Unfortunately, many are unaware of the differences between head injuries and treat them all the same without realizing how different they are. Two of the most common injuries are whiplash and a concussion, which many often confuse as the same injury. However, understanding where they differ is crucial, as it can impact the treatment you receive. If you sustained one of these injuries due to the negligence of another party, you might be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. Keep reading to learn more about the differences and discover how a San Angelo, Texas brain injury lawyer can help you navigate these charges.
Are Concussions and Whiplash Different Injuries?
Though they are often the result of similar incidents, whiplash and concussions are different.
Whiplash is the violent, forceful movement of the neck in a back and forth motions. Though this mostly impacts the neck, it can lead to brain injury as well. Traditionally, symptoms of whiplash include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Pain or tenderness in the shoulders and arms
- Tiredness
- Tingling and numbness in the arms
A concussion, on the other hand, is a kind of traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain jolts violently against the side of the skull. Concussions can range in severity from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
- Headache
- Light sensitivity
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Slurred speech
- Fatigue
- Ringing ears
It is vital to understand that you may not be able to discern the differences between these injuries. It is crucial to visit a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. This is especially true as you can actually sustain both injuries at the same time because they are not the same.
What Should I Do if I Am Injured Due to Another Party’s Negligence?
If you are the victim of a personal injury incident like a car crash or premises incident, as previously mentioned, receiving medical attention is essential. If you are in a collision or slip-and-fall, you should contact emergency services to request a police presence and immediate medical attention. Head and neck injuries are among the most severe, so treating them as soon as possible is vital to protecting your health and well-being.
You should also contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. This is essential to recovering damages for medical expenses, property damage, loss of income, or non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
When injured due to another person’s negligence, you shouldn’t accept your injuries as an unfortunate occurrence. Contact an experienced attorney at the Mathis Law Firm today to learn how we can help you navigate a personal injury lawsuit to help you get the justice you are entitled to.
