⚖ PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

California Concussion Injury Lawyer

A concussion can affect your memory, concentration, balance, sleep, and ability to work even when there is no obvious external injury. Anand Desai Law Firm helps injured Californians pursue compensation when another person’s negligence causes a concussion or other traumatic brain injury. With 20+ years of legal experience and No Win, No Fee representation, we’re ready to fight for you. Law Desai currently states that Anand Desai has 20+ years of experience and handles brain-injury claims throughout California.

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Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different.

Why Choose Anand Desai Law for Your Personal Injury Case?

A concussion may not produce an obvious external injury, which can make these claims difficult to document. Anand Desai Law Firm investigates how the accident happened, gathers medical and accident evidence, documents the effect of symptoms on everyday life, and handles communications with insurance companies.

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  • 20+ years of experience
  • 5,000+ cases handled
  • 50+ jury trials
  • No Win, No Fee
  • Available 24/7

 

The existing draft currently makes this section much too long by putting investigation, medical evidence, symptoms and insurance handling underneath it.

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Three Steps to Getting the Compensation You Deserve

1

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Call us or fill out the form. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and answer all your questions — at no cost.

2

We Build Your Case

We gather evidence, work with experts, handle the insurance companies, and build your claim for maximum compensation.

3

You Get Compensated

We don’t get paid unless you win. 100% contingency fee — no upfront costs, no hidden charges, no risk to you.

What You Need to Know About Concussion Injury in California

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury.

According to the CDC, a concussion can occur after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or after an impact to the body causes rapid movement of the head and brain.

A person does not necessarily need to lose consciousness to have a concussion.

Symptoms can involve several areas of function, including:

  • Thinking
  • Memory
  • Physical symptoms
  • Emotions
  • Sleep

 

Because symptoms vary considerably from person to person, medical evaluation is important when a concussion is suspected.

Common Symptoms of a Concussion

Headaches

Headaches are among the symptoms associated with mild TBI and concussion.

Dizziness and Balance Problems

An injured person may feel dizzy, unsteady, or have difficulty maintaining normal balance.

Memory Problems

A concussion may interfere with remembering events, recent information, or details surrounding the accident.

Difficulty Concentrating

Some people have difficulty focusing on work, reading, conversations, or other tasks after a concussion.

Sensitivity to Light or Noise

Changes in sensitivity to light and sound may occur after a mild TBI.

Vision Problems

Blurred vision and other visual disturbances may occur after concussion.

Nausea or Vomiting

Nausea may occur after a concussion, while repeated vomiting can be a danger sign requiring urgent medical attention.

Fatigue

Feeling unusually tired or lacking energy can be associated with mild TBI.

Sleep Changes

Some people may sleep more, sleep less, or have difficulty sleeping normally after a concussion.

Mood or Behaviour Changes

A concussion can also be associated with irritability, anxiety, sadness, or other changes in mood and behaviour.

Concussion Danger Signs

Some symptoms following a head injury may indicate a more serious emergency.

The CDC advises seeking emergency medical care after a head injury when danger signs include:

  • A headache that continues to worsen
  • Repeated vomiting
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Weakness or numbness
  • Slurred speech
  • Increasing confusion
  • Unusual behaviour
  • Increasing drowsiness or inability to wake
  • One pupil becoming larger than the other
  • Double vision
  • Significant loss of coordination
  • Inability to recognise people or places

 

Call 911 or seek emergency medical treatment if serious neurological symptoms develop after a head injury.

Common Accidents That Cause Concussions

Car Accidents

The sudden forces involved in a vehicle collision can cause the head and brain to move rapidly, even when the person’s head does not directly strike an object.

California brain-injury firms commonly handle concussion claims arising from motor-vehicle crashes.

Rear-End Accidents

A rear-end collision can cause rapid movement of the head and neck.

Concussion symptoms may accompany neck injuries or other trauma after a collision.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle riders may suffer head injuries after being thrown from a bike or striking another vehicle, roadway, or object.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians can suffer serious head and brain injuries when struck by a vehicle or thrown onto the roadway.

Bicycle Accidents

Cyclists may sustain a concussion after striking a vehicle, pavement, or another object.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Falls are a recognised cause of traumatic brain injuries, particularly when the person’s head strikes the ground or another hard surface.

Construction Accidents

Falls, falling objects, equipment incidents, and vehicle accidents at construction sites may cause head injuries.

Sports and Recreation Accidents

Sports and recreational activities can also cause concussions. The CDC recommends appropriate helmets or protective headgear for activities such as bicycling and motorcycling to reduce TBI risk.

Do You Have to Hit Your Head to Get a Concussion?

Not necessarily.

The CDC explains that a concussion can be caused either by a direct bump or blow to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.

This can be particularly important in motor-vehicle claims.

A person may suffer concussion symptoms even when there is no:

  • Cut
  • Bruise
  • Skull fracture
  • Direct impact with the dashboard
  • Loss of consciousness

 

The medical evidence and mechanism of injury should be evaluated rather than relying only on visible trauma.

