Bellevue Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys

Legal Help for Bellevue Brain Injury Victims

According to the City of Bellevue, over 1,500 traffic accidents occurred in 2019. Twenty-six percent of those accidents involved injuries. In a traffic collision, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not uncommon. TBI is an injury that affects how the brain works. A violent blow or jolt to the head or body or an object, such as a bullet, which travels through the brain tissue, can cause TBI. While mild traumatic brain injury may only have temporary effects, more severe TBI can cause long-term complications or death. If you or your loved one has suffered a brain injury in an accident that was someone else’s fault, consult with an experienced Bellevue traumatic brain injury attorney about a claim for compensation.

When seeking compensation for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), you can rely on Bottlinger Law L.L.C., which is distinguished with a Perfect A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau. Our firm is committed to providing top-tier legal representation, ensuring TBI victims receive comprehensive support and maximum compensation. With our proven track record and ethical standards recognized by the BBB, we advocate tirelessly for our client’s rights to achieve justice and financial recovery for those affected by serious injuries.

Schedule a free consultation with a Bellevue personal injury attorney today by calling (402) 505-8234.

What Leads to Traumatic Brain Injuries?

TBI can be caused by a forceful blow, jolt, or bump to the head or body, or by an object that pierces the skull and enters the brain. Common causes of traumatic brain injury in Bellevue include:

• Motorcycle Collisions: When a biker is thrown from the bike in a crash, the head can strike the pavement or an object nearby. When a passenger vehicle rear-ends a motorcycle, the bike can cartwheel and catapult the rider. Even when they are wearing helmets, motorcycle riders are more likely to suffer TBI in an accident than occupants of passenger vehicles.
• Pedestrian Accidents: A person who is walking has none of the protections a vehicle provides. When struck by a car, a pedestrian can be knocked down and hit his head on the pavement. This can fracture the skull or cause bruising and bleeding of the brain. The greater the speed of the vehicle, the more powerful the force of impact.
• Car Crashes: Many individuals have sustained brain injuries in motor vehicle accidents. The force of a collision can cause a blow or jolt to the head or body. Broken glass or metal can penetrate the skull and the brain.
• Slip-and-Fall Accidents: Falls lead to nearly half of hospitalizations related to traumatic brain injury, as stated by the CDC. When property owners or managers allow hazardous conditions to exist on their property, visitors may slip and fall, hit their heads, and sustain TBI.
• Bicycle Accidents: Bicyclists in Bellevue and the state of Nebraska are not required to wear helmets when they ride. However, it is highly recommended by agencies such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Nearly 597,000 bicycle-related traumatic brain injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments from 2009 to 2018.
• Truck Accidents: Occupants of passenger vehicles can suffer serious head and brain injuries in different types of truck accidents. For example, when a large truck rear-ends a car or SUV, the force of impact can jolt the head forward suddenly, causing the brain to bump against the skull. This can lead to brain tissue damage, bleeding, and swelling.

Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury

A TBI can manifest through a variety of symptoms, which can be categorized into physical, cognitive, emotional, and severe symptoms:

Physical symptoms include:

• Headaches: Persistent or recurring headaches are common.
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
• Fatigue: Unusual tiredness or drowsiness.
• Loss of Balance: Difficulty maintaining balance or coordination.
• Nausea/Vomiting: Feeling sick to the stomach or vomiting.
• Blurred Vision: Difficulty seeing clearly.
• Sensitivity to Light and Noise: Increased sensitivity to bright lights or loud sounds.
• Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus): Hearing ringing or buzzing sounds.
• Sleep Disturbances: Changes in sleep patterns, including insomnia or sleeping more than usual.

The following are the cognitive symptoms of TBI:

• Memory Loss: Difficulty remembering new information or recalling past events.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing on tasks or maintaining attention.
• Confusion: Feeling disoriented or having difficulty understanding situations.
• Slowed Thinking: Taking longer to process information or complete tasks.
• Difficulty with Executive Functioning: Challenges in planning, organizing, or problem-solving.

Emotional symptoms include:

• Mood Swings: Rapid changes in mood, from happiness to irritability or sadness.
• Anxiety: Feeling anxious, nervous, or restless.
• Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or lack of interest in activities.
• Irritability: Increased frustration or anger.
• Emotional Instability: Difficulty controlling emotions, leading to emotional outbursts.

Severe symptoms of TBI are:

• Loss of Consciousness: Fainting or being unable to stay awake for a period.
• Seizures: Experiencing convulsions or uncontrolled shaking.
• Slurred Speech: Difficulty speaking clearly or forming words.
• Paralysis: Loss of muscle function or sensation in parts of the body.
• Persistent Headache: Severe headache that does not go away or gets worse.
• Repeated Vomiting or Nausea: Frequent vomiting or nausea that does not subside.
• Dilated Pupils: One or both pupils are larger than normal.
• Clear Fluids from Nose or Ears: Fluid draining from the nose or ears may indicate a skull fracture.
• Inability to Awaken: Difficulty waking up from sleep or staying awake.

Diagnosing and Treating TBI

Diagnosing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) involves using CT scans, MRI, and neurological exams to assess the extent of brain damage. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment, which may include medications to manage symptoms, surgery to address structural damage, and rehabilitation therapies such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Continuous medical care is essential to monitor progress, prevent complications, and support recovery. Prompt intervention can significantly improve outcomes, highlighting the importance of immediate and ongoing medical attention in managing TBI.

Forms of Compensation Potentially Available in Bellevue for TBI

Forms of compensation for brain injury can include coverage for past and future medical expenses, lost wages for time off work, and rehabilitation costs for therapies. Compensation also often addresses pain and suffering, reflecting physical pain and emotional distress, and long-term care needs like home care or assisted living.

Additionally, victims may receive compensation for loss of enjoyment of life, acknowledging the impact on daily activities and hobbies. In cases of gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.

Long-Term Complications of Traumatic Brain Injury

Some moderate to severe TBI victims have long-term disabilities related to their injuries. Emotional and mental effects may include personality changes, mood swings, difficulty controlling impulses, anxiety, and depression. Victims may suffer memory loss, visual changes, headaches, fatigue, balance problems, and reduced language skills. These complications can have life-altering consequences, not only for victims but for their families as well.

Call Our Bellevue TBI Lawyer for Legal Help

At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., our experienced personal injury attorney has the knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively pursue the maximum compensation available. We have won millions for our clients and have been named a Top 100 Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers.

Contact our firm at (402) 505-8234 if you have sustained a brain injury through the negligence of another. Our Bellevue traumatic brain injury lawyer offers a free consultation.