Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can turn lives upside down in an instant. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence in Broomfield, Colorado, securing the right legal representation is crucial. With the help of an experienced Broomfield traumatic brain injury lawyer, you can pursue justice and compensation.
Contact the personal injury attorneys at Goldman & Haydel. We’re ready to guide you through the legal process and help you get the compensation you deserve. Whether you’re dealing with a car accident, slip and fall, or another type of personal injury, our brain injury lawyers in Broomfield are your legal ally. Get a free consultation by calling Goldman & Haydel today at (720) 571-0606.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when normal brain function is disrupted by an external force. This can result from blows to the head, jolts, or penetrating injuries. TBIs range from mild cases like concussions, to severe damage that causes permanent disability or death.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries can result from various accidents such as:
- Car accidents: Vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of TBIs. Brain injuries in car crashes are not always from hitting the head but can also be from whiplash motions where the head is jolted back and forth.
- Slip and fall accidents: Tripping, slipping, or falling is especially common among older adults.
- Bicycle accidents: Because there is no metal crumple zone surrounding them, cyclists are especially vulnerable to head injuries in crashes. Some studies suggest that helmet use among bicyclists may reduce their risk of brain injury by 88%.
- Workplace accidents: Occupational incidents that frequently cause head injuries include falling from a height and getting struck by an object.
- Sports injuries: Contact sports like football can lead to concussions or worse.
Understanding the cause is crucial for building your case.
Types of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries vary widely in severity and type:
| Type | Description |
| Mild traumatic brain injuries (Concussions) | Temporary disruption of brain function |
| Moderate traumatic brain Injuries | More prolonged symptoms with potential long-term effects |
| Severe traumatic brain injuries | Permanent damage affecting motor skills, memory, or cognition |
| Hypoxic brain injuries | Caused by lack of oxygen to the brain. |
Each type requires specific medical attention and legal strategies.
Signs and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury is vital, as it’s not always easy to tell immediately when someone has a TBI. This is especially true for closed-head injuries such as concussions. However, since many TBIs require prompt medical attention, it’s essential to be aware of the symptoms for yourself or a loved one. TBI symptoms can affect physical, cognitive, or sensory functions, and may include:
- Blurry vision
- Slurred speech
- Ongoing headaches
- Confusion or disorientation
- Vision or speech difficulties
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Nausea, dizziness, or vomiting
- Balance problems (vertigo)
- Short-term or long-term memory loss
- Recurring depression
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures or convulsions
- Trouble concentrating
- Persistent anxiety
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Mood or behavioral changes.
Compensation for Traumatic Brain Injuries
The court will consider the details of your case to decide the amount of damages you are awarded. You can typically seek compensation for the following:
- Lost wages or diminished earning potential
- Property damage, including vehicle repairs or replacements
- Medical costs, including assisted living, medications, and more
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress.
If the responsible party acted with extreme negligence, you may qualify for punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the at-fault party for their actions and to discourage others from similar misconduct. In Colorado, punitive damages are available but cannot exceed the total amount awarded for compensatory damages.
Factors That Affect Traumatic Brain Injury Settlements
Several factors influence the value of your settlement:
- The severity of your injuries
- Medical expenses incurred
- Lost income or earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- The degree of negligence involved.
Our skilled lawyer will assess these factors to determine what compensation you deserve.
Average Settlement for Traumatic Brain Injuries
While every case is unique, settlements for TBIs often range from several thousands to millions of dollars depending on the circumstances. Severe cases involving permanent disability tend to result in higher payouts.
Steps in Filing a Brain Injury Claim
The process typically involves:
- Initial consultation: Discuss your accident with an attorney from Goldman & Haydel. At your free consultation, we’ll guide you on your legal options and evaluate the merits of your case.
- Investigation: Collect evidence to build a strong case. Our law firm can thoroughly investigate your accident to establish the liable party.
- Medical treatment: Follow your doctor’s advice and attend all appointments. At the same time, document your injuries and medical journey, as this can be strong evidence of your losses.
- Demand letter: When you work with us at Goldman & Haydel, we’ll submit a claim on your behalf to the at-fault party’s insurer.
- Negotiation: We’ll communicate with the insurance company or the at-fault party themselves to find a fair settlement for you.
- Litigation (if necessary): If negotiations fail, Goldman & Haydel is well-equipped to take your case to court.
Statute of Limitations Considerations
If you wish to sue the at-fault party as you seek financial compensation, you must file your lawsuit within Colorado’s statute of limitations. The majority of personal injury cases must be filed within two years after the injury’s occurrence, according to Colorado Code Section 13-80-102. State law, however, extends the statute of limitations to three years if a motor vehicle is involved.
There are some exceptions that may either shorten or extend this time limit. For example, if you’re suing a government entity, you need to initiate the case within 180 days.
Failing to file a claim on time may result in losing the right to seek compensation. As soon as you can, reach out to us at Goldman & Haydel, and our attorney can help ensure that your TBI case is filed promptly, preserving your rights.
How a Lawyer Can Help with Your Brain Injury Claim
Handling a brain injury case without legal expertise is risky. A skilled brain injury lawyer understands the complexities of these cases, including proving negligence, calculating damages, and negotiating with insurance companies. They ensure that you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. Our experienced attorney will:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly to determine liability
- Gather evidence such as medical records, eyewitness statements, and expert testimony
- Calculate damages for both economic (like medical bills and lost wages) and non-economic losses (like pain and suffering)
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies on your behalf.
At Goldman & Haydel, our goal is to secure maximum compensation so you can focus on recovery.
Get the Compensation You Deserve – Contact Our Broomfield Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers Today
Suffering from a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence is overwhelming. You don’t have to go through this difficult road by yourself. At Goldman & Haydel Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers, we specialize in obtaining justice and compensation for victims of brain injuries in Broomfield.
Whether you got injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or another incident, our experienced attorneys are here to advocate for you. We’ll fight tirelessly to secure the compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Call us today at (720) 571-0606 for a free consultation, and let us help you start your recovery process with confidence.
