Second Impact Syndrome (SIS) is a rare but potentially lethal condition that can arise when someone sustains another traumatic brain injury (TBI) before their initial injury has healed completely. SIS most frequently affects athletes who have sustained concussions or other types of head trauma and return to play before their brain has completely recovered.
After suffering a concussion or other type of TBI, the brain may experience swelling and an increase in pressure. If they return to physical activity before their brain has fully healed, they could be vulnerable to another injury that causes rapid and severe brain swelling with potentially fatal results.
Signs of SIS can include loss of consciousness, dilated pupils, respiratory failure, and even death. The risk for developing this condition is highest among adolescents and young adults, though even mild initial injuries can lead to SIS development.
To prevent SIS, it is essential to properly recognize and manage concussions and other TBIs. This includes giving the brain adequate time to heal before returning to physical activity or sports, as well as following medical protocols for concussion management. If someone experiences symptoms of a concussion or other head injury, they should seek immediate medical help and cease physical activity until cleared by a healthcare professional.
Second Impact Syndrome (SIS) is a potentially hazardous issue in personal injury law cases involving traumatic brain injuries (TBI). If someone has endured such trauma, it’s essential that they receive appropriate medical care and treatment to avoid developing SIS.
Personal injury cases often center around whether or not a defendant was responsible for a plaintiff’s TBI. For instance, if someone suffered a concussion while playing a contact sport and was allowed to continue playing before fully recovering, then that defendant (like a coach or school) may be held liable if they later develop SIS (serious internal bleeding).
Proving liability in SIS cases can be difficult due to its rarity and multiple factors that could contribute to injuries sustained by the plaintiff. Expert testimony from medical professionals or forensic specialists may be needed in order to establish causation and determine how much compensation is owed.
In some cases, settlements can be reached outside of court where the defendant agrees to pay damages to the plaintiff for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering, as well as other related costs. On other occasions, however, a trial may be necessary in order to establish liability and determine what damages should be awarded.
Overall, SIS is a serious condition with potentially life-altering consequences. When handling personal injury law cases involving TBIs, it’s essential to work with experienced legal professionals who comprehend the complexities of such claims and ensure victims receive compensation and assistance to recover and move forward.
It’s always important to seek the assistance of a personal injury lawyer to help you understand the legal system. Here at Darfoor Law Firm, we help families and loved ones recover damages. If you are struggling, hurt, injured, or suffered one of the above accidents, call us at 1-833-DARFOOR to schedule your free consultation and case evaluation.