A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can change someone's life in an instant. Even an injury that seems minor at first can lead to memory problems and mood changes that last for months or longer. According to the CDC, falls and motor vehicle crashes are among the leading causes of TBI, which means many of these injuries happen because someone else was careless. At Grabb & Durando, our Tucson brain injury lawyers help injured people and their families hold the responsible party accountable and recover the compensation they need for medical care and the income lost during a long recovery.
A traumatic brain injury happens when a sudden blow or jolt to the head disrupts how the brain works. In many car crashes and falls, the head stops suddenly while the brain keeps moving inside the skull. That impact can bruise brain tissue or cause bleeding, and the damage isn't always visible on a first scan.
Doctors grade TBIs by severity. A mild TBI, often called a concussion, may involve a brief loss of consciousness or none at all, along with headaches or dizziness. Symptoms don't always appear right away, and some people first notice memory problems, trouble concentrating, or mood changes days or even weeks after the injury. Moderate and severe TBIs can cause lasting problems with movement and speech, and some require lifelong care. In the most tragic cases, a brain injury is fatal and the family may have a wrongful death claim. That's why it's important to see a doctor after any hit to the head, even if you feel fine.
Many brain injuries start with an ordinary day that suddenly goes wrong. A car crash or a fall on a poorly maintained property can be enough to cause lasting damage, and so can a mistake during medical care. When someone else's carelessness is to blame, Arizona law gives you the right to seek compensation.
Motor vehicle crashes are one of the most common causes of TBI. In a collision, your head can snap forward and back even if it never strikes anything, and that motion alone can injure the brain. If you were hurt in a crash, see a doctor right away and keep records of every visit. If another driver was at fault, a Tucson car accident lawyer can help you pursue coverage for your medical bills and the time you've missed from work.
Slip and fall accidents are another frequent cause, especially for older adults. Hitting your head on a hard floor or sidewalk can cause a TBI or even a skull fracture. If you fell because a property owner ignored a hazard like a wet floor or a broken step, they may be responsible for your injuries.
Not every brain injury comes from a blow to the head. When the brain is deprived of oxygen during surgery or childbirth, it can suffer what doctors call an anoxic or hypoxic brain injury. These cases often involve medical malpractice, and proving them takes a careful review of the medical records.
Doctors and hospitals are supposed to protect your health, but a mistake during treatment can cause serious brain damage. Some of the medical errors that can lead to a brain injury include:
In Arizona, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the injury. If a government agency is involved, the deadline is much shorter, and a formal notice of claim generally has to be filed within 180 days. Missing these deadlines can mean losing your right to compensation, so it's important to talk with a lawyer as soon as you can.
Arizona follows a pure comparative fault rule. You can still recover compensation even if you were partly responsible for the accident, though your award is reduced by your share of the fault.
Because brain injuries often affect people for years, a claim should account for future costs as well as the bills you've already received. That can include ongoing treatment and rehabilitation, in-home care, lost wages, and a reduced ability to earn a living, along with pain and suffering.
In most cases, two years from the date of the injury. Claims involving a government entity have a much shorter notice deadline, so it's best to speak with a lawyer right away.
That's common with brain injuries. See a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms and tell them about the accident. Medical records that connect your symptoms to the injury are an important part of your claim.
Not every concussion leads to a claim, but symptoms from a mild TBI can last longer than expected and affect your ability to work. A free consultation can help you understand your options before you talk to an insurance adjuster.
Grabb & Durando handles brain injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Consultations are free.
Our goal is clear - to help our clients recover the maximum damages possible for their accident injury claim from the responsible parties.
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A brain injury can mean years of medical care and lost income. Our Tucson brain injury attorneys will work to hold the responsible party accountable so you can focus on getting better. Call today for a free consultation.
