Traumatic brain injuries are life-altering events that can change your personality, affect your family relationships, or cause you to be unable to work or function properly on a day-to-day basis.
Severe TBIs are often fatal. For all of these reasons, victims must get the help they need from experienced legal counsel who specializes in traumatic brain injury cases.
Taylor Ernst and his team of California brain injury lawyers have successfully handled more than 1,000 personal injury lawsuits involving people with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). At Ernst Law, we understand the devastating impact of TBIs and are dedicated to securing the care and compensation your family deserves.
Ernst Law has successfully represented brain injury victims, including a young boy who suffered severe brain damage after being hit by a car while riding his bicycle near a shopping center in Los Osos. After a six-week trial, our advocacy resulted in a $10.23 million jury verdict, ensuring the boy received the resources needed for lifelong care.
At Ernst Law, we’re here to guide you through this difficult time, handle the legal complexities, and fight for justice for your loved one.
For more information, contact us at (805) 779-3630.
Ernst Law is dedicated to helping those affected by brain injuries in California
A brain injury is one of the most complex and serious medical conditions, requiring immediate attention from skilled doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating neurological trauma. The brain is an incredibly delicate organ where even the smallest damage can result in profound, long-lasting effects, such as memory loss, cognitive impairment, or changes in personality. These effects may not always be immediately apparent, with some symptoms only surfacing weeks, months, or even years after the injury. This makes the medical management of brain injuries both a meticulous and critical process.
From a legal perspective, brain injury cases are equally complex and demand representation from highly skilled lawyers who deeply understand not only the medical aspects of brain injuries but also their potential causes and long-term consequences. These attorneys must work alongside medical professionals to determine the extent of the injury, its impact on the victim’s quality of life, and any ongoing medical needs. Furthermore, they must navigate the intricate process of holding liable parties accountable—whether the injury resulted from a car accident, a workplace mishap, medical negligence, or another cause.
The challenge lies in proving not just the existence of the injury, but its full scope and the responsibility of those at fault. This often requires substantial evidence, expert testimony, and a nuanced understanding of how brain injuries occur and how they alter a person’s life. For victims, having both the most competent doctors and the most experienced brain injury lawyers on their side can make all the difference in securing the care and compensation they deserve.
Have you or someone you love been affected by a traumatic brain injury in California due to the negligence of another person, business entity, or government agency?
If so, it is important that you seek immediate legal advice from an experienced California traumatic brain injury attorney.
Ernst Law Group covers all of California, including:
- Los Angeles County
- Orange County
- San Diego County
- San Bernardino County
- Riverside County
See how our brain injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation
If you have suffered a brain injury in California, protect your rights by contacting an California brain injury attorney who has experience with traumatic brain injuries.
At Ernst Law Group, our California brain injury lawyers recognize the devastation that such a life-changing event causes you and your family.
That’s why we get our clients maximum compensation.
Let us help you get the compensation you deserve for your lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical bills. See our proven track record below.
$4.7million
TBI Case Average: $4.7M in Last 18 Months
What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is any condition that results in damage to the brain caused by an external force. This type of brain injury is often referred to as a “silent epidemic” because symptoms can be difficult to recognize and diagnose. It is often difficult, and sometimes impossible, to link a TBI with the symptoms and conditions someone suffers from after the injury.
This trauma can be the result of many different circumstances, including car accidents, falls, workplace injuries, violence, and sports injuries.
Ernst Law Group has experience with these cases. Our California traumatic brain injury attorney is dedicated to advocating for the rights of those who have suffered a TBI due to another person’s negligent behavior.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1.7 million people sustain a brain injury each year, and over 60,000 people die from brain injuries annually. Severe TBIs are often fatal.
The most common causes of TBI in the United States are motor vehicle accidents and falls. Other leading causes include assault, sports-related activities, and child abuse/neglect.
A TBI does not necessarily have to be a blow to the head or skull.
What are common causes of brain injuries in California?
Car accidents
4,285 people in California died due to motor vehicle crashes in 2021 alone.
Many more suffered injuries—including traumatic brain injuries.
Many of these accidents could have been prevented had road signs been visible and had drivers taken turns at intersections more cautiously. Speed limits, drunk driving laws, and seat belt regulations are also in place to reduce the number of fatal accidents.
However, despite these efforts, thousands of people die each year due to motor vehicle incidents, and millions are injured.
This is an alarming statistic that highlights the need for additional research on head injuries and better traffic safety to prevent future injuries from occurring.
Slip-and-falls
Almost 50,000 people die each year in the US from complications due to falls. Thousands more suffer brain injuries due to slips and falls at their homes or while visiting a store or restaurant.
These accidents could be prevented by requiring better safety standards in public areas such as businesses.
Consequently, there have been numerous efforts by lawmakers to improve safety in these areas.
Nonetheless, accidents still happen, and it is important for individuals who suffer a head injury to seek medical attention immediately.
Premises liability injuries
Premises liability refers to the landowner’s responsibility for maintaining a safe environment for visitors.
In California, an owner or tenant must maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition so as not to cause injury to any person who visits the area.
Otherwise, the owner can be held responsible for accidents that occur on the premises. If someone is injured due to their own negligent behavior, they cannot file a claim against the landowner.
Sports Injuries
10% of brain injuries in the US every year come from sports and recreational activities.
These statistics highlight the need for stricter rules when it comes to contact sports such as boxing and football.
However, it is important to note that other sports, such as skateboarding, can lead to brain injuries as well. Accordingly, those participating in action sports should wear protective gear such as helmets and pads to reduce the risk of serious injury.
Violence or assault
Many individuals who suffer traumatic brain injuries were assaulted or mugged. In some cases, an individual slips and falls during a fight and hits their head on the ground.
