California Workers’ Comp for a Head Injury With Delayed Symptoms

 Posted on December 13, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

Many types of head injuries can have latent symptoms. You may feel fine at first, only to notice symptoms days or even weeks later. If your delayed symptoms are connected to a work accident, they may still be covered by workers’ compensation. Our San Benito County, CA workers' compensation lawyers can help explain how a delayed head injury may fit into a benefits claim and what you need to prove it.

What Are Common Delayed Head Injury Symptoms After a Work Accident?

Delayed symptoms often appear after the brain has had time to react to trauma. These symptoms may start mild and gradually become more noticeable. You may first assume the symptoms are caused by stress, lack of sleep, or illness, but these may be signs of a concussion or another type of brain injury that needs medical care.

Common examples of delayed symptoms include:

• Ongoing headaches that do not improve

• Dizziness or imbalance

• Trouble with memory or focus

• Sensitivity to light or noise

• Changes in sleep or mood

Because these symptoms may come and go, it can be harder to link them to a past accident. However, it is still important to share all symptoms with a doctor and explain what happened at work.

Can You Still File a Workers’ Comp in California Claim if Symptoms Show Up Later?

It is still possible to file a workers’ compensation claim even if symptoms did not appear right away. California law recognizes that some injuries are not obvious at first. Under California Labor Code § 5405, you typically have one year to file a claim from the date you knew, or should have known, that your injury was work-related.

You need to report the injury to your employer as soon as you believe it may be work-related. California Labor Code § 5400 requires workers to give notice of a work injury. Reporting the injury creates a record of the accident and helps show when symptoms began to appear. Even if there was a delay, reporting as soon as possible can help protect your rights.

Medical records are another key part of delayed symptom claims. A doctor can review the accident details, test results, and timeline of symptoms. This medical link is often your strongest evidence when deciding whether the injury is work-related.

What Workers’ Comp Benefits Are Available for Delayed Head Injuries?

If a delayed head injury is connected to a work accident, several types of benefits may be available through workers’ compensation. These benefits often include medical treatment, such as doctor visits, imaging tests, therapy, and medication. If the injury prevents you from working for a period of time, temporary disability payments may also be available.

In cases where symptoms do not fully resolve, permanent disability benefits may apply. These benefits are meant to help reduce financial pressure while recovery continues. The type and length of benefits depend on how severe the symptoms are and how they affect your ability to work.

Contact Our Hollister, CA Workers’ Compensation Attorney for a Free Consultation

If you are dealing with ongoing symptoms after a work-related head injury, the San Benito County, CA workers' compensation lawyers at Raul Martinez Injury Law Firm can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Our legal team brings 30 years of combined experience with workers’ compensation law. We offer clients practical support backed by long-standing knowledge of the system. Call us today at 408-848-1113 to schedule a free consultation. Hablamos Español.