Philadelphia Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Talk to a Philadelphia Brain Injury Attorney at Our Law Firm Today
At Hill & Associates, our Philadelphia brain injury lawyers have spent years researching what makes up the human brain.
The brain is the center of personality, character, intellect, and creativity. It controls our every movement, every thought, every memory. It houses our senses and our tastes and controls our behavior. It regulates the functions of the physical body and is the center of cognition.
It is what has allowed us to rise above other living beings with which we share the earth. Now imagine that you’ve fallen and crushed your skull, or rammed your head into the windshield when struck by another car, or that a police officer slammed your head with a baton, damaging a portion of the brain. Are you still the same person you were before?
Our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers have recovered compensation for brain injury victims and their families who have suffered a brain injury throughout Pennsylvania.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
There are many circumstances in which a person can sustain a traumatic brain injury. More specifically, brain injuries happen in motor vehicle crashes such as:
- car and truck accidents
- slip and falls
- construction accidents
- diving accidents
- pedestrian accidents
- bicycle accidents
- motorcycle accidents
- sports
- acts of violence such as police brutality
When your life or that of someone you love has been shattered by a brain injury that someone else caused and that never should have happened, your anger is justifiable. At Hill & Associates, we are known for the care and personal attention we give each of our clients in getting through these difficult times of need.
Why must you suffer for someone else’s wrongdoing? You should not, of course, but brain damage is often permanent. It may be that the best thing you can do is to pursue a claim for monetary compensation for your damages.
For this, you will need the help of an experienced Philadelphia brain injury lawyer. At our law firm, we can provide the superior representation that can make all the difference in how you live the remainder of your life after brain trauma.
Common Symptoms of Brain and Head Injuries
Money won’t undo the damage, but it can help give you the financial means to cope and to make the best of your life when you’re faced with an impairment, which might include these cognitive, sensory, physical, and psychological changes:
- cognitive impairments
- confusion
- difficulty with language, reading or writing
- memory problems
- inability to concentrate
- problems with executive functions
- loss of vision
- blurred vision
- eye muscle weakness
- involuntary eye movements
- excessive sensitivity to light
- hearing loss
- ringing in the ears
- oversensitivity to sound
- loss of the sense of smell or taste
- headaches
- loss of coordination
- numbness
- spasticity
- paralysis
- seizures
- bowel and bladder control problems
- sleep disorders
- chronic pain
- nausea and vomiting
- changes in appetite
- mood swings
- depression
- anxiety
- irritability
- aggression
- loss of inhibition
- executive function impairment
If you have a few or many of these symptoms, they may keep you from returning to work or living alone. You may require years of medical attention, physical therapy, and assistance in the home.
The Philadelphia brain injury attorneys at our law firm understand how important it is to those injured and their families to recover financial compensation to pay for all of the economic costs as well as compensate you for your suffering and the loss of your quality of life.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) can vary widely in their severity and long-term impact. Understanding the different types can help you better comprehend the potential consequences and necessary treatments. Here are the main categories of TBIs:
1. Concussion
- Most common and least severe type of TBI
- Caused by a blow to the head or violent shaking
- May or may not involve loss of consciousness
- Usually resolves within days to weeks, but can have lasting effects
2. Contusion
- Bruising of the brain tissue
- Often caused by direct impact to the head
- Can occur in a specific area (focal) or throughout the brain (coup-contrecoup)
- May require surgical intervention if severe
3. Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
- Occurs when the brain rapidly shifts inside the skull
- Causes tearing of nerve fibers throughout the brain
- Often results from car accidents or shaken baby syndrome
- Can lead to widespread brain damage and severe disability
- One of the most severe forms of TBI
4. Penetrating Injury
- Occurs when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue
- Can be caused by bullets, knife wounds, or other sharp objects
- Often results in localized damage along the path of penetration
- Usually requires immediate surgical intervention
5. Anoxic Brain Injury
- Results from complete lack of oxygen to the brain
- Can be caused by near-drowning, cardiac arrest, or severe blood loss
- Even short periods without oxygen can cause significant damage
- May lead to widespread cell death in the brain
6. Hypoxic Brain Injury
- Similar to anoxic injury, but caused by a reduction (not complete loss) of oxygen
- Can result from respiratory problems, low blood pressure, or carbon monoxide poisoning
- May cause damage to specific areas of the brain more sensitive to oxygen deprivation
7. Second Impact Syndrome
- Occurs when a person suffers a second concussion before fully recovering from an initial one
- Can lead to rapid and severe brain swelling
- Most common in young athletes
- Can be fatal or cause severe long-term disability
Understanding these different types of TBIs is important for proper diagnosis, treatment, and legal representation. It’s important to consult with a knowledgeable brain injury attorney to protect your rights and seek appropriate compensation.
