Brain Injury Lawyer in Riverside, CA

Traumatic brain injuries can forever alter your life and create many challenges, both big and small. They can also cause an enormous financial strain on your family that can jeopardize its stability. A brain injury lawyer in Riverside, CA can help you recover compensation to alleviate your losses when they are the result of a negligent individual. 

The Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas provides compassionate representation when you are dealing with the aftermath of a brain injury. We understand how challenging this time is, and we advocate for you so you get the help you need without being taken advantage of. A Riverside personal injury lawyer protects your rights and fights for you throughout the entirety of your case. 

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury is a tragic and sadly common result of accidents. These events may have a mild and short-term impact on victims, or they can affect an individual’s ability to function indefinitely. The location or severity of the injury can make a difference in what an individual may suffer, as different regions of the brain control different areas of the body. Additionally, brain injuries are often unpredictable, so no two victims will have the exact same injuries and experience. 

Traumatic brain injuries typically result from a blow or penetrating wound to the head. This can cause brain tissues to tear, swell, or bleed, which in turn can put pressure on other areas of the brain. It can also disrupt other functions in the body.

Symptoms and Warning Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, it is important to know the symptoms of a brain injury so you can catch it early and receive prompt medical care. Common signs include: 

  • Headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Loss of balance
  • Dizziness
  • Vision problems
  • Speech problems
  • Sensory problems, including numbness
  • Memory problems
  • Mood swings
  • Problems sleeping
  • Confusion and trouble focusing
  • Losing consciousness
  • Seizures
  • Drainage from the ears or the nose

Seek Medical Attention Immediately After a TBI

Medical attention after a brain injury is essential and gives you the best chance at recovery. These injuries may not always be readily apparent after an accident, so tests are often necessary to identify the injury and understand its full scope. Swift treatment of a brain injury can save a life and minimize further damage.

Depending on the severity of the injury, rehabilitation and therapy may be needed. It is important to closely follow medical advice and keep thorough records of the care you receive. 

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Brain injuries can occur in a wide variety of situations and accident types, many of which could be prevented. Vehicle accidents and falls are among the most common causes of these accidents. These types of accidents often result in a blow to the head due to the force of the impact and hitting external objects in the process.

Violence is another cause of brain injuries, and may include either blunt force or penetrating wounds, such as those from a gunshot. Sports and explosions can also result in brain injuries. 

You Have Just Two Years to File a Brain Injury Lawsuit

When you have suffered extensive losses because of a traumatic brain injury, compensation is important. As such, you do not want to miss your opportunity to recover damages for what you have lost.

California applies a two-year statute of limitations to these types of cases, and you can be barred from filing a claim if you wait too long. Hire a lawyer right away to make sure there is enough time to resolve your claim. 

Focus on Healing While Our TBI Lawyers Handle Your Case

When you have suffered a brain injury, dealing with the legal system likely feels overwhelming. This is where the Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas can help.

Client-Focused Legal Representation

We listen to you and your needs and then handle the logistics of your case for you. Our brain injury lawyers in Riverside County investigate the accident, gather evidence, communicate with the other party, and fiercely negotiate a fair settlement that ensures you receive the care you need. You can focus on healing while we focus on your case. 

A Deeply Invested Focus on Your Injuries

For over 35 years, our team has been helping clients like you get the results they deserve after they have been harmed by a negligent individual. We utilize our many resources and connections in Riverside, CA to make sure that your case is strong and optimized for results. We take the time to thoroughly understand your situation so we can identify effective strategies to hold the other party accountable. We fight for you so you do not have to navigate this season of life on your own.

If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay

The Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas works on contingency so our clients can get the help they need during a difficult time. This means that we do not get paid unless we win cases for our clients. Our attorney fees are only recovered through awarded settlements or verdicts, rather than directly from our clients. We do this to ensure that victims have access to legal representation without having to worry about another expense. 

Key Types of Brain Injuries An Individual Can Sustain

Traumatic brain injuries are often categorized as minor, moderate, or severe. These categorizations depict the severity of the individual’s condition based on the Glasgow Coma Scale, which examines the level of consciousness based on eye, pupil, verbal, and motor responses. The lower the rating, the more severe the injury.

Different brain injuries will fall into one of these three categories based on their GCS score. Some specific types of brain injuries an individual can suffer from may include:

  • Concussion: A minor brain injury caused by blunt force. Generally heals quickly. 
  • Skull Fracture: Occurs when a blow to the head cracks one or more areas of the skull.
  • Diffuse Axonal Injury: A moderate to severe injury where force and sudden motion damage the axons that send signals throughout the body. 
  • Coup and Contrecoup Injury: Injury occurs either on the side impacted by the force or on the opposite side as a result of the brain hitting the other side of the skull.
  • Epidural Hematoma: Occurs when there is bleeding between the skull and outer membrane. 
  • Brain Hemorrhage: A brain hemorrhage occurs when blood vessels rupture and cause bleeding and pooling in the brain. 
  • Hydrocephalus: Occurs when cerebrospinal fluid accumulates and puts pressure on the brain, so that it interferes with various functions in the body. 
  • Coma: A state of severe head trauma that renders an individual unresponsive to the world around them. 

