Are you searching for a traumatic brain injury lawyer near you in Los Angeles? Steinger, Greene & Feiner will provide the expert legal representation you need to secure maximum compensation for your losses. With 25+ years of experience and positive client reviews on our side, you can count on us to fight for your rights until we win.
What You Should Know About Brain Injuries
Any damage to the brain caused by physical trauma is categorized as traumatic brain injury (TBI). Such injuries typically involve sudden, severe physical harm that often necessitates prompt medical intervention. The most frequent causes of these brain injuries include impacts on the head or body, such as blows, jolts, or collisions.
Types of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries can range from mild to severe and are categorized into traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and acquired brain injuries (ABIs). The main difference between TBIs and ABIs is the underlying cause of the injury.
TBIs are caused by sudden trauma to the head while ABIs are caused by an illness or pre-existing condition, such as a stroke or cancer. Since TBIs and ABIs present similar symptoms, your doctor will consider the particular type of head trauma to provide an accurate diagnosis.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain sustains damage due to a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or an object that penetrates the head, disrupting normal brain function.
Symptoms of TBIs
Someone who suffers a mild TBI may present one or more of these symptoms:
- Loss of consciousness
- Feeling dazed, confused, or disoriented
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Speech difficulties
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Blurred vision, ringing in the ears, or a bad taste in the mouth
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Memory or concentration problems
- Mood changes or mood swings
- Depression or anxiety
More severe TBIs are associated with the following symptoms:
- Loss of consciousness
- Persistent or worsening headache
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Convulsions or seizures
- Dilation of the pupils in one or both eyes
- Clear fluid draining from the nose or ears
- Inability to awaken from sleep
- Weakness or numbness in the digits
- Loss of coordination
- Persistent or severe confusion
- Behavioral changes
- Slurred speech
- Coma
Causes of TBIs
TBIs are caused by a sudden blow to the head. This can include a sports injury, a fall, a car accident, or an assault.
Long-Term Effects of TBIs
TBIs often result in long-term deficits or disabilities. These can include cognitive impairment, difficulty with speech and language, sensory impairment, or emotional and behavioral changes. Limited motor function is a common effect of TBIs. Motor skills are divided into two categories: gross motor skills and fine motor skills.
Gross motor skills include movement of arms, legs, and other larger body parts. Limited gross motor function may result in:
- Partial or total paralysis
- Uncontrolled movements of the muscles
- Muscle stiffness
- Muscle weakness
- Poor coordination
Fine motor skills include movement of fingers, toes, wrists, hands, and other smaller body parts. Limited fine motor function may result in:
- Difficulty blinking
- Dry eyes
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Difficulty with basic tasks such as writing, buttoning a shirt, and tying shoelaces
Acquired Brain Injuries (ABIs)
An acquired brain injury (ABI) involves any brain damage that takes place due to an internal factor. ABIs can result from various factors such as trauma or a lack of oxygen, leading to impairments in cognitive, physical, or psychosocial functions.
Symptoms of ABIs
Someone who suffers from an ABI may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Confusion or disorientation
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Blood or clear fluid draining from the nose or ears
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the limbs
- Trouble walking
- Slurred speech or vision issues
- Seizure
- Concentration and memory problems
- Changes in work/school performance
- Delayed thinking and understanding
- Poor balance and coordination
- Sleep disturbances or fatigue
- Ongoing headaches or neck pain
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Changes in personality and behavior
- Irritability or aggression
- Depression or anxiety
Causes of ABIs
Since ABIs result from some internal issue rather than an external blow to the head, their causes differ from those of TBIs. Here are some common causes of ABIs:
- Stroke
- Infections
- Little to no oxygen
- Brain tumor
- Exposure to toxins
- Drugs and alcohol
- Disease
Long-Term Effects of ABIs
Although they have different causes, ABIs have some of the same long-term effects as TBIs. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Cognitive: One may have trouble remembering things, concentrating, and problem-solving. They may also have poor planning and judgment skills or trouble with language.
- Sensory: It’s common for victims to experience altered visual or spatial perception, changes in touch and hearing senses, or vision impairments.
- Emotional: Victims may become impulsive, engage in risky behavior, have anxiety or depression, show aggression, or be paranoid.
- Physical: One may experience severe headaches, seizures, limited coordination and balance, slurred speech, or limited movement.
Why Choose Steinger, Greene & Feiner
Steinger, Greene & Feiner is the firm you can trust to handle your case with care to achieve your desired outcome. Here are just a few of the reasons Los Angeles residents choose us time and time again.
Legal Expertise
Our lawyers specialize in brain injury cases, meaning we have the knowledge and skills required to help you navigate the legal process. We understand local laws and regulations, common challenges that arise with brain injury cases, and how to overcome them.
