Post-Concussion Syndrome Settlement Value in Georgia
Nov 28, 2024 - Traumatic Brain Injuries
Post-Concussion Syndrome Settlement Value in Georgia
In our experience, the average post-concussion syndrome settlement value in a car accident in Georgia ranges from thousands of dollars to multiple millions. The specific amount depends on several key factors, such as:
- The type of injury
- Impact on daily life
- Medical bills incurred
- The severity of the injury
- How long the symptoms last
- Lost wages due to time off work
These factors collectively influence the potential compensation you may be entitled to for your post-concussion syndrome case.
If you’re suffering from post-concussion syndrome or a traumatic brain injury caused by someone’s negligence, contact our Atlanta car accident lawyer to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
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FIND OUT MOREExpert legal guidance for your settlement for concussion in a car accident
If you’re pursuing a settlement for a concussion caused by a car accident in Georgia, it’s essential to meet two critical requirements:
- File within the Georgia statute of limitations. In most personal injury cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file your claim.
- Demonstrate injury from the crash. You must show that your concussion or other injuries directly resulted from the accident.
Meeting these requirements is key to strengthening your injury claim and securing the compensation you deserve.
Every concussion case is different, and dealing with the personal injury settlement process can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important to get advice that fits your situation. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you, answer your questions, and help you gather the evidence you need to build a strong claim.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your case in detail and explore your options. Call us at (470) 975-7193 or contact us here. Take the first step toward getting the compensation you deserve by reaching out to our legal team now.
Our concussion settlement amounts
Over the years, we’ve helped many clients secure settlements that reflect the severity of their injuries and the challenges they face during recovery. Below are some examples of recent settlements we’ve achieved for our clients.
- $140,000: Our client suffered a concussion from a low-speed rear-end impact in Canton, GA. With our help, they received a fair settlement that covered medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages related to their injury.
- $100,000: After a rear-end collision in Riverdale, GA, our client was diagnosed with a concussion. We worked to ensure they were compensated for their medical bills and ongoing recovery, securing a substantial settlement.
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Types of concussion settlements in a car accident
Each concussion case is different, and understanding the details of your injury is important in figuring out what you may be entitled to. Below are some examples of common types of concussion settlements in car accident cases.
Concussion and PTSD settlements
Typical concussion and PTSD settlements are from $50,000 to $200,000. These amounts reflect cases where a concussion is paired with post-traumatic stress disorder, which can seriously affect your daily life. Settlements often cover therapy, medical bills, and emotional distress caused by the injury.
To make a strong claim, you’ll need solid medical evidence and detailed documentation showing how the PTSD symptoms are connected to the accident.
Mild concussion settlement value
The average mild concussion settlement value in Georgia is typically between $10,000 and $50,000. The exact amount depends on how severe the injury is and whether there are any lasting effects. Cases where symptoms clear up quickly tend to settle on the lower end.
Even mild concussions can lead to medical bills and missed work, which will factor into the settlement value. The final amount often depends on the specifics of your case.
Average pain and suffering settlement for a concussion
The average pain and suffering settlement for a concussion in Georgia typically ranges from $20,000 to $100,000. This compensation is designed to address the physical and emotional toll caused by the injury, including ongoing issues such as headaches, dizziness, irritability, and other symptoms that can disrupt daily life and activities.
How much you receive can depend on how long your symptoms last and how much they disrupt your daily life or ability to work. Severe or long-term pain may result in a higher payout.
Post traumatic vision syndrome settlement
In Georgia, an average post-traumatic vision syndrome settlement typically falls between $25,000 and $150,000. This condition, causing blurry vision and focus issues, often requires special treatment and impacts daily life. Settlement amounts depend on the severity of symptoms and whether ongoing care is needed.
Head trauma can have lasting effects. If you had a concussion after a car accident, call our Duluth car accident lawyer today and learn about potential settlement values.
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FIND OUT MOREFactors that impact the average settlement for a concussion in a car accident
Several factors can affect the average settlement for a concussion following a car accident. These factors include:
- Symptoms
- Type of injury
- Medical expenses
- Impact on daily life
- The severity of the injuries
- Loss of income and earning capacity
Here’s a closer look at the key things that impact the amount:
Symptoms
How long your concussion symptoms last and how severe they are can really impact the settlement. You’ll likely have a larger settlement if you have ongoing symptoms like:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Memory loss
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability or mood swings
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Trouble with light sensitivity
If the symptoms last longer, you’ll likely need more medical care, such as therapy or pain management. For example, someone with constant headaches or trouble concentrating might need to see specialists regularly, which adds to the overall cost of treatment and recovery.
