Houston Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney

Any traumatic brain injury (TBI) can turn a person’s life upside down in an instant. These individuals are often left with physical, emotional, and financial burdens that can last a lifetime.

However, if the brain injury is caused by someone else’s negligence, such as a car accident, a fall, or a workplace incident, you may be able to seek compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and long-term care.

We are ready to assist with your claim at the Barrera Law Group LLC. Our Houston traumatic brain injury lawyer is here to listen to your story, understand your situation, and help you hold those responsible parties accountable for their actions. If you or a loved one has suffered a life-changing brain injury, make sure to contact our law firm for a consultation.

Traumatic Brain Injuries and Their Causes

According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), There were about 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020 and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021.

If you factor in data from the Texas Division of the Brain Injury Association of America, approximately 381,000 Texans live with a TBI-related disability, while 144,000 have sustained a TBI each year. As a result, the Lone Star State has the second-highest number of TBIs in the nation.

Throughout Houston, a brain injury can occur in several ways. Someone may have been involved in a car accident where their head hit the windshield, or they may have slipped and fallen into a grocery store, hitting their head on the floor. Any blow to the skull has the potential to leave a victim with severe, life-altering trauma.

Many times, this blunt-force trauma to the head causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull. An individual is left with sensory, cognitive, and physical impairments that can last months, years, or even a lifetime. Some of the common causes of these injuries include:

• Motor vehicle accidents: With the sheer force and impact of these accidents, a person’s body can be slammed inside the vehicle. Many times, the head is the most vulnerable body part, and these serious jolts can lead to significant brain injuries.
• Slip and falls: When most people fall, they don’t experience any long-lasting issues. However, if the slip causes them to strike their head on the floor or another object, then that can result in severe head injuries. The CDC lists falls as one of the leading causes of TBI, especially among older adults and young children.
• Workplace accidents: Most workplaces are safe for their employees, but there are some industries that are high-risk for injuries, such as factories, construction sites, and industrial areas. Malfunctioning machinery, falling objects, or even taking a fall from a ladder can cause a person to suffer from a traumatic brain injury.
• Sports injuries: The physical nature of some sports, such as football, boxing, and hockey, can lead to head and brain injuries. These can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries.
• Assaults or violence: Sometimes, brain injuries are not caused by accidents but by intentional actions. Victims who have been attacked may suffer injuries due to kicks, punches, or being struck by an object.

When you suffer from a brain injury, the impact goes beyond just physical pain. Many victims experience cognitive issues, emotional distress, and financial instability. A Houston traumatic brain injury lawyer will take the time to listen to your story and determine the next steps for your case.

Brain Injuries Symptoms and Their Long-Term Impacts

Any injury to the brain is a cause for concern. While some individuals can recover, others may be permanently impaired for the rest of their lives. No two injuries are the same. Even a seemingly mild concussion can result in lingering symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating, while severe brain trauma can lead to permanent disabilities. Some common symptoms may include:

• Cognitive impairment: Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and trouble with problem-solving are common cognitive issues associated with traumatic brain injuries.
• Physical disabilities: Some individuals may experience paralysis, difficulty with coordination, loss of motor skills, or chronic pain.
• Psychological effects: Depression, anxiety, mood swings, and personality changes are often common in brain injury victims.
• Communication difficulties: These injuries can impair the brain’s ability to process language, leading to speech difficulties or the inability to communicate.

Unfortunately, the long-term effects of a brain injury can be overwhelming, not just for the victim but for their family. Ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and in-home care may be required. In turn, that can create a substantial financial strain, especially if the person cannot work. However, if the brain injury was the result of the actions of another party, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses. A traumatic brain injury lawyer in Houston can help with this process.

Holding Those Responsible Parties Liable for Their Negligent Actions

When is an accident, not just an accidental event? Sometimes, the actions or inactions of another person or party are responsible for your traumatic brain injury. In these cases, you may be able to hold them liable for your damages and losses. Many times, brain injuries occur due to another party’s negligence or misconduct, which could be:

• Negligent drivers: If your brain injury was caused by a car accident, the driver who caused the crash may be held liable. Distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, and failure to obey traffic laws are a few examples of this negligence on the road.
• Property owners: The property owner could be held responsible in certain circumstances for those who suffered a brain injury due to a slip and fall or another accident on someone else’s property. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe for visitors, and when they fail to do that, they could be liable for injuries and damages.
• Employers: In workplace brain injury situations, employers need to provide a safe working environment. Employers could be liable if workers have an unsafe job site or safety regulations are violated. Third-party contractors, manufacturers of faulty equipment, or other parties may also be held accountable for their actions.
• Product manufacturers: If a defective product, such as a malfunctioning vehicle part or unsafe equipment, caused your brain injury, the manufacturer may be liable for injuries resulting from the accident.

The circumstances of your case will determine who may be the liable parties. Once you have that information, you can start the process of recovering compensation from them. At Barrera Law Group LLC, we will work diligently to build a strong case that details the defendant’s negligence and shows how their behavior affected you.

Brain Injury Victims Often Experience Financial Burdens

The road to recovery after suffering a traumatic brain injury is long and difficult. These injuries often need extensive medical care and rehabilitation. However, some people may never fully recover, and this means they will need long-term care to help them achieve some normal quality of life. These injuries strain many families financially, and they may feel they have nowhere to turn for help. However, in these cases, you may be able to recover damages from the negligent party, such as:

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any future medical treatments.
• Lost wages: Lost income and diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Loss of engaging in the activities they once enjoyed.
• Home care and modifications: Ongoing in-home care or modifications to their living spaces to accommodate disabilities.
• Wrongful death: Funeral and burial expenses, loss of a loved one’s income, and loss of consortium.

Pursuing compensation can be challenging, especially if the other party tries to downplay their role in your injuries. However, with the facts of the case, we can help establish that they were responsible for your injuries and must compensate you for any damages and losses. Our traumatic brain injury lawyer in Houston will take those first steps to make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

How Long Do You Have to File a Brain Injury Lawsuit?

If you want to take action against a negligent party, you do not have unlimited time. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including brain injuries, is two years from the date of the accident. However, not every case is the same, so exceptions could apply in your situation. For example:

• Discovery of injuries: Sometimes, brain injuries aren’t immediately apparent. If symptoms or diagnoses appear well after the accident or incident, the clock might start from the date the injury was discovered.
• Minors and incapacitated individuals: If a minor or legally incapacitated person suffered the injury, the statute of limitations may be extended.
• Claims against government entities: Special rules may apply when a government entity is responsible for the accident. In these cases, you may have a shorter window to file.

With the nature of brain injury cases, you will want to act quickly to protect your rights. At Barrera Law Group LLC, our legal team can help you understand your specific timeline and make sure that all deadlines are met. With that, you can focus on your recovery without worrying about missing your opportunity to pursue compensation.

Our Houston Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Is Ready to Assist

Dealing with the aftermath of a brain injury is overwhelming. You’re likely facing mounting medical bills, ongoing treatment, and an uncertain future. At Barrera Law Group LLC, we understand the difficulties you’re experiencing and are here to help you through every step of the way.

We will:

• Conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of your injury
• Collect evidence and build a solid case for compensation
• Work with medical experts to establish the extent of your injuries
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
• Take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, you need a legal advocate who will fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Our experienced and skilled Houston traumatic brain injury lawyer has the knowledge and resources to handle these complicated cases.

You might not be able to return to the time before the brain injury, but you can secure your future with a settlement award from the liable party. We are here to make sure you get the compensation you are entitled to for these injuries. If you are ready to learn more about how we can assist, schedule a consultation with our Houston law firm.