Chicago Concussion Lawyer
For over 80 years, our concussion lawyers have represented over 25,000 clients, securing hundreds of millions of dollars through settlements and jury verdicts.
At Ankin Law, we provide large firm success and support with the attention and personal care of a small law firm. We have over 20 attorneys and over 70 staff members who dedicate themselves to helping clients pursue justice. We don’t charge you any up front attorney fees, and our consultations are FREE.
Our knowledgeable concussion lawyers provide:
- 24/7 Access
- 100 years of combined experience
- A FREE case consultation
- NO legal fees unless you win
Contact our Chicago concussion lawyers at (312) 600-0000 to get started with your recovery.
Table of Contents
Ankin Law. The Concussion Law Firm Chicago Trusts.
If you or a loved one suffered a head injury, you have probably encountered countless advertisements with law firms claiming to be the best concussion lawyers in Chicago. At Ankin Law, our attorneys don’t waste time making those claims. Instead, we work hard to prove it.
When you hire our concussion attorneys, we’ll get started working on your case right away. We will gather evidence, consult with experts, and handle settlement negotiations on your behalf so you can focus on the important things – like getting better. With our lawyers on your side, you’ll receive first-class service, top-notch legal representation, and maximum financial recovery.
Our attorneys have helped concussion victims who were hurt in various situations. These include:
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Almost 7 million people received emergency room care for slip, trips, and fall injuries in 2019, according to the National Safety Council.
Accidents in the Workplace
Slips and falls, objects falling and striking a worker in the head, and on-the-job car accidents cause thousands of work-related concussion injuries each year.
Sports Injuries
The impact of chronic brain damage and the hidden world of sports injuries can be profound, fueling lawsuits such as the famous NCAA class action settlement.
Car Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents remain one of the leading causes of concussions and traumatic brain injury.
Attorneys at Ankin Law Secured Full Benefits for Injured Forklift Driver
Attorney Scott Goldstein successfully secured benefits for a 32-year-old forklift driver injured when a semi-truck unexpectedly pulled away, causing her forklift to fall six feet. She will receive $573.33 per week for 47 weeks, totaling $44,186.20 for past medical expenses, and is entitled to ongoing medical care, including neurological treatment, pain management, and physical therapy.
Following the accident, the driver experienced dizziness, nausea, and pain but initially went home. Her condition, including persistent headaches, neck pain, and cognitive issues, worsened over time. She was diagnosed with a concussion and cervical sprain and received various treatments, including injections and medication, but did not improve.
The Arbitrator, valuing the injured woman’s consistent testimony and medical records, found a clear connection between the accident and her ongoing health issues. The decision highlights the credibility of her complaints and the need for continued treatment.
Can You Sue for a Concussion?
You can sue for a concussion, but whether you have a strong case depends on various factors. To pursue legal action, you must demonstrate that someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions directly caused your injury. For example, if a concussion resulted from an accident caused by another party’s careless behavior—such as a car crash due to distracted driving or a slip and fall caused by a hazardous condition—you might have grounds for a lawsuit.
In such cases, proving negligence is key. This involves showing that the responsible party had a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the injury as a result. Additionally, you need to establish that you suffered damages due to the concussion, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What Compensation Can I Get for a Concussion?
A fair settlement accounts for your past, current, and future damages, whether visible, financial, or invisible. After all, a head injury may impact more than your wallet. Our concussion lawyers have a thorough understanding of traumatic brain injuries and concussions, making us effective advocates.
Factors that can influence the amount of compensation you receive include:
- The likelihood that you will make a full recovery
- The law that applies to your case
- The defendant’s conduct leading to the injury
- The damages award that victims have received in similar cases
- The amount of fault that you carry for your accident or injury
You can help maximize your recovery by hiring a brain injury lawyer, keeping accurate, injury-related records, and following recommendations given by your doctors. In most cases, the insurance company is more likely to take your claim seriously if you have an experienced lawyer on your side.
Illinois law provides two types of financial awards (called damages) that victims may receive to compensate them for their losses.
Economic Damages
Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries can be costly. If you’re hesitating about whether to hire an attorney, consider the much-needed financial relief that Ankin Law can help you obtain:
- Medical bills
- Medical equipment
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Rehabilitative care
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Injury-related home modifications
Ankin Law’s attorneys will go through your case with a fine tooth comb, carefully calculating your past, current and future expenses. They will work tirelessly to help ensure that the at-fault party pays for your injury-related expenses.
Non-Economic Damages
The financial costs of a concussion are just one part of the losses head injury victims endure. Non-economic damages seek to compensate you for the human cost of the injury, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disfigurement
- Future medical bills
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of quality of life
A head injury lawyer at our office may use your economic damages as a baseline for calculating your non-economic damages.