This may lead to serious bleeding in the brain, which can cause permanent damage or even death.
Accordingly, it is always important that individuals take precautions when going out alone at night by staying with friends or taking a cab or rideshare to avoid dangerous situations.
What are the different types of traumatic brain injuries?
Traumatic brain injuries come in a variety of forms.
According to the CDC, a traumatic brain injury is a “change in brain function caused by an external force.”
This can be anything from a bump or blow to the head to a gunshot wound or a car accident.
Closed head injury
Closed brain injuries are the most common type of traumatic brain injury. It occurs when an external force damages the skull but does not penetrate it.
This causes damage due to the impact of the external object on the skull. The symptoms depend on which area of the brain is affected but can include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and loss of memory.
Common types of closed brain injuries include:
- Concussions
- Cerebral contusions
- Diffuse axonal injury (DAI)
- Epidural hematoma
- Coup-contrecoup injury
- Skull fracture
Penetrating (open) head injury
A penetrating brain injury occurs when there is a break in the skull, causing damage to the brain itself. Penetrating head injuries are often the result of violence (especially firearms) and severe car accidents.
If left untreated, this type of traumatic brain injury can lead to infections such as meningitis, which can be fatal if not treated right away.
Statistically speaking, this type of injury is relatively rare compared to closed-brain injuries. However, it is important to note that penetrating brain injuries are more severe than closed ones because they can damage vital parts of the brain, such as the frontal lobe.
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Understanding traumatic brain injury symptoms
Symptoms of a TBI can be physical, cognitive, or emotional. It depends on the severity of the injury. It’s essential to understand the common signs of brain injuries after an accident.
Mild symptoms
- Headache
- Nausea/vomiting
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Speech issues or slurring
- Light sensitivity
- Sound sensitivity
- Loss of consciousness up to a few minutes
- Disorientation
- Mood changes
- Memory issues or challenges concentrating
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Sleeping too much
Moderate symptoms
- Loss of consciousness for up to 24 hours
- Irritability
- Apathy
- Memory issues or challenges concentrating
- Behavioral changes
- Mood swings
- Difficulty tolerating sounds, lights, and nausea
- Fluids draining from facial orifices
- Dilation of pupils
- Numbness in extremities
- Coma
- Unusual behavior
- Consistent headache
Children Symptoms
- Loss of consciousness longer than 30 minutes
- Vomiting
- Dilation of pupils
- Seizures
- Decreased breathing rate
- Increased heart rate
- Drowsy
- Persistent crying that cannot be soothed
Our California brain injury attorneys are dedicated to your case
Severe brain injuries can happen to anyone at any time.
When you work with our experienced team, we will explain the legal options available to pursue your case and help you recover compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
We have a successful track record of representing clients who have suffered serious brain damage due to the negligence of another party.
The attorneys at Ernst Law Group are committed to pursuing the maximum compensation possible for clients with traumatic brain injury claims in California.
There is no charge for a consultation. If you or someone you love has suffered a TBI, don’t hesitate to contact us online for a free consultation or reach out at (805) 779-3630.
Common Brain Injury Questions in California
Yes, traumatic brain injury qualifies for disability. People with a current or prior TBI may qualify for disability benefits from the government.
Long-term disability benefits of a catastrophic injury depend on the severity of TBI. You will need an experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer to help you determine whether you are eligible for disability benefits.
It is possible that your case could be resolved in a settlement with the insurance company before going to trial.
Whether or not your case goes to trial depends on many different factors, including whether liability can be established and the severity of your traumatic brain injury.
Your California brain injury lawyer can help you understand all of your legal options and what you can expect from each.
The range in which settlements are given for this type of case can vary greatly depending on many different factors, such as the severity of the injury and current medical condition.
Your California brain injury lawyer can review your case and determine what a fair settlement range is for you.
Common side effects of a mild TBI include headaches, insomnia, slurred speech, disorient nation blurry, vision, light sensitivity, anxiety, emotional instability, and personality changes.
Catastrophic injuries are life-altering brain injuries that can cause significant cognitive disabilities. If this is the case with you or your loved one after suffering a TBI due to another person’s negligence or carelessness, please do not hesitate to call Ernst Law Group.
A traumatic brain injury can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. If you suffer a TBI in California due to the negligence of another person, business entity, or governmental agency, contact an experienced California traumatic brain injury lawyer today for an immediate consultation.
If you know someone with a traumatic brain injury, you will want to support them as best you can, but it can be challenging.
It is important for their long-term recovery that they have positive family, friends, and caregivers around them.
The first thing you can do is learn as much as possible about the condition so you are better able to understand what the person with TBI is going through. This will help you to avoid saying things that could be upsetting.
It can also be very helpful to find out about specific resources and support available in your local area, such as a brain injury association or support groups.
You will also want to reduce negative stimuli, such as too much light or too much noise around this individual.
It is also very important to keep in mind that this person should be treated the same as any other person. You may have different expectations of them, but they are likely capable of being independent and contributing to life in their own way.
Many people with TBIs will recover completely, but this can take some time.
It is important to remember the severity of someone’s injury does not necessarily correspond to their potential for recovery.
For example, many people with moderate injuries manage very well in the long term while others with seemingly minor injuries need ongoing support and access to rehabilitation.
Everyone with TBI is different, so it’s important to avoid generalizing how they are expected to recover or their abilities after the injury.
Many people with TBIs can fully recover.
This will take time, but it is worth remembering that the severity of the injury does not necessarily indicate how much an individual will ultimately recover.
However, some people may have problems walking or talking. If someone has suffered significant physical trauma to their brain, they may also have other health problems that do not improve over time.
