You walked away from a car crash feeling shaken but relieved. The accident seemed minor, and you had no visible injuries. But now, weeks later, you're experiencing headaches, memory lapses, and mood swings. Could these be delayed brain injury symptoms?
At the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, our Omaha TBI attorney has seen firsthand how the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury and other accident-related injuries can take time to manifest. We help car accident victims recognize the warning signs and fight for the compensation they need to recover.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden trauma, such as a blow to the head, causes damage to the brain. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe, life-threatening injuries. They cause many physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms, some of which may not appear until days or weeks after the initial injury.
Delayed Physical Symptoms of Brain Injuries
It's crucial to monitor your health in the days and weeks following an accident, as these physical signs could indicate a traumatic brain injury:
- Persistent headaches that worsen over time
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
- Seizures or convulsions
- Balance problems or difficulty with coordination
- Numbness or weakness in the extremities
Delayed Cognitive Symptoms of Brain Injuries
A brain injury can also affect your mental function. Watch for these cognitive symptoms in the weeks after an accident:
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Confusion or disorientation
- Slurred speech
- Slowness in thinking or processing information
- Difficulty making decisions or solving problems
- Trouble following conversations or understanding others
- Repeating questions or statements
- Difficulty multitasking or completing tasks
Delayed Behavioral and Emotional Symptoms of Brain Injuries
Delayed TBI symptoms aren't just physical and cognitive; they can also impact your behavior and emotions. Be aware of these potential changes:
- Mood swings or irritability
- Increased anxiety or depression
- Impulsivity or lack of inhibition
- Aggression or outbursts
- Personality changes
- Difficulty sleeping or changes in sleep patterns
- Lack of motivation or interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Social withdrawal or isolation
Other Delayed Injury Symptoms to Watch For
In addition to TBIs, other accident-related injuries may not be immediately apparent. Some common delayed symptoms include:
- Whiplash and neck pain. Neck stiffness, headaches, and numbness in the arms may indicate a delayed whiplash injury.
- Back and spinal cord injuries. Back pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities could be signs of a delayed back or spinal cord injury.
- Soft tissue injuries. Pain, swelling, bruising, or stiffness in the muscles, tendons, or ligaments could mean internal injuries occurred.
- Internal injuries. Abdominal pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or blood in urine or stool could indicate delayed internal organ damage.
- Psychological injuries. Flashbacks, anxiety, depression, or avoidance behaviors may emerge as delayed symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other psychological injuries.
Seek Medical Attention After a Car Accident
It's essential to seek medical attention right after an accident, whether or not you experience unusual symptoms. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider can help diagnose unseen injuries, including TBIs, and ensure you receive proper treatment.
Prompt medical care is not only crucial for your health but also for protecting your legal rights. Insurance companies may try to deny your claim if there's a gap between the accident and your injury diagnosis. You create a clear link between the accident and your injuries by seeking medical attention as soon as symptoms appear.
How an Omaha TBI Attorney Can Help
If you've suffered a brain injury or other injury due to someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. However, pursuing a car accident claim can be complicated, especially when symptoms don't appear right away. An experienced Omaha TBI attorney can help you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At the Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop, we thoroughly investigate each case, gathering evidence to demonstrate the full extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. We work with medical experts to establish the connection between your accident and your delayed symptoms. We also calculate your current and future damages to ensure any settlement or award accounts for your ongoing needs.
Don't let delayed brain injury symptoms go unchecked after an accident. Seek medical attention promptly and consult with an Omaha TBI attorney to protect your health and legal rights. The Law Office of Matthew A. Lathrop will fight for the compensation you need to move forward with your life.