Ready to maximize your concussion settlement? Call (312) 600-0000 to talk to a concussion lawyer at Ankin Law today.
How Do You Prove a Concussion Is Someone Else’s Fault?
“Negligence” forms the basis of most personal injury claims. To have a negligence claim against someone, you need to prove the following:
You need to prove that defendant owed you a duty of care. Most people owe others a duty of care to act reasonably. For example, a driver owes others the duty to follow traffic laws.
Next, you have to prove that the defendant failed to meet his or her duty. This may mean showing that the defendant caused the car accident or didn’t put up proper signage.
You must prove that you experienced an injury. For instance, you might present evidence of a doctor’s diagnosis of a concussion and the medical bills you or your insurance paid to get brain scans.
Finally, you need to show that the defendant’s actions (or inaction) caused your injury. Another way to do this is to prove that, but for defendant’s actions (or inaction), you would not be injured.
What Are the Symptoms of a Concussion?
Brain injuries can result in a variety of side effects and symptoms. Commonly, these symptoms are temporary, lasting a few hours, days, or a week.
Physical
Physical signs of a concussion include headache, light or sound sensitivity, and balance issues. Concussions may also cause nausea, vomiting, and vision changes.
Cognitive
Because concussions involve the brain, they can cause cognitive symptoms. These include difficulty concentrating, brain fog, memory problems, and problems thinking clearly.
Emotional/Psychological
Concussions can cause emotional and psychological symptoms. Accident victims may misidentify these as the normal, emotional response to experiencing an accident. Symptoms include sudden changes in mood like anxiety, anger, sadness, and other mood or behavior changes.
Sleep
A concussion may be to blame for your sleep disturbances following an accident. If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, or are sleeping more or less than usual, it may be a sign of a concussion.
What Is the Difference Between a Concussion and a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A concussion and a traumatic brain injury (TBI) are related but distinct conditions. A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head and body. It temporarily disrupts brain function and typically results in symptoms like headaches, dizziness, confusion, and sensitivity to light. While concussions are considered mild, they can still have significant effects and require careful management.
In contrast, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a broader term that encompasses a range of brain injuries from mild to severe. TBI can result from impacts, penetration injuries, or blasts, and includes concussions as well as more severe forms like contusions, brain bleeds, and diffuse axonal injuries. The severity of a TBI is assessed based on the duration of unconsciousness, the depth of brain damage, and the impact on cognitive and physical functions.
While concussions usually resolve with rest and proper care, severe TBIs may require extensive medical intervention and rehabilitation. Both conditions need medical evaluation to assess the extent of the injury and guide appropriate treatment.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Brain Injury?
The recovery time from a brain injury varies depending on the injury’s severity. For mild traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions, recovery might take a few weeks to a couple of months. Most people see improvement within this period, but some may experience lingering symptoms like headaches or difficulty concentrating.
Moderate to severe brain injuries can require months to years for recovery. The process often involves rehabilitation, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive therapy. Recovery might be partial or full, and some individuals may face long-term or permanent challenges.
Factors influencing recovery time include the injury’s extent, the patient’s overall health, age, and adherence to rehabilitation protocols. Prompt medical attention and adherence to medical advice can impact recovery outcomes.
Frequently Asked Legal Questions About Concussions
I got a concussion because of someone else’s actions. How long do I have to file a claim?
In most cases, you have a short deadline of two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Exceptions may apply. An experienced concussion attorney can help you understand and meet your deadline.
Can you sue for a mild concussion?
It depends. If someone else caused your concussion, you may have a personal injury claim, regardless of whether the concussion is mild or severe. Contact a head injury lawyer to understand your legal rights and if you have a legal claim.
Can you sue if you get a concussion at work?
In most cases, you can’t file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer in Illinois if you’re injured on the job. But you may be able to file a worker’s compensation claim to recover compensation for your job-related injury.
What Our Clients Say About Us
The Ankin Law Team was Great! They worked for and with me to reach an agreement that would best fit my needs. I was kept informed on all proceeds during the case. I would like to give a Special Thanks to Maria Merman for doing an outstanding job on my behalf. It was a pleasure working with you all. Thank you!
Learn More About Concussion and Brain Injury Claims in Chicagoland
- How Concussions Impact Students’ Ability to Learn
- Trip and Fall Accident? These Are the Symptoms of a Brain Injury
- Chronic Brain Damage and the Hidden World of Sports Injuries
- Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury
- Film Shines Light on Brain Injury
- Brain Injuries More Common than Many Americans Think
- The long-term effects of brain injury
- Brain injuries: Unpredictable and extremely complicated