Bergeron Law Firm – Serving all of Northern VA

Often referred to as the “invisible injury,” a traumatic brain injury can be difficult to diagnose and treat, and even more difficult to prove because often the effects are subtle and not readily visible.  Thinking that you look “normal”, others may be skeptical of your injury, but you know and feel that cognitively you’re not the same.  Something has changed, and it can be frightening and frustrating.

If you or a loved one have suffered a life-changing traumatic brain injury because of the negligence of someone else, speaking with an attorney, like Steve Bergeron, who has experience handling cases involving traumatic brain injuries can make all the difference in protecting your legal rights, helping answer the many questions you may have and solving the real-world problems arising from your injury so that you can focus on getting the care and rehabilitation you will need now and into the future.

What is a traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

The CDC defines a traumatic brain injury as a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain.  In 2013, the CDC estimated that about 2.8 million TBI-related ER visits, hospitalizations, and deaths occurred in the United States, with TBI contributing to the deaths of nearly 50,000 people and more than 5.3 million people living with long-term disabilities caused by a traumatic brain injury.  Some studies suggest that instances of TBI are under-reported in the U.S., in part due to a lack of awareness of the signs and symptoms of TBI and a resulting failure to seek appropriate medical evaluation and treatment.

A TBI can cause a cascade of symptoms, some of which can manifest immediately after the injury, while others may develop and become noticeable only with time.

Signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can include:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Feeling dazed, confused or disoriented (“out of it”)
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
  • Agitation or unusual behaviors
  • Slurring speech
  • Dizziness and loss of balance or coordination
  • Blurred vision
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • Memory or concentration problems
  • Word-finding difficulties
  • Mood changes
  • Feeling depressed or anxious
  • Convulsions or seizures
  • Inability to awaken from sleep
  • Weakness or numbness of extremities

The most common causes of traumatic brain injuries:

  • Falls (Particularly for the youngest and oldest age groups)
  • Motor vehicle accidents (car, motorcycle, truck)
  • Workplace accidents (construction)
  • Military service
  • Nursing home accidents, neglect, and abuse
  • Sports and recreation accidents

Get help today

A traumatic brain injury can change your life, raising difficult questions and challenging problems.  Steve Bergeron understands the challenges that TBI victims and their families face and can explain your legal rights and the applicable law, and investigate your accident to determine if there is sufficient evidence to make a claim against the person or company that caused your injury.

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury caused by the negligence of another, you may be able to seek compensation for the damages related to your injury, including medical bills, lost income/wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and inconvenience.  Steve Bergeron will work with your doctors and other medical providers to understand and explain the nature and extent of your TBI and its impact on your life.  Steve will also investigate potential insurance coverages that might be available to reimburse you for your expenses and damages to try to help you solve the real-world problems caused by your TBI, so you can focus on getting well and getting back to your life.

So before you speak with an insurance adjuster about your TBI, give Steve a call. He’ll do his best to the explain the applicable law, your legal rights, insurance coverages, and give you his best advice on whether you have a personal injury claim against another and how you can try to solve the problems caused by your injury so that you can focus on your treatment and getting back to a meaningful life.