Type of Injury
The specific nature of the concussion injury also influences the settlement. For instance, a concussion that leads to post-traumatic vision syndrome, which involves vision problems like blurred vision or difficulty focusing, may result in higher compensation. These types of injuries are often more complex and require specialized treatment.
Additionally, if the concussion is accompanied by other injuries—such as whiplash, neck injuries, or spinal damage—the settlement may increase. Injuries that affect multiple body systems or require surgeries will increase the overall cost of treatment, leading to a higher settlement.
Medical Expenses
The cost of treatment, including emergency room visits, doctor’s appointments, diagnostic tests (such as MRIs or CT scans), and ongoing therapies, is often included in the settlement. The more extensive the treatment required, the higher the settlement is likely to be.
For instance, if a person needs long-term physical therapy, pain management, or special treatments like vision therapy, these expenses will be factored into the compensation. Additionally, if the individual requires medical devices or assistive technology to recover, these costs will also contribute to a higher settlement.
Impact on Daily Life
If the injury disrupts your ability to work, care for yourself, or engage in normal activities, it can lead to a larger settlement. For example, if the concussion causes memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or emotional distress, making it hard to perform at work, the settlement amount will likely account for these challenges.
In cases where the concussion causes permanent changes to your life, such as being unable to return to work or engage in hobbies, the settlement may be much higher. The emotional and psychological impact can also be factored in, especially if it leads to long-term distress.
Severity of Injuries
The more severe the concussion, the higher the settlement is likely to be. If the concussion causes long-lasting or permanent issues, like memory loss or difficulty balancing, your settlement will probably be on the higher end. On the other hand, if the concussion is mild and the symptoms go away quickly, the compensation may be lower.
Severe concussions often require a lot of treatment, including therapy and ongoing care. All these medical costs, plus the long-term impact on your life, will add to the total settlement amount.
Loss of Income and Earning Capacity
If the injury keeps you out of work for a while or limits your ability to do your job, that will increase your settlement. For instance, if you can’t perform the physical tasks your job requires, and you have to take a lower-paying job or retire early, that will be considered when determining the settlement.
In more serious cases, where the concussion has a long-term impact on your ability to earn, the settlement might also include compensation for lost future wages. This is especially true if the concussion affects your ability to work for years to come.
How to maximize your concussion car accident settlement amount
Getting the most out of your settlement after a car accident means taking the right steps to protect yourself and build a strong case.
- Seek medical attention immediately: See a doctor as soon as possible to document your injuries. Prompt care not only helps your recovery but also provides important records to support your case.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan: Follow all your doctor’s advice, including therapy and follow-ups. This shows you’re serious about getting better and prevents insurers from blaming you for making things worse.
- Document everything: Save medical bills, track missed workdays, and note all expenses related to your injury. Write down how the concussion impacts your daily life, like symptoms and challenges.
- Gather evidence from the accident: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any damaged property. Get the police report and contact info for witnesses, if possible.
- Avoid discussing your case: Don’t talk to insurance adjusters without advice from a lawyer, and avoid posting about the accident on social media. Anything you say could hurt your settlement.
- Consult an experienced attorney: A personal injury attorney who knows concussion cases can handle negotiations, collect more evidence, and fight to get you the best possible compensation.
Why medical evidence is important in a concussion lawsuit settlement
Medical evidence helps show how serious your injuries are, links them to the accident, and supports the amount of compensation you’re asking for. Without strong medical records, it’s difficult to prove how much the concussion has affected your life.
- Expert medical testimony: Doctors or specialists can strengthen your case by explaining how the concussion has impacted your brain and daily activities. Their professional opinion helps make the severity of your condition clear to both insurance companies and in court.
- Diagnostic tests and evaluations: Tests like MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging), CT scans, and neuropsychological evaluations provide solid proof of your injuries. These tests show any damage or issues that back up your claim, making sure the settlement reflects how serious your concussion is.
If you were injured in an accident due to someone’s negligence, your symptoms may be the result of an accident. Reach out to our Lawrenceville car accident lawyer to understand your rights and discuss your potential compensation.
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FIND OUT MOREGeorgia laws that impact concussion settlement amounts
Several key laws can influence the amount of compensation you receive in a concussion lawsuit after a car accident. Knowing how these work can help you make the most of your settlement.
Statute of Limitations
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including a concussion lawsuit, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you don’t file your lawsuit within two years, you risk losing the right to seek compensation. The law is strict about this time frame, and failing to act quickly can leave you without legal options for recovery.