Do You Have to Lose Consciousness?

No.

Loss of consciousness can occur with a traumatic brain injury, but it is not required for a concussion diagnosis.

CDC materials describe numerous concussion symptoms that can occur with or without being knocked unconscious, including headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory difficulties, concentration problems, nausea, fatigue, and vision changes.

Can a CT Scan Be Normal After a Concussion?

Yes.

A normal CT scan does not automatically rule out a concussion.

The CDC states that CT imaging is not needed to identify a mild TBI or concussion in many cases. A scan may instead be used when there is concern about bleeding or another structural injury.

This distinction can matter in personal injury cases because an insurer should not automatically equate a normal structural scan with the absence of a concussion.

How Is a Concussion Diagnosed?

A healthcare provider may evaluate:

  • How the injury occurred
  • Symptoms
  • Memory
  • Concentration
  • Learning
  • Problem-solving
  • Balance
  • Neurological function

 

The CDC notes that neuropsychological or neurocognitive testing may help identify problems associated with mild TBI or concussion.

Diagnosis and treatment should be handled by an appropriate healthcare professional.

How Long Does a Concussion Last?

Recovery varies.

The CDC states that, with proper care, many people with mild TBI or concussion are able to return to work, school, and other activities within days or weeks. However, some people experience symptoms for months or longer.

Factors affecting recovery may include:

  • Severity of symptoms
  • Previous concussions
  • Age
  • Other medical conditions
  • Additional injuries
  • Whether another head injury occurs during recovery

 

The CDC advises contacting a healthcare provider if symptoms do not go away within two to three weeks or become worse after returning to normal activities.

What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome?

Some people continue experiencing concussion-related symptoms longer than expected.

The CDC explains that when symptoms last for months, a healthcare provider may discuss post-concussive syndrome. It also notes that people with multiple previous concussions may be more likely to experience longer recovery or more significant symptoms.

Persistent symptoms can include problems involving:

  • Headaches
  • Concentration
  • Memory
  • Balance
  • Sleep
  • Fatigue
  • Mood
  • Sensitivity to light or noise

 

Persistent symptoms can significantly affect a person’s ability to work and carry out normal activities.

Why Repeat Concussions Matter

Repeated head injuries deserve particular attention.

The CDC reports that people with a history of multiple mild TBIs or concussions may experience a longer recovery or more severe symptoms and may have ongoing concentration, memory, headache, or balance problems.

A person recovering from a concussion should follow the instructions of their healthcare provider before returning to activities that carry a risk of another head injury.

Medical Treatment After a Concussion

Treatment depends on the patient’s symptoms and individual circumstances.

The CDC recommends being evaluated by a healthcare provider after a suspected mild TBI or concussion.

Care may involve:

  • Initial medical evaluation
  • Monitoring symptoms
  • Short-term activity modification
  • Gradual return to normal activities
  • Follow-up appointments
  • Specialist referral
  • Physical therapy
  • Vestibular treatment
  • Cognitive rehabilitation
  • Medication when appropriate

 

The CDC currently recommends some rest during the first few days followed by a gradual return to normal activities as symptoms permit and under healthcare guidance.

Evidence That Can Strengthen a Concussion Claim

Because concussions may involve symptoms that cannot be seen on an X-ray or photograph, documentation can be particularly important.

Useful evidence may include:

Medical Records

Records showing:

  • Initial symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Follow-up visits
  • Treatment
  • Referrals
  • Work restrictions

Accident Evidence

Including:

  • Photographs
  • Video
  • Police reports
  • Incident reports
  • Witness statements

Symptom Documentation

Keeping a record of symptoms may help demonstrate:

  • Frequency of headaches
  • Sleep disruption
  • Concentration problems
  • Memory issues
  • Dizziness
  • Activity limitations

Employment Records

Employment documentation may establish:

  • Days missed
  • Reduced hours
  • Job modifications
  • Lost wages
  • Work restrictions

Statements From Family or Coworkers

People who interact with the injured person regularly may notice changes involving:

  • Memory
  • Personality
  • Concentration
  • Energy
  • Work performance
  • Social activity

 

Brain-injury attorneys often emphasise documenting cognitive and functional changes because concussion symptoms can be less visible than fractures or other physical trauma.

What Compensation May Be Available?

The value of a concussion claim depends on the facts and evidence.

Potential damages may include:

Medical Expenses

Such as:

  • Emergency care
  • Physician visits
  • Neurological evaluations
  • Diagnostic testing
  • Therapy
  • Medication

Future Medical Care

Persistent symptoms may require additional medical appointments, therapy, rehabilitation, or specialist treatment.

Lost Wages

A concussion may prevent someone from working temporarily.

Reduced Earning Capacity

Persistent cognitive or neurological problems may affect a person’s ability to perform the same job.

