In the moments after a serious car crash on I-40 or a fall in Wilmington, you might feel shaken but relieved to walk away. However, some of the most dangerous injuries are not visible.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have delayed symptoms, like confusion or a new headache, that only appear hours or days later. Knowing the signs of a traumatic brain injury is critical for your health and for protecting your legal rights.
Emergency TBI symptoms
If you or a loved one experiences any of the following symptoms after an impact, seek emergency medical care immediately.
- Loss of consciousness
- A persistent headache that gets worse
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Seizures or convulsions
- Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears
- Inability to wake from sleep
- Slurred speech or profound confusion
These signs can indicate a moderate to severe TBI that requires urgent medical intervention.
Common delayed concussion symptoms
Many TBI symptoms do not appear for hours or even days. These signs often point to stress but can indicate a concussion or “mild” TBI.
- Dizziness or problems with balance
- A “foggy” feeling or difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Sudden irritability or mood swings
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Fatigue or drowsiness
Pay close attention to any new or unusual physical, cognitive or emotional feelings after an accident.
How a TBI affects your North Carolina claim
Proving an injury claim in North Carolina presents a unique challenge because of the state’s strict contributory negligence standard. This doctrine means that if you are assigned any portion of the blame for an accident, even a tiny fraction, you can be completely prevented from recovering financial compensation.
However, this rule is not absolute. The law provides for important exceptions, such as when the other party’s conduct was grossly negligent or when they had the “last clear chance” to avoid the collision.
Insurance adjusters understand these complexities and may try to assign you a small amount of fault to deny your claim entirely. This is why creating an immediate medical record after an injury is a vital first step.
Protecting your right to compensation
The true cost of a TBI often unfolds over time, involving future medical bills, lost income and long-term rehabilitation. Because these damages can be so significant, it is vital to track your symptoms and follow your doctor’s orders.
When a head injury results from someone else’s negligence, you have legal rights. Consider discussing your situation with an experienced personal injury attorney to fully understand your options.
