Can a Car Accident Cause a Brain Aneurysm?

Suffering from a brain aneurysm from a car accident can be detrimental for the remainder of your life or your loved one’s. But how do you prove the collision caused your brain aneurysm? It can be a complex process, depending on what type of evidence you have, but understanding your next steps and working with an Atlanta car accident attorney is vital.

A Serious Car Accident Can Lead to a Brain Aneurysm

The sudden intense motion during an auto collision can cause your systolic blood pressure to rise rapidly, heightening the weak vessel wall. This can also significantly increase the risk of rupture for any existing undiagnosed aneurysms.

How a Brain Aneurysm Develops

A brain aneurysm is when an abnormal bulge forms in a wake spot in a blood vessel supplying the brain. This develops when blood vessel walls have thinned, resulting from genetics, high blood pressure, smoking, or trauma.

Many aneurysms are small and do not rupture. However, larger ones can burst and cause a subarachnoid hemorrhage. This can lead to dangerous bleeding around the brain and requires emergency surgery.

What to Know About Insurance Claim Denials

It is not uncommon for insurance companies to initially deny claims that link a brain aneurysm to a previous auto accident. They may argue the aneurysm was a pre-existing condition or caused by unrelated factors. This makes getting fair compensation very challenging.

Some strategies include:

• Providing scientific evidence and medical research that shows trauma can cause aneurysm formation or rupture. Having your doctor write a strong letter of support can help validate the connection.
• Submitting supplementary records like neuropsychological testing results demonstrating cognitive deficits consistent with aneurysm bleeding and brain damage.
• Comparing pre- and post-accident imaging reports documenting the aneurysm enlarged or appearing only after trauma.
• Determine the precise timing between your accident date and subsequent aneurysm diagnosis and treatment.
• Requesting an independent medical exam by another neurology specialist to back up the linking causation.
• Documentation demonstrates how the accident matches the mechanical forces that harm blood vessels (rapid deceleration,  violent head rotation, or a similar cause).
• Sending updated medical bills, treatment plans, and prognosis reports that quantify the serious consequences of the aneurysm.

A brain aneurysm developing after a car crash can significantly increase your potential injury claim and compensation required to cover your care needs. Covering costs of serial angiogram monitoring tests, medications, and potential surgery carries major associated expenses in addition to standard accident trauma treatment bills. This is why having a car accident lawyer in Atlanta can help with your case.

Long-Term Effects of a Brain Aneurysm

Surviving a brain aneurysm can lead to lifelong effects that impact your health, ability to work, and quality of life. It is important to understand these potential life-long consequences. Below are some of the most common consequences of a brain aneurysm.

Cognitive Changes

A ruptured brain aneurysm can cause bleeding and damage to brain tissue. This often leads to cognitive difficulties, including:

• Impaired memory and concentration
• Difficulty with planning, organization, and multitasking
• Slower processing speed and reaction time
• Trouble finding words or communicating

These cognitive issues may improve with time or remain persistent. Cognitive rehabilitation can help strengthen certain skills. In some cases, life-long cognitive rehabilitation may be needed.

Personality Changes

Brain injury from an aneurysm may also change aspects of your personality. This could include increased irritability, agitation, anxiety, depression, or other emotional changes. Mood disorders are common, and counseling should be considered.

Ongoing Medical Care

Routine monitoring is necessary after an aneurysm. This involves regular CT scans, MRIs, and angiograms to check for new aneurysm growth. People who have had one aneurysm are at higher risk for developing more. 

Lifelong vigilance is required, which can be high in costs that you should not have to pay yourself. Medications may be needed to control high blood pressure and prevent recurrence. Physical, speech, and occupational therapy are also often utilized during recovery.

Impact on Work and Daily Activities

An aneurysm’s cognitive, emotional, and physical effects often make returning to work very difficult. Ability to perform job duties may be limited. Significant accommodations or job retraining may be necessary.

The Claims Process

Pursuing compensation for an accident-related brain aneurysm involves a detailed claims process. A car accident lawyer can help navigate the legal process. Here’s what to expect:

• Your attorney will gather all documentation needed to demonstrate that collision forces caused the aneurysm – medical records, imaging reports, doctor statements, and accident details.
• A demand letter is sent to the at-fault driver’s insurance company requesting a specific settlement amount to cover your damages. Detailed evidence is presented.
• The insurer investigates the claim, often requesting your medical history and questioning causation. This can delay the process.
• The insurance company will typically make an initial low offer. Your attorney will negotiate firmly for a higher settlement by proving your case.
• You may need to file a personal injury lawsuit if you cannot reach an adequate agreement. This moves negotiations to court.
• Depositions may be requested to interview you and your doctors under oath. 
• Before trial, a settlement meeting is often held, and your attorney will advocate fiercely for proper compensation.
• If negotiations fail, your case proceeds to a jury trial. Your lawyer presents evidence and argues your aneurysm merits compensation.
• The claims process can be lengthy, but working with an experienced attorney maximizes your chance of success. Stay patient and persistent until fair damages are recovered.

Words cannot justify the impact a car accident brain aneurysm can have on a person or their family. No amount of financial compensation can make up for the devastating effects of such an injury. Let a compassionate attorney help you secure the justice you deserve. 

Let us Help You Prove Your Case

Just because a case can be hard to prove, such as a brain aneurysm, that is no reason to back down. You deserve to fight for your rights as you now have a serious condition from an accident that was not your fault. We are ready to help you put together strong evidence to strengthen your case. 

Contact us today for a free consultation with a car accident attorney in Atlanta and see the first step you should take.