Intake Questions That Surface Hidden Head Injuries in PI Clients

Clients rarely mention memory or mood problems on their own. Asking the right intake questions brings out symptoms that might otherwise go unrecorded.

Questions to add to intake

Since the crash, have you had headaches, trouble concentrating, forgotten appointments, felt bothered by light or noise, slept differently, or felt more irritable? Has anyone close to you noticed changes?

Ask family too

Spouses and coworkers often notice changes before the client does.

Why intake is where head injuries get lost

Attorneys hear the same story many times: a client calls about a crash, describes neck and back pain and property damage, and only months later mentions trouble remembering things or a temper they don't recognize. By then, the early record may say nothing about cognitive symptoms. Head-injury symptoms often go unreported because clients don't know they're relevant, feel embarrassed, or don't notice changes that are obvious to their family. A structured set of intake questions changes that.

Questions about the event

Ask how the crash happened and from which direction the client was hit. Ask whether their head struck anything, such as the window, headrest, steering wheel, or airbag. Ask whether they remember the moments right before and after the impact, and whether anyone said they seemed dazed or confused at the scene. Ask whether they went to an emergency department and what they were told. These answers help the client's treating provider understand the mechanism.

Questions about symptoms since then

Ask about headaches, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, slowed thinking, word-finding problems, mood changes, anxiety, and sleep. Ask for specific examples, such as missed appointments, losing their place in conversations, or trouble at work. Ask whether these were present before the crash. Honest answers about prior history matter as much as new symptoms.

Questions for family members

With the client's permission, talk briefly with a spouse, parent, or close friend. People close to the client often notice personality changes, forgetfulness, or fatigue the client minimizes. Their observations can be passed to the treating provider.

What to do with the answers

If symptoms are present, make sure the client is under the care of a treating provider and encourage them to share the full symptom picture at their next visit. Testing through Braintree is arranged by the treating provider, not by the firm, which keeps the process clinically grounded. Keep your intake notes current, because a second call a few weeks later often reveals symptoms that weren't mentioned at first.

Emergency warning signs

If a client describes a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizures, weakness, slurred speech, or increasing confusion, tell them to go to the emergency department or call 911 right away.

Next step

Make sure the client has a treating provider. Braintree testing is arranged through that provider.

Braintree Health Partners provides diagnostics only. We diagnose. You treat.

Advanced diagnostics, better informed cases. Schedule your attorney briefing today. 813-709-3771.

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