The hit didn’t seem that bad. Maybe you walked away from the crash, shook it off, and figured you’d be fine in a day or two. Then, the headaches started. Concentration got harder. Noise and light made everything worse.
Now, work feels impossible, simple tasks take more energy than they should, and you’re starting to wonder if this is something bigger than just a bump on the head. You’re not imagining it—concussions and mild TBIs can disrupt everything, even when there’s no visible injury.
So, what now? Can you sue for a minor concussion? And if you do, what kind of settlement can you expect?
The average settlement for concussion cases in California can vary, yet one thing is sure—insurance companies will try to minimize these claims. They might say it’s temporary or that you’re okay. If you’re dealing with a concussion, it’s not just an inconvenience. It’s something that deserves real compensation.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Concussion in California?
Concussions don’t come with a set price tag. Some people bounce back in days, while others deal with headaches, brain fog, and exhaustion for months. A case that settles for $10,000 might seem unfair when another brings in six figures. So, what makes the average settlement for concussion claims in California vary so much?
It comes down to the details. Medical treatment, lost wages, and ongoing symptoms all play a role. A quick ER visit with no follow-ups might not drive a claim past $20,000, while cases involving therapy, cognitive rehab, or months of missed work can climb well beyond $100,000.
Insurance companies try to label concussions as minor injuries, but anyone still struggling weeks or months later knows it’s not that simple.
Mild TBI Settlements in California
The average settlement for mild TBI falls between $15,000 and $100,000, depending on how long symptoms last and whether they interfere with work or daily life. A mild TBI is still brain trauma, and when it changes concentration, memory, or mood, it’s more than just a passing issue—it affects everything from earning potential to relationships.
Concussion Settlements in California
When a concussion from a car accident is involved, settlement amounts depend on:
- Crash severity,
- Medical records, and
- Long-term impact.
A low-speed collision can still cause serious head trauma, and cases with documented post-concussion syndrome often see higher payouts. The average settlement for concussion from a car accident typically ranges from $20,000 to $100,000, though when symptoms last for months or prevent someone from working, the payout can be much higher.
Can You Sue for a Minor Concussion?
Yes. A concussion doesn’t need to be severe for you to file a claim. When another driver caused the crash, they should be held responsible. A personal injury claim can recover money for:
- Medical treatment received as a result of the accident, including scans, therapy, and medications;
- Lost current and future income from missed work or reduced productivity; and
- Pain and suffering that causes physical and emotional effects.
Insurance companies love to downplay concussions. They act like it’s temporary, and you will heal quickly. A lawsuit may be the best way to recover what you’ve lost.
What Affects a Concussion Settlement in California?
No two concussion settlements look the same. Some resolve for tens of thousands, while others reach six figures. What drives the numbers? Here are 5 key factors.
Medical Records and Diagnosis
Doctors rely on ER visits, MRIs, and neurologist reports to assess a concussion’s severity. Strong medical records connect symptoms to the crash, making it harder for insurance companies to dispute the claim. Ongoing treatment, therapy, or specialist care can bolster a claim by showing the long-term effects of the injury.
Missed Work and Lost Income
A concussion impacts health and the ability to earn a living. Time away from work, reduced hours, or struggling to complete tasks can cause financial strain. Lost wages increase the value of a claim because they show how the injury disrupts daily life.
Long-Term Effects
Some concussions heal in weeks, while others bring lasting complications. Memory issues, dizziness, and ongoing headaches can limit job opportunities and affect relationships. When symptoms don’t fade, settlements tend to be higher to account for the long-term impact.
Liability and Negligence
The strength of a case depends on proving fault. Police reports, witness statements, and accident photos help establish whether the other driver was reckless, distracted, or speeding. Strong evidence makes it harder for insurance companies to dispute responsibility.
California’s Statute of Limitations
In most cases, you must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years. Some exceptions apply, such as cases involving minors or delayed diagnoses. Taking action early helps preserve evidence and strengthen a claim.
A concussion can upend daily life, and settlements should account for that. Insurance companies typically won’t offer fair compensation without a fight, but a solid case forces them to take it seriously.
To learn more, you can also browse our article on the specific elements of a brain damage claim.
What If the Insurance Company Won’t Offer a Fair Settlement?
Insurance adjusters come up with excuses all the time. They may say:
- “The symptoms are temporary”;
- “You didn’t lose consciousness, so it’s not serious”; and
- “You don’t have permanent damage, so the claim isn’t worth much.”
That’s not how this works. A brain injury affects how you think, work, and live—not just what shows up on a scan. The last thing you should deal with is an insurance company acting like your symptoms don’t matter.
At Peerali Law, we don’t let insurance companies write the narrative. We step in, gather evidence, and demand compensation reflecting what you’re going through.
Peerali Law: The Legal Team That Puts You First
Attorneys Kristopher Peerali and Serena Vartazarian built this firm on genuine client relationships, and that’s exactly how we approach every case. We’ve recovered millions for our clients by refusing to settle for less than they need.
From the first call to the final settlement, you’ll have a team working for you. If someone else’s negligence caused your concussion, they’re the ones who should be paying for it.
Call Peerali Law at 818-938-2983 or fill out our online contact form today.
Kristopher earned his J.D. at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law where he was a member of the Review of Law and Social Justice honors law journal and was awarded several scholastic honors.
Loading...