What is the Statute of Limitations for Brain Injury Cases in California?
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to an accident or negligence, understanding the statute of limitations is essential. In California, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to pursue compensation for your injuries, making it critical to act promptly.
Are There Exceptions to the Two-Year Rule?
While the two-year statute of limitations applies to most personal injury cases, there are important exceptions to be aware of:
- Minors: If the injured party is under 18, the statute of limitations may be extended until the individual turns 18.
- Claims Against Government Entities: When a government entity is responsible for the injury—for example, in a bus or roadway accident—specific rules apply. In these cases, you may have as little as six months to file a claim.
Given these nuances, consulting with a Sacramento brain injury lawyer can help you determine the correct deadlines for your traumatic brain injury lawsuit.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
Initiating your case as soon as possible has significant advantages. A delay in filing can lead to the loss of crucial evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, or medical records. Acting promptly also ensures your lawyer has sufficient time to build a strong case, negotiate for a fair traumatic brain injury settlement, or prepare for litigation if necessary.
Why Should I Consider Hiring a Brain Injury Lawyer in Sacramento?
If you suffer any type of TBI because of another party’s negligence, the medical costs alone will be significant. Depending on the situation, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your damages. These costs are not something you should have to pay out of pocket. It is also not necessary to try to recover the damages on your own, something that can be extremely difficult if you do not understand the law.
Our attorneys at Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys have extensive experience managing injury claims, including those for brain injury victims. We are prepared to investigate your case, gather compelling evidence, negotiate the maximum possible compensation and more. If we cannot recover full compensation through a settlement, we are also prepared to take your case to trial.
How to Choose a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Selecting the right attorney for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) case is a critical step toward ensuring fair compensation and justice. TBI claims involve intricate legal and medical details, making it essential to choose a lawyer with the right expertise. If you’re searching for a Sacramento brain injury lawyer, here are key factors to consider:
1. Experience in Traumatic Brain Injury Cases
Traumatic brain injury lawsuits require specialized knowledge. Unlike general personal injury claims, TBI cases often involve extensive medical records, expert testimony, and complex negotiations with insurance companies. A TBI attorney in Sacramento with substantial experience in severe brain injury cases can skillfully manage these challenges, ensuring every detail of your case is addressed.
2. Local Expertise in Sacramento
Working with a Sacramento traumatic brain injury lawyer is vital, as California laws surrounding liability, negligence, and personal injury can be nuanced. A local attorney understands the Sacramento legal landscape and is familiar with the courts and procedures in the area, which can significantly impact your case’s success.
3. Proven Success in TBI Settlements and Trials
Assess the lawyer’s history with traumatic brain injury settlements and verdicts. Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys has a demonstrated track record of securing compensation for accident victims, including TBI cases. From negotiating brain trauma settlements to litigating cognitive impairment claims, our attorneys work tirelessly to ensure favorable outcomes.
4. Client-Centered Legal Representation
TBI cases often involve long-term care compensation and rehabilitation costs for brain injuries. Your attorney should prioritize your unique needs, offering compassionate and tailored guidance. At Arnold Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys, we handle each case with care, ensuring you feel supported throughout the process.
What Are the Most Common Types of Brain Injuries?
Individuals could suffer a TBI by getting hit in the head, such as a blunt force trauma. If they are in a motor vehicle accident, a TBI could be the result of striking the steering wheel or other hard object inside the vehicle. However, an incident that causes violent shaking to the brain could also cause a TBI, as could a slip-and-fall accident.
Regardless of how the injury occurred, there are four types of traumatic brain injuries that can result in severe long-term damage.
Concussion
People often assume that you know when someone has a concussion because it will cause you to pass out. However, this is a myth. Individuals can have a concussion, even if they do not get knocked out or lose consciousness.
Hematomas
A hematoma may result from a contusion or bruising of the brain or if a blood vessel in the brain suddenly bursts or ruptures.
Hemorrhages
A hemorrhage is bleeding that pools or builds up on the surface of the brain or within the protective layers around your brain.
Diffuse Axonal Injuries
This type of brain injury causes severe tearing of nerve tissue in the brain. A violent car crash could cause this due to the extreme back and forth shaking that occurs during the impact.
Your health is never something to risk, which is why you should get a full and complete medical examination at a nearby hospital. Emergency rooms have the diagnostic equipment and 24/7 staff to determine what injuries you may have sustained in an accident. Even if you do not feel immediate pain, you should let the doctor know if you were in a violent accident, or if your head struck an object.
What Are the Symptoms of a TBI?
Common symptoms that may indicate a serious brain injury include:
- Sudden onset of a severe headache
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Memory loss
- Blurry vision
- Mild to severe mood changes
- Sensitivity to light
- Unexplained drowsiness or fatigue
- Seizures
- Fluid running from your ears or nose
- Difficulty walking
- Dilated pupils
- Feeling weak in your fingers or toes
While you may not have all of these symptoms, you could still have a TBI. If you experience even a few of these symptoms, you should immediately go to a nearby emergency room.