Seattle Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers 

Helping Victims of TBI in Washington State

At Carpenter & Zuckerman, our Seattle brain injury attorneys are committed to helping victims of TBI and their families throughout Washington. We understand the devastating impact that a brain injury can have on a person’s life, and we know how to help victims and their families recover the compensation they deserve.

Our firm has been representing brain-injured victims for more than 30 years. We know how to build a strong legal strategy designed to win in court, and we know how to negotiate with the insurance company to secure the compensation you deserve.

When you hire our firm, we can:

• Investigate the accident
• Identify all liable parties
• Calculate your total damages
• Handle all communication with the insurance company
• Negotiate for a fair settlement
• Prepare your case for trial
• Present your case in court

Our traumatic brain injury lawyers in Seattle, WA, are not afraid to challenge the insurance company, and we will do everything we can to help you recover the compensation you deserve. We have a proven track record of success, and we are ready to put our experience to work for you.

Call (425) 585-4009 or contact us online to speak with an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney in Seattle. Your initial consultation is free and confidential.

Our Case Results in Brain Injury Claims

We have secured millions for TBI victims, including:

• $29.25 million: Client suffered a severe brain injury
• $17 million: Client suffered a traumatic brain injury
• $13.86 million: Client suffered a mild TBI in a car accident
• $12 million: Client suffered a mild TBI in a car accident
• $6.1 million: Client suffered a TBI in an assault

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of brain injury that occurs when an external force causes the brain to become damaged. TBIs can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage. They can also be classified as open or closed, depending on whether or not the skull is penetrated.

Some of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries include:

• Slip and Fall Accidents
• Car Accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Construction Accidents
• Acts of Violence

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of TBIs in the United States. Motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of TBIs, followed by being struck by or against an object and then by assault.

Symptoms of a Brain Injury

It is not uncommon for the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury to be delayed. In fact, many people who suffer TBIs do not realize they have been injured until hours or even days after the accident. This is why it is so important to seek medical attention immediately after any type of accident, even if you do not think you have been injured.

Some of the most common symptoms of a traumatic brain injury include:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Convulsions or seizures
• Dilation of one or both pupils
• Clear fluids draining from the nose or mouth
• Weakness or numbness in the fingers and toes
• Loss of coordination
• Slurred speech
• Agitation or combativeness
• Profound confusion
• Unusual behavior
• Coma or other disorders of consciousness

If you or someone you love in Washington has suffered a blow to the head or a jolt to the body, it is important to be on the lookout for any of these symptoms. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away.

How Is a Brain Injury Diagnosed?

There are several different tests that can be used to diagnose a traumatic brain injury. The specific tests that are used will depend on the severity of the injury and the symptoms that are present.

Some of the most common tests used to diagnose TBIs include:

• Physical examination
• Neurological examination
• Imaging tests (CT scan, MRI, PET scan)
• Intracranial pressure monitor
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Evoked potential tests
• Neuropsychological tests

It is important to note that some TBIs do not show up on imaging tests.

Long-Term Effects of a TBI

The long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury will depend on the severity of the injury and the area of the brain that was damaged. In some cases, the long-term effects of a TBI can be permanent and debilitating.

Long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury may include:

• Physical disabilities
• Cognitive disabilities
• Communication disabilities
• Behavioral and emotional disabilities
• Sensory disabilities
• Seizures
• Coma
• Vegetative state
• Locked-in syndrome

It is important to note that the long-term effects of a TBI can be difficult to predict. Some people who suffer severe TBIs are able to make a full recovery, while others who suffer mild TBIs are left with permanent disabilities.

Cost of Treating a Brain Injury

There is no cure for a traumatic brain injury, but there are several different treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. The specific treatment plan will depend on the severity of the injury and the symptoms that are present.

Some of the most common treatments for TBIs include:

• Emergency medical care
• Medications
• Surgery
• Rehabilitation
• Assistive devices
• Service animals

It is important to note that the cost of treating a traumatic brain injury can be astronomical. In fact, the Brain Injury Association of America estimates that the average cost of treating a severe TBI is more than $4 million.

Can You Sue For a Traumatic Brain Injury?

If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury in Washington, you may be entitled to compensation. In order to recover compensation, you will need to file a personal injury claim against the party that caused the accident.

You will need to prove the following elements:

• The defendant owed you a duty of care
• The defendant breached the duty of care
• The breach of the duty of care caused the accident
• The accident caused the traumatic brain injury

Proving these elements can be challenging, especially if you are still recovering from your injuries. This is why it is so important to hire an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney to handle your claim.

Contact Our Brain Injury Lawyer in Seattle Today

If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation. Our Seattle brain injury attorneys are committed to helping victims of TBI and their families, and we will do everything we can to get you the compensation you deserve.

Call (425) 585-4009 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our Seattle traumatic brain injury lawyers.

FAQs on Traumatic Brain Injuries

What Should I Do Immediately After a Brain Injury Accident?

Following a brain injury accident, immediate attention should be given to securing safety and contacting medical services. This ensures that you and others receive the aid required for a thorough evaluation. Medical documentation from reputable sources plays a critical role in forming the basis of any legal efforts you may decide to pursue. It is also advisable to document the scene, collect contact information of witnesses, and refrain from discussing the accident except with medical and legal professionals. Reaching out to a lawyer specializing in brain injuries early in the process aids in protecting your rights and shaping a robust legal approach.

What Are the Legal Timeframes for Filing a Brain Injury Claim in Washington?

Washington State enforces a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, typically allowing up to three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, there can be exceptions depending on individual circumstances, such as claims involving minors where timelines may differ. It is critically important that victims seek legal guidance early to avoid missing any deadlines that could forfeit their right to pursue compensation. Consulting with an experienced brain injury attorney ensures timely action, keeping all relevant deadlines in mind as your case unfolds.

Why Is It Important to Prove Negligence in a Brain Injury Case?

Proving negligence is pivotal in any brain injury claim as it establishes the foundation for legal liability. Demonstrating negligence involves showing that the responsible party failed to exercise reasonable care, directly resulting in the injury. To bolster this claim, legal strategies focus on gathering evidence such as eyewitness accounts, expert testimonies, and accident reports. Successfully proving negligence can significantly impact the outcome of a claim, underscoring the necessity of thorough investigation and professional legal representation throughout the process.