What to Do if You Have a Concussion?

If you think you have a concussion, the first thing to do is seek medical attention right away, even if your symptoms seem mild.

Concussions are traumatic brain injuries that can affect your thinking, memory, coordination, and mood—sometimes for weeks or longer. Taking the injury seriously and following proper steps can make a big difference in recovery.

If your concussion was caused by someone else’s negligence, such as a car accident, a fall on unsafe property, or a workplace incident, you may have legal options. Schedule a free consultation with a Long Island brain injury lawyer who can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries, especially if your condition interferes with daily life.

Why Prompt Medical Care Matters

At Levine And Wiss, our Long Island personal injury lawyers know how dangerous and misunderstood concussions can be. Many people assume it’s “just a bump on the head,” but without medical treatment, even a mild brain injury can turn into a long-term health problem.

Getting checked by a doctor early helps to:

• Confirm the diagnosis through physical and cognitive exams
• Rule out more serious conditions, like a brain bleed or skull fracture
• Document the injury, which is important if you file an injury claim
• Create a treatment plan, including rest, medication, and follow-up care

Waiting too long to get treatment can not only slow your recovery, but also weaken any potential legal case you might have.

Signs You Might Have a Concussion

Concussions don’t always look dramatic. Some symptoms appear right away, while others develop over the next few days. It’s important to know what to look for after any head injury.

Common signs of a concussion include:

• Headache or pressure in the head
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Trouble sleeping or feeling unusually tired
• Memory loss, especially of the event that caused the injury

If you experience any of these symptoms after a fall, crash, or impact, get checked out immediately. In severe cases, a concussion can escalate into a more serious traumatic brain injury.

Common Causes of Concussions in Personal Injury Cases

While concussions can happen in sports or everyday accidents, we often see them connected to personal injury claims where another party may be legally responsible. These include:

• Car accidents: Sudden stops or crashes often cause the brain to shift inside the skull, leading to concussions even without direct head contact.
• Slip and fall accidents: A fall on wet floors, broken stairs, or icy walkways can lead to a head injury, especially if the fall is backward.
• Workplace accidents: In construction and industrial jobs, head injuries can happen due to falling tools, unsafe equipment, or a lack of safety gear.
• Assault or intentional harm: In some cases, concussions result from violent acts that may carry both criminal and civil consequences.

In these situations, you may be entitled to compensation if negligence played a role. A legal claim can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and the long-term effects of a brain injury.

What to Do After a Concussion Caused by Negligence

If your concussion was caused by someone else’s actions or failure to act, it’s important to take steps to protect both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what we recommend:

• Get medical treatment immediately: This ensures your condition is diagnosed and documented.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions: Avoid screens, strenuous activity, or driving if advised to rest.
• Keep a record of your symptoms: Write down how the injury affects your mood, sleep, work, and memory.
• Document the incident: Take photos of the scene (if possible) and get contact info from any witnesses.
• Speak with a brain injury lawyer: At Levine And Wiss, we help clients determine if their injury qualifies for a legal claim and what steps to take next.

It’s also critical to avoid signing anything from an insurance company or agreeing to a settlement before speaking with an attorney. Concussions can worsen over time, and early offers often don’t account for long-term consequences.

How Concussion Claims Work in New York

Concussions are considered personal injuries, and New York law allows you to seek compensation if your injury was caused by another person’s negligence. Whether it happened on unsafe property, in a vehicle collision, or due to inadequate safety protocols, you may have a case under New York Civil Practice Law & Rules.

You generally have three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in New York. However, gathering evidence and building a claim is much easier when started early.

Concussion-related claims may include compensation for:

• Emergency room visits and follow-up care
• Imaging tests (CT scans, MRIs)
• Neurologist evaluations
• Physical and cognitive therapy
• Lost wages or reduced work capacity
• Pain and suffering

We work with medical experts to build strong claims that reflect the full impact of your brain injury, not just the initial doctor visit.

Talk to a Long Island Brain Injury Lawyer Today if You Have a Concussion Caused by Another’s Negligence

If you’ve been diagnosed with a concussion after an accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. Levine And Wiss is here to guide you through every step—medical documentation, legal options, and dealing with insurance.

With more than 15 years in business and a track record of securing results in complex injury cases, our team is ready to help. Contact us now to schedule your free consultation with a Long Island brain injury lawyer who knows how to protect your rights.