Did you or your loved one suffer a brain injury in Phoenix, Arizona? If someone else caused the injury, you have the right to seek financial recovery for your medical expenses, income losses, and more. A Phoenix brain injury lawyer from Triumph Law Group can handle every aspect of your case while you focus on recovery.
Triumph Curiel and his team can investigate the cause of your injury, gather strong evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Waiting too long to take legal action can put your case at risk, so do not delay. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you move forward.
Types of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries can range from mild to severe and affect a person’s ability to think, move, and function in daily life. The type and severity of the injury often depend on the force of impact, the location of the injury, and whether the skull remains intact.
For instance, a concussion happens when a sudden impact or jolt causes the brain to move inside the skull. This can lead to headaches, confusion, and memory problems. A contusion occurs when the brain sustains a bruise from a direct impact, which can lead to dangerous swelling and pressure inside the skull. A diffuse axonal injury happens when the brain moves violently within the skull, which causes damage to critical nerve fibers and can severely affect brain function. Finally, a penetrating brain injury occurs when an object pierces the skull, directly damaging brain tissue.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries
Some brain injuries occur in everyday situations, while others result from serious accidents. Many of these injuries involve another person’s negligence, such as a reckless driver, a careless property owner, or an employer who ignores safety rules. Below are some common causes of brain injuries in Phoenix:
- Car Accidents: A crash can cause a person’s head to hit the steering wheel, dashboard, or window. Even without direct impact, the sudden movement of the head can damage the brain.
- Slip and Falls: A person who falls on a hard surface can hit their head and suffer a brain injury. Wet floors, uneven pavement, or poorly maintained stairs often contribute to these accidents.
- Workplace Accidents: Construction workers, factory employees, and others who work around heavy equipment face a high risk of brain injuries.
- Sports Injuries: Contact sports, such as football and boxing, carry a high risk of brain injuries. Repeated blows to the head can cause long-term damage, even if each hit seems minor at first.
- Violent Attacks: A person who suffers a direct blow to the head during an assault could experience a traumatic brain injury.
- Medical Mistakes: Surgical errors, oxygen deprivation, or medication mistakes can lead to brain injuries. A doctor’s failure to diagnose or treat certain conditions can also cause brain damage.
- Defective Products: Faulty helmets, airbags, or safety gear can fail to protect a person’s head in an accident. Poorly designed or malfunctioning products can also contribute to brain injuries.
Signs and Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Some brain injury symptoms appear right away, while others develop over time. Common physical symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound. Some people experience blurred vision, ringing in the ears, or balance problems. More serious brain injuries can cause seizures or loss of consciousness. Cognitive symptoms can include memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and confusion. Some people struggle to process information or make decisions after a brain injury. Emotional changes can also occur, including mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression. In severe cases, a person may have trouble speaking, recognizing people, or controlling their emotions.
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more serious complications. If you or a loved one experiences any signs of a brain injury, seek medical help as soon as possible. Early treatment can improve recovery and prevent further damage.
What to Do After a Brain Injury
If you or someone you know suffers a brain injury, your first step should be to seek medical care. A doctor can diagnose the injury, begin treatment, and monitor for complications. Even if the symptoms seem minor, a medical evaluation is important. Some brain injuries can worsen without proper care.
After receiving medical attention, follow all of the doctor’s treatment instructions. Rest, avoid physical strain, and attend follow-up appointments. Keep records of medical visits, test results, and prescribed treatments to support your legal claim if the injury resulted from someone else’s negligence. If another person or entity caused the injury, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. They can investigate the cause, gather evidence, and take legal action before important deadlines pass.
Avoid speaking with insurance companies before consulting a lawyer. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts, and anything you say could be used against you.
Compensation Available in Brain Injury Claims
A brain injury can create serious personal challenges and financial strain. Medical treatment for brain injuries can be expensive, and many brain injury patients cannot return to work right away, if ever. Brain injury victims can file claims for compensation to help them pay medical bills, replace lost income, and address the physical and emotional impacts of their injuries. For instance, a successful brain injury claim could yield compensation for:
- Hospital stays, surgeries, and other medical costs related to the injury
- Future medical expenses for things like long-term care and assistive devices
- Income losses due to time away from work during recovery
- Losses in future earning potential for injuries that impact long-term working ability
- Physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the injury
- Lost quality or enjoyment of life
Time Limits for Filing a Brain Injury Lawsuit in Arizona
In most cases, you have two years from the date of a brain injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in Arizona. If you do not file within this period, you could lose your right to seek compensation since courts usually dismiss untimely claims. This is why you should contact a lawyer right away after a car accident. A lawyer can determine how much time you have to take action and prepare your claim paperwork before the deadline expires. Additionally, the sooner you contact an attorney, the more time they will have to gather fresh evidence and strengthen your case.
How a Brain Injury Lawyer Can Help
Brain injury cases can be complicated, and missing important details could hurt your chances of getting fair compensation. A brain injury lawyer can take the burden off your shoulders and handle every step of the legal process by:
- Gathering medical records, surveillance footage, and other important evidence
- Interviewing witnesses who saw the incident or have information about your injury
- Working with medical and financial experts who can support your case
- Calculating the full cost of your medical bills, lost income, and other losses
- Filing all necessary legal paperwork before the relevant deadlines expire
- Communicating with at-fault parties and insurance companies on your behalf
- Pushing back against low settlement offers and negotiating for a fair financial recovery
- Preparing for trial if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation
- Representing you in court and presenting strong evidence on your behalf
Contact a Brain Injury Attorney in Phoenix
If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury, you should not have to handle the legal process alone. A Phoenix personal injury lawyer from Triumph Law Group can protect your rights, handle your claim, and fight for the financial recovery you need. Do not wait to get legal advice. Deadlines apply to brain injury cases, and missing them could cost you the chance to recover compensation. Call Triumph Law Group today at 602-595-5559 for a free consultation to find out how we can help with your case.
T