Sacramento Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers

Put 100+ Years of Combined Experience in Your Corner

If the negligent actions of another caused you to sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI), you may qualify to file a personal injury claim against that party to hold them accountable.

At Kershaw Talley Barlow, our lawyers understand that nothing can right the wrong that was done to you, but we will pursue justice on your behalf to fight for your rightful compensation so you can be recompensed for any damages related to your injury. Our team is passionate about and motivated by helping clients improve their lives and heal from their injuries. You can trust our nationally-recognized attorneys to give your claim a strong chance at reaching a favorable outcome.

Call our traumatic brain injury attorneysin Sacramento at (916) 520-6639.

Causes and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries

A TBI occurs when the head or body experiences a violent blow or jolt, causing brain dysfunction. They can result from a catalog of accidents, including falls, construction site accidents, car and truck accidents, and more. In some cases, penetrating objects can also cause a TBI; for instance, soldiers may suffer TBIs if hit with shrapnel.

The severity of the injury and physical trauma on brain function ranges from mild to severe. This categorization may be misleading, however, as even mild TBIs (often referred to as concussions or mTBIs) can lead to temporary brain dysfunction and have life-changing consequences when left untreated.

Symptoms of a TBI include:

• Fatigue
• Tinnitus
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Disorientation and confusion
• Difficulty retaining new information
• Brief loss of consciousness for 30 minutes or less
• Inability to remember events immediately before/after the accident

Moderate and severe TBIs can cause bruising, torn tissues, bleeding, and other permanent physical damage resulting in long-term complications or even death. Some other symptoms of these TBIs include:

• Significant confusion
• Seizures or convulsions
• Weakness in the extremities
• Inability to wake up from sleep
• Uncontrollable nausea and vomiting
• Persistent or worsening headaches
• Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) drainage from nose or ears
• Loss of consciousness lasting between minutes and hours

How Long After a Brain Injury Do Symptoms Appear?

The appearance of symptoms after a brain injury can vary significantly depending on the type and severity of the injury. In some cases, symptoms may appear immediately or within a few hours after the incident. However, in other instances, it might take days, weeks, or even longer for symptoms to become noticeable.

It is essential to seek medical attention promptly after any head injury, even if symptoms seem minor at first. Some brain injury symptoms may worsen over time, and a healthcare professional can provide a proper evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan. Early intervention can significantly impact recovery outcomes and ensure the best possible care for the individual affected.

Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can vary in their nature and severity, each presenting distinct challenges and implications for the affected individuals.

Some common types of traumatic brain injuries include:

• Concussion: A mild TBI often caused by a blow to the head or violent shaking, resulting in temporary unconsciousness or confusion. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, and memory issues.
• Contusion: This type involves bruising of the brain tissue, typically occurring at the site of impact. Contusions can lead to localized symptoms and may require medical intervention.
• Penetrating Injury: Caused by an object penetrating the skull and brain, such as a bullet or shattered bone fragment. These injuries often result in severe and localized damage.
• Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): A shearing effect on nerve fibers within the brain due to rapid acceleration or deceleration, commonly seen in car accidents or severe falls. DAI can lead to widespread brain damage and neurological impairments.
• Coup-Contrecoup Injury: This occurs when a blow to the head is forceful enough to not only injure the side of impact (coup) but also cause the brain to hit the opposite side of the skull (contrecoup), resulting in two areas of damage.
• Second Impact Syndrome (SIS): If a person sustains a second TBI before recovering from the first, it can lead to SIS, a rare but life-threatening condition with rapid brain swelling.

Understanding the different types of traumatic brain injuries is crucial for timely diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment. Early intervention and rehabilitation play vital roles in improving outcomes and the quality of life for individuals dealing with these injuries.

Should I File a TBI Claim?

Filing a claim is a viable option for individuals who sustained TBIs due to the actions of another. Since these injuries have a significant negative impact on victims’ lives, pursuing a claim often provides them with a much-needed and well-deserved sense of closure. Furthermore, a successful claim will carry with it a payout for damages related to the accident, such as the following:

• Loss of income
• Cost of disability
• Pain and suffering
• Medical expenses and hospital bills
• Loss of companionship with a spouse (if applicable)

How Long Do I Have to Pursue a Brain Injury Lawsuit?

Like other types of personal injury claims, brain injury claims are subject to a legal time limit commonly known as a “statute of limitations.” In California, the statute of limitations for pursuing a brain injury lawsuit is generally two years. This means you have a time window of two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit in court. If you fail to initiate legal action within this period, you may lose your right to seek compensation for the brain injury through a lawsuit.

It is crucial to be aware of this time limit, as exceptions to the statute of limitations are rare and often difficult to prove. However, there may be certain circumstances that could toll or pause the statute, such as delayed discovery of the injury or if the injured person is a minor.

To ensure you protect your legal rights and have ample time to gather evidence, consult with a skilled Sacramento brain injury attorney from Kershaw Talley Barlow as soon as possible after the brain injury occurs. Our attorneys can guide you through the process, advise on the best course of action, and help you file your claim within the specified time frame.

Is It Worth It to Hire an Attorney for a TBI Claim?

If you are concerned about the legal stress associated with a claim, hiring an attorney might be the perfect solution for you. An attorney will handle all the legal aspects of your injury while you focus on your health.

The experienced traumatic brain injury lawyers of Kershaw Talley Barlow serve thousands of individuals with serious injuries. To date, we have recovered more than $1 billion for these clients. We stand apart from the competition because our lawyers understand the turmoil that follows an injury. We are ready to listen to your concerns and offer our legal guidance in a free case evaluation. Healing is your main priority — handling your case is ours.

Contact our Sacramento traumatic brain injury lawyers online for a free consultation. 

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