Concussion Settlements After Missouri Car Accident

Concussions account for 30% of all car accident injuries in Missouri, yet victims often settle for far less than their claims are worth. While insurance companies may offer $15,000–$30,000 for "minor" concussions, severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) with lasting symptoms can justify $150,000–$500,000+ in compensation.

This article will reveal:
2024 settlement ranges for concussions (with real Missouri case examples)
The hidden long-term costs insurers don't want to cover
How to prove a concussion when MRIs come back "normal"
5 tactics to maximize your payout (used by top St. Louis PI attorneys)

Let's dive into what your concussion claim is truly worth.

Section 1: Understanding Concussions – More Than Just a "Bump on the Head"

What Is a Concussion?

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by sudden acceleration/deceleration (like whiplash). Unlike broken bones, concussions are invisible injuries—making them harder to prove but no less debilitating.

Common Symptoms

  • Physical: Headaches, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision

  • Cognitive: Memory loss, confusion, difficulty concentrating

  • Emotional: Irritability, depression, anxiety

  • Sleep disturbances: Insomnia or excessive drowsiness

Key Insight: Symptoms may not appear for 24–72 hours post-accident. Delayed medical care gives insurers ammo to deny claims.

Grading Concussions (And How It Affects Your Settlement)

Grade Symptoms Recovery Time Settlement Range
Grade 1 (Mild) No loss of consciousness (LOC), confusion <15 mins 7–14 days $10,000–$30,000
Grade 2 (Moderate) LOC <5 mins, confusion lasts hours 2–4 weeks $30,000–$75,000
Grade 3 (Severe) LOC >5 mins, memory gaps, persistent symptoms Months–years $100,000–$500,000+

Case Example: A St. Charles woman received $210,000 for a Grade 2 concussion after proving she couldn't return to her nursing job for 3 months due to dizziness.

Section 2: 2024 Concussion Settlement Averages in Missouri

Average Payouts by Severity

  1. Mild Concussions

    • $15,000–$50,000 (resolved within 3 months)

    • Example: $28,000 settlement for a college student with 6 weeks of headaches (2023, Kansas City)

  2. Moderate Concussions

    • $50,000–$150,000 (required cognitive therapy)

    • Example: $112,000 verdict for a truck driver with 4 months of memory loss (2024, St. Louis City)

  3. Severe Concussions (Post-Concussion Syndrome)

    • $150,000–$500,000+ (symptoms lasting 1+ years)

    • Example: $475,000 settlement for a mother who developed chronic migraines (2023, Springfield)

Why Some Concussion Claims Exceed $1 Million

  • Lost earning capacity: A surgeon with hand tremors post-concussion won $1.2M

  • Permanent cognitive impairment: $2.3M verdict for a TBI victim who could no longer manage finances

  • Punitive damages: Drunk driving cases may trigger additional penalties

Section 3: Proving Your Concussion Claim (When Scans Look "Normal")

The MRI Problem

Most concussions don't show up on CT scans or MRIs. Insurers exploit this to claim injuries are "fake." You'll need:

  1. Neuropsychological Testing

    • Measures memory, reaction time, and problem-solving deficits

    • Costs $3,000–$5,000 (but adds $20K–$50K+ to your claim)

  2. Day-in-the-Life Documentation

    • Journal entries ("Forgot daughter's birthday—no recall of plans")

    • Family testimony ("He can't follow TV plots anymore")

  3. Expert Witnesses

    • Neurologists ($500/hour) link symptoms to the crash

    • Economists calculate lost future earnings

Case Study: A St. Louis warehouse worker won $185,000 despite a "clean" MRI by using:
✔ Neuropsych testing showing 20% slower processing speed
✔ Supervisor testimony about work errors post-accident
✔ A neurologist's explanation of diffuse axonal injury

Section 4: 5 Insurance Tactics to Slash Your Payout (And How to Fight Back)

Tactic 1: "You're Faking It"

Their Move: Point to social media posts (e.g., you at a party).
Counter: Privacy-lock accounts. Use medical logs showing good/bad days.

Tactic 2: "Pre-Existing Condition"

Their Move: Blame prior headaches or ADHD.
Counter: Provide 5 years of pre-accident medical records showing stability.

Tactic 3: "You Waited Too Long for Treatment"

Their Move: Deny claims if you didn't see a doctor within 72 hours.
Counter: Explain delayed symptoms (backed by ER triage notes).

Tactic 4: Lowball Early Offers

Their Move: Offer $10K before you finish treatment.
Counter: Wait until maximum medical improvement (MMI)—often 6–12 months post-accident.

Tactic 5: Disputing Non-Economic Damages

Their Move: Offer $5K for "pain and suffering."
Counter: Demand per diem method ($X/day for each day of suffering).

Section 5: Maximizing Your Settlement – A Step-by-Step Plan

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Care

  • ER visits create time-stamped proof

  • Follow up with a neurologist (not just a PCP)

Step 2: Document Everything

  • Medical records (even "normal" scans)

  • Symptom journals (rate headaches 1–10 daily)

  • Witness statements (co-workers, family)

Step 3: Calculate Full Damages

Damage Type Calculation Method
Medical bills Actual costs + future treatment
Lost wages Pay stubs + vocational expert
Pain/suffering $150–$500 per day of symptoms

Step 4: Hire the Right Attorney

Ask:

  • "How many concussion cases have you taken to trial?"

  • "Do you work with neurologists?"

Step 5: Prepare for Litigation

80% of cases settle, but insurers pay 30–50% more if you're trial-ready.

Conclusion: What Your Concussion Claim Is Really Worth

While insurers push $15K–$30K for "minor" concussions, victims with strong evidence regularly secure $100K–$300K. The key is:

  1. Medical proof (neuropsych tests > MRIs)

  2. Patience (don't settle before MMI)

  3. Legal firepower (insurers fear trial-tested lawyers)

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Concussions account for 30% of all car accident injuries in Missouri, yet victims often settle for far less than their claims are worth. While insurance companies may offer $15,000–$30,000 for "minor" concussions, severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) with lasting symptoms can justify $150,000–$500,000+ in compensation.