Lawyers for Concussion and Head Injuries Insurance Claim Denials
Concussions, often called mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI), can take some time for symptoms to show themselves, and each person can react differently, however they can be completely debilitating.
Symptoms of Concussions and Other Head Injuries
Concussions can manifest in different ways including:
- Changes in Behaviour or Personality, Such as Depression or Anxiety, Aggression or Acting Out
- Changes in Physical Abilities, Such as Weakness or Trouble with Coordination. Severe injuries can Cause Speech Difficulty, Seizures, and Paralysis
- Headaches and/or Migraines
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Impaired Cognition, Such as Slower Thinking, Memory Loss, or Unusual Reasoning.
- Impaired Communication Skills, Such as Expressing Oneself or Understanding Others.
- Sensory Loss in Any One of the Five Senses
- Sensitivity to Bright Lights and Computer Screens
- Dizziness and Balance Problems
- Impaired Vision
- Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)
- Emotional/Psychological Issues (Depression, Anxiety, etc.)
What Causes Head Injuries in Vancouver?
In addition to vehicle accidents, sports are the most common cause of head injuries in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland:
- Hockey – Traumatic brain injuries can result from fast-moving contact sports such as hockey. Contact with the ice, a stick, the boards or another player may not seem severe but can result in concussion. Always wear approved and proper-fitting protective equipment!
- Soccer – To head the ball or not? This topic has been debated in recent years, with some medical experts claiming that children should avoid heading the ball. Head injuries account for up to one-fifth of all soccer injuries. However, most soccer concussions occur when two players heads collide.
- Cycling – It’s easy to see the link between falling off a bike and a closed head injury. Experts say wearing a proper-fitting bicycle helmet can reduce your chances of head injury by half. In BC, a law passed in 1995 that mandates that cyclists must wear certified helmets.
- Longboarding – This increasingly popular sport, modeled after surfing, has obvious connections to head injury. The greater speeds achieved by longboards make head injury even more prevalent. Helmets, it goes without saying, should be standard equipment.
- Diving – Head injuries from diving occur most often when one strikes their head on the bottom of the pool. The depth of the water should always be determined prior to diving to make sure the dive can be made safely.
- Football – Football helmets gained popularity in the 1890s and continue to evolve. The rate at which players can meet and butt heads on the field has long been an area of great concern, as life-changing injury and even fatalities have resulted. Efforts to lessen impact on the brain continue with different rules being implemented and continued helmet technology improvement.
Despite the evolving understanding of the significant impact of concussions in popular culture, insurance companies will often try to downplay the seriousness of concussions or mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) and try to force disabled individuals back to work when they are not medically ready. If the individual does not comply, the insurance company uses this as a basis to deny benefits.
Dealing with an insurance denial can be a stressful and complicated process. These claims involve complex contractual issues as well as an understanding of the medical information required to prove your claim. Having a lawyer who specializes in insurance denial on your side will help to reduce your stress and ensure you get what you are entitled to. If you have a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) long-term disability claim that has been denied, contact the lawyers at Taylor & Blair LLP today.