The brain is the message center for your entire body. It allows for memories, feelings, emotions, and the operation of the senses. Suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in an accident is devastating and can change your life forever.
If you or a loved one’s TBI was due to someone else’s negligent conduct, you deserve to recover compensation for your losses. An experienced TBI lawyer can help. You may wonder, How do I find a brain injury lawyer near me? Read on to learn more about what to look for in a potential lawyer and how they can help you in your case.
Why Do I Need a TBI Lawyer?
Every brain injury claim is unique and complex. Attempting to navigate this area of law without an attorney is a mistake that could cost you the compensation you and your family need to move forward. A TBI attorney prioritizes your needs and builds a strong case on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery.
Damage Calculations
Most of us don’t know how to calculate the actual value of our damages in a brain injury claim. An experienced attorney analyzes the facts surrounding your case and your injury to negotiate a damages demand that gets you and your family the financial support you require to live your life.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations for any case is the period the law provides an injured party to file their claim. Failing to file within this time will likely bar you from bringing a claim later. California law provides that an injured party must file their claim within two years from the date of their injury. Two years may seem like plenty of time. However, time passes quickly during your recovery and adjusting to a new way of life with your injury. An attorney ensures that procedural deadlines are met so you never miss your right to recover compensation.
Negotiation
A qualified attorney is skilled in the art of negotiation. Once your damages claim has been calculated, your attorney negotiates with insurance companies and opposing counsel to obtain the best possible settlement.
Litigation
In certain circumstances, negotiations may fail to reach a favorable settlement on your behalf. Insurance companies or opposing counsel may refuse to cooperate or participate in settlement discussions. Although most personal injury claims never go to court, hiring an attorney with extensive litigation experience ensures your case continues with your exact attorney without delay or interruption.
What to Look for in a Brain Injury Attorney
You may understandably feel overwhelmed by your situation. Dealing with a TBI or caring for someone who has suffered a TBI is complicated. Choosing the right attorney to represent you in your personal injury case is crucial to recovering the compensation you deserve.
Experience
When it comes to brain injury lawsuits, choose an attorney experienced in this field of personal injury law. TBI cases are complex and require extensive experience dealing with insurance companies, opposing counsel, and the local court system where your claim is filed.
Testimonials
Check that an attorney has good testimonials from actual previous clients. Read clients’ critiques and positive reviews to understand the firm and how they interact with their clients. Even negative reviews may provide helpful insight.
Resources
Like most personal injury cases, TBI cases typically operate under a contingency. Contingency means that the client pays the attorney only once a judgment or settlement is obtained in your case. A contingency fee agreement may sound great, as you and your family may have limited financial resources due to your injury, increased medical expenses, and an inability to work. However, ensure the potential law firm has the resources to cover the costs needed to build a strong case, such as contacts with experts and medical professionals and the ability to carry out extensive discovery requests.
Communication
When you meet with an attorney, be mindful of their communication style. Does the attorney plan to communicate with you on all aspects of your case? Is the attorney accessible if you have any questions or concerns about your case? How long does your attorney usually take to respond to telephone calls or emails? Ensure that the attorney’s communication meets your needs as a client. An attorney may have many great attributes, but their communication style may differ from yours, leading to frustration.
It may take multiple meetings with the same attorney to determine whether they are a good fit for you. Once selected, they get to work on gathering evidence and building a solid case on your behalf.
What Can a TBI Attorney Help Me Recover?
California law permits injured victims in personal injury cases to recover compensation through economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages represent tangible losses directly calculable from your injuries. These losses include the following:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Loss of future earnings, and
- Property damage.
Evidence like invoices, pay stubs, bills, and other documentation support your economic damages demand.
Non-economic damages represent subjective losses such as your injury’s psychological and emotional effects. Non-economic damages include the following:
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress,
- Loss of consortium,
- Loss of enjoyment of life,
- Permanent injury or disability, and
- Disfigurement.
Due to their subjective nature, these damages are challenging to prove. However, with an experienced attorney, non-economic damages compensate a victim for the unseen, yet equally disruptive, harm caused by a TBI.
Contact GJEL for Passionate Advocacy
For over forty years, the attorneys at GJEL Accident Attorneys have represented hundreds of California victims experiencing personal injuries. GJEL has an undisputed track record of success, recovering over 950 million dollars in compensation with a 99% success rate for our clients. We specialize in serious injury cases, including TBI cases. We handle cases from Los Angeles to San Francisco and have offices throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you. Our attorneys are standing by to assist you and answer any questions.
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