What Is the Average Post-Concussion Syndrome Settlement?

If you are seriously hurt in an accident in which you develop post-concussion syndrome, your doctor may tell you that recovery could take months or even years. While this can be devastating news to receive, it is very important that you discuss this with your doctor, as well as your personal injury attorney. If this accident was no fault of your own and a result of someone else’s negligence, then you may be entitled compensation for your pain and suffering, your medical expenses, and other damages you have experienced. A personal injury attorney will tell you more about how this can impact the amount of a potential settlement or trial amount, and it is recommended that you communicate with an attorney as soon as possible because of the significant medical expenses that may be involved in a case like this.

One of the biggest challenges you may face in your case is an analyst rating that you have continued to suffer impacts from the injury long beyond the typical recovery period. Although it may be obvious to you that your life has changed in dramatic ways because of your post-concussion syndrome, it is your responsibility to be able to showcase how this has impacted your life in court. Finding the right post-concussion syndrome settlement attorney can make a big difference in your ability to tell the story and to show the other side that you have continued to suffer. 

What to Do Next After an Accident

Most people don't ever expect to be seriously injured or to develop post-concussive syndrome, but if you find yourself in this situation, it is vital to have appropriate legal representation immediately. The right lawyer can make a big difference in your overall understanding of the case, as well as your decision to move forward with a lawsuit. Most people don't want to have to go to court unless absolutely necessary, but you may realize that your medical expenses with post-concussive syndrome are significant and even devastating to your finances.

If you find yourself in this situation, some of the best guidance you can receive comes from an experienced personal injury attorney. During your initial conversation with them, you will likely have many questions, including about the average post-concussion syndrome settlement. The truth is that there is no one average number that can be used to explain the vast majority of concussion settlements around the United States. This is because there are so many different factors involved in arriving at a settlement number. The severity of your injuries and whether or not you also have other damages, for example, will influence the amount that you could receive in a settlement. Likewise, if you live in a state that allows for punitive damages, you may be able to hold the defendant even more accountable with punitive damages. 

Only a personal injury attorney can tell you more about how this may influence your case and can advise you about what to expect should you choose to move forward. An experienced lawyer is often the linchpin of a successful personal injury case, and that is never more true when it applies to a post-concussion syndrome settlement. 

“Settlement” is the term that is used to describe what happens when a lawsuit is resolved outside of court. The vast majority of personal injury cases end in a settlement. If your lawyer is very experienced in negotiating settlements, they will be familiar with the extent of your injuries and will know more about how this can influence the type of damages you can receive. They will also be familiar with the kinds of medical evidence they’ll need to gather in order to make a compelling case on your behalf. They will gather all necessary evidence and communicate with any expert witnesses, if necessary, to help further your case and tell the story of how this accident has changed your life. 

In this way, the right post-concussion syndrome settlement attorney can have a significant impact on the case's outcome and your ability to return to your normal life. No victim should have to pay the consequences because of someone else's negligent behavior, but this is all too often the case for a victim who has been seriously hurt in a vehicle accident. If you can show that another party caused your vehicle accident and that you have been the one coping with the consequences ever since in terms of post-concussion syndrome, you may be able to recover a successful settlement or even a jury verdict if you contact an attorney as soon as possible.

What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Persistent post-concussive syndrome may also be referred to as post-concussive symptoms. These are the medical terms used to describe what happens to a patient after the concussion symptoms last well beyond the expected recovery period. The typical recovery period for someone who has been diagnosed with a concussion is a few weeks to a few months. 

The symptoms associated with most concussions include dizziness, headaches, and issues with memory and concentration. A concussion refers to a mild traumatic brain injury that usually happens after you strike your head on something in an accident. You may also have this in connection with other medical conditions, such as whiplash, which can make it difficult for you to return to work or live your life as you did prior to the accident. In most people, the symptoms of a concussion will occur within the first seven to ten days after the accident and go away within three months, but unfortunately, that is not the case for every brain injury victim. You may already be experiencing the extensive consequences of a concussion, and if these symptoms persist for a year or longer, you will need to consult with your physician to get an updated prognosis. This information can be used by your personal injury attorney when crafting a demand letter for a post-concussion syndrome settlement.

What Is Typical Compensation for a Concussion Case?

Although there are many different factors that will influence your ultimate post-concussion syndrome settlement, talking directly with your lawyer and providing your medical records are some of the best ways to get up-to-date information on what this might look like for you. It will depend on your state and the severity of your injuries, but a typical personal injury lawsuit involving a concussion will settle for between $20,000 to $80,000. However, if you have substantial concussion injuries or other severe injuries, you may be looking at a settlement value of $125,000 or higher. 

Average settlement amounts from previous cases may seem low to you based on your current medical expenses. Bear in mind that when advocating for the best possible outcome for you, your personal injury attorney will take all of these factors into account when considering a post-concussion syndrome settlement. This will begin with a calculation of your actual damages in the form of medical expenses, lost wages, and other direct amounts that can be easily calculated. This will also be combined with other potential expenses, such as possible future medical costs, pain and suffering, and more, depending on your specific state. 

If the other side suggests a post-concussion syndrome settlement that is too low to cover these payments and other damages associated with the accident, you can consult with your personal injury attorney to reject that settlement or to counter with something else. In all of these circumstances, you will need to have someone who is highly nuanced and familiar with the various aspects of personal injury claims. Finding the right person to support you through this makes a big difference.

What if I Am Permanently Disabled?

If you have developed a permanent disability as a result of an accident where someone else was negligent, you need to share this information with your attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will have a better idea of all of the different kinds of damages that might apply in your case based on the specific elements of your legal claim, so it is better to discuss these with your lawyer as soon as possible while the facts of the injury are still fresh in your mind. 

Anytime that you suffer significant or permanent injuries in an accident, your lawyer will use this information and work with your doctors to better understand how this could influence your future medical care. All of this information will be used to calculate your expenses in the future and can help you make an informed decision about a settlement offer as well. Since you will likely be facing many years of medical costs and other adjustments in your life because of a disability, all of this information should be incorporated into your legal claim quickly.

If you have suffered due to the negligence of another party, you shouldn't have to deal with the aftermath of the accident alone. Reach out to the experts at Morgan & Morgan to get help—including a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Let us help you take those first important steps to getting the compensation that you deserve and your life back on track.