San Francisco Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Lawyer
Premier Personal Injury Representation
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are among the most catastrophic of injuries that can affect anyone, often from an unexpected or abrupt accident. The consequences of a single TBI can last a lifetime. To begin the path to full recovery after such a severe injury, you will need the help of a particular set of medical professionals and experienced lawyers who are highly familiar with these complex and sensitive cases.
Our San Francisco brain injury attorneys at Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn can be the ones to take your case and pursue justice on your behalf. With nearly 50 years of experience, we have recovered over $500 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients.
If you would like to know more about our services and our history of success, call (415) 940-7176 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden impact, blow, or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that leads to permanent disability or death. These injuries are especially complex because symptoms are not always immediately visible, and their effects can evolve over time.
Brain injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term therapy. Even mild TBIs can have lingering effects that interfere with a person’s ability to work, think clearly, or maintain relationships.
Common Types of TBI
Traumatic brain injuries can take many forms, each with unique characteristics and risks. Some of the most common types include:
- Concussions: Often considered “mild” TBIs, concussions can still lead to serious complications if untreated. They frequently occur in car accidents, falls, and sports-related incidents.
- Contusions: These are bruises on the brain caused by a direct impact to the head. Severe contusions may require surgical intervention.
- Diffuse Axonal Injuries: These occur when the brain rapidly shifts inside the skull, causing tearing of nerve fibers. They are among the most severe types of TBIs and can result in coma or permanent brain damage.
- Penetrating Brain Injuries: These injuries happen when an object pierces the skull and damages brain tissue. They are typically life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
There are generally three degrees of traumatic brain injury. The first degree is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). This is usually known as a concussion, and is caused by a blow to the head. Mild traumatic brain injuries typically require rest, pain medication, and restricted activities during recovery.
The second degree is a moderate traumatic brain injury. This involves a loss of consciousness for 20 minutes up to 6 hours. It also involves a Glasgow Coma Scale rating of 9 to 12. This is a more severe injury than a mild traumatic brain injury and requires more extensive medical care.
The third degree is called a severe traumatic brain injury. It includes a loss of consciousness for longer than 6 hours, as well as a Glasgow Coma Scale rating of 3 to 8. This is the most serious type of brain injury.
Common Causes of TBI
Brain injuries can result from a wide variety of accidents and incidents. In San Francisco, some of the most common causes include:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes are leading causes of traumatic brain injuries. The force of a collision can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull.
- Slip and Falls: Falls are particularly dangerous for older adults and can easily result in a head injury, especially on uneven sidewalks or poorly maintained properties.
- Workplace Accidents: Construction sites and industrial environments pose significant risks for head injuries due to falling objects, equipment malfunctions, and unsafe conditions.
- Sports and Recreational Activities: Contact sports and high-risk activities can lead to concussions and other TBIs.
- Violence and Assaults: Physical attacks, including blows to the head, can result in severe brain trauma.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 40.5% of TBI cases result from slipping and falling, and another 14.3% are the direct result of a car accident. This type of injury can range from mild to severe, though every brain injury should be treated seriously, no matter how minor it might seem.
Brain Injury Symptoms
The symptoms of a brain injury can vary widely depending on the severity and type of injury. Some symptoms may appear immediately, while others develop over time. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent headaches
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Memory problems or confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes, including irritability or depression
- Loss of consciousness
Severe TBIs may also cause seizures, slurred speech, or profound cognitive impairment. Because symptoms can be subtle at first, it is critical to seek medical attention after any head injury. Brain injuries are a silent epidemic that affects an estimated 1.7 million people every year, according to the CDC.
The Aftermath of Brain Injuries
The effects of a traumatic brain injury often extend far beyond the initial accident. Victims may face long-term or even permanent challenges, including:
- Cognitive Impairment: Difficulty with memory, problem-solving, and communication can impact daily life and employment.
- Physical Limitations: Some individuals experience reduced mobility, coordination issues, or chronic pain.
- Emotional and Behavioral Changes: Personality shifts, anxiety, and depression are common after a TBI.
- Financial Strain: Medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing care costs can quickly become overwhelming.
Family members are also affected, often taking on caregiving responsibilities and coping with emotional stress. A brain injury doesn’t just impact one person—it affects an entire support system.
Recovering Compensation After a TBI
If your brain injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. At Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn, we help clients in San Francisco pursue claims that account for both immediate and long-term damages.
Compensation in a brain injury case may include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
- Long-Term Care Costs: Expenses related to ongoing treatment, assistive devices, or in-home care.
Brain injury cases are often complex and require extensive evidence, including medical records, expert testimony, and accident reconstruction. Having a knowledgeable legal team on your side ensures your claim is properly evaluated and aggressively pursued.
How a San Francisco Brain Injury Lawyer Can Help
Navigating a brain injury claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from a serious condition. A skilled attorney can handle every aspect of your case, including:
- Investigating the cause of your injury
- Identifying liable parties
- Gathering medical and expert evidence
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Representing you in court if necessary
At Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn, we are dedicated to advocating for our clients and ensuring they are treated fairly throughout the legal process. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, but we work to secure the full compensation you deserve.
Contact our firm today at (415) 940-7176 to let us fight for you.
Real Stories. Real People.
See what our clients have to say
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A knowledgeable and compassionate team, the lawyers at Rouda Feder Tietjen & McGuinn are a true pleasure. And, most importantly, they deliver results; we got the outcome we were after and felt cared for every step of the way. With this team behind you,- Lisa
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- Client of RFTM
I had the pleasure of working with June Bashant, and she truly exceeded all expectations. After my devastating accident, June and her team worked tirelessly on my behalf, leaving no stone unturned to secure the best possible outcome. She is a powerhouse of tenacity and determination, relentlessly pursuing justice with an innovative, out-of-the-box approach that led to life-changing results, including care that will last a lifetime.
From the very start, June’s communication skills were exceptional—she kept me well-informed and supported throughout the entire process. Her professionalism was evident, but it was her genuine compassion and care that made me feel like a priority. She wasn’t just an attorney; she was a fierce advocate, fighting on my behalf every step of the way.
June’s strategic mindset, intelligence, and sheer determination set her apart. She far exceeded my expectations in every area and had a remarkable network of professionals to help with every facet of my case. Her personal touch, combined with her incredible expertise, made me feel confident that I had the best team behind me.
If you’re facing a medical malpractice or personal injury case, June Bashant is the attorney you want in your corner. She is a force to be reckoned with in the legal world—unmatched in her dedication, skill, and drive. Her reputation for delivering powerful, life-altering results speaks for itself. I couldn’t have asked for a more unstoppable attorney.
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Thank you Sir once again! This time for helping my son Leon McDermand attain the services of June Bashant, who he has himself said many times, that she did a magnificent job for him. This is the third family member, including myself, that you and RFTM have helped. Thank you once again Tim, and please thank June and Robert, who helped my Daughter Elena.- Robert
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“I cannot thank you enough for the pure excellence.”- Michelle
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“I am very grateful for all the hard work all the staff did. GREAT STAFF!”- Guadalupe Hernandez
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“I valued the clear communication, prompt replies, and frank interaction.”- Jackie Q.
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“They work tirelessly to uncover the evidence necessary to obtain the very best result for the injured people they represent.”- Heidi Taylor, Law Offices of Heidi Taylor
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“They approach each case with creativity and care.”- Michael J Ney, McNamara, Ney, Beatty, Slattery, Borges & Brothers LLP
