A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most serious and life-altering injuries a person can experience. Whether caused by a car accident, slip and fall, workplace incident, or another type of accident, a TBI can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences for victims and their families. At Roth & Khalife LLP, we understand the challenges you face after a traumatic brain injury. Our dedicated New York personal injury attorneys are here to provide compassionate guidance and aggressive advocacy to help you seek the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to someone else’s negligence, contact our office today for a free consultation. Let us fight for you so you can focus on your recovery.
Personal Injury and Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often occur in accidents caused by someone else’s negligence. These injuries are not only devastating but can also have long-lasting effects on a victim’s physical and cognitive abilities. Many common personal injury cases involve incidents where TBIs are a significant risk, including:
1. Car Accidents:
Motor vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries. When drivers fail to obey traffic laws or engage in reckless behaviors like speeding or distracted driving, serious crashes can occur. The sudden impact in a collision can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, leading to mild to severe TBIs.
2. Cycling Accidents:
Cyclists are vulnerable on the road, especially when motorists fail to share the road or act negligently. A collision with a vehicle or a fall from a bike can result in head trauma, even if the cyclist is wearing a helmet. TBIs from cycling accidents are often severe due to the lack of physical protection.
3. Slip and Fall Accidents:
A slip or trip on a hazardous surface, such as a wet floor, uneven pavement, or icy walkway, can cause a person to hit their head on the ground or another hard surface. These incidents are particularly common in premises liability cases where property owners fail to maintain safe conditions.
4. Workplace Accidents:
Certain professions, such as construction or manufacturing, carry a higher risk of head injuries due to falls, being struck by objects, or accidents involving heavy machinery. When safety standards are ignored, workers are at a greater risk of suffering a TBI.
5. Sports-Related Accidents:
Although protective gear is often used in sports, athletes can still sustain TBIs due to high-impact collisions, falls, or blows to the head. These injuries are prevalent in contact sports like football, boxing, and hockey.
Each of these personal injury cases can lead to devastating outcomes for TBI victims, including medical expenses, loss of income, and long-term rehabilitation needs. At Roth & Khalife LLP, we have extensive experience advocating for TBI victims in New York. Our attorneys are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and helping you recover the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to someone else’s actions, contact us today for a free consultation.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. This can happen when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, such as during a car accident, or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue. TBIs range from mild to severe and can lead to temporary or permanent impairment of cognitive, physical, and psychosocial functions.
TBIs can result from various incidents, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Falls, especially in elderly individuals and young children
- Sports injuries
- Workplace accidents
- Acts of violence
The severity of a TBI may be classified as:
- Mild TBI/Concussion: Often involves a brief change in mental status or consciousness. While termed “mild,” these injuries can still have serious consequences and require proper medical attention.
- Moderate TBI: Usually results in a loss of consciousness lasting from a few minutes to a few hours. Confusion may last for days or weeks.
- Severe TBI: Involves extended periods of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury. These cases often result in long-term or permanent impairments.
Common symptoms of TBI include:
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Memory problems
- Mood changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disturbances
- Sensitivity to light and sound
It’s crucial to understand that even seemingly minor head injuries can have serious consequences. If you or someone you know has suffered a head injury, seeking immediate medical attention is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. This is particularly important because some symptoms may not appear immediately after the injury but can develop over hours or days.
For individuals who have suffered a TBI due to someone else’s negligence, understanding your legal rights is crucial. An experienced personal injury attorney can help evaluate your case and ensure you receive appropriate compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from the injury.
Can I Seek Legal Retribution for a TBI?
At Roth & Khalife, we understand the devastating impact a traumatic brain injury can have on both victims and their families. The answer is yes – you can seek legal retribution for a TBI, and our experienced New York personal injury attorneys are here to help you navigate this complex process.
When pursuing legal action for a TBI, our firm will help you seek compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: This includes current and future medical treatments, rehabilitation services, cognitive therapy, medications, and any specialized medical equipment you may need.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If your TBI has affected your ability to work, either temporarily or permanently, we’ll fight to recover compensation for both current lost wages and future earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering: TBIs often result in significant physical pain and emotional trauma. We’ll work to ensure you’re compensated for these non-economic damages.
- Quality of Life Changes: If your TBI has impacted your ability to enjoy life or participate in activities you once loved, this can be factored into your compensation.
To pursue a successful TBI claim, our legal team will:
- Thoroughly investigate your accident
- Gather crucial medical evidence and expert testimony
- Identify all liable parties
- Calculate the full extent of your current and future damages
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Take your case to trial if necessary
Time is critical in TBI cases. New York has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, typically three years from the date of injury. However, this timeline can vary depending on the circumstances of your case.
At Roth & Khalife, we understand that every TBI case is unique. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex brain injury cases and will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
How Are TBIs Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) requires a thorough evaluation by medical professionals to assess the severity and impact of the injury. While some TBIs, like concussions, may present immediate and visible symptoms, others may not show obvious signs until days or weeks later. Early diagnosis is crucial to ensure proper treatment, reduce the risk of long-term complications, and strengthen your legal case. Note that the following does not replace medical advice. The diagnostic process for TBIs may include the following steps:
1. Physical Examination and Medical History:
A doctor will start by conducting a physical examination and reviewing the patient’s medical history. They will look for visible signs of head trauma, such as bruising or swelling, and assess neurological symptoms, including confusion, loss of consciousness, or difficulty speaking.
2. Neurological Assessments:
Neurological tests are used to evaluate a patient’s motor skills, coordination, reflexes, and cognitive functions. Tools like the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) are commonly used to assess the level of consciousness and the severity of a TBI, ranging from mild to severe.
3. Imaging Tests:
Medical imaging plays a key role in diagnosing TBIs. Common imaging tests include:
- CT Scans: A computed tomography (CT) scan provides detailed images of the brain and can quickly detect fractures, bleeding, swelling, or other signs of injury.
- MRI Scans: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to identify more subtle brain damage that may not appear on a CT scan. It is often used for follow-up evaluations.
4. Cognitive and Psychological Testing:
For TBIs that impact memory, concentration, or emotional well-being, cognitive and psychological assessments may be performed. These tests help determine the extent of the injury’s effect on a person’s ability to think, process information, and regulate emotions.
5. Ongoing Monitoring:
Some TBIs may require continuous monitoring in the days or weeks following the injury to detect changes in symptoms or brain function. This is particularly important in moderate to severe cases.
Contact Roth & Khalife Today for Your Free TBI Case Evaluation
If you or a loved one is suffering from a traumatic brain injury caused by someone else’s negligence, don’t face this challenging time alone. Our experienced New York personal injury attorneys at Roth & Khalife are ready to fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve. Call us at 212-608-3015 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Remember, you don’t pay unless we win your case. Let us put our expertise to work for you while you focus on what matters most – your recovery.