Someone else’s mistake in Pennsylvania may have left you with a head injury after a crash or fall. You may have walked away thinking you were unharmed, only to notice strange issues later. Headaches, mood changes, or memory lapses that don’t make sense might appear days or weeks after the incident. These may be signs of a traumatic brain injury. TBI symptoms that can appear weeks after an accident often leave people confused about what happened to their health and whether they still have a legal case.
If this happened to you, the law still offers a path forward. A skilled Pennsylvania TBI attorney can protect your rights, gather the evidence you need, and pursue financial recovery for the losses connected to your injury. You don’t have to handle this on your own. Contact a Pennsylvania TBI lawyer near you for a free consultation and start getting answers.
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Key Takeaways About Pennsylvania TBI Claims
- Traumatic brain injury symptoms can emerge days or weeks after an accident, making immediate medical evaluation critical even if you feel fine initially
- Pennsylvania law allows two years from the date of injury discovery to file a personal injury claim, protecting victims whose TBI symptoms appear delayed
- Delayed TBI symptoms like persistent headaches, memory problems, and mood changes should never be ignored as they may indicate serious brain injury
- Comprehensive medical documentation linking delayed symptoms to your accident is essential for pursuing compensation under Pennsylvania personal injury law
- An experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney can help preserve evidence and protect your legal rights while you focus on recovery
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, happens when an outside force damages the brain. Even a mild impact can cause long-term effects if the brain moves inside the skull with enough force. Doctors classify TBIs by severity, but all require medical attention.
Medical Classifications of TBI
Doctors use specific terms to describe these injuries. A traumatic brain injury means brain dysfunction caused by an external force, such as a blow to the head or sudden jolt. TBIs fall into categories:
- Mild TBI or concussion: Temporary disruption of brain function that may not show up on scans but still affects daily life.
- Moderate TBI: More noticeable damage, with symptoms lasting longer than mild injuries and sometimes requiring rehabilitation.
- Severe TBI: Significant brain damage that can cause long-term disability, loss of independence, or permanent changes.
How TBIs Occur in Accidents
Traumatic brain injuries can happen in many different types of accidents. Anytime the head suffers a sudden blow, jolt, or lack of oxygen, the brain may be damaged. Some of the most common causes include:
- Car accidents: A collision often forces the brain to hit the inside of the skull, leading to concussions or more severe injuries. Even low-speed crashes can cause damage.
- Medical malpractice: Mistakes during surgery, anesthesia errors, or delayed diagnosis of bleeding in the brain sometimes lead to TBIs.
- Defective products: Faulty helmets, car parts, or consumer products that fail to protect against head trauma may cause serious injury.
- Construction accidents: Falls from scaffolding, being struck by falling objects, or equipment malfunctions frequently result in brain injuries on construction sites.
- Workplace accidents: Jobs that involve heavy machinery, repetitive motion, or unsafe conditions can put workers at risk of head injuries.
- Truck accidents: The force of an 18-wheeler or large commercial truck striking a passenger vehicle often results in catastrophic brain injuries for occupants.
- Motorcycle accidents: Riders lack the protection of a vehicle frame, so crashes often lead to direct head trauma, even when helmets are worn.
- Pedestrian accidents: When a vehicle strikes someone walking, the impact commonly throws the person to the ground, causing head injuries.
- Slip and fall accidents: Falls on wet floors, icy sidewalks, or uneven surfaces can cause someone to hit their head and suffer a TBI.
Why Brain Injuries Are Often Overlooked Initially
After an accident, adrenaline masks pain and confusion. Many people walk away believing they only suffered minor injuries. Symptoms like dizziness or headaches may not show up until days later.
Doctors sometimes focus on visible injuries, such as cuts or broken bones, and a brain injury remains unnoticed. Without early scans or observation, subtle damage goes untreated until it worsens.
Why Do Some TBI Symptoms Appear Weeks Later?
Not every TBI reveals itself right away. Medical research shows that brain injuries can develop slowly and surface long after the accident.
The Science Behind Delayed Symptom Onset
After trauma, the brain sometimes swells gradually or develops small bleeds. These changes put pressure on areas of the brain over time, which explains why symptoms don’t appear until weeks later. Nerve damage may also take time to show, especially when injured cells slowly deteriorate.
Secondary Brain Injuries and Complications
The first impact triggers secondary processes. Blood clots, swelling, and reduced oxygen supply often worsen the original damage. For example, a small hemorrhage may not cause issues immediately, but as blood builds up, pressure on the brain increases. This delayed pressure results in headaches, nausea, or confusion.
The Role of Adrenaline and Shock After an Accident
Accidents trigger a surge of adrenaline. This hormone masks pain and keeps you alert in the moment. Once adrenaline levels return to normal, hidden symptoms become clear. People who felt fine at the scene may suddenly notice blurred vision, difficulty focusing, or mood swings weeks later.
Common Delayed TBI Symptoms to Watch For
You may not link your problems back to the accident if weeks have passed. Knowing the common delayed symptoms can help you recognize when you need medical care.
Physical Symptoms
- Persistent headaches: Pain that grows worse over time or refuses to go away.
- Dizziness or balance issues: Feeling unsteady or lightheaded when moving.
- Vision problems: Blurred or double vision that develops later.
