Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most common injuries in car accidents and slip and fall accidents and are among the most serious. Unfortunately, these injuries are often misunderstood. The problem with TBIs is that sometimes, symptoms do not show up immediately after the event. Some people may experience a delayed onset of TBI symptoms after an accident. Some TBI symptoms may not appear until days or even weeks after the accident. Regrettably, delayed TBI symptoms can be just as dangerous, if not more dangerous, since they often go untreated until the damage is more severe.
If you have been involved in a Kansas or Missouri car accident or slip and fall accident, it’s crucial to understand how delayed TBI symptoms can affect not only your health but also your personal injury claim. Below, we look at why seeking prompt medical care and legal guidance is essential after a car accident or a slip and fall accident.
What are Delayed Symptoms of a TBI?
A traumatic brain injury happens when the head is shaken roughly or impacted, or when an object enters the brain. For instance, hitting your head on the steering wheel during a car accident can cause a TBI. Sometimes, symptoms of traumatic brain injuries may not appear right away. Often, the signs of a TBI develop slowly over hours, days, or even weeks. These are called delayed symptoms. The following are some of the possible delayed TBI symptoms;
- Persistent headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Memory issues
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Sleep disorders
- Emotional disorders such as panic attacks, anxiety, and depression
- Memory loss
Sometimes, people mistake TBI symptoms for shock, stress, or emotional trauma from the accident. However, such symptoms after a car accident or a slip and fall could indicate severe brain damage.
Why Delayed TBI Symptoms Pose Health and Legal Challenges
Waiting to seek medical attention after a car crash or slip-and-fall accident can hurt your health. TBIs, especially those with delayed symptoms, can worsen significantly without timely treatment. For instance, what might begin as a mild headache could turn into more severe cognitive, emotional, or physical issues over time. Seeking prompt medical care can help manage symptoms, lower the risk of complications, and improve your chances of a full recovery.
Delayed TBI symptoms can also pose legal challenges. If you wait to seek medical treatment, the insurance company may argue that another incident caused your injury. They may also argue that your injury is less severe than you claim. Such arguments, if successful, can lead to your compensation being reduced or denied. Additionally, Kansas and Missouri have statutes of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits. The statute of limitations in Kansas is two years, whereas in Missouri, it is five years. The longer you wait to seek medical help or speak to an attorney, the harder it becomes to build a strong case since you will be racing against time. To increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome, seeking medical care and speaking to an attorney as soon as possible after a car accident or slip and fall accident is vital.
Contact a TBI Lawyer
If you were involved in a car accident or a slip and fall accident and suspect you may have suffered a TBI, contact our skilled brain injury counsel at Griggs Injury Law to schedule a consultation.