Client-First Approach
Our clients are at the heart of what we do, and their needs always come first. We offer free case evaluations and work on a contingency fee basis to prevent costs from standing in the way of clients receiving the legal expertise they need.
Proven Negotiation Skills
Our brain injury attorneys don’t back down when insurance companies employ unfair tactics to get out of paying what clients deserve. We leverage our legal expertise to secure a fair settlement for every client so they’re not stuck with out-of-pocket expenses.
Clear Communication
You should never have to track down your lawyer to figure out what’s happening with your case. Our lawyers take a proactive approach by providing routine updates so clients know the status of their case at any given time. We can handle your case in person, over the phone, or online for your convenience.
Track Record of Success
We’ve been in the business for more than 25 years and have countless successful case outcomes to show for it. No matter how complex your case is, we’ll do what it takes to secure justice and maximum compensation on your behalf.
Available Compensation for Brain Injury Victims
If someone else’s actions caused your brain injury, you deserve to be compensated for your losses. Plaintiffs can claim compensation for two types of damages: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages are calculable financial losses such as lost wages, medical expenses, and rehabilitative care.
Non-economic damages are incalculable losses that can’t be calculated monetarily. They may include pain and suffering, disability, or lifestyle changes.
If you aren’t sure what compensatory damages you’re eligible for, ask your attorney. They’ll help you identify and calculate your losses to determine how much compensation you deserve.
The Claims Process
Filing and following through with a brain injury claim involves several steps, many of which cause problems along the way. That’s why having a lawyer to guide you through the process is crucial to the outcome of your case. Here’s what your Los Angeles brain injury lawyer will help you accomplish:
- Review the details of your case
- Collect evidence, such as medical bills and scans
- Determine liability
- Calculate damages
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- Take your case to court, if necessary
Statute of Limitations
California’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years, meaning you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the defendant. Failure to file a claim within the statute of limitations forfeits your right to compensatory damages.
See What Our Clients Have to Say
“Right from the beginning of contacting Steinger, Greene & Feiner every step of the legal process was and is swift, accurate, and concise. No time was or has been wasted as they have commenced steadily through the process of gathering information and making contact with me regarding all aspects of my case.” – Steve Gonzalez
“Went above and beyond. Life-changing experience. Worked with another lawyer and they were inept. These guys were with me all the way and got me the max I deserve. Outstanding caring people. I can’t thank them enough.” – Joe Davis
“I love how they treat me as a client!! When I call they answer, if they’re not available they reach back out. They are straightforward if you have a case they let you know, if you don’t they let you know that as well. The lawyers here don’t beat around the bush. I will continue to do business with them in the near future!!! Anytime I think of a law firm to represent me it will be them. As for my lawyers and the paralegals who have assisted me in my case became more like family!! I love how they want to see you do good outside of just being their client and I love that about them.” – Nicole Vucinac
“I had a fantastic experience with Steinger, Greene & Feiner Injury Law Firm. From the moment I reached out to them, they were incredibly responsive and attentive. They took the time to listen to my concerns and were quick to accept my case. The entire team showed a high level of professionalism and expertise throughout the process. I felt supported and well-informed at every step. I couldn’t be happier with their service, and I highly recommend them to anyone in need of legal assistance. Thank you, Steinger, Greene & Feiner!” – Toni Scott
“My two major team players Christina McDonald and Mia Sansur were so compassionate, professional detailed, and patient. I would highly recommend Steinger Green and Finer without a doubt. You’re not just a case number but a person to them.” – Andrea Glanville
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do after a traumatic brain injury?
The first thing you should do is seek emergency medical care. Unlike other injury types, TBIs cause internal damage that’s difficult to detect without an examination and scans. Once you’re cleared by a doctor, you should contact a Los Angeles brain injury lawyer and notify your insurance company of what happened.
2. Which factors affect a traumatic brain injury settlement?
Some factors that impact your settlement amount include:
- Medical bills
- Medical test results
- Rehabilitative care
- The age of the victim
- Neurological test results
3. What is the leading cause of traumatic brain injury?
Falls account for almost half of TBI-related hospitalizations. Motor vehicle accidents and assault are two additional leading causes.
4. How long does it take to recover from a traumatic brain injury?
The severity of a TBI and the methods used to treat it determine a client’s recovery time. While the average TBI victim recovers in about two years, others take five to 10 years to fully recover. In cases where the TBI is particularly severe, one may never make a full recovery.
5. Who is at the highest risk for a TBI?
Males face a higher risk of sustaining a TBI than females, in part because they’re more likely to engage in risky behaviors that could cause a brain injury.
Contact a Los Angeles Brain Injury Lawyer Today
Don’t spend another day drowning in medical bills you shouldn’t have to be paying. Let one of our Los Angeles brain injury lawyers hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions, securing maximum compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to get started with a free case evaluation.