Norfolk Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can change a person’s life in an instant. Unlike many other injuries, a brain injury may not be immediately visible, yet its effects can be profound, permanent, and far-reaching. Victims often face cognitive impairments, personality changes, emotional instability, and an inability to return to work or live independently. When a traumatic brain injury is caused by someone else’s negligence, injury victims deserve experienced legal representation focused on securing the full compensation they will need for the rest of their lives.
Our Norfolk traumatic brain injury lawyers have decades of experience handling complex, high-value injury claims. We understand the medical science behind brain injuries, how insurers attempt to minimize these claims, and how to build cases that clearly demonstrate both present and future damages. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for seriously injured clients, and we are prepared to do the same for TBI victims throughout the Norfolk area.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force disrupts the normal function of the brain. This may happen as the result of a direct blow to the head, a violent shaking of the brain within the skull, or a penetrating injury. TBIs range from mild concussions to catastrophic injuries involving permanent brain damage.
Even so-called “mild” TBIs can have lasting consequences. Many victims experience persistent headaches, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, mood changes, or sensitivity to light and noise long after the initial trauma. More severe injuries can result in seizures, loss of speech, paralysis, or significant personality and behavioral changes that affect every aspect of daily life.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Norfolk
Traumatic brain injuries frequently arise from serious, preventable accidents. In Norfolk, TBIs often occur in motor vehicle collisions on heavily traveled roadways such as Interstate 64, Interstate 264, Hampton Boulevard, Military Highway, and Virginia Beach Boulevard. High-speed crashes, rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents at intersections, and motorcycle crashes are particularly likely to result in head injuries.
Slip and fall accidents are another leading cause of TBIs, especially in grocery stores, shopping centers, apartment complexes, and commercial properties throughout Norfolk. Falls caused by wet floors, uneven pavement, poor lighting, or unaddressed hazards can easily result in a violent impact to the head.
Other common causes include truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle crashes, boating accidents on the Elizabeth River or surrounding waterways, workplace accidents, and assaults. Regardless of how the injury occurred, if another’s negligence or intentional misconduct played a role, our attorneys can investigate the incident and pursue accountability.
The Long-Term Impact of a Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries are uniquely devastating because they often affect a victim’s ability to think, communicate, regulate emotions, and earn a living. Many TBI victims require ongoing medical care, including neurological treatment, cognitive therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health counseling. Some require in-home care or assisted living for the rest of their lives.
From a legal standpoint, these long-term consequences must be fully documented and properly valued. Insurance companies routinely attempt to downplay brain injuries by focusing on initial imaging results or labeling symptoms as “subjective.” Our Norfolk traumatic brain injury lawyers work closely with neurologists, neuropsychologists, life-care planners, and vocational experts to present a complete and accurate picture of how a brain injury affects a client’s future.
Proving Liability in a Traumatic Brain Injury Case
Establishing liability in a TBI case requires a thorough investigation and careful presentation of evidence. Depending on the circumstances, responsible parties may include negligent drivers, trucking companies, property owners, employers, product manufacturers, or other individuals or entities.
Virginia law requires proof that another party’s negligence caused or contributed to the injury. This may involve accident reconstruction, surveillance footage, witness testimony, medical records, and expert opinions. Because Virginia follows a strict contributory negligence rule, insurers often attempt to argue that the injured person shares even minimal fault. Our attorneys are experienced in anticipating these defenses and aggressively countering them.
Compensation Available for Traumatic Brain Injury Victims in Norfolk
A successful traumatic brain injury claim may include compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. These often include past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving permanent disability, damages must account for decades of future care and financial support.
When a traumatic brain injury results in death, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim under Virginia law. These cases are particularly complex and require experienced legal counsel to ensure that all recoverable damages are properly pursued.
Why Experience Matters in TBI Litigation
Brain injury cases are among the most complex personal injury claims. They require a sophisticated understanding of medicine, insurance practices, and trial strategy. Our firm’s decades of experience and record of success recovering substantial verdicts and settlements allow us to approach these cases from a position of strength. We prepare every traumatic brain injury case as if it will go to trial, which often leads to more favorable outcomes in settlement negotiations.
We also recognize the human side of these cases. A traumatic brain injury affects not only the victim but their entire family. Our attorneys take the time to understand each client’s situation and provide clear guidance throughout the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traumatic Brain Injury Claims
How do I know if I have a traumatic brain injury?
Symptoms of a TBI are not always immediately apparent. If you experienced a blow to the head or violent shaking of the body and later developed headaches, confusion, memory problems, mood changes, or other neurological symptoms, you should seek medical evaluation as soon as possible.
Can I still have a claim if imaging tests were normal?
Yes. Many traumatic brain injuries, including concussions and diffuse axonal injuries, do not appear on CT scans or MRIs. Diagnosis often relies on clinical evaluation and neuropsychological testing, which can support a valid injury claim.
How long do I have to file a traumatic brain injury lawsuit in Virginia?
In most cases, Virginia law provides a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the injury. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim, making it critical to speak with a lawyer promptly.
What if the insurance company says my symptoms are unrelated to the accident?
This is a common tactic in TBI cases. An experienced attorney can work with medical experts to establish the causal connection between the accident and your symptoms and challenge improper denials or low settlement offers.
Do I need a lawyer for a traumatic brain injury claim?
Given the complexity, high stakes, and aggressive defenses involved in TBI cases, legal representation is strongly advised. An experienced Norfolk traumatic brain injury lawyer can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you will need for long-term recovery.
Speak With a Norfolk Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury in Norfolk due to someone else’s negligence, you do not have to face the legal and financial challenges alone. Our firm is committed to holding negligent parties accountable and securing the resources our clients need to move forward.
Contact our Norfolk traumatic brain injury lawyers today for a free consultation. We are prepared to fight for you.