Often referred to as the ‘invisible injury’, traumatic brain injury (TBI) can completely change your life. Depending on the severity, it may cause irreversible memory loss, cognitive problems, personality changes, and other challenges that affect your ability to function. It can even increase your likelihood of developing dementia.
When you experience a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, you can seek compensation in a personal injury action. At Harris Velázquez Gibbens, we have years of experience representing clients with catastrophic brain injuries. You can rely on us to pursue the outcome you need to cover your medical treatment, lost wages, and other personal and financial impacts on your life. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review with a Hillsboro traumatic brain injury lawyer.
Traumatic Brain Injury Explained
Traumatic brain injury occurs when sudden trauma damages the brain. It can happen when the head makes a violent impact with a surface or an object penetrates the skull. Symptoms will depend on the severity of the injury and the area of the brain affected.
At the milder end of the spectrum, symptoms may only be temporary and include:
- Headache
- Confusion and lethargy
- Problems concentrating
- Ringing in the ears
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Memory problems
When the injury is severe, the bruising, bleeding, and tissue damage that results can cause:
- Persistent or worsening headache
- Loss of motor coordination
- Seizures or convulsions
- Difficulty speaking
- Aggression and agitation
- Clear fluid draining from the ears or the nose
- Coma
- Death
When you’re struggling to cope with these devastating symptoms, acting on your rights can be difficult. A personal injury lawyer at Harris Velázquez Gibbens can help you understand your legal rights, answer your questions, and be your advocate during this difficult time.
How Do Traumatic Brain Injuries Occur?
Automobile accidents are one of the most common causes of traumatic brain injury. The high speed of travel, followed by the abrupt stop of the collision, can cause the brain to impact the skull. Even if you do not experience a direct blow to the head, the whiplash alone can cause a TBI.
Brain injuries can also be caused by:
- Falls, which account for approximately one-half of all TBI hospitalizations
- Physical violence such as punching or shaking
- Contact sports like rugby or football
- Recreational activities like skiing, ATVing, and biking
When the injury is due to another party’s negligence or malice, such as a drunk driving accident, slip and fall on a wet floor, or physical attack, a Hillsboro traumatic brain injury lawyer can help you hold them accountable for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
How are Traumatic Brain Injuries Diagnosed?
Brain injuries can be diagnosed by the symptoms listed above, but it can often take time for them to manifest, which is why you should seek medical treatment immediately after a suspected injury.
Emergency room doctors, neurologists, and neuropsychologists assess the extent of the damage by using diagnostic tools such as X-rays, computer-assisted tomography (CAT scans) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs). The resulting medical evidence can strengthen your claim when you’re ready to file one.
How a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer at Our Firm Can Help
Let a brain injury lawyer from Harris Velázquez Gibbens handle your case while you focus on your recovery. We will seek justice and compensation from those responsible for your injuries by:
- Investigating the accident and obtaining evidence for your personal injury case
- Identifying the responsible parties
- Establishing fair compensation by documenting all injuries, expenses, and losses
- Filing claims against the at-fault parties’ insurers
- Negotiating a settlement for maximum compensation
- Taking the case to trial if necessary
In the aftermath of a serious accident, your focus should be on healing, not on fighting a legal battle. Your traumatic brain injury lawyer will handle every aspect of your legal claim for you so that your energy and efforts can be dedicated to your recovery.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawsuit in Oregon?
If you have suffered a brain injury in Oregon, the statute of limitations determines the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. Typically, you have two years to file a lawsuit, although this deadline may be extended if:
- At the time of the accident, you were a minor or had a disabling mental condition
- The defendant leaves Oregon after the accident but before your claim can be filed and takes up residence in another state
- The defendant attempts to conceal themselves to avoid legal action
Although two years may seem like plenty of time, speaking with a traumatic brain injury lawyer immediately after an accident is crucial to protecting your rights. As soon as a medical examination confirms that you have compensable injuries, call Harris Velázquez Gibbens for a free consultation.
What is My Traumatic Brain Injury Case Worth?
When you pursue compensation for your brain injury, you may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, physical or occupational therapy, prescriptions, psychotherapy, and mobility or assistive devices
- Loss of income or the loss of future earning potential and employment benefits if you are unable to work
- Long-term care costs associated with a permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Reduction in quality of life or life expectancy
With brain injury cases, it can be hard to tell what your case could be worth until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement. A good lawyer will take the time to understand your injury, the challenges you will face, and how it will affect your future.
Get a Free Consultation From a Hillsboro Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
If you suffer a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s misconduct, you deserve justice. For assistance in obtaining the award or settlement you are entitled to, call Harris Velázquez Gibbens today. We can help you secure the evidence that confirms the cause of the accident, the identity of the parties responsible, and the extent of your injury so that you maximize your chance of receiving full and fair compensation. To schedule a no-obligation consultation, call 503-610-4398 or contact us online.
Get a Free Consultation From a Hillsboro Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
If you suffer a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s misconduct, you deserve justice. For assistance in obtaining the award or settlement you are entitled to, call Harris Velázquez Gibbens today. We can help you secure the evidence that confirms the cause of the accident, the identity of the parties responsible, and the extent of your injury so that you maximize your chance of receiving full and fair compensation. To schedule a no-obligation consultation, call 503-610-4398or contact us online.