Many of these injuries will require swift action and specific protocols to reduce swelling, bleeding, pressure, and fluid. A doctor will assess the condition to determine what action should be taken and improve the outcome. 

Long-Term Implications of Brain Injuries

Brain injuries affect many areas of your life and ability to function. These injuries often have long-term impacts, which for some may mean ongoing management, while others may require permanent assistance and care. These injuries can make even small tasks difficult and affect many areas of an individual’s life. Below is a closer look at each area of an individual’s life that may be affected by this injury. 

Physical Limitations

The brain is responsible for controlling many processes throughout the body, and brain injuries can disrupt physical functions as a result. Individuals can suffer from seizures, headaches, infection, vertigo, sensory loss, motor skills, tinnitus, and more. Therapy may be required to help regain or learn new skills to offset physical impairments.

Cognitive Limitations

Brain injuries can interfere with an individual’s memory and ability to use reasoning and judgment in various situations. They may also find it hard to focus or learn, solve problems, make decisions, or plan and organize. These skills may make everyday life challenging and may require extra support to compensate for these limitations. 

Behavioral and Emotional Changes

Brain injuries can cause victims to experience changes or fluctuations in their behavior and emotions. Irritability and mood swings are common occurrences with this type of injury. Individuals may also lose their ability to experience and show empathy for others. These behavioral and emotional shifts can impact interactions in various types of relationships.

Altered Social Interactions

Communication is a common challenge associated with brain injuries. This may present itself in the form of speaking, writing, or understanding speech, following conversation, and understanding social cues and nonverbal signals. These difficulties can impact an individual’s relationships and social interactions.

Psychological Effects

For many individuals suffering from a traumatic brain injury, their injury and resulting limitations can take a toll psychologically. Depression and anxiety are not uncommon in individuals with traumatic brain injuries. Dealing with limitations and a reduced quality of life can be a daily challenge. Support from family, friends, and resources can be very valuable for individuals living with the effects of a brain injury. 

Establishing Liability in Your Brain Injury Case

When a traumatic brain injury is caused by the negligent actions of another party, you have the right to hold them accountable for their actions. This means you can file a claim against them and recover compensation for the losses you sustained at their hands. To do this, you will need to provide evidence that shows the other party’s role in the accident. You will have to establish negligence in your personal injury claim as a fact before resolving your case. As such, your lawyer will demonstrate the following:

  • Duty of Care: The at-fault party had a responsibility to be cautious and safe in order to avoid causing harm through their actions.
  • Breach of Duty: The at-fault party engaged in actions, either carelessly or intentionally, that failed to uphold their obligation to safety. 
  • Causation: The at-fault party caused the action and your brain injury because of their poor action.  
  • Damages: The at-fault party is responsible for compensating you for the losses you suffered at their hands. 

This process requires sufficient evidence and skilled brain injury attorneys in Riverside, CA. We have extensive experience establishing liability and handling the nuances that come with this process. We will also help ensure that you have the evidence you need to support your claim. This may include medical records and bills, police reports, photos and videos, statements from witnesses and experts, and more.

Compensation Provides for Lifetime Care Costs and Other Losses

Brain injuries result in staggering expenses. From the initial cost of treatment to rehabilitation to ongoing care and management, the financial cost of this type of injury can be astronomical and leave you without the means to pay for the care you need. Other losses further contribute to this burden. However, monetary damages are designed to provide for your various losses so you receive the financial support you need.

Some common expenses and losses covered by compensation include the following:

  • Medical tests, surgeries, treatments, and medications
  • Medical equipment, home/vehicle accommodations, rehabilitation, and assistive technology
  • Lost wages or earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Anxiety, depression, insomnia, and PTSD
  • Decreased quality of life
  • Loss of enjoyment
  • Loss of companionship and/or consortium 

How We Assess the True Value of Your Brain Injury Claim

To determine the true value of your losses and value of your case, your brain injury attorney in Riverside will consult life care planners who have specialized knowledge in this area. They will carefully examine every aspect of care you will need to determine the lifetime cost of your care. Life care planners and your lawyer will detail all of this information in a report, which can be used during negotiations to secure a settlement that provides comprehensive compensation for your care and losses.

Contact Our Brain Injury Attorneys in Riverside, CA

The Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas provides you with compassionate support, sound counsel, and fierce representation. These injuries upend your life, and we advocate for you so you can receive the care you need and regain some stability in your life. To request a free case review from experienced Riverside County brain injury lawyers near you, contact our law firm today.