A serious head injury can affect every part of life.

You may be coping with pain, confusion, memory problems or major changes to daily life. Families are often affected too.

In the days after an accident, many people feel overwhelmed. It can be hard to know what to do next.

This guide explains the steps to take after a serious head injury. It also explains when you may be able to make a compensation claim.

At Switalskis, our specialist solicitors support people and families after life-changing injuries.

What is a serious head injury?

A serious head injury involves damage to the brain or skull.

Some injuries are obvious straight away. Others develop over time.

Serious head injuries can happen after:

• Road traffic accidents
• Falls
• Workplace accidents
• Sporting injuries
• Violent assaults
• Medical negligence

Some people recover fully. Others live with long-term symptoms.

Common symptoms after a serious head injury

Symptoms can affect the body, emotions and thinking skills.

Common symptoms include:

• Severe headaches
• Memory loss
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Speech problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes
• Poor balance
• Sensitivity to light or noise

Some people also experience anxiety, depression or personality changes.

What should i do after a serious head injury?

Seek medical attention immediately

Always seek urgent medical help after a head injury.

Even if symptoms seem mild at first, serious problems can develop later.

Medical records can also help support a future claim.

Follow medical advice

Attend all appointments and follow treatment plans carefully.

You may need:

• Scans or tests
• Rehabilitation
• Physiotherapy
• Speech therapy
• Psychological support

Recovery can take time.

Keep a record of symptoms

It can help to keep notes about:

• Symptoms
• Appointments
• Medication
• Financial losses
• Changes to daily life

Family members often help with this.

A diary can support both rehabilitation and legal claims.

Report the accident

If possible, report the accident as soon as you can.

For example:

• Report workplace accidents to your employer
• Report road traffic accidents to the police or insurer
• Report public accidents to the business or organisation involved

Ask for copies of any reports if available.

Gather evidence

If you can, keep evidence linked to the accident.

This may include:

• Photographs
• Witness details
• CCTV footage
• Medical documents
• Receipts and expenses

Do not worry if you cannot gather everything yourself.

A solicitor can help investigate.

When could i make a serious head injury claim?

You may have a claim if your injury was caused by negligence.

Negligence means someone failed to keep you safe by their acts or ommissions.

This could involve:

• Dangerous or careless driving
• Unsafe workplaces
• Poor medical care
• Unsafe public spaces
• Failures in safety procedures

A solicitor can advise whether you may have grounds for a claim.

Can I claim if symptoms developed later?

Yes - some head injury symptoms appear weeks or months later.

This is common with brain injuries and concussion.

Many people do not realise how serious their injury is straight away.

You should seek medical advice if symptoms continue or worsen.

What can compensation help with?

Compensation can support recovery and future care needs.

It may help pay for:

• Rehabilitation
• Therapy
• Lost income
• Care costs
• Home adaptations
• Specialist equipment
• Travel expenses

For some families, compensation provides long-term financial security.

How long do I have to make a claim?

In most cases, you have three years to begin a claim.

The time limit usually starts from:

• The date of the accident, or
• The date you realised negligence caused your injury

Different rules can apply for:

• Children
• People who lack mental capacity
• Criminal injury claims

It is best to seek legal advice early.

Why choose specialist head injury solicitors?

Serious head injury claims can be complex.

Symptoms are not always visible. Recovery can also change over time.

Specialist solicitors understand:

• Brain injury rehabilitation
• Medical evidence
• Long-term care needs
• The impact on families

At Switalskis our Brain Injury solicitors work with clients, families and rehabilitation professionals to support recovery after serious injury.

We focus on securing the support and compensation people need for the future.

Speak to our brain injury team

IIf you or someone close to you has suffered a brain injury and you are unsure whether you may have a claim, speaking to a specialist solicitor can help you understand your options.

Our team offers compassionate, straightforward advice tailored to your circumstances.

To speak to our brain injury solicitors , contact our team today.