Mandatory Insurance Coverages
Georgia law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, which includes coverage for bodily injury. The required minimums are:
- $25,000 for injuries to one person
- $50,000 for injuries to multiple people in a single accident
These minimum amounts set the baseline for the compensation you might receive after a car accident. However, in some cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance may not fully cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
In such cases, Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage come into play. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your costs, your own UM/UIM coverage may help make up the difference.
The amount you can recover will depend on your own policy limits, which can vary. Having higher UM/UIM coverage is one way to maximize your settlement if the other driver’s insurance isn’t sufficient. This type of coverage can be essential in cases where the at-fault driver has inadequate or no insurance.
Comparative Fault
Georgia follows a comparative fault rule. This means that if you’re found to be partially responsible for the accident, your compensation could be reduced based on how much fault you share.
For example, if you’re 20% at fault for the accident that caused your concussion, your settlement could be cut by 20%. Even if the other driver is mostly to blame, you might still lose part of your compensation if you’re considered partly at fault.
The comparative fault also affects how your case is handled. Insurance companies often try to argue that you were partly to blame for lowering the amount they have to pay.
For instance, if you weren’t wearing a seatbelt or were speeding, the insurance company might say those factors made your concussion worse. Having strong evidence that the other driver was mainly at fault can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our legal process for car accident concussion settlement
Dealing with a car accident concussion settlement can feel overwhelming, but our team is here to help you through it every step of the way. Here’s a simple breakdown of what the process looks like:
- Initial consultation: The process starts with a free case evaluation where we gather details about the accident and your concussion. We’ll also discuss your medical treatment, symptoms, and any missed work.
- Investigation and evidence gathering: Once we take on your case, we’ll gather key evidence like accident reports, medical records, and bills. We may also interview witnesses and hire experts to assess the long-term impact of your injury.
- Medical documentation: Medical records are essential to proving the severity of your injury. We ensure all your evaluations, including doctor visits and tests like MRIs, are included to support your case.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: We handle all communication with the insurance companies and present them with the evidence we’ve gathered. Our goal is to negotiate a settlement that fully covers your expenses and damages.
- Handling comparative fault issues: If there’s any dispute about fault, we will fight to protect your right to compensation. We’ll work hard to show that the other driver is primarily responsible for the accident.
- Settlement offer review: Once an offer is made, we’ll review it carefully to ensure it covers all your expenses. If it’s too low, we’ll reject it and continue negotiating for a fair settlement.
- Filing a lawsuit: If a fair settlement isn’t reached, we’ll file a lawsuit and take the case to court. We’ll gather more evidence and handle all the paperwork to present your case before a judge and jury.
- Trial and court representation: If your case goes to trial, we’ll be there every step of the way. We’ll present evidence, call expert witnesses, and fight for the maximum compensation possible.
- Final settlement or court award: Whether settled out of court or after trial, we’ll ensure you receive fair compensation. We’ll make sure your settlement covers all your losses, from medical costs to future earnings.
Common issue in pursuing a post-concussion syndrome car accident settlement
Pursuing a post-concussion syndrome (PCS) car accident settlement can be tough because concussions are complicated injuries. Here’s a breakdown of some of the issues you might encounter when trying to get compensation for PCS after an accident.
Proving the Injury
One of the hardest parts of a PCS claim is proving that you even have the injury. Unlike broken bones or cuts, concussions are “invisible” injuries, so there aren’t any clear signs for others to see.
This can make it tough to convince insurance companies or even a jury how serious the injury is. Doctor’s reports, tests, and evaluations from specialists can all help show how the concussion has affected your brain and daily life, even when no one can see the damage.
Delayed Symptoms
Another issue in a PCS case is that symptoms can show up later. You might not feel the full effects of a concussion until days, weeks, or even months after the accident.
This can make things tricky because insurance companies or lawyers might argue that the symptoms aren’t connected to the accident. To help your case, it’s important to keep track of your symptoms and tell your doctor about them as soon as they appear. This way, you can help link the symptoms to the accident and give yourself a better chance of getting the compensation you deserve.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies can be difficult to deal with because they’ll often try to pay out as little as possible. They might say your injury isn’t as bad as you claim, especially if your symptoms come on later.
They could also argue that something other than the accident caused the concussion or pressured you to settle quickly for less money. Having a good lawyer on your side can make a big difference.
How our expert personal injury lawyers in Georgia can help
If you’re dealing with a concussion from a car accident, our expert personal injury lawyers in Georgia are here to help. We’ll handle everything from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Our team will fight for your rights and guide you through every step of the process, making it easier for you to focus on recovery. Call us today at (470) 975-7194 or contact us here to schedule a free consultation. We’re ready to help you get the justice you deserve!
If you’ve experienced a traumatic brain injury, our team is here to help. Contact our Atlanta car accident lawyer today to pursue the settlement you deserve.