- Sensitivity to light or sound: New discomfort that didn’t exist before.
Cognitive and Memory Problems
- Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to stay on task at work or home.
- Memory lapses: Forgetting recent conversations or events.
- Slower processing speed: Taking longer to understand information or respond.
Emotional and Behavioral Changes
- Irritability: Sudden mood swings or frustration over minor issues.
- Depression or anxiety: Feelings that interfere with daily life.
- Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, unlike your usual behavior.
Sleep Disturbances
- Insomnia: Trouble falling or staying asleep.
- Excessive sleepiness: Needing much more rest than before.
- Disrupted sleep cycles: Waking frequently during the night.
What Should You Do If You Experience Delayed TBI Symptoms?
When headaches, memory problems, or mood changes surface weeks after an accident, many people don’t immediately connect them to the original event. Taking the right steps as soon as you notice these delayed symptoms protects both your health and your legal rights.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Go to a doctor as soon as symptoms appear. A neurologist or emergency physician may order scans to detect bleeding, swelling, or other problems. Prompt care not only protects your health but also creates medical records tying your symptoms to the accident.
Document Your Symptoms Thoroughly
Write down when each symptom starts, how long it lasts, and how it affects daily life. Share this log with your doctor. Documentation gives credibility to your claim and helps connect the injury to your accident.
Notify the Insurance Company
Tell the insurance company about your delayed diagnosis. They may question the timing, but keeping them informed prevents claims of surprise later. Your attorney can handle discussions and make sure the insurer doesn’t minimize your injury.
Preserve Evidence of Your Accident
Save all accident-related evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and photos of the scene. Even if weeks have passed, this evidence proves the link between your accident and delayed symptoms.
Pennsylvania Laws Affecting TBI Claims
Pennsylvania has specific laws that shape TBI claims. These rules decide how long you have to file, what kind of insurance applies, and how fault is assigned.
The Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law gives injured people two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. For TBIs, the timeline may begin later if the injury wasn’t discovered right away.
Pennsylvania's Discovery Rule for Delayed Injuries
The discovery rule protects people whose injuries don’t show until later. If your TBI symptoms appeared weeks or even months after the accident, the two-year clock starts when you reasonably discovered the injury. This rule allows people with delayed symptoms to still seek legal remedies.
No-Fault Insurance Requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania uses a no-fault insurance system. That means your own insurance pays medical bills up to policy limits, no matter who caused the accident. However, serious injuries like TBIs may qualify you to step outside the no-fault system and pursue claims against the at-fault party for broader damages.
Comparative Negligence in Pennsylvania TBI Cases
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you were partly at fault, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. You can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 51 percent at fault.
How Our Attorneys Can Help
Recovering from a traumatic brain injury takes time, and delayed symptoms add another layer of stress. At The Oakes Firm, we step in to handle the legal process so you can focus on your health and family. Our role is to protect your rights, build a strong case, and pursue compensation for the full impact of your injury.
Investigating Your Accident and Gathering Evidence
Every successful claim starts with a thorough investigation. We review accident reports, interview witnesses, and gather photos or video footage. We also look for patterns of negligence, such as unsafe driving behavior, faulty equipment, or property hazards. By putting these pieces together, we create a clear picture of how your injury happened.
Working With Medical Experts to Link Symptoms to Your Accident
We collaborate with neurologists, neuropsychologists, and other medical professionals who can explain why your symptoms surfaced later. Their evaluations connect your condition directly to the accident, making your case stronger and harder for the other side to dispute.
Handling Insurance Company Negotiations
Insurance companies often try to downplay delayed symptoms. We push back against low offers and hold insurers accountable when they refuse to acknowledge the seriousness of your injury.
Calculating the Full Value of Your TBI Claim
We assess medical costs, lost income, and long-term care needs. This ensures your claim reflects the true impact of your injury on your life.
Filing a Lawsuit When Settlement Isn't Possible
If the other side refuses to make a fair TBI settlement offer, we prepare your case for trial. Our litigation team presents evidence and advocates for your rights in court.
Protecting Your Rights Throughout the Legal Process
From the first consultation to the final resolution, we keep you informed. We stand beside you so you don’t feel left alone in this process.
Frequently Asked Questions About TBI Claims in PA
Can I still file a claim if my TBI symptoms didn't appear until weeks after my accident?
Yes. Pennsylvania’s discovery rule allows the filing period to begin when you discover your injury, not just when the accident occurred.
What compensation can I recover for a delayed TBI diagnosis?
You may pursue coverage for medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and the pain or disruption the injury caused.
Do I need to prove the other driver was at fault if I was injured in Pennsylvania?
Yes, if you step outside the no-fault system. You’ll need evidence showing another party’s responsibility, which your attorney can help gather.
How much does it cost to hire a TBI attorney in Pennsylvania?
Most attorneys handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning payment depends on the outcome of your case. You typically don’t pay upfront costs.
Contact Our TBI Claims Attorneys in PA Now
Time matters after an accident, especially when symptoms show up weeks later. Evidence fades and deadlines approach quickly. At The Oakes Firm, we provide free, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your options. We know how delayed TBI symptoms affect daily life and how to hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact us today to discuss your case with our Pennsylvania TBI lawyers and take the first step toward recovery.