Short Answer

In North Carolina, document a concussion with prompt medical evaluation, clear diagnosis, and consistent follow-up records. Useful proof includes urgent care or ER notes, primary-care and concussion clinic records, any CT/MRI ordered, neurocognitive or balance testing, and itemized medical bills. Make sure the records describe how the injury happened, your symptoms, and any work or activity restrictions. A simple symptom diary and photos of any visible injuries help fill gaps that imaging may not show.

Understanding the Problem

You want to know what proof you need—right now—to show a concussion and head injury from a store accident in North Carolina. As the injured shopper, your goal is to collect the medical records and related documents that insurers and courts use to decide injury claims. Because you went to urgent care the next day, you should focus on building a clear paper trail that connects the incident to your symptoms and treatment.

Apply the Law

Under North Carolina personal injury law, you must prove your injury and its connection to the incident with competent evidence. Medical records and bills are key. Hospital and provider records can be used in court when properly authenticated, and your statements to providers for diagnosis or treatment are generally admissible. If a claim does not resolve and you sue, you typically file in the county’s District or Superior Court. North Carolina’s general deadline to file most personal injury lawsuits is three years from the injury date.

Key Requirements

• Diagnosis and mechanism: Records from a licensed provider that note a concussion or head injury and describe how the object struck your head.
• Objective testing when indicated: CT/MRI if ordered to rule out bleeding or fracture, and concussion-specific tests (neurocognitive, balance, vestibular) when appropriate.
• Consistent follow-up: Progress notes that track symptoms (headache, dizziness, nausea, cognitive issues), recovery, and treatment plans.
• Causation in the chart: Provider notes that link your symptoms to the store incident and rule out other likely causes.
• Itemized medical bills: Detailed charges for each visit, test, and therapy to prove the reasonableness and necessity of expenses.
• Functional limits: Work notes or activity restrictions that show how the concussion affects daily tasks.

What the Statutes Say

• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 8-44.1 (Hospital medical records) - Allows properly authenticated copies of hospital records to be used as evidence.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 8-58.1 (Medical bills) - Itemized medical bills can show reasonableness and necessity of charges when supported as required.
• N.C. R. Evid. 803(4) (Statements for medical diagnosis) - Your statements to get medical care are generally admissible even if hearsay.
• N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52 (Three-year injury deadline) - Most personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the injury.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because a store fixture struck your head and you went to urgent care the next day, secure those urgent care notes and any discharge instructions—they establish the mechanism and early symptoms. Follow with your primary-care visit and ordered imaging or concussion testing to document ongoing symptoms and rule out other causes. Ask providers to note that your symptoms began after the store incident, and request itemized bills and any work/activity restrictions to support the medical expense and functional impact.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: You or your attorney. Where: Request records from each provider’s medical records department; request the incident report and video preservation from the store’s risk management or claims address. What: HIPAA-compliant medical authorization; request itemized bills and certified records. When: Start requests within 1–2 weeks of the injury; calendar the three-year suit deadline.
2. Attend primary-care or concussion-clinic follow-up as scheduled (often within 1–2 weeks). Complete any ordered CT/MRI or neurocognitive/balance testing; ask that results and causation be documented in the chart.
3. Organize records, bills, and a brief symptom diary. If the claim does not resolve, prepare to file a complaint in the proper North Carolina trial court before the deadline and use authenticated records and bills to prove injury and damages.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• Delayed care: Waiting weeks to seek treatment makes it harder to connect the concussion to the incident—document symptoms promptly.
• Gaps in treatment: Missed follow-ups create doubt; keep appointments or reschedule promptly so the record shows continuity.
• Missing causation language: Ask providers to note that symptoms began after the store incident; vague notes weaken the link.
• Imaging expectations: Many concussions do not show on CT/MRI; lack of findings is normal and should be explained in the records.
• Preexisting conditions: Headaches, migraines, or prior concussions should be documented so providers can distinguish new from old symptoms.
• Social media and statements: Inconsistent descriptions of the injury mechanism or activities can undercut credibility if they appear in records or claims notes.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney

If you're dealing with a concussion or head injury from a store incident, our firm has attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Reach out today. Call us at (919) 341-7055.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.