What to Do After a Head Injury–Symptoms, Steps, and Legal Rights

It’s easy to brush off a bump on the head—especially if you feel fine right after. But even minor head injuries can lead to serious complications if left untreated. From delayed symptoms to long-term cognitive issues, the risks are real and often underestimated.

Whether caused by a fall, car accident, or workplace incident, it can be overwhelming to deal with the medical and legal consequences of a head injury.

Let’s learn what to do after a head injury, the signs and symptoms to watch for, available treatment options, and most important, how a head injury attorney in Morristown or Newton, New Jersey, can protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

What Is a Head Injury?

A head injury refers to any trauma to the scalp, skull, or brain. These injuries can range from mild to life-threatening, and the consequences often depend on how quickly they’re diagnosed and treated. Understanding the different types of head injuries can help you recognize when to seek medical—and legal—help.

Types of Head Injuries

• Concussion:

  The most common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a concussion occurs when the brain is jolted or shaken inside the skull. Symptoms may include dizziness, confusion, headaches, and even temporary loss of consciousness.

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):

  A broader category that includes any injury that disrupts normal brain function. TBIs can be mild (like a concussion) or severe, involving prolonged unconsciousness or memory loss.

• Skull Fracture:

  This involves a break in the cranial bone. Some skull fractures may not be immediately visible but can lead to internal bleeding or pressure on the brain, making prompt medical evaluation critical.

Common Causes of Head Injuries

Many people associate head injuries with dramatic accidents, but they can occur in everyday situations. Common causes include:

• Falls (slip and fall accidents, especially among seniors)
• Motor vehicle accidents (including car, motorcycle, and truck crashes)
• Sports-related impacts (especially in contact sports like football)
• Workplace accidents (construction sites, falling objects, or unsafe equipment)

Immediate Steps To Take After a Head Injury

If you or someone you love suffers a head injury—no matter how minor it may seem—taking the right steps immediately can make all the difference in medical recovery and legal protection.

Step-by-Step Actions After a Head Injury

• Investigate the cause of the injury
• Consult medical experts
• Deal with insurance companies
• Protect your legal rights

Signs and Symptoms To Watch For

Not all head injuries are immediately obvious. In fact, symptoms can appear hours—or even days—after the incident. That’s why it’s critical to watch for signs of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion, regardless of whether the blow seemed minor or severe at the time.

Common Symptoms of a Head Injury

Mild to severe symptoms may include:

• Headache – Persistent or worsening headaches
• Nausea or vomiting – Especially within the first few hours of the injury
• Confusion or memory loss – Difficulty focusing, remembering events, or thinking clearly
• Slurred speech – A potential indicator of more serious neurological damage
• Loss of consciousness – Even briefly
• Pupil dilation – One or both pupils appearing larger than normal or unequal in size
• Drowsiness or difficulty staying awake – May suggest a more serious TBI

Red Flags – When to Seek Emergency Care Immediately

If you notice any of the following signs, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room:

• Seizures or convulsions
• Clear fluid draining from the nose or ears
• Inability to wake the person
• Weakness or numbness in limbs
• Extreme agitation or unusual behavior

Important: These symptoms may indicate internal bleeding, swelling, or other life-threatening conditions. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, such as in a car crash, slip and fall, or work accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a trusted head injury attorney in Morristown or Newton, New Jersey, for immediate legal guidance.

Medical Treatment for Head Injuries

The treatment for a head injury depends on the severity, location, and type of trauma. Getting the right diagnosis and following through with a care plan is essential, not only for health recovery but also for building a strong legal case.

What To Expect During Diagnosis

When you arrive at the ER or urgent care, the medical team may perform:

• Neurological exams – To check reflexes, memory, and brain function
• Imaging tests – Such as:
  • CT scans (Computed Tomography) to detect bleeding or swelling
  • MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) for more detailed brain analysis
• Observation – Monitoring to watch for worsening symptoms

Common Treatments for Head Injuries

Treatment varies depending on whether the injury is mild, moderate, or severe:

• Rest and observation – Often prescribed for concussions and mild TBIs
• Pain relievers – To manage headaches and inflammation (avoid blood thinners unless cleared by a doctor)
• Medications – For nausea, seizures, or brain swelling
• Surgical intervention – In cases of skull fractures, hematomas, or increased intracranial pressure

Long-Term Recovery and Support

Some head injuries can lead to lasting cognitive, physical, or emotional challenges. Long-term care may include:

• Physical therapy – To regain coordination and balance
• Occupational therapy – To relearn daily tasks and work-related skills
• Speech therapy – For language or communication issues
• Psychological support – Including counseling for anxiety, depression, or PTSD
• Support groups – For individuals and families coping with brain injuries

Legal Rights After a Head Injury

If you or a loved one suffered a head injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Understanding your legal rights is critical, especially when facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and long-term recovery.

Who May Be Liable for a Head Injury?

Liability depends on the circumstances of the injury. Responsible parties may include:

• Drivers – In car, motorcycle, or truck accidents caused by reckless or impaired driving
• Employers – Especially in hazardous work environments lacking proper safety protocols
• Property owners or managers – In slip and fall or premises liability cases involving unsafe conditions
• Manufacturers – If faulty equipment or a defective product contributed to the injury

What Damages Can Be Claimed?

An experienced head injury attorney in New Jersey can help you pursue full compensation for:

• Medical expenses – ER visits, imaging, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages – Including future loss of earning capacity, if the injury limits your ability to work
• Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life
• Loss of consortium – If the injury impacts family relationships or responsibilities
• Punitive damages – In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm

Why Legal Representation Matters in TBI Cases

Traumatic brain injury cases are legally and medically complex. Insurance companies often downplay symptoms or offer lowball settlements, especially when symptoms are delayed or invisible on scans.

Howard D. Popper works closely with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and life care planners to build strong, evidence-backed cases that reflect the full impact of the injury on your life.

Suffered a head injury in New Jersey? Contact Howard Popper, Attorney at Law, to protect your legal rights.

At the Law Offices of Howard D. Popper, we understand how devastating a head injury can be for you and your family. Whether it’s the result of a car accident, a fall, or a workplace incident, we’re here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

For a free initial consultation to discuss your rights after a traumatic brain injury or other head injury, contact our office online or call 973-659-4144 to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve clients across New Jersey from our offices in Morristown and Newton.

We handle all head injury and other personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis—you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.

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