A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can turn your life upside down in an instant. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be devastating. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to someone else's negligence, you need a compassionate and experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer on your side.
At Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC, we know that life after a traumatic brain injury can be overwhelming. You're dealing with a multitude of challenges, from physical pain and emotional trauma to mounting financial pressures. The last thing you need is the added stress of navigating the complex legal system on your own.
That's where our dedicated Seattle legal team comes in. We're here to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Our experienced traumatic brain injury lawyers will handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the incident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary. Our goal is to shoulder the legal burden so that you can focus on what matters most: your health, your recovery, and your future.
The attorneys at Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC have achieved significant jury verdicts and settlements on behalf of brain injury survivors in Seattle and throughout Washington. For example, in one case, medical negligence resulted in an infant’s brain injury. We went to trial and won a $17 million verdict for the family to pay future medical expenses for their child.
The record of results Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC has achieved is one we are proud of. Some of our other most notable TBI cases include a $65.7 million settlement for a woman who suffered a traumatic brain injury when a Seattle Fire Department ambulance hit her car. It is the largest single injury settlement in Washington state history and one of the largest settlements in the country.
We work hard to secure the compensation our clients deserve for the injuries they have wrongly incurred. We manage our cases contingently and receive no fees until you get compensation.
How Do Traumatic Brain Injuries Occur?
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1.5 million Americans sustain a TBI each year, resulting in a wide range of physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. TBI can occur as a result of various incidents, including motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries, and assaults.
One of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries is motor vehicle accidents. When a car, truck, or motorcycle collision occurs, the sudden impact can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, resulting in bruising, bleeding, or tearing of brain tissue. Even seemingly minor accidents can lead to severe TBIs, particularly if the head strikes a window, steering wheel, or dashboard.
Falls are another leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, affecting individuals of all ages. For children and older adults, falls are the most common cause of TBI. Slip and fall accidents can occur in various settings, from wet grocery store floors to uneven sidewalk pavement. In the workplace, falls from ladders, scaffolding, or other heights can result in severe head injuries.
Sports and recreational activities, particularly those involving high-impact or contact, can put participants at risk for traumatic brain injuries. Concussions are a common type of mild TBI that can occur in sports like football, hockey, soccer, and boxing. Repeated concussions or more severe impacts can lead to long-term brain damage.
If you or your child has suffered a sports-related TBI due to inadequate supervision, defective equipment, or other negligence, our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve.
Tragically, traumatic brain injuries can also result from intentional acts of violence, such as physical assaults, domestic abuse, or child abuse. Blows to the head, gunshot wounds, and shaking injuries (particularly in infants) can cause severe and lasting brain damage.
Certain occupations carry a higher risk of traumatic brain injuries, particularly those involving manual labor, heavy machinery, or hazardous conditions. Construction workers, factory employees, and agricultural workers are among those most vulnerable to work-related TBIs. Falling objects, equipment malfunctions, and explosions can all lead to severe head injuries on the job.
If you've sustained a TBI in a workplace accident, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits and, in some cases, additional compensation through a third-party liability claim.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries & Symptoms
The impact of a traumatic brain injury can vary greatly depending on the type and severity of the damage sustained. To better understand the challenges you may be facing, it's important to recognize the different types of traumatic brain injuries. The most common brain injuries include:
Concussion
Contusion
Diffuse axonal injury
Penetrating injury
Anoxic brain injury
These injuries can result in a wide range of symptoms depending on the location of the injury and the severity of the trauma. Some of the most common symptoms of a TBI include:
Loss of consciousness
Confusion and disorientation
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue or drowsiness
Dizziness or loss of balance
Sensory problems (blurred vision, ringing in ears, changes in smell or taste)
Memory or concentration problems
Mood changes or mood swings
Convulsions or seizures
The full extent of your brain injury may not become immediately apparent after a car accident or incident. Sometimes, it can take hours or even days before car accident victims realize that something isn’t quite right. If you recognize any of these symptoms after an accident or event, seek medical attention immediately.
The Road Ahead: Long-Term Effects and Costs of TBI
Sustaining a traumatic brain injury is a life-altering experience. While some individuals may recover fully, others face a long and difficult road towards recovery.
Physically, you may struggle with chronic pain, seizures, impaired motor function, and sensory deficits. Cognitively, you might experience memory, attention, learning, and communication difficulties. Emotionally, the injury can lead to depression, anxiety, irritability, and personality changes. These effects impact your quality of life and your ability to work and maintain relationships.
Moreover, the financial burden of a TBI can be staggering. The lifetime costs of treatment and care can easily reach millions of dollars. You may require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, assistive devices, home modifications, and personal assistance. If your injury prevents you from working, the loss of income can further compound your financial stress.
At Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC, we understand the overwhelming nature of your situation. You're not just dealing with the injury; you're grappling with a fundamentally altered future. That's why our compassionate Seattle traumatic brain injury lawyers are dedicated to fighting for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
We know that no amount of money can undo the harm you've suffered. However, securing adequate compensation can provide the financial resources you need to access the best possible care and support. It can alleviate the burden of medical bills, lost wages, and future expenses, allowing you to focus on your recovery and rebuilding your life.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable
Traumatic brain injuries often result from the negligent or reckless actions of others. Whether you were hurt in a car accident, a fall, a sports incident, or an assault, if someone else is to blame, they should be held accountable. At Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC, our skilled traumatic brain injury attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case to determine liability.
We'll gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a strong case on your behalf. Our team will explore every avenue to identify all potentially liable parties, including individuals, businesses, and insurance companies. We'll work tirelessly to demonstrate how their actions or inactions led to your injury and the resulting damages.
In Washington, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the injury. However, it's crucial to take action as soon as possible. The sooner you involve a knowledgeable traumatic brain injury lawyer, the better your chances of securing vital evidence and building a compelling case.
At Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC, we understand the time-sensitive nature of these cases. We'll guide you through the legal process with compassion and clarity, ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way. Our goal is to handle complex legal matters so that you can concentrate on your health and well-being.
At Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC, our compassionate traumatic brain injury attorneys will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. We'll negotiate with insurance companies and liable parties to secure a fair settlement. If necessary, we're fully prepared to take your case to trial to uphold your rights.
We believe that every traumatic brain injury survivor deserves access to experienced legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That's why we work on a contingency fee basis. You won't owe us any attorney's fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. We'll bear the upfront costs of investigating and pursuing your case so that you can focus on your recovery without added financial stress.
Don't face this difficult journey alone. Contact Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Seattle traumatic brain injury attorneys. We'll listen to your story, answer your questions, and discuss your legal options. Together, we'll forge a path toward justice and recovery.