Compensation in Brain Injury Cases
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) cases can result in significant financial compensation due to the severe and often long-lasting impact of these injuries.
At Hill & Associates, we work diligently to ensure our clients receive fair compensation for all damages related to their TBI. Here’s an overview of the types of damages that can potentially be recovered in a TBI case:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses that result from the injury. These may include:
- Medical Expenses
- Emergency room care
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries and procedures
- Medication costs
- Rehabilitation and therapy services
- Assistive devices (e.g., wheelchairs, home modifications)
- Ongoing and future medical care
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
- Income lost due to time away from work
- Reduction in future earning potential
- Lost benefits and retirement contributions
- Costs of vocational rehabilitation if unable to return to previous employment
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses
- Travel costs for medical appointments
- Home care services
- Property damage (e.g., in a car accident case)
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more subjective and relate to the personal impact of the injury. These may include:
- Pain and Suffering
- Physical pain resulting from the injury and treatment
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Inability to participate in hobbies or activities previously enjoyed
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of Consortium
- Impact on relationships with spouse or family members
- Disfigurement or Permanent Disability
- Compensation for permanent changes to appearance or physical abilities
Punitive Damages
In some cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Factors Affecting Compensation
The amount of compensation in a TBI case can vary widely depending on several factors:
- Severity of the injury
- Long-term prognosis
- Age of the victim
- Pre-injury income and career trajectory
- Impact on daily life and relationships
- Strength of evidence proving liability
- Insurance policy limits
It’s important to note that every TBI case is unique, and the compensation awarded will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.
Our legal team will work together to calculate the full extent of damages in your case accurately. Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible to support your recovery and future needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about TBI Claims
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about TBI claims:
1. How long do I have to file a TBI claim in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including TBI claims, is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, there can be exceptions, so you need to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
2. What if I’m not sure about the full extent of my brain injury yet?
It’s common for the full effects of a TBI to become apparent over time. An experienced attorney can work with their legal team to project future medical needs so your claim accounts for long-term care and treatment.
3. Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident that caused my TBI?
Yes. Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages if you’re found to be less than a certain amount at fault, but your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation.
4. How much is my TBI claim worth?
The value of a TBI claim depends on factors such as the severity of the injury, long-term prognosis, impact on quality of life, and economic losses. An experienced attorney can provide a more accurate estimate after reviewing the specifics of your case.
5. Will my TBI case go to trial?
While many TBI cases settle out of court, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This approach often leads to better settlement offers and ensures we’re ready if a trial becomes necessary to secure fair compensation.
6. How long does a TBI claim typically take to resolve?
The duration can take several months to a few years, depending on the case, the severity of the injury, and whether the case goes to trial.
7. What if the TBI was caused by medical malpractice?
TBI claims resulting from medical malpractice follow slightly different rules and often have shorter statutes of limitations.
8. Can I file a claim if my loved one died from a TBI?
Yes, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These cases involve a lot, so it’s important to work with an attorney experienced in both TBI and wrongful death claims.
9. How can a TBI attorney help with my claim?
An experienced TBI attorney can:
- Investigate the circumstances of your injury
- Work with medical experts to document the full extent of your injury
- Calculate the value of your damages, including future costs
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Represent you in court if necessary
Schedule Your Free Consultation with One of Our Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers Today
When you or someone you love has been impaired by a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful behavior, call our office at (215) 567-7600 today for a free legal consultation.
Don’t wait, because if you fail to file your claim within a limited amount of time, you could lose your legal right to financial recovery.
Philadelphia Office Location
1700 Market St Suite 3150,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-567-7600
