A traumatic brain injury (TBI) changes everything in an instant. Whether from a car accident, workplace incident, or medical error, the physical, emotional, and financial impact is often overwhelming for victims and their families. Your recovery requires more than medical treatment—it demands justice. When someone else’s negligence causes brain trauma, victims face not only the challenge of healing but also the burden of medical bills, lost income, and uncertain futures.
At Dortch Lindstrom Livingston Law Group, our experienced Texas brain injury attorneys understand the life-altering impact of TBIs and work tirelessly to help people throughout Texas just like you recover the full compensation they need for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and rebuilding their lives.
What Qualifies as a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A TBI occurs as the result of a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or penetrating injury such as from a gunshot. However, not every head injury affects neurological function like a TBI, which is why these particular medical conditions represent a serious health concern that affects thousands of Texans each year.
The three main classifications of traumatic brain injury include:
- Mild TBI or concussion. These injuries may cause temporary confusion, headaches, dizziness, or brief loss of consciousness. While called "mild," they might still have lasting effects on memory, concentration, and daily functioning.
- Moderate TBI. Victims typically experience longer periods of unconsciousness and more pronounced symptoms. Recovery may take months or years, with some people experiencing permanent changes in cognitive abilities or personality.
- Severe TBI. These catastrophic injuries often result in extended unconsciousness or coma. Survivors frequently require lifelong medical care and may never regain full independence.
Our legal team works with medical experts, life care planners, and rehabilitation specialists to build a case that reflects the full scope of your damages and provides the medical and legal protection you deserve after a life-changing injury.
Common Causes of Texas Brain Injuries
When these dreadful medical incidents occur, determining exactly what happened and who bears responsibility can be challenging. Accident scenes are often chaotic, witnesses may have conflicting accounts, and the full extent of your condition might not be immediately apparent. The skilled brain injury attorneys at Dortch Lindstrom Livingston Law Group understand that thorough investigation and evidence gathering are crucial to building strong cases.
We work quickly to preserve critical evidence and reconstruct the events that led to your TBI, such as:
- Motor vehicle accidents. Car crashes, truck accidents, and motorcycle collisions frequently result in brain trauma due to the violent forces involved. Even with seat belts and airbags, this vital organ can suffer damage when it strikes the inside of the skull during impact.
- Falls. Tumbling from bed or a ladder, down stairs, in the bath, and other falls are the most common causes of traumatic brain injury overall, particularly in older adults and young children. Construction workers, maintenance staff, and others working at heights also face considerable risk.
- Workplace accidents. Industrial incidents, construction site accidents, and exposure to toxic chemicals can cause TBIs. Workers in oil refineries, manufacturing plants, and construction sites throughout Texas face these risks daily.
- Medical malpractice. Health care providers who fail to diagnose strokes, improperly monitor patients, or make surgical errors may cause preventable brain damage.
- Sports and recreation. Football, rodeo, and other contact sports frequently cause concussions and more severe brain trauma, especially when proper safety equipment isn't used or safety protocols aren't followed.
Understanding the Impact of Brain Injuries on Daily Life
At Dortch Lindstrom Livingston Law Group, we work with many individuals and families dealing with the sudden shock of an incident that compromises their health, threatens their livelihood, and creates an uncertain future. People frequently struggle with:
- Cognitive changes. Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and challenges with decision-making can affect work performance and personal relationships. Simple tasks that once seemed automatic may require tremendous effort.
- Physical symptoms. Chronic headaches, balance problems, vision issues, and fatigue are common. Some victims experience seizures or develop movement disorders that require ongoing management.
- Emotional and behavioral changes. Depression, anxiety, irritability, and personality changes frequently occur after brain trauma. These changes can strain family relationships and social connections.
- Communication difficulties. Finding words, understanding complex conversations, or maintaining the flow of speech may become challenging, leading to frustration and social isolation.
The families of brain injury victims also face enormous stress. Partners may become full-time caregivers, children often find it challenging to understand why their parent has changed, and financial pressures mount as medical bills accumulate and income decreases.
Types of Compensation Available in Texas Brain Injury Cases
By offering more than 60 years of combined experience, the team at Dortch Lindstrom Livingston Law Group wants you to feel assured that we’ll build a legal foundation you can trust to evaluate all your economic and non-economic losses. We rely on neurologists, neuropsychologists, life care planners, vocational rehabilitation experts, and economists to establish compelling cases and seek damages for:
- Medical expenses. All past and future medical costs related to your brain injury, including emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medications, and ongoing rehabilitation.
- Lost wages and earning capacity. Compensation for time missed from work and reduced ability to earn income in the future. Many TBI victims require long-term treatment and care, and could possibly experience diminished earning capacity that affects their lifetime earnings.
- Pain and suffering. Physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life deserve compensation. Brain injury victims often experience ongoing suffering that affects their ability to enjoy activities they once loved.
- Life care costs. Future medical needs, home modifications, assistive equipment, and personal care services. Expert life care planners work with treating doctors, nurses, therapists, and other specialists to develop long-term care plans and estimate associated costs.
- Loss of consortium. Partners may recover damages for the loss of companionship, affection, and support resulting from their loved one's brain injury.
Settlement amounts in brain injury cases vary based on the severity of the injury, a victim's age, occupation, and the circumstances of the accident. Some cases result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation, while the most severe cases may warrant millions in damages. Our goal when evaluating the circumstances of your TBI is to not only address your current condition but also help you establish a future that takes into account all your needs.
Take Action After a TBI With Help From Our Texas Brain Injury Lawyers
Insurance companies know these cases result in substantial verdicts, so they often fight aggressively to minimize payouts. Having experienced legal representation from Dortch Lindstrom Livingston Law Group significantly improves your chances of securing fair compensation that truly reflects the impact of your condition. As former insurance company defense attorneys, we understand how both sides of the docket approach litigation—enabling us to anticipate opposing counsel’s tactics.
However, time is critical in traumatic brain injury cases. In Texas, you generally must bring your case within two years of the injury. So if you or a loved one is dealing with this devastating condition caused by someone else’s wrongdoing, call our office right away at 212-393-1212 or use our online form to schedule a free consultation. We'll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and help you understand the path forward during this difficult time. Whether you live in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Bryan, Plano, or anywhere in Texas, we’re ready to stand by you.