Post-Concussion Syndrome And Your Rights

You walk away from a car accident feeling okay. Maybe a little shaken up, but nothing serious. Then two weeks later, the headaches start. You can’t concentrate at work. Simple tasks feel impossible. This is post-concussion syndrome, and it’s more common than most people realize.

What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome

Most concussions heal within two weeks. That’s what doctors expect. But some people aren’t so lucky. Their symptoms stick around for months or even years after the initial injury. Post-concussion syndrome affects everyone differently. Some people get debilitating headaches. Others struggle with memory problems that make their job nearly impossible. The symptoms include:

• Persistent headaches or migraines
• Dizziness and balance problems
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering information
• Sleep disturbances
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Mood changes and irritability
• Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest

What makes this condition particularly frustrating? You might look completely fine. Your family and coworkers can’t see what you’re dealing with every single day.

Why Diagnosis Can Be Difficult

There’s no blood test for post-concussion syndrome. No scan that lights up and confirms what you’re experiencing. CT scans come back normal. MRIs show nothing unusual. But you’re still suffering. Doctors diagnose this condition based on what you tell them, your medical history, and neurological exams. It’s legitimate. It’s real. But proving it to an insurance company is another story entirely. Insurance adjusters love cases where the imaging looks normal. They’ll argue you’re exaggerating. Some will claim your symptoms aren’t related to the accident at all.

The Legal Timeline Problem

Indiana gives you two years to file a personal injury claim. Sounds like plenty of time, right? Not when your symptoms don’t fully develop until months after the accident. People settle their cases, thinking they’ve recovered. Then six months later, the cognitive problems come roaring back. By then, it’s too late. You’ve already signed away your rights. An Indianapolis brain injury lawyer knows how tricky this timing can be. Settling before you reach maximum medical improvement is a gamble you shouldn’t take. You need to understand the full scope of your injury before agreeing to anything.

How This Condition Affects Your Claim Value

Post-concussion syndrome can derail your career. Tasks that used to be second nature now require intense concentration. Some people can’t return to their previous jobs at all. Your compensation should reflect these realities:

• All past and future medical treatment
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering from ongoing symptoms
• Impact on your quality of life and relationships

Documentation matters tremendously here. Keep detailed records of everything. Write down your symptoms. Track how they affect your daily life. Save every medical bill and appointment summary.

When Insurance Companies Push Back

Insurance adjusters see normal imaging results and immediately question whether you’re really injured. Some companies hire their own doctors who minimize these types of injuries. They’ll suggest your problems are psychological, not physical. Pavlack Law, LLC has handled these tactics before. Medical research supports post-concussion syndrome as a legitimate injury. Courts recognize it. Insurance companies just don’t want to pay for it.

Building A Strong Case

Consistency is everything. See your doctor regularly and be completely honest about your symptoms. Don’t downplay them because you think they sound minor. If you’re experiencing it, it matters. Follow treatment recommendations. Attend therapy appointments. Create a paper trail that shows you’re taking your recovery seriously.

Working with an Indianapolis brain injury lawyer early protects you from making costly mistakes. One wrong statement to an insurance adjuster can undermine your entire claim. If persistent symptoms are affecting your life after a head injury, don’t wait to get legal guidance. Post-concussion syndrome cases require careful handling to secure full compensation for both the challenges you’re facing now and the ones that might be waiting down the road.