence, a Regan Zambri Long personal injury lawyer can help assess your claim’s value and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.

When to Take Legal Action For a Concussion Injury in Washington, DC

traumatic brain injury lawyer, partner Jacqueline ColcloughIf you or a loved one suffered a brain injury that was the direct result of someone’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for your medical costs, suffering, and any lost wages or earning potential. While some injury claims are more straightforward, others may require more detailed legal support.

If you sustained a concussion in a motor vehicle accident, a personal injury claim can hold the negligent driver liable and recover your compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and any lost wages. Your brain concussion injury lawyer will be able to walk you through the process of making your personal injury claim.

For head injuries sustained during sports, you will want to consult with an experienced concussion or brain concussion injury lawyer right away. In some cases, you may not be eligible for compensation because no one was negligent. Since many sports involve inherent risks, participants are generally expected to understand and accept those risks. This assumption of risk is often confirmed through waivers that limit the liability of leagues, schools, or organizations. In these cases, pursuing compensation can be tricky unless negligence or misconduct is involved.

Even if an activity involves assumed risks, you may still have a case if negligence played a role. For example:

  • If the injury was intentionally inflicted by another player or participant, the district or league might be held liable for allowing or ignoring excessive force or aggressive behavior in a player. If it can be proved that the injury was intentional, you may be able to hold the player personally liable, as well.
  • If a coach has failed to train players to protect themselves from common occurrences, such as proper tackling in football or avoiding dangerous collisions in hockey or soccer, the coach may be considered negligent and, therefore, liable for preventable injuries. Additionally, if a coach calls a player to return to the game instead of taking a potential head injury seriously or without allowing a full recovery period, you may have grounds to sue for negligence.

Navigating a personal injury claim involving a brain injury can be complicated, especially when dealing with sports-related incidents or cases involving multiple parties. An experienced Regan Zambri Long concussion injury lawyer can evaluate your situation, determine whether negligence was a factor, and guide you through the legal process to help you secure fair compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Debunking Concussion Head Injury Myths

Unfortunately, several pervasive myths can cause people to dismiss a concussion and thereby be at greater risk for complications or long-term effects. Understanding the truth behind these myths is essential for proper treatment and recovery.

You Must Lose Consciousness to Have a Concussion

Many people believe that losing consciousness is a defining sign of a concussion. However, the reality is that most concussions don’t cause a loss of consciousness. Even when someone does pass out, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a more severe injury. Concussions vary in severity, and their symptoms can present in different ways.

Concussions Only Come from Hitting Your Head

Though direct blows to the head cause many concussions, any force that causes your brain to shake within your skull can result in a concussion. An abrupt bump or jolt to your body, such as falling down the stairs, can cause a concussion even if your head didn’t make direct contact with anything.

Concussion Injury Symptoms Show Immediately

It’s a mistake to assume that concussion symptoms always show up immediately after the injury. It can take hours or even days for symptoms of a concussion to show. Even if some symptoms, such as headache or dizziness, have come and gone, other symptoms like memory issues, difficulty concentrating, or fatigue—may take hours or even days to develop. This delayed onset can lead people to believe they’re fine when they actually need medical attention.

If You Feel Okay, You’re Okay

Just because you feel okay doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Since symptoms can take time to manifest, you should take it easy until you have been medically cleared. Whether it’s work or a sport, engaging in the activity before fully recovering—even if you feel okay—can lead to complications later on.

If you or your loved one has suffered a concussion due to someone’s negligence, it is important to be aware of these myths to ensure proper care and avoid unnecessary risks. An experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer at Regan Zambri Long can help you recover the compensation you are due.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Concussion Injury?

concussion injury claims in DCIf a concussion is very severe, the victim may experience difficulty with memory, thinking, coordination, speech, hearing, vision, and mood swings. This, in turn, can pose challenges with personal relationships, getting or keeping gainful employment, daily routines, and general quality of life.

Some people will experience post-concussion syndrome, where some of the symptoms of brain trauma linger for months after the initial injury.

A one-off accident that causes a concussion might not cause long-term effects, but multiple head injuries can compound the symptoms. Particularly for athletes of all ages, returning to the game before fully recovering or sustaining multiple concussions (with or without a full recovery between injuries) increases the risk of permanent damage to the brain. Second impact syndrome and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) are two conditions linked with multiple concussions, and both can be serious.

What Is Post-Concussive Syndrome?

Most mild concussions heal on their own and only require monitoring. But sometimes symptoms linger after the expected recovery period, leading to persistent post-concussive symptoms (also called post-concussive syndrome). The lingering symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and impaired concentration and memory functions. Though they usually go away within three months, sometimes symptoms can last a year or longer.

You should seek medical attention for any injury that results in confusion or memory loss, even if you did not lose consciousness. If you experience several concussion-related symptoms you should seek medical attention.

Protecting Your Rights in a Washington DC Concussion Injury Case

However your concussion happened, we believe that the liable party or parties should be held accountable. Our team has recovered millions of dollars for brain injury clients, including a $6.2 million recovery for a skiing accident that is the largest verdict rendered in Albemarle County, Virginia, and the largest verdict upheld against a ski operator in the country.

Justice shouldn’t be hindered by money, so Regan Zambri Long works on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees until we’ve won a recovery in your favor. We focus on justice so you can focus on recovery.

