Understanding the effects of a head injury.
Head injuries may involve the scalp, skull or brain. They can follow a fall, a workplace incident or a road accident. A visible wound does not describe the full medical picture, and only an appropriate clinician can assess the injury.
Useful information to keep
Start with what you already have. These records may help a later discussion; you don’t need to upload them to make an initial enquiry.
- Emergency or hospital records and follow-up appointment details.
- A record of the event, any loss of consciousness reported to clinicians and witnesses.
- Advice about returning to work or study, and practical help you have needed.
What to consider
Seek urgent medical assistance when appropriate. For a claim, the incident circumstances and medical evidence help identify the right pathway. If a brain injury is diagnosed, rehabilitation and longer-term support records may also be relevant.
Ask about time limits promptly. Requirements vary. An enquiry through this website does not lodge a claim or pause a deadline.
Your next step, at your pace
Contact Australian Claim Helpline on 1300 144 878 or leave a few details online. Explain the type of enquiry and any correspondence or deadline you have received. A more detailed assessment and any professional engagement are separate steps.
Before agreeing to a service, ask who will act, what they will do and how costs are handled. Our No Win No Fee guide explains questions to ask about fee arrangements.
Make an enquiryQuestions about head injury compensation claims
How is this different from a brain injury claim?
Head injury is a broader description. A brain injury has its own medical and support considerations; our brain injury guide explains the records that may help.
Should I wait until I have recovered to ask?
You can ask about the process while receiving care. Time limits and reporting requirements can apply before recovery is complete.
General information only. Individual circumstances and the applicable rules need assessment.
