If you don’t think you hit your head but are experiencing symptoms like memory loss, headaches, or difficulty sleeping, you may wonder, Can you get a concussion without hitting your head? You can experience a concussion or concussion-like symptoms without experiencing a direct blow to the head. For example, if someone or something violently shakes you or you are near an explosion or blast, you can develop a concussion. And there may be other ways to acquire a traumatic brain injury without a direct blow to your head. If someone else caused your injuries, you might be entitled to compensation. An attorney can review your case and help you pursue justice.
The team at GJEL Accident Attorneys helps people get back on their feet after they suffer an injury caused by someone else. Head injuries can result in life-changing consequences, such as personality changes, decreased cognitive function, and an interruption to thought processes and coordination. Our team tirelessly fights to help accident victims get the economic relief they need to support themselves and their families.
Can You Get a Concussion Without Hitting Your Head?
While you may not be aware of this, getting a concussion without hitting your head is possible. The brain is incredibly delicate. Sudden, forceful movements can potentially injure the vulnerable tissue inside your skull, leading to a traumatic brain injury. Even things like whiplash from a car accident can cause the brain to jostle around forcefully and become damaged.
Because contactless concussions do not involve direct trauma to the head, it may be more difficult for victims to identify the source of the problem. For example, the victim may think they simply have a headache or did not sleep well the night before and may not associate their symptoms with a brain injury. If something does not feel right, victims should trust their bodies and minds. See a doctor to detect any irregularities early on to minimize the overall impact of the injury.
Can You Experience Concussion-Like Symptoms Without Hitting Your Head?
Yes, you can. Just like when you get a concussion from hitting or bumping your head, contactless head trauma can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, including:
- Memory loss, particularly about the event that caused the concussion;
- Pupils that are unevenly dilated;
- Headaches or pressure in the head;
- Vision or other sensory changes;
- Loss of consciousness;
- Delay in answering questions;
- Difficulty with coordination or balance;
- Feeling out of sorts or unusual; and
- Mood or personality changes.
These symptoms can appear right after the event that caused the concussion, or they can occur hours or days later. When these signs develop, they may warn you about an underlying head trauma you don’t know about. Listen to your body and seek medical attention. Getting help early on can prevent further injury to your brain, such as swelling.
How Long Do Concussions Last?
The symptoms of a concussion can last anywhere from a few hours to days, weeks, or even months. The person should visit a doctor and begin to treat the underlying cause of the concussion (e.g., brain swelling) as soon as possible to keep the condition from worsening. With the proper treatment, minor concussions can resolve within one to two weeks after the onset of symptoms.
In some cases, people develop post-concussion syndrome, and their symptoms persist for far longer than the anticipated time frame. Unfortunately, some people with post-concussion syndrome may experience symptoms for months or even a year or more after the TBI arises. Age and gender appear to be two risk factors. But researchers are unclear if the reason gender plays a role is that women are more likely than men to seek medical attention (and therefore receive a diagnosis).
How to Know if You Have a Concussion
If you suddenly develop symptoms or persistently feel off, seeing a doctor may be in your best interest. Concussion symptoms can appear at any time after an accident. Even if you do not remember hitting your head or experiencing something that might result in a head injury, it may be advisable to see a doctor just in case. Many people with concussions have amnesia surrounding the event that caused the TBI, so the lack of memory about the event may be a symptom in itself.
Can I File a Lawsuit if I Get a Concussion?
If someone else caused your concussion, you might be able to hold them liable for your injuries. For example, if they let off fireworks dangerously close to you without your consent, you may be able to sue them if you develop a concussion. Likewise, if whiplash from a car accident caused you to acquire a TBI, you can sue the at-fault driver to pursue compensation for your injury-related expenses.
What Do I Need to Show to Get Compensation for a Concussion?
California law allows injury victims to pursue compensation if someone else harmed them because they did something they should not have or failed to do something they should have done under the circumstances. To have a legal claim against someone, you must prove that they had a responsibility to you and failed to act in accordance with that duty (such as a driver who was speeding or violating traffic laws). You also need to show that you suffered damages and that the person’s actions are the underlying source of your injury.
GJEL Accident Attorneys Can Help You Pursue Compensation
Concussions can seriously disrupt your life, causing you to feel disconnected or preventing you from doing things you used to do. At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we support our clients through the claims process so they feel valued. To the best of our ability, we help clients schedule medical appointments and secure rental vehicles, where appropriate, so our clients have less to worry about than they did before they called us. We provide unparalleled legal representation to our clients to help them secure the maximum compensation they are entitled to under the law. Past clients praise us for our professionalism, promptness in communicating with them, and passionate advocacy.
If you have a concussion because of someone else’s actions, contact our team today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
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