A concussion might sound like a “minor” injury, but for accident victims in California, the medical bills that follow can be anything but minor. From emergency room visits to follow-up therapy, concussion treatment can cost thousands of dollars and in many cases, insurance companies will fight to avoid paying the full amount. Here’s what every accident victim in California needs to know about the real price of treating a concussion, who’s responsible for covering those costs, and how a brain injury attorney can help ensure you aren’t left footing the bill.
What is a concussion
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a jolt or blow that makes the brain move inside the skull. This can stretch and injure nerves, disrupt brain function, and trigger a cascade of symptoms — from headaches and dizziness to confusion, memory problems, and emotional changes. Approximately there were 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020.
While sports often get the spotlight for concussions, motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause in California. Even a low-speed crash can cause the brain to shake violently enough to result in injury, and symptoms aren’t always immediate.
Medical experts stress the importance of early evaluation and treatment. Delayed care not only prolongs recovery but can also make it harder to prove your injury in a personal injury claim. In some cases, victims develop post-concussion syndrome, where symptoms like headaches, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue persist for months can significantly increase treatment costs and life disruption.
Concussion Treatment Costs After an Accident: Who Covers Them? 2 How concussions are diagnosed
If you go to the ER after an accident, your healthcare provider will run through several steps to confirm a concussion:
- Neurological exam, checking vision, hearing, reflexes, balance, and coordination
- Cognitive testing, assessing memory, concentration, and ability to recall information
- Imaging tests, a CT scan is the standard in adults if severe symptoms are present, while an MRI may be used to check for bleeding or swelling
These records aren’t just medically important, they’re vital legal evidence. Insurance companies often try to downplay concussions as “subjective” injuries unless there’s clear documentation from a qualified provider.
What concussion treatment involves
According to medical guidelines, treatment typically starts with relative rest in the first 48 hours avoiding activities that trigger symptoms, including screen time, strenuous exercise, or intense mental work. From there, a gradual return to normal activity is recommended, often under the supervision of a physician or neurologist.
Treatment can include
- Specialist visits (neurology, rehabilitation medicine)
- Physical or vestibular therapy for balance and coordination issues
- Cognitive therapy for memory and concentration problems
- Pain management (usually acetaminophen — NSAIDs are avoided early due to bleeding risk)
Recovery time varies. Most people heal within a month, but post-concussion syndrome can extend that timeline significantly, leading to months of therapy, additional imaging, and ongoing medical monitoring.
Possible costs of concussion treatment in California
While every case is different, here’s a breakdown of potential medical expenses accident victims may face:
- Emergency room visit costs starting at around $1,000 or more
- CT scan costs ranging from about $300 to $3,000
- MRI costs that can run from roughly $500 to more than $5,000
- Specialist follow-up appointments costing between $200 and $600 each
- Physical or cognitive therapy sessions priced anywhere from $50 to $350
If symptoms linger due to post-concussionsyndrome, total costs can easily exceed $20,000 — not including lost wages or other accident-related expenses.
Who will cover them after an accident?
In California, coverage depends on how and where the accident happened.
- The at-fault driver’s auto insurance should pay medical bills through bodily injury liability coverage if you were not responsible for the crash.
- Your own MedPay coverage can help with medical costs no matter who was at fault, although the payout limits can vary.
- Health insurance may step in once auto coverage is used up, but you will still face deductibles and co-pays.
- If the accident occurred while you were working, workers’ compensation may cover treatment expenses.
Because California follows a comparative negligence rule, your compensation can be reduced if you are found partly at fault. This is one more reason why having an experienced attorney on your side is so important.
When a concussion claim requires a brain injury attorney?
You may need a brain injury attorney when
- the insurance company challenges your diagnosis
- argues your symptoms are unrelated to the accident
- offers a settlement that won’t cover your full treatment costs
- or there are disputes over fault or shared liability
In these situations, a seasoned brain injury attorney can gather and present medical evidence, including imaging and therapy records, work with experts to explain how the injury impacts your life and future earnings, negotiate with insurance adjusters who try to minimize your claim, and pursue full compensation for both treatment costs and non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
As Sasha Bojat, founder of Bojat Law Group, explains:
“We’ve handled countless cases where an insurer tried to dismiss a concussion as ‘just a bump on the head.’ The truth is, untreated or downplayed concussions can change the course of someone’s life. Our job is to make sure clients get the care they need, and that the party responsible pays for it.”
Suffered a concussion after an accident? Follow these steps
- Get medical attention immediately, even if symptoms are mild or delayed.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up visits.
- Save every bill, receipt, and medical record related to your injury.
- Do not speak with insurance adjusters without legal advice.
Our brain injury lawyers can help you cover concussion treatment costs
If you’ve suffered a concussion or are struggling with post-concussion syndrome after an accident, you shouldn’t have to worry about how to pay for your recovery. Bojat Law Group fights to ensure that victims get the medical care they need without going into debt. Call (818) 877-4878 for a free consultation with a brain injury attorney who will listen to your story, explain your options, and work to secure every dollar you’re owed.
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