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a kind of traumatic brain injury caused by a sudden movement that shakes or bounces the brain around the skull. Though often not life-threatening, concussions are still traumatic brain injuries and need to be treated as such. Someone with a head injury might display any or all of the following signs:

  • lapse of memory about what happened right before or right after the head injury
  • feeling dazed or stunned
  • forgetfulness, confusion, or uncertainty
  • clumsy motion and/or slow cognitive function
  • loss of consciousness
  • mood, behavior, or personality changes

Additionally, someone with a brain injury is likely to experience post concussion headaches, nausea, balance problems, dizziness, blurry vision, noise and/or light sensitivity, and sluggishness. A head injury can take time to reveal its seriousness, so it is important to seek medical attention quickly and to continue monitoring the injured person for worsening or increasing signs and symptoms.

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Concussions in Sports

An estimated 1.6-3.8 million concussions occur in relation to sports or recreational accidents each year in the United States. This is of particular concern for young athletes because children’s brains are still developing and, if a concussion isn’t treated correctly, can cause permanent damage.

Many people might think that if they aren’t playing a contact sport they don’t need to worry about concussions, but many other sports cause concussions, including baseball/softball, volleyball, wrestling, lacrosse, and cheerleading. The CDC reports that 70 percent of athlete concussions are caused by player-to-player contact and 17 percent are caused by player-to-surface contact.

Understandably, athletes of all ages resist sitting on the bench after an injury. But coaches have a duty to protect their athletes, even when that means pulling the athlete from the game. If a coach fails to take a potential concussion seriously or pressures an athlete to continue playing when he or she is injured, the coach could be found negligent and held liable for any complications the athlete experiences during recovery.

If your child plays any sports—whether for school or a separate league— you have a responsibility to fight for your child’s health by keeping him or her out of the game until a doctor has cleared him or her to play.

When to Take Legal Action

If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury that was the direct result of someone’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for your medical costs, suffering, and any lost wages or earning potential.

Unfortunately, claiming compensation is easier for some injuries than others.

high school football player landing on headIf you sustained a concussion in a motor vehicle accident, a personal injury claim can hold the negligent driver liable and recover your compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and any lost wages. Your brain concussion injury lawyer will be able to walk you through the process of making your personal injury claim.

For head injuries sustained during sports, you will want to consult with an experienced concussion or brain concussion injury lawyer right away. In some cases, you may not be eligible for compensation because no one was negligent. When you engage in certain activities, you are assumed to know and accept certain risks. Assumption of risk is often represented by a waiver that releases an organization or individual from liability in the event of an accident because the risk of injury is known and participation is voluntary.

Just because you or a loved one was injured when assuming a risk doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think about compensation, however, because some circumstances may involve negligence. If the injury was intentionally inflicted by another player or participant, the district or league might be held liable for allowing or ignoring excessive force or aggressive behavior in a player. If it can be proved that the injury was intentional, you may be able to hold the player personally liable, as well.

If a coach has failed to train players to protect themselves from common occurrences, such as tackling in football or collisions in hockey or soccer, the coach may be considered negligent and therefore liable for preventable injuries. Additionally, if a coach calls a player to return to the game instead of taking a potential head injury seriously or without allowing a full recovery period, you may have grounds to sue for negligence.

Need Legal Help with a Concussion Injury?

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Frequently Asked Questions About Concussions

Q: What Are the Common Causes of Concussions?

Any accident that involves head injury—whether it’s bumping or banging your head or a full-body impact—can cause a concussion. Additionally, any accident that is significantly jarring or causes whiplash, even without direct head trauma, can lead to a concussion.

Car and motorcycle accidents, bike and ATV accidents, assault or domestic violence, and professional sports such as football, hockey, or soccer are some of the most common causes of concussions. Slips and falls can also cause a concussion, if your head hits the ground or another object with enough force or if you experience significant whiplash. Many work-related concussion accidents result from slipping or tripping and falling.

Q: What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion?

Someone with a concussion will experience some or all of the following symptoms:

Q: What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Concussion?

If a concussion is very severe, the victim may experience difficulty with memory, thinking, coordination, speech, hearing, vision, and mood swings. This in turn can pose challenges with personal relationships, getting or keeping gainful employment, daily routines, and general quality of life.

Some people will experience post-concussion syndrome, where some of the symptoms of the brain trauma linger for months after the initial injury.

A one-off accident that causes a concussion might not cause long-term effects, but multiple head injuries can compound the symptoms. Particularly for athletes of all ages, returning to the game before fully recovering or sustaining multiple concussions (with or without a full recovery between injuries) increases the risk of permanent damage to the brain. Second impact syndrome and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) are two conditions linked with multiple concussions and both can be serious.

Q: What Is Post-Concussive Syndrome?

Most mild concussions heal on their own and only require monitoring. But sometimes symptoms linger after the expected recovery period, leading to persistent post-concussive symptoms (also called post-concussive syndrome). The lingering symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and impaired concentration and memory functions. Though they usually go away within three months, sometimes symptoms can last a year or longer.

You should seek medical attention for any injury that results in confusion or memory loss, even if you did not lose consciousness. If you experience several concussion-related symptoms you should seek medical attention.

Protecting Your Rights in a Concussion Injury Case

However your concussion happened, we believe that the liable party or parties should be held accountable. Our team has recovered millions of dollars for brain injury clients, including a $6.2 million recovery for a skiing accident that is the largest verdict rendered in Albemarle County,Virginia, and the largest verdict upheld against a ski operator in the country.

Justice shouldn’t be hindered by money, so Regan Zambri Long works on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees until we’ve won a recovery in your favor. We focus on justice so you can focus on recovery.

Schedule your free case evaluation today by calling 202-960-4596.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.

Call 202-960-4596

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