Pain and Suffering

A claim may also account for the physical and personal impact of the injury.

California brain-injury firms commonly evaluate medical expenses, lost income, future care, cognitive impairments, and pain and suffering when developing TBI claims.

What Affects the Value of a Concussion Case?

There is no standard concussion settlement amount.

Factors can include:

  • Severity of symptoms
  • Duration of symptoms
  • Medical treatment
  • Whether symptoms persist
  • Post-concussion syndrome
  • Time missed from work
  • Reduced earning ability
  • Other injuries
  • Strength of liability evidence
  • Insurance coverage
  • Comparative responsibility
  • Effect on daily life

 

Because concussion outcomes vary widely, settlement figures from unrelated cases should not be treated as predictions of a particular claim.

What if the Insurance Company Says the Concussion Is “Only Mild”?

The term mild TBI describes a medical classification, but that does not mean every patient’s experience is insignificant.

The CDC specifically states that mild TBIs and concussions are serious even though they are generally not life-threatening.

Some people recover relatively quickly.

Others experience persistent symptoms affecting:

  • Work
  • Memory
  • Concentration
  • Sleep
  • Driving
  • Balance
  • Daily activities

The claim should reflect the actual documented consequences of the injury.

What if My Symptoms Started Later?

Delayed symptoms are possible.

The CDC states that some concussion signs and symptoms may not appear or be noticed until hours or days after the injury.

If symptoms develop after an accident:

  • Seek appropriate medical evaluation
  • Explain when the accident occurred
  • Describe when symptoms began
  • Follow treatment recommendations
  • Keep medical and symptom records

 

Delayed symptoms do not automatically prove or disprove causation; the medical evidence must be evaluated.

What if I Already Had a Previous Concussion?

A previous concussion does not automatically prevent a new injury claim.

It can, however, make medical evaluation especially important.

The CDC states that people with prior mild TBIs or concussions may have a longer recovery or more severe symptoms after another injury.

Medical records can help distinguish:

  • Previous symptoms
  • New symptoms
  • Worsened symptoms
  • Additional limitations caused by the new accident

How Long Do You Have to File a Concussion Lawsuit in California?

California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1 generally provides two years for an action involving injury caused by another person’s wrongful act or neglect.

Different deadlines and procedures may apply in particular circumstances, including claims involving public entities.

Because evidence and surveillance footage can also disappear well before a legal deadline expires, early investigation can be important.

Frequently Asked Questions About Concussions

Yes. The CDC classifies concussion as a type of traumatic brain injury.

Yes. A blow to the body that causes rapid movement of the head and brain can cause a concussion.

No. Concussion symptoms can occur without loss of consciousness.

A CT scan is not generally used simply to identify a mild TBI or concussion. It may be ordered when there is concern about bleeding or another serious structural injury.

Yes. Some symptoms may not appear or become noticeable until hours or days after the injury.

Many people improve within days or weeks, but some experience symptoms for months or longer. Recovery varies by person and circumstances.

It generally refers to concussion-related symptoms that continue for an extended period. The CDC notes that healthcare providers may discuss post-concussive syndrome when symptoms persist for months.

Yes. The CDC recommends that people with suspected mild TBI or concussion be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Seek emergency care for danger signs such as worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizures, slurred speech, weakness, increasing confusion, inability to wake, unequal pupils, or other serious neurological symptoms.

Potentially, if another person’s or company’s negligence caused the injury. Compensation depends on liability, medical evidence, financial losses, and the other facts of the individual case.

Many concussion symptoms are functional rather than externally visible. The CDC notes that mild TBI evaluation can involve symptoms, cognitive testing, and clinical assessment rather than relying solely on structural imaging.

Potentially. Properly documented income lost because an accident-related concussion prevented you from working may form part of the damages claim.

California generally provides two years for a personal injury action arising from another person’s wrongful act or neglect, although exceptions and different procedures may apply.

What Our Clients Say

Meet Your Attorney — Anand Desai

Anand Desai is a dedicated personal injury attorney serving Glendale and the greater Los Angeles area. A graduate of Loyola Law School with an undergraduate degree from USC, Anand has been a member of the California State Bar (#249768) since 2007, bringing 20+ years of legal experience to every case he handles.

Anand specializes in personal injury law, with particular expertise in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and personal injury cases. His deep understanding of California personal injury law, combined with his tenacious negotiation skills, has helped him secure millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for his clients.

What truly sets Anand apart is his commitment to his community. His firm is one of the only law offices in Glendale that offers services in 11 languages, including Spanish, Armenian, Hindi, Gujarati, Korean, Tagalog, Farsi, Punjabi, Thai, Russian, and English — reflecting the rich diversity of the communities he serves.

“I fight for every client like they’re family. When you hire me, you’re not just getting a lawyer — you’re getting someone who genuinely cares about your recovery and your future.”

Call (833) 270-7800 to schedule your free consultation with Anand today.

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