Baldwin Park Brain Injury Attorneys

Suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is almost always a life-altering event. Most victims will take months or even years to recover, while many will have health complications for the rest of their lives. Simply put, these types of injuries are an immense emotional, physical, and financial burden. Fortunately, if you were hurt due to someone else’s negligent or reckless actions, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills and other damages. Turn to our Baldwin Park brain injury attorneys to discuss your options. We have decades of combined experience negotiating and litigating brain injury claims, arming us with the necessary knowledge to prevail in even the most complex cases. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS to connect with an attorney today.

Common Mistakes to Avoid after Suffering a Brain Injury 

From medical bills and repairs to lost wages and home modifications, the damages resulting from a serious accident can add up quickly. Fortunately, victims in California who were hurt due to the negligent actions of another party, can seek compensation for these losses and many others. While your attorney can help you build a convincing claim, you will have to consider your actions carefully. Any mistakes you make after the accident could influence the outcome of your case.  Here are a few of the most common mistakes that accident victims make after suffering an injury:

• Delaying Treatment: If you were able to stand up after the accident, you may think that you’ve survived unscathed. Maybe you suffered a few cuts and bruises, but none of your symptoms seem like they require urgent attention. However, brain injuries can often present with latent or minor symptoms. For instance, nausea, fatigue, and headaches are all common signs of possible brain trauma. As such, you should always undergo a medical evaluation as soon as possible after an accident. Not only has research shown that early treatment can significantly reduce recovery time and lower the risk of developing further complications, but visiting the doctor can also help you avoid disputes when you file your personal injury claim. For example, medical records can outline the damages you suffered and prove that your brain injury is connected to the accident.

• Providing a Recorded Statement to the Insurer: Once you’ve reported the incident to the insurer, it’s likely the insurance adjuster will reach out to you to request a recorded statement. They may even assert that they can’t process your claim until you’ve completed this interview. However, you should avoid communicating directly with the insurer or other opposing parties as they may ask you questions designed to elicit specific responses that may contradict other evidence in your case. Our attorneys can oversee dialogue with the other parties involved so that you don’t have to worry about saying something that might hurt your case.

• Discussing the Accident on Social Media: The insurer may keep tabs on your social media activity in a bid to find any evidence that could be leveraged to discredit your claim. As such, we advise our clients to disable their social media profiles until the claims process has run its course. If that’s not possible in your situation, you should dial up your privacy settings, reject friend requests from unrecognized individuals, and ask those in your circles to avoid tagging or posting about you on these platforms.

• Overlooking Your Intangible Losses: In California, plaintiffs have a right to seek compensation for non-economic damages such as pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment, and humiliation. However, many claimants are unaware that such losses may be recoverable, leading them to accept a settlement that does not account for the full range of damages they’ve suffered. Our attorneys can investigate your claim and review the available evidence to ensure that your case accounts for all recoverable losses. 

How Much is My TBI Case Worth?

Brain injuries often lead to serious health complications that can affect your many different aspects of your life, from earning a living to enjoying your favorite past times. Since suffering the injury, you may have incurred thousands of dollars in medical expenses. To make matters worse, you might also be unable to work, causing you to miss out on days, weeks, or even months of wages. As such, you’re likely eager to find out what your TBI case might be worth. While we cannot guarantee a specific amount, we can assess the available evidence and consult with expert witnesses to determine the value of your damages. Let’s take a look at some of the factors that might affect the potential recovery in your case:

• Lost Earnings: A brain injury can sideline you from work for several months. By the time you’ve recovered and are ready to return to work, you may have missed out on thousands of dollars in potential earnings. Fortunately, these lost wages might be recoverable as part of your TBI claim. The value of these losses will depend on factors such as your average income before the accident, the period of time you were unable to do your job, and whether your brain injury will affect your ability to earn a living in the future.

• Lost Earning Potential: If your brain injury led to a permanent disability that has left you unable to return to the same job you were doing prior to the accident, you might be able to recover compensation for future lost wages and benefits. Your attorney may need to consult with a vocational expert to help create a timeline of your expected career trajectory and the value of the resulting lost earnings. 

• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Whether your injury has affected your cognitive functions or has impaired your mobility, it’s possible that you may not be able to engage in activities that once brought your joy. From social events and spending quality time with your family to running and other forms of physical activity, a brain injury can rob you of many of the experiences that once made your life both fulfilling and fun. Fortunately, in California, plaintiffs can seek compensation for loss of enjoyment. Your attorney may ask you to start a personal injury journal to document how your injuries have affected your quality of life.

• Medical Costs: Typically, compensation for medical expenses will make up some portion of the eventual settlement or verdict in a personal injury claim.

• Pain and Suffering: This category of damages refers to the psychological effects of your injuries. As such, if you’ve experienced pain, insomnia, suffering, or humiliation because of the accident or your condition, you may be able to pursue damages for pain and suffering.

Connect with a Brain Injury Attorney in Baldwin Park Today

A traumatic brain injury can disrupt almost every aspect of your life, taking an immense toll on your emotional, financial, and physical well-being. While a personal injury settlement won’t erase the pain, stress, and suffering you’ve endured since the accident, it can give you the funds you need to pay for the best possible care. Dial 1-800-GO-HARRIS or click HERE to pencil in a free case assessment.