Traumatic brain injuries can have life-altering and lasting effects on those who suffer them. These injuries often lead to physical, cognitive, emotional, and financial difficulties. TBIs can be caused by various incidents, such as car accidents, falls, sports injuries, and assaults. When a TBI occurs due to the negligence of another party, that party could be held liable for damages in a personal injury lawsuit.
At the Cottle Firm, our team of dedicated traumatic brain injury lawyers helps TBI victims and their families seek financial compensation for damages related to their injuries. If you believe that your TBI was caused by negligence, we can evaluate your case, help you determine if you have a claim, and guide you through each step of the legal process. Contact us today at 702-722-6111 to discuss your case in a free consultation.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
According to the Mayo Clinic, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a medical condition caused by a sudden blow, jolt, or penetrating head injury that disrupts normal brain function. TBIs can vary in severity, from mild concussions to severe injuries that result in long-term complications, or even death.
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
It is important to be aware of the symptoms of a TBI to seek timely medical attention and receive appropriate care. The symptoms may not always be immediately apparent, which is why anyone who suffers a blow to the head should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms of a TBI may include headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, a loss of balance, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or noise, and fatigue. In more severe cases, victims may experience seizures, pupil dilation, and loss of consciousness.
Cognitive Symptoms
Cognitive symptoms of a TBI can manifest as confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and slurred speech. Some individuals may also experience changes in behavior or mood, such as irritability, anxiety, and depression.
Sensory Symptoms
Sensory symptoms of TBI may involve changes in sensory perception, such as ringing in the ears (tinnitus), a bad taste in the mouth, changes in smell or taste, and heightened sensitivity to touch.
Sleep Disturbances
TBIs can disrupt sleep patterns and may lead to difficulty sleeping, excessive drowsiness, or changes in sleep duration or quality. Some individuals may experience insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive daytime sleepiness) after a blow to the head.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
TBIs can result from various types of accidents and incidents. In cases where a TBI happens in an accident caused by negligence, the victim and their family may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party.
Falls
Falls are the leading cause of TBIs, especially among older adults and young children. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), falls account for about half of all TBI-related hospitalizations. Falls from heights, slipping on wet floors, and tripping over objects can all lead to head injuries. Even seemingly minor falls can result in concussions or more severe brain injuries.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car accidents, motorcycle crashes, and pedestrian accidents are all among the leading causes of TBIs. The impact of motor vehicle collisions can cause severe head trauma. Factors like speeding, the use of seat belts, and the presence of airbags can all influence the severity of brain injuries in motor vehicle accidents.
Sports Injuries
Contact sports like football, hockey, and soccer all carry a risk of TBIs when participants collide or fall. Athletes often suffer concussions and other traumatic brain injuries. This risk is further elevated when proper protective equipment is not worn or if safety rules are not followed.
Assaults
Intentional violent acts, such as assaults, can result in a range of traumatic brain injuries. These injuries may be caused by blows to the head with objects or fists and being struck against hard surfaces.
Workplace Injuries
Occupational accidents are another common cause of TBIs, especially in industries like construction and manufacturing. Workers often suffer TBIs from falls, being struck by objects, and machinery accidents. Workers may also suffer head injuries while operating heavy machinery, working at heights, or in environments with potential hazards like falling debris.
Recreational Activities
Recreational activities like cycling, skiing, skateboarding, and horseback riding carry a risk of falls or collisions, which can cause TBIs if safety precautions are not observed. High-speed impacts or falls onto hard surfaces can result in head injuries. Participants in these activities can reduce their risk by wearing protective equipment.
Seeking Legal Assistance After a Traumatic Brain Injury
TBIs can impact various aspects of the victim’s life, including their physical health, cognitive abilities, and financial stability. In many cases, TBIs occur due to the negligence of others, such as in car accidents or slip-and-fall accidents. Victims and their families should consider seeking legal assistance from an experienced Las Vegas TBI lawyer to determine if negligence was a factor in their case and if they have grounds for a lawsuit.
Understanding Your Legal Rights
The legal process of seeking financial compensation for a TBI can be complex, especially for victims who are dealing with the physical and emotional tolls of their injuries. An attorney with experience in TBI cases can help you understand your legal rights and explore your options for seeking compensation. This may involve filing a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses related to the injury.
Building a Strong Case
Building a strong case for a TBI claim requires a thorough investigation, expert testimony, and compelling evidence to support the victim’s claims of negligence. An experienced attorney will work with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals to gather evidence and establish liability. This may include obtaining medical records, conducting interviews with witnesses, and analyzing the circumstances surrounding the accident that caused the injury.
Advocating for Fair Compensation
One of the primary roles of a traumatic brain injury lawyer is to advocate for fair compensation on behalf of their clients. This may involve negotiating with insurance companies and opposing counsel to reach a settlement that accurately reflects the full extent of the victim’s damages.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, the attorney may take the case to trial to seek justice through the court system. Throughout this legal process, the attorney will provide legal guidance, support, and representation to ensure that the victim’s rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.
Why You Need a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer in Las Vegas
When recovering from a traumatic brain injury, dealing with complex legal and medical issues can be overwhelming. Having a dedicated Las Vegas traumatic brain injury lawyer by your side can help ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Experience and Expertise
A TBI lawyer brings invaluable experience and expertise to your case. They understand how to handle the complex medical and legal aspects of a brain injury. An experienced lawyer’s knowledge can be vital in building a strong case on your behalf.
Knowledge of Nevada State Laws
Taking legal action requires a detailed understanding of state laws and how they pertain to TBIs and personal injury lawsuits. A seasoned Las Vegas TBI lawyer understands how to apply various laws to their client’s cases, such as comparative negligence, strict liability, and damages caps.
Resources and Support
In addition to legal representation, a TBI lawyer can provide resources and support to help you deal with the challenges of medical treatment, injury rehabilitation, and financial recovery. They can connect you with medical experts, rehabilitation facilities, and support services to ensure that you receive the care and support you need on your road to recovery.
Las Vegas Traumatic Brain Injury FAQ
What Are the Legal Options for Families of Fatal TBI Victims?
In severe TBI cases where the victim ends up dying due to their injuries, the surviving family still has legal rights. Rather than filing a personal injury claim, the family may file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages related to the loss of their loved one, such as funeral and burial expenses and lost wages.
What Is Nevada’s Statute of Limitations for TBI Lawsuits?
According to Chapter 11 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, the statute of limitations is two years from the date that the injury was discovered. Generally, this means that you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. However, if your symptoms were delayed and discovered the injury later, this period would begin after the injury was discovered. This makes it crucial to act quickly if you plan to take legal action after suffering a TBI.
Discuss Your Case With Our Las Vegas Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers
Have you or a loved one recently suffered a traumatic brain injury caused by negligence? The experienced Las Vegas traumatic brain injury lawyers at the Cottle Firm are here to help. We’re prepared to evaluate your case and help you take the appropriate actions to seek financial compensation for your injuries. Call the Cottle Firm today at 702-722-6111 to learn more about your legal options.