Brain injuries are a growing concern across the U.S., resulting in millions of cases each year. The International Brain Injury Association reports more than 50,000 deaths and 230,000 hospitalizations due to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) annually, with 80,000 people discharged with TBI-related disabilities.
Personal injury accidents like slips and falls and car crashes often cause brain trauma. Falls are responsible for 52% of TBI-related hospital stays, and vehicle collisions account for up to 70% of TBI accidents.
If you suffer a brain injury in an accident caused by someone else’s actions, the Sacramento brain injury attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers can help. Our experienced team can walk you through the legal process, protecting your rights and helping maximize your compensation.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries
A TBI occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. This can happen from a direct blow to the head, such as in a car accident or slipping and falling onto hard flooring or pavement.
Brain injuries can range from mild concussions, which may result in temporary symptoms like headaches and confusion, to severe injuries that can cause permanent brain damage or disability.
Serious injuries include contusions, which are bruises on the brain, or diffuse axonal injuries, where intense stretching and tearing damage the brain’s nerve fibers.
Below is an overview of TBI injuries categorized by severity, along with their associated symptoms:
Level of Brain Injury | Symptoms |
Mild | Headaches Brief loss of consciousness Ringing in the ears Confusion Blurred vision Fatigue Changes in sleep patterns Dizziness Mood changes Memory and concentration problems |
Moderate | Persistent headaches Repeated vomiting or nausea Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears Weakness or numbness in fingers and toes Loss of coordination |
Severe | Prolonged unconsciousness or coma Seizures Inability to awaken from sleep Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes Confusion, agitation, or combativeness |
Recovering from a Traumatic Brain Injury
Recovery from a traumatic brain injury often requires comprehensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. The following services and resources can help you rebuild your physical and cognitive skills and improve your quality of life:
- Participation in targeted therapies, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy to support functional recovery.
- Use of specific medications to address symptoms like seizures, mood swings, or chronic pain.
- Access to psychological counseling and support groups for emotional healing and adjusting to life after the injury.
- Implementation of adaptive tools, such as speech recognition software for communication difficulties or wheelchairs for mobility issues, to enhance independence and quality of life.
Our experienced team at Berg Injury Lawyers can help you receive compensation for all necessary medical services and support to facilitate your recovery. When calculating your settlement, we include the cost of all current and future medical bills to ensure you aren’t left footing the bill on your own.
Compensation for Brain Injury Cases
If you’ve experienced a brain injury, our attorneys can assist you in pursuing compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life. We use our network of resources to gather strong evidence for your case to prove liability against the negligent party.
This can include investigating your case to determine what caused your injuries and connect them to the accident. We can collect police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and photographs to understand what occurred.
We can also consult expert witnesses, such as medical professionals and accident reconstructions. This provides insights into how the accident happened and the extent of your injuries.
Once we’ve built your case, we can file your claim and negotiate for maximum damages. The value of your brain injury claim will vary based on the severity of the injury, the impact on your life, and the availability of insurance coverage. Here’s what our attorneys analyze to determine your compensation:
- Medical Bills and Treatment Costs: Our attorneys look at your medical expenses, including hospital stays, treatments, and physical therapy, to determine the financial impact of your injury.
- Lost Wages and Job Impact: We calculate how much money you’ve missed out on because you couldn’t work and consider how your injury might affect your job and earnings in the future.
- Pain and Suffering: Our team evaluates the physical pain and emotional stress you’ve experienced and how the injury has impacted your daily life. We can use a multiplier between 1.5 and 5, depending on the severity of your case, to estimate fair non-economic damages.
- Consultation for Future Care Needs: We work with medical experts to understand your long-term needs, ensuring your claim reflects the cost of ongoing care and support.
- Insurance Details: We explore all insurance policies of the liable parties to understand what compensation is available, looking at the limits and specifics of the insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Injuries
We understand that TBI victims and their families may have many concerns and questions about their injuries. The questions and answers below are designed to provide some initial guidance on your journey to recovery and the actions to consider after an accident.
For a more personalized discussion and to have all your questions thoroughly answered, schedule a free consultation with us. With our No Fee Guarantee®, if you don’t win, you pay nothing.
What are the long-term effects of a brain injury?
The long-term effects of a brain injury can include cognitive impairments, physical disabilities, emotional and behavioral changes, sensory impairments, and an increased risk of neurological disorders.
How long does it take to recover from a brain injury?
The recovery process for a brain injury is unique to every injury victim. It can vary depending on the severity of the injury, the effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation, and the health and resilience of the individual.
Some people may recover fully from a mild brain injury within a few weeks or months. Those with more severe injuries may experience lifelong challenges and disabilities.
What steps should I take after a brain injury?
After a brain injury accident, get immediate medical care even if you feel fine. Brain injuries can be difficult to identify. Prompt medical care allows for imaging and cognitive tests to diagnose early, helping you document the injury and get appropriate treatment.
You should also consult with a skilled attorney regarding your case as soon as your injuries allow. Our team at Berg Injury Lawyers can review your claim, speak with medical experts, and start building your case to preserve your right to compensation.
Choosing the Right Brain Injury Lawyer
Brain injury claims require an experienced, compassionate attorney who can handle these complex claims and get you compensation. When choosing a lawyer, look for the following qualities:
- Experience With TBI Cases: Look for an attorney with experience in TBI cases. They should be familiar with the medical aspects of brain injuries and have a network of potential expert witnesses like neurologists and neuropsychologists to support your case.
- Winning Track Record: Choose a lawyer with a proven winning track record in brain injury litigation, demonstrating their skill in arguing cases effectively. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we’ve won millions of dollars in compensation for our personal injury clients and can fight to get you a maximum settlement.
- Strong Communication: When meeting with an attorney, assess their communication style. Ensure you feel comfortable and confident when sharing details about your case. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we provide clear, accessible communication and personalized attention when discussing your case.
- Excellent Client Reputation: Review testimonials to gain insight into past client experiences with our firm and the potential outcomes for your case. Our team has multiple positive client reviews, including a client who won 20 times more than what the insurance company offered.
Contact Our Sacramento Brain Injury Lawyers for Your Brain Injury Case
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, getting legal help is a crucial step toward recovery. Our Sacramento-based team at Berg Injury Lawyers has a long-standing reputation, backed by years of experience, for successfully managing brain injury cases. We’re committed to helping you secure the compensation you need so you can focus on healing without the added stress of financial burdens. For a personalized discussion about your case and to understand how we can assist you, contact us today for a free consultation.