Atlanta Brain Injury Attorneys

Advocating for TBI Victims Across Georgia

At DGL Attorneys At Law, we know how catastrophic brain injuries can be, not only for the injured person but also for their family. Brain injuries often result in long-term or permanent damage that can affect physical abilities, cognitive function, emotions, and behavior. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses, and our brain injury lawyers in Atlanta are here to help.

Contact our firm online or call us today at (770) 404-8239 if you or someone you love has experienced a traumatic brain injury in an accident caused by someone else.

Types of Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a disruption in normal brain function caused by an external force, typically a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating injury. TBIs can range from mild to severe and life-threatening.

Common types of TBI include:

• Concussion: A concussion is a mild TBI caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that temporarily disrupts brain function. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, confusion, and memory problems.
• Contusion: A contusion is a bruise on the brain caused by direct impact, leading to localized bleeding and swelling. Large contusions may require surgical removal if they increase pressure in the skull.
• Coup-Contrecoup Injury: This injury involves brain damage at the site of impact (coup) and on the opposite side (contrecoup) due to the brain bouncing inside the skull. It typically results from high-speed impacts like car accidents.
• Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): DAI occurs when the brain rapidly shifts inside the skull, causing widespread tearing of nerve fibers (axons). It often leads to unconsciousness or coma and can result in permanent brain damage.
• Penetrating Injury (Open TBI): A penetrating TBI happens when an object breaks through the skull and enters the brain. This type of injury causes localized but often severe damage.
• Second Impact Syndrome: This rare condition occurs when a second TBI happens before the first one has healed. It can cause rapid brain swelling and is frequently fatal, especially in young athletes.
• Hematomas: A hematoma involves bleeding that collects in or around the brain, often compressing brain tissue. Types include epidural, subdural, and intracerebral hematomas, each varying in severity and location.

Common Causes of Brain Injuries in Georgia

Brain injuries can occur in a wide range of situations, many of which involve the negligence of another person or entity. Common causes of brain injuries include:

• Motor vehicle accidents: Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents are a leading cause of brain injuries in Georgia. When a vehicle is involved in a high-impact collision, the head can strike objects or experience rapid movement, causing trauma to the brain.
• Slip and fall accidents: Falls are another major cause of brain injuries, especially for older adults and children. Slippery surfaces, uneven floors, or poorly maintained properties can lead to accidents that result in serious head trauma.
• Medical malpractice: Brain injuries can result from errors during surgery, mismanagement of anesthesia, or oxygen deprivation during childbirth. In these cases, healthcare providers may be held liable for their negligence.
• Workplace accidents: Construction site accidents, falls from heights, or being struck by heavy objects can all cause TBIs. Workers injured on the job may have a workers' compensation claim, and in some cases, a third-party lawsuit if someone other than the employer was negligent.

Long-Term Effects of TBI

TBI can have a wide range of long-term effects depending on the severity, location of injury, and individual factors like age and pre-existing health. Here are the key categories of long-term effects:

• Memory problems
• Attention and concentration deficits
• Executive dysfunction
• Slowed processing speed
• Depression and anxiety
• Irritability or mood swings
• Personality changes
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD
• Chronic headaches
• Seizures
• Fatigue
• Motor impairment
• Vision or hearing loss
• Balance and dizziness
• Touch or temperature sensitivity
• Difficulty with work or school
• Strained relationships
• Loss of independence
• Increased risk for neurodegenerative diseases

Compensation for Brain Injury Victims 

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. The compensation you can seek may include:

• Medical expenses: This includes costs for surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, medications, and any ongoing medical care or therapy needed to manage the injury.
• Lost wages: Brain injuries can result in temporary or permanent disability, preventing the victim from returning to work. Compensation may cover both past and future lost income and loss of earning potential.
• Pain and suffering: Brain injuries can cause severe physical and emotional pain, which you may be entitled to recover. This includes compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life and emotional distress caused by the injury.
• Long-term care and support: If the brain injury requires ongoing care, such as in-home nursing, specialized rehabilitation, or assistance with daily activities, these costs can be included in your claim.
• Loss of consortium: If the injury has affected your relationship with your spouse or family members, they may be able to recover compensation for the loss of companionship and support.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including brain injury cases, is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, exceptions exist, such as when the injured party is a minor or when the injury was not immediately discovered. It's important to act quickly, as failing to file within the statute of limitations can result in losing your right to seek compensation.

What Should I Do Immediately After Sustaining a Brain Injury in Atlanta?

If you suspect a brain injury after an accident, the most important step is to seek immediate medical attention. Even if symptoms seem minor at first, brain injuries can worsen over time and require careful diagnosis. After ensuring your health is being managed, it's crucial to document everything—medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and photographs. Finally, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in Atlanta who can guide you through your legal rights and help preserve crucial evidence.

How Can I Prove Someone Else is Liable for My Brain Injury?

Proving liability involves demonstrating that another party’s negligence directly caused your brain injury. This typically requires evidence such as medical records, accident reports, surveillance footage, and expert testimony (especially from medical professionals). Our Atlanta brain injury attorney can help build a strong case by collecting and presenting the necessary evidence to show that the other party had a duty of care, breached that duty, and directly caused your injury as a result.

Learn How DGL Attorneys At Law Help

Brain injury cases are complex, often requiring medical experts and a deep understanding of the long-term impacts of the injury. 

Our Atlanta brain injury lawyers at DGL Attorneys At Law can help by:

• Investigating the cause of the injury and determining who is liable.
• Collecting medical records, expert testimony, and other evidence to support your claim.
• Negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court to ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Navigating Georgia’s legal process to make sure all deadlines and procedural requirements are met.

A brain injury can be a life-changing event, and it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, a knowledgeable brain injury attorney in Atlanta can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Put more than 70 years of experience in your corner. Start by scheduling a free case evaluation with our Atlanta TBI lawyers today: (770) 404-8239.