The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury vary widely depending on the severity of the damage, but even so-called “mild” TBIs can have lasting consequences. Many victims require extensive rehabilitation and may never fully recover. The long-term effects can impact physical abilities, cognitive function, and emotional health. 

Victims of TBIs often experience challenges such as: 

Thinking and Learning 

• Difficulty processing information or understanding instructions. 

• Problems with communication and speech. 

• Trouble concentrating for extended periods. 

• Memory loss or deficiencies. 

Motor Skills, Hearing, and Vision 

• Weakness or paralysis in the arms or legs. 

• Problems with balance and coordination. 

• Vision and hearing difficulties. 

• Changes in sensory perception. 

Emotion and Mood 

• Anxiety and depression. 

• Difficulty controlling anger or frustration. 

• Personality changes. 

• Suicidal thoughts or tendencies. 

The Financial Burden of Traumatic Brain Injuries

The financial impact of a TBI can devastate families. Victims often face medical bills that stretch from tens of thousands to millions of dollars over a lifetime, depending on the severity of the injury. Beyond direct healthcare costs, TBIs often take away a person’s ability to work, leaving households without income while ongoing expenses pile up. 

Damages in these cases may include: 

• Medical bills for emergency care, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. 

• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity. 

• Costs for in-home care or long-term assisted living. 

• Pain and suffering related to the physical and emotional toll of the injury. 

• Compensation for permanent disability or loss of independence. 

• Wrongful death damages for families who lose a loved one to a TBI.

Liability in California Traumatic Brain Injury Cases 

Determining who is responsible for a traumatic brain injury is often complex, as multiple parties may share fault. California’s comparative negligence system allows victims to recover compensation even if they are partially responsible for the incident, but insurance companies often use this rule to reduce payouts. Skilled legal representation is essential to uncover all liable parties and fight back against unfair blame-shifting. 

Potentially liable parties in TBI cases include: 

• Negligent drivers in car, truck, motorcycle, or bicycle accidents. 

• Property owners who fail to maintain safe premises. 

• Employers who allow unsafe workplace conditions. 

• Manufacturers of defective products or safety equipment. 

• Individuals or entities responsible for assaults or intentional harm.