Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney in Portland, Oregon

A traumatic brain injury can happen to anyone. At any time. Then their life is changed forever.  

Whether it occurs in a mild or severe form, experiencing an injury, either personally or witnessing it in a loved one, can lead to overwhelming emotional distress. Often, individuals find themselves grappling with unexplained symptoms and difficulties, seeking answers and understanding. 

The last thing on your mind during such a trying time should be worrying about the legal morass and insurers who may be dismissive of you. 

If your injury was caused by the negligent or careless actions of another, you may be entitled to seek compensation. Speak to an attorney as soon as you can about filing a claim and to get guidance about pursuing justice as you heal.  

Since 1994, I’ve guided people in these situations through the legal and emotional process of personal injury claims to help them towards recovery. Contact my office in Portland — Injury Lawyer PDX, LLC — to schedule a free consultation and get started as soon as possible. 

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, jolt to the head, or penetrating head injury. The severity of a TBI can range from "mild," such as a brief change in mental status or consciousness, to "severe," which may include an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury. TBIs can result in a wide range of short- or long-term issues affecting cognitive function, motor skills, sensation, and emotional regulation. 

Common Causes

Traumatic brain injuries are most commonly caused by incidents that involve sudden impact to the head. Some of the primary causes include: 

• Vehicle-related collisions: Automobile, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents, as well as pedestrian incidents, are leading causes of TBIs. The force of the collision can cause the brain to collide with the interior of the skull, resulting in injury. 

• Falls: Slips, trips, and falls are especially common in older adults and children, leading to a substantial number of head injuries annually. These can occur anywhere, from domestic settings to work and public spaces. 

• Sports Injuries: Athletes participating in high-impact or extreme sports such as football, boxing, hockey, soccer, and skateboarding are at a higher risk of sustaining TBIs. 

• Violence: Assaults, gunshot wounds, domestic violence, and other forms of interpersonal violence can also result in head trauma. 

• Explosive blasts and military combat injuries: For military personnel, explosive devices are a common cause of TBIs, often leading to complex and multi-faceted brain injuries. 

Each of these causes can lead to varying degrees of brain injury, which is why individual assessment and personalized medical care are critical in achieving the best possible outcomes for recovery. 

Navigating Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion Claims

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that is often referred to as a mild brain injury, usually resulting from a blow to the head. It can also occur from a sudden, violent shaking that causes the brain to move within the skull. This movement can create chemical changes in the brain and damage to brain cells.  

Symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not appear immediately. They can include headache, confusion, dizziness, vision disturbance, ringing in the ears, nausea or vomiting, and can sometimes result in loss of consciousness.  

Although concussions are typically not life-threatening, their effects can be serious and require appropriate medical assessment and management to ensure a safe and healthy recovery. 

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion, it can be an overwhelming time. The severity of a TBI can vary greatly and the emotional toll can be immense.  

It's crucial to get the right medical support, but if your injury was due to someone else's negligence, you may also be entitled to compensation. I've been guiding people through this process since 1994, and I'm here to represent your best interests.

Fighting for Your Full Compensation

In the wake of a traumatic brain injury, the damages you may be entitled to in a successful claim can be extensive, reflecting the profound impact such injuries can have on every aspect of your life. Compensatory damages typically fall into two categories: economic and non-economic. 

• Economic Damages: These are out-of-pocket expenses that can be calculated and documented. They include current and future medical expenses related to your injury, such as emergency treatment, surgery, hospital stays, medications, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Lost wages and loss of earning capacity are also recoverable if the injury impacts your ability to work. 

• Non-Economic Damages: These damages are more subjective and compensate for non-financial aspects of your loss. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium are examples of the types of non-economic damages you may claim. These take into account the psychological impact and the day-to-day challenges you face as a result of your injury. 

In some cases, if the negligent action was particularly egregious, punitive damages might be sought as well. Punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. For example, if a TBI was caused by an act of violence, the perpetrator may be liable for punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. 

However, these awards are less common and dependent on the specific laws of your jurisdiction and the circumstances of your case. 

That brings me to an important point: Each traumatic brain injury case is unique, and the specific damages available to you will depend on the details of your situation. A skilled attorney can help you identify the full scope of your damages and fight for the compensation you deserve.