How Long Do Concussion Symptoms Last After an Accident?

What to Know About Recovering from a Traumatic Brain Injury

A concussion is often dismissed as a minor injury, but there is no such thing as a minor brain injury. A concussion can interfere with nearly every aspect of a victim’s life, from work to personal relationships.

Many people underestimate the seriousness of concussions, assuming the symptoms will fade quickly. However, even a “mild” concussion can have lasting effects if not properly addressed. While some symptoms resolve within a few weeks, others persist for months or even years, particularly in cases involving post-concussion syndrome. Recovery often depends on the severity of the injury, the quality of care received, and how quickly the victim takes action.

In Georgia, the most common causes of concussions involving negligence include:

When negligence plays a role in these incidents, victims may have the right to pursue compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

In Georgia, working with an experienced head and concussion injury lawyer in Atlanta who knows how to fight for victims can help ensure that they navigate the complex recovery process and secure the financial compensation they deserve.

What Happens After a Head Injury?

In the aftermath of an accident, many individuals do not realize they have suffered a concussion. Adrenaline and shock from the incident can suppress pain and disguise symptoms, leaving victims unaware of their head injury for hours or even days. Recognizing the symptoms of a concussion is key because they vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. Concussions are generally classified into three categories:

Mild Concussions

These are the most common types of concussions, often associated with minimal loss of consciousness (if any) and no visible damage on imaging tests. Symptoms may appear subtle but still disrupt daily life if untreated.

Physical symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, sensitivity to light, and nausea.
Cognitive issues can involve difficulty concentrating, short-term memory lapses, and slowed thinking.
Emotional changes may include mild irritability, trouble sleeping, or a general feeling of unease.

Moderate Concussions

Moderate concussions often involve a brief loss of consciousness or confusion lasting longer than a few minutes. The symptoms are more pronounced and may require medical intervention.

Physical symptoms include persistent headaches, blurred or double vision, vomiting, balance issues, and ringing in the ears.
Cognitive effects may include difficulty processing information, noticeable memory gaps, and trouble performing complex tasks.
Emotional symptoms can include anxiety, mood swings, or feelings of depression. Victims may also report heightened sensitivity to stress.
Sleep disturbances, such as trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, are common and can exacerbate other symptoms.

Severe Concussions

Severe concussions often result from high-impact accidents, such as car wrecks or falls from heights. These injuries typically involve an extended period of unconsciousness and may indicate more significant brain trauma.

Physical symptoms include intense headaches, seizures, loss of coordination, slurred speech, and prolonged nausea or vomiting.
Cognitive effects can range from profound memory loss and inability to focus to confusion or disorientation lasting days or weeks.
Emotional and behavioral changes might include extreme mood swings, impulsive behavior, or aggression.
Severe concussions can also lead to lingering neurological issues, such as post-concussion syndrome, which extends symptoms for months or years.

Even mild concussions can worsen over time if left untreated, and severe cases may have life-altering consequences. Recognizing the type of concussion early and pursuing medical evaluation is critical not only for recovery but also for documenting the brain injury in potential legal claims.

When Do Concussion Symptoms Start?

Concussion symptoms don’t always appear immediately. While some victims experience confusion, dizziness, or headaches right after the incident, many others develop symptoms hours — or even days — later. Delayed symptoms, such as sensitivity to light, persistent headaches, difficulty focusing, or extreme fatigue, are especially common and can worsen over time without treatment.

This delay in onset makes it essential for victims to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible, even if they initially feel fine. Early diagnosis can identify underlying damage and allow for treatment that may stop or reduce further harm to the brain. Monitoring symptoms and following medical recommendations not only supports recovery but also ensures the injury is properly documented. This documentation helps connect the injury to the accident and strengthens any legal claim for compensation.

How Long Do Concussion Symptoms Last?

The duration of concussion symptoms depends on the severity of the injury and the victim’s unique circumstances. While some people recover quickly, others face weeks or months of lingering effects. Recovery timelines typically fall into three categories:

Mild Concussions often resolve within 7 to 14 days if victims rest and follow medical guidance.
Moderate to Severe Concussions can take weeks or months to heal, with some symptoms persisting during the brain’s recovery process.
Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS), a more severe condition, can leave victims with chronic symptoms like headaches, cognitive difficulties, and fatigue for months or even years.

When symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, they may indicate PCS. This condition often requires specialized care, which can place financial stress on victims and their families. When symptoms last longer than expected, securing compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages becomes crucial. Unfortunately, insurance companies often downplay the severity of long-term symptoms, making it essential to have experienced legal representation.

Stages of Concussion Recovery After an Accident

Concussion recovery is not a straight path; most victims progress through three general stages, each presenting its own challenges:

Acute Stage: This occurs in the first few days after the injury when symptoms like headaches, confusion, and dizziness are at their peak.
Subacute Stage: Symptoms like fatigue, memory difficulties, and sensitivity to light persist but gradually improve over the following weeks.
Chronic Stage: In cases of post-concussion syndrome, symptoms continue beyond the typical recovery period, requiring long-term management.

During each stage of recovery, it’s essential to follow medical advice carefully. Resuming activities too quickly can worsen symptoms or prolong recovery, making rest and gradual reintegration into daily life essential.

Victims in Georgia can access specialized care through facilities such as Grady Memorial Hospital’s Marcus Trauma Center in Atlanta, which offers expertise in treating head injuries, or Shepherd Center, known for its brain injury rehabilitation programs. Additionally, local urgent care clinics and neurologists throughout the Atlanta metro area provide diagnostic and follow-up care tailored to concussion recovery.

What to Do After a Concussion

Taking the right steps after a concussion can protect both your health and your ability to secure compensation. First and foremost, victims should seek immediate medical care, even if symptoms seem mild. A thorough evaluation can identify any underlying brain injuries and prevent complications.

Following medical advice is equally important. Doctors often recommend physical rest, mental breaks from screens or reading, and a gradual return to normal activities. Ignoring these recommendations can exacerbate symptoms and delay recovery.

It’s also important to document the impact of the head injury. Keeping a detailed record of symptoms, treatments, and any missed work can help prove the extent of the injury if legal action becomes necessary. By taking these steps, brain injury victims can prioritize their recovery while laying the groundwork for a successful claim.

How Can a Georgia Concussion Lawyer Help?

Concussions can disrupt every aspect of life, from work to personal relationships. While some victims recover in weeks, others face long-term challenges requiring ongoing medical care and therapy. For those injured due to someone else’s negligence, pursuing legal compensation can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Recovering from a concussion injury is often overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies or navigating the complexities of a legal claim. An Atlanta concussion injury attorney can:

Investigate the accident and gather evidence to establish fault.
Collaborate with medical experts to link symptoms to the injury.
Negotiate with insurance companies to secure maximum compensation.

By managing these challenges, a lawyer allows victims to focus on recovery while building a strong case for compensation. Lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover compensation for the victim. This ensures there is no upfront cost or financial risk in contacting a lawyer for a free consultation, having them review the case, or even moving forward with legal representation.

Contact an Atlanta Head and Concussion Injury Lawyer Today

The Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates, P.C., helps victims recover compensation for concussion injuries caused by accidents. We have secured over $1 billion for clients across Georgia, including $120,000 for a victim who suffered a severe concussion in a delivery truck accident and $50,000 for a victim who sustained neck pain and a concussion in a crash.

If you suffered a concussion due to someone else’s negligence in Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia, contact us today for a free consultation. There’s no cost to review your case, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.

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