After an accident, most people check for cuts, bruises, or broken bones. That makes sense because those injuries are easy to see. But one of the most common injuries we handle in Ontario personal injury cases does not show on the outside. This is a concussion, also called a mild traumatic brain injury or mTBI.
The word “mild” can be misleading. It only means the injury is not immediately life-threatening. In reality, a concussion can seriously affect your life. For some people, the effects can last months or even years.
How Concussions Happen
A concussion can happen from any sudden blow or jolt to the head. This could be a car accident, a slip and fall, a workplace incident, or even a sports injury. You do not have to lose consciousness to have a concussion. Many people think they are fine at first but notice symptoms hours or days later.
Signs to watch for
– Headaches or pressure in the head
– Dizziness or balance problems
– Nausea
– Sensitivity to light or noise
– Trouble remembering things or concentrating
– Mood changes or irritability
– Trouble sleeping
Some symptoms appear right away. Others may take time to show up. That is why concussions are hard to detect and prove in a legal case.
Why Concussion Claims Can Be Difficult
Unlike a broken bone, there is no X-ray that proves a concussion. Doctors usually rely on medical history, physical exams, cognitive tests, and sometimes advanced scans. Insurance companies know this. They may try to minimize your injury. They could say your symptoms are just stress from the accident or that they will disappear quickly. They may even push you to return to work sooner than your doctor recommends.
For this reason, concussion claims require strong medical evidence and skilled legal support. You need to show how the injury has affected your life over the long term.
The Long-Term Impact
Some people recover within a few weeks. Others have post-concussion syndrome for months or even years. Daily tasks such as reading, driving, or being in a crowded place can trigger headaches or make you feel overwhelmed.
If your job requires focus, decision-making, or working in busy environments, returning to work can be very challenging. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential. Your legal claim should reflect the full impact of your injury.
Steps to Take After a Concussion
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine, seeing a doctor early documents your symptoms.
- Get a referral to a specialist. Neurologists, concussion clinics, or neuropsychologists can provide a more thorough assessment.
- Track your symptoms every day. Write down headaches, fatigue, memory problems, mood changes, or sleep issues.
- Ask for workplace accommodations. Returning to work too soon could make your symptoms worse. Get your doctor’s recommendations in writing.
- Avoid quick settlements. Concussion symptoms may take time to fully appear. Settling early can leave you without enough compensation.
- Speak to a lawyer before talking to insurance companies. They may try to limit your payout. A lawyer can protect your claim.
Why You Should Call Us
Many concussion victims accept low settlements because they feel pressure to move on before understanding the full impact of their injury. By the time they realize they need more treatment or cannot work as before, it is often too late.
Our firm knows how to prove concussion and mTBI claims in Ontario. We work with trusted medical experts to document your injury, gather evidence of how it affects your life, and push back against insurers who try to minimize invisible injuries.
If you have had a head injury in an accident, do not wait. Call us now. We will help you get the medical care you need and the compensation you deserve so you can focus on recovery.
