In North Carolina, take reasonable steps to get prompt care and document every attempt. If you cannot get a quick appointment for a head injury, use urgent care or an emergency department, keep a symptom diary, and save call logs and messages. Gaps in treatment can undermine a personal injury claim, but thorough documentation shows you acted reasonably. Watch the general three-year lawsuit deadline for personal injury claims and keep your medical records organized.
You are in North Carolina and you, the injured person, want to know what you can do when you can’t get timely medical appointments after a head injury. The single decision point is how to protect your health and your personal injury claim when access to diagnostic scans or specialists is delayed. You slipped and hit your head. The focus here is what steps you should take now to show reasonable care and preserve your claim.
North Carolina law expects an injured person to act reasonably to care for their health and to mitigate further harm. In a personal injury claim, you must also prove that the incident caused your injury and that you made good-faith efforts to get appropriate treatment. Courts and insurers look at the timing of care, the continuity of treatment, and your documentation. The main forum for a personal injury lawsuit is the civil Division of the Superior Court or District Court in the county where the incident occurred or where a defendant lives, and the general deadline to file such a lawsuit is three years from the date of injury.
Apply the Rule to the Facts: You slipped and hit your head and now have ongoing head pain but face long waitlists. Acting reasonably means seeking prompt evaluation through urgent care or an emergency department if you cannot get a fast specialist slot, while you continue calling alternative providers. Keep a symptom diary, save referral notes, and keep a log of calls and portals messages; this supports causation and shows diligent mitigation. Request copies of your records so you can schedule scans at different locations, and track the general three-year filing deadline.
In North Carolina, you must act reasonably to protect your health and your claim after a head injury. If you cannot get a timely appointment, seek urgent evaluation, document every scheduling effort and symptom, and keep your records. Watch the general three-year limit to file a personal injury lawsuit. Next step: document your care attempts today and, if you plan to pursue a claim, send notice to the property owner’s insurer and calendar the three-year filing deadline.
If you’re dealing with delayed medical appointments after a head injury, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Reach out today. Call us at (919) 341-7055 or email intake@piercelaw.com.
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.