Delayed Head Injury Symptoms & The Importance of Immediate Medical Treatment
At Land Legal Group, our Los Angeles, California personal injury attorneys recommend that all head injury victims seek medical care directly after their accident occurs. Getting the help you need right away will allow you to avoid developing delayed symptoms that indicate severe injuries that could be life threatening.
Our Los Angeles County traumatic brain injury lawyers know that it is hard to understand the severity of your injuries immediately after a crash occurs. The adrenaline and confusion the accident causes can mask the symptoms of serious injuries — especially head injuries or internal bleeding. The reality is, seeking medical care immediately after an accident can mean the difference between life and death.
Time Can Make Head Injuries Worse
Sometimes, head injuries do not show their complete symptoms right away. Instead, the symptoms develop slowly over time, with days passing before inflammation sets in as the injury grows worse.
The U.S. Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health reported a case of an 18 year old bicyclist who was struck by a vehicle and suffered a minor head injury as a result.
The man never lost consciousness and assumed the accident caused a minor concussion and the effects would pass with time. Unfortunately, the man died unexpectedly seven weeks after the accident after falling into a coma because of the same head injury.
If you suffer a blow to the head in a car accident, motorcycle accident, or even during a slip and fall, it is important to seek urgent medical care to ensure your condition is evaluated and treated promptly.
While some believe that loss of consciousness is the only sign of a severe head injury, they will be surprised to learn that most concussion injury victims never lose consciousness.
Some symptoms of a concussion are visible right away, and can include:
- Appearing dazed
- Confusion, disorientation, or delayed responses to questions
- Difficulty remembering the accident
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headaches or feelings of pressure from the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Ringing in the ears
- Slurred speech
Other concussion symptoms may not be apparent until days after an accident, can include:
- Changes in sense of taste or smell
- Difficulty sleeping
- Difficulty with concentration and/or memory
- Headaches
- Personality changes, including irritability, mood changes, depression, or confusion
- Sensitivity to light or noise
Head injuries can produce a sense of “feeling off” which can indicate a more serious sign of medical trauma. If you have been in an accident of any kind, seek medical care immediately to avoid potentially life-threatening complications.
When Should I See A Doctor After a Los Angeles Accident?
Even a “minor” concussion requires prompt medical treatment, with all concussions now being classified as traumatic brain injuries.
As research continues to develop, we now know that concussions are serious injuries that can require life-long medical care that changes the lives of the injured and their family members —immediately after the accident and going forward.
If you or someone you love has been in an accident, seek medical care immediately, and contact our Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at Land Legal Group to schedule a free consultation at (310)552-3501 today. You do not have to face the insurance company alone. We will protect your rights and pursue the best financial recovery outcome available for your unique injury circumstances, so you can focus on healing.
