The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after an accident can range from mild headaches and confusion to severe cognitive impairment, memory loss, and loss of consciousness. After a crash, a fall, or any serious impact, the brain can be injured even without visible trauma.
According to the CDC, TBIs can affect how you think, feel, move, and function in everyday life. Left untreated, they can lead to long-term complications or permanent disability. Some symptoms appear immediately. Others take hours—or even days—to show up. That delay is what makes TBIs especially dangerous.
Cogburn Davidson Injury Lawyers has handled countless complex, high-value injury cases. Founded on a trial-first approach and a track record of multi-million and eight-figure results, we understand what it takes to prove these cases and fight for the full value of what’s been lost.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- What a traumatic brain injury actually is
- The symptoms you should never ignore
- When to seek emergency care
- And how these injuries are handled legally
Terms to Know
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden external force disrupts normal brain function, often caused by a blow, jolt, or penetration to the head.
Catastrophic Injury
A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that results in long-term or permanent disability, significantly affecting a person’s ability to work or live independently. TBIs are commonly classified as catastrophic due to their lasting impact.
Concussion
A concussion is a mild form of TBI caused by a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts brain function, even without loss of consciousness.
Types, Symptoms, and Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Most TBIs are caused by sudden force or impact to the head. In serious injury cases, we commonly see:
- Car accidents
- Truck/about-us/our-team/jamie-s-cogburn/ and commercial vehicle crashes
- Falls (especially on unsafe property)
- Physical assaults
- Sports or recreational impacts
Per the CDC, motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries in the United States.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Medical providers generally classify TBIs based on severity and level of brain disruption:
- Mild TBI (Concussion): A temporary disruption in brain function that may not involve loss of consciousness but can still have lasting effects.
- Moderate TBI: Involves longer periods of confusion or unconsciousness and more noticeable cognitive impairment.
- Severe TBI: Results in extended unconsciousness, significant neurological damage, and often permanent or life-altering consequences.
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
TBI symptoms are often grouped into three categories.
Physical symptoms include the following:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
Cognitive symptoms to be aware of include:
- Confusion or disorientation
- Memory loss (short-term or long-term)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Slowed thinking or processing
Finally, emotional and behavioral symptoms include the following:
- Irritability or sudden mood changes
- Anxiety or depression
- Personality changes
- Increased frustration or impulsivity
When to Seek Emergency Care
Seek emergency care right away if you notice:
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly
- Repeated vomiting or worsening nausea
- Seizures or convulsions
- Slurred or difficult speech
- Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination
- Increasing confusion, agitation, or unusual behavior
These symptoms may indicate serious complications such as brain swelling, bleeding, or increased pressure inside the skull. Waiting can worsen the injury and significantly delay recovery.
Legal Implications of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Liability depends on how the injury occurred. In TBI cases, responsible parties may include:
- Negligent drivers in car or truck accidents
- Property owners who failed to maintain safe conditions
- Employers or third parties in workplace incidents
- Individuals or entities responsible for violent acts
Establishing liability and recovering compensation requires proving negligence, meaning a failure to use reasonable care that resulted in injury. Your claim must show that:
- The accident directly caused the brain injury
- The injury resulted in measurable physical, cognitive, or emotional harm
- The harm affects your daily life, ability to work, and long-term health
Medical records, imaging, expert evaluations, and a consistent treatment history typically support this.
Because brain injuries often affect every aspect of life, compensation can include:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment.
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity: including the inability to return to prior work.
- Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort and long-term health effects.
- Cognitive and emotional impairment: Memory loss, personality changes, anxiety, and depression.
- Future care needs: Ongoing therapy, assistive care, and life planning.
TBIs frequently require extended or lifelong care, which significantly increases both the value and complexity of these claims.
Symptom Severity and What to Do Next
| Symptom Severity | Examples | Medical Action | Legal Action |
| Mild | Headache, dizziness, confusion | Seek prompt medical evaluation | Document symptoms and treatment |
| Moderate | Memory loss, persistent confusion, vomiting | Urgent medical care and imaging | Begin building a documented claim |
| Severe | Loss of consciousness, seizures, neurological deficits | Emergencu treatment and hospitalization | Immediate legal representaion recommended |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a claim after a TBI?
In Nevada, personal injury claims are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations from the date of injury (Nevada Revised Statutes § 11.190). Missing this deadline can prevent recovery.
Can I file a claim if symptoms appear days later?
Yes. TBIs often have delayed symptoms. What matters is linking the injury to the accident through medical evidence and documentation.
Who is liable for a traumatic brain injury after an accident?
Liability depends on who caused the accident. This could include:
- Another driver
- A property owner
- An employer
- A third party
Each case requires a detailed investigation to determine fault.
Why are TBI cases more complex than other injury claims?
Because brain injuries are harder to diagnose and involve long-term or permanent effects, they often require expert testimony, meaning these cases demand a higher level of preparation and legal strategy.
Ignoring TBI Symptoms Could Undervalue Your Personal Injury Claim
When it comes to traumatic brain injuries, what you don’t document can hurt you just as much as the injury itself because symptoms that seem minor at first can become the most important part of your case later. If they’re ignored, delayed, or downplayed, insurance companies will use that gap to argue your injury isn’t serious, which is how claims get undervalued.
Cogburn Davidson knows exactly how to prevent that by showing the full picture of how your life has changed. We’ve recovered over $250 million for injured clients, including multi-million and eight-figure results in serious injury cases, and we build every case with the expectation that it may need to stand up in court.
Our team is led by Jamie Cogburn, 1 of only 19 Certified Personal Injury Specialists in Nevada, a distinction earned through proven trial experience and rigorous evaluation. We’re also actively involved in the Nevada Justice Association, working on the laws that impact injury victims across the state.
That combination—real courtroom experience, focused case selection, and deep involvement in Nevada injury law—is how we make sure symptoms aren’t dismissed, and claims aren’t undervalued. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation and learn more about your options.