Baton Rouge Brain Injury Attorneys
Brain Injury Lawsuit Representation
It is no exaggeration to say that sustaining a brain injury in an accident will radically transform a person’s life. Because the brain is so crucial to a majority of the body’s functions, even a minor condition can dramatically impact a person’s ability to move, speak, and function.
If you or someone you love has suffered a brain injury due to the negligence of another party, our team at Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys is ready to fight for you. Founded on strong Christian values, we are deeply committed to our clients and have recovered billions of dollars across thousands of cases. Our Baton Rouge brain injury lawyers will work to secure the compensation you need to manage exorbitant medical bills and cover non-monetary losses. We recognize what is at stake in any case involving catastrophic injuries and will make every effort to maximize the amount of money we put in your pocket.
Our legal professionals frequently take brain injury cases on a contingency basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win. Call (225) 230-3110 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-risk consultation today.
What Causes Brain Injuries?
Any blow to the head has the potential to cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Falls and collisions are two of the most common culprits.
Our Baton Rouge brain injury attorneys can assist you with cases involving:
- Vehicular Accidents. Car, truck, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents are notorious for causing brain injuries when a driver, passenger, or pedestrian is struck in the skull. Wearing a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorcycle can reduce the possibility of a TBI. In especially severe accidents, however, a severe hit to the head may be unavoidable.
- Slip and Falls. Many TBIs are the unfortunate result of something as seemingly harmless as tripping and falling, particularly if the victim lands in such a way that their head strikes a hard floor or the edge or corner of a firm surface.
- Workplace Accidents. Busy, chaotic workplaces that involve the frequent use of heavy industrial equipment can be hotspots for injury-causing accidents, including those that result in brain injuries.
Types of Brain Injuries
There are two major categories of traumatic brain injuries. Closed brain injuries occur when the brain is vigorously shaken within the skull, causing bruising and/or the tearing of tissue or blood vessels. The skull is not penetrated in a closed brain injury, which are typically the result of vehicular accidents and slip and falls. A penetrating brain injury does involve a breach to the skull and may be sustained after a foreign object pierces the head, such as a bullet or a sharp vehicle component.
What Are the Long-Term Consequences of Brain Injuries?
Brain injuries are typically considered a type of catastrophic injury, meaning they tend to confer serious, lifechanging consequences. The nature of the resulting health problems can be difficult to predict and often vary from person to person. The severity of the injury will sometimes (but not always) have a commensurate impact on the extent of the effects.
A person who sustains a brain injury in an accident may experience one or more adverse health effects, including:
- Seizures
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Infections in the brain
- Cognition and memory issues
- Communication problems
- Behavioral and personality changes
- Sensory problems
- Emotional issues, such as depression and increased irritability
Recovering Damages in a Brain Injury Lawsuit
If the accident that led to your brain injury was caused by someone’s negligence, you can seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. You must generally file your claim within one year of the accident, or you will be barred from recovering damages in Louisiana.
If you sustained a brain injury as the result of a workplace accident, you will probably be unable to take legal action against your employer. You will instead need to bring a workers’ compensation claim, which can get you compensation for your medical expenses, inability to work, and temporary or permanent disability.
Our Baton Rouge brain injury lawyers will work to secure compensation for all applicable damages, including:
- Past, current, and future medical bills
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
Determining Fault and Liability in Brain Injury Cases
Determining fault in a brain injury case often involves proving that the other party acted negligently, leading to the incident that caused the injury. To establish liability, it’s essential to demonstrate that the defendant’s actions or failure to act caused harm. In Louisiana, personal injury law requires plaintiffs to show four key elements to prove negligence:
Duty of Care: Establishing that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care. For example, drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely, and property owners must maintain safe premises.
Breach of Duty: Showing that the defendant breached this duty through negligent or reckless behavior. In a workplace setting, for example, failure to provide proper safety gear may constitute a breach of duty.
Causation: Proving that the defendant’s breach directly caused the brain injury. Medical records, eyewitness testimony, and expert analysis can often establish this link.
Damages: Demonstrating the extent of the plaintiff’s losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and physical or emotional suffering.
Our experienced Baton Rouge brain injury attorneys understand these legal standards and will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your case. By working closely with medical and accident reconstruction experts, we build a strong foundation of evidence to prove fault and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Evidence Needed to Support a Brain Injury Claim
Compiling compelling evidence is crucial in any brain injury case, as it strengthens your claim and helps substantiate your injuries, losses, and the other party's liability. Essential types of evidence in a brain injury lawsuit may include:
- Medical Records: Comprehensive documentation of all treatments received, including emergency room visits, specialist consultations, surgeries, and ongoing therapy, can support the extent of your injuries.
- Incident Reports: Police reports, workplace incident reports, or other official documentation help establish the facts of the accident and identify witnesses.
- Eyewitness Statements: Statements from those who witnessed the accident can corroborate your version of events and strengthen your claim.
- Expert Testimony: Medical professionals, neurologists, and accident reconstruction specialists can provide expert analysis on the nature and extent of your injuries and the impact on your life.
- Photographic and Video Evidence: Photos or videos of the accident scene, any hazards, or the injuries sustained can help paint a clear picture of the incident for a jury or claims adjuster.
With the right evidence, your attorney can develop a compelling case that holds the negligent party accountable for your brain injury. At Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys, we help gather and present this critical evidence to build a robust claim for maximum compensation.
Tips for Documenting Your Brain Injury and Medical Treatments
Keeping meticulous records is essential for a strong brain injury case. Comprehensive documentation can show the severity and ongoing impact of the injury, providing concrete proof of your need for compensation. Consider these tips when documenting your experience:
- Maintain a Medical Journal: Track every doctor’s appointment, therapy session, and hospital visit, noting any diagnoses, treatments, and prescriptions you receive.
- Record Symptoms: Brain injuries can lead to various symptoms, including headaches, memory problems, and mood changes. Document your symptoms daily, noting their frequency, intensity, and any fluctuations.
- Log Activity Limitations: Keep a journal of how the injury affects your daily life. Record any difficulty with routine activities, missed workdays, and challenges with relationships, which can support claims for pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life.
- Save All Medical Bills and Receipts: Retain invoices for treatments, medications, and medical equipment. These documents are vital in calculating your current and future expenses.
- Track Communication with Insurers and Medical Providers: Document all interactions with insurance companies, medical professionals, and therapists to support the validity of your claims.
Our Baton Rouge brain injury attorneys at Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys can help guide you on maintaining these records, ensuring you gather essential documentation that will strengthen your claim and improve your chances of recovering maximum compensation.
How a Brain Injury Lawyer Can Help
You are likely not in a position to take on a complex and contentious legal proceeding in the days, weeks, or even months after suffering a brain injury. That does not mean you do not deserve compensation for your injuries. A legal professional can serve as your trusted advocate and leverage their knowledge and experience to get you the optimal recovery needed to cover medical expenses, lost earning potential, and other less calculable losses. An attorney will be prepared to refute efforts by the defendant to minimize the compensation you receive or avoid paying you altogether.
With the help of our legal professionals, your claim may not require a drawn-out trial. Our team at Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys has a strong track record of negotiating fair settlements that cover your losses. We endeavor to resolve your case as quickly as possible, though we are also ready to fight for you in court if a trial becomes necessary.
Our firm is ready to make you the victor, not the victim. We are available 24/7, so contact us online or call (225) 230-3110 to start exploring your legal options today.
"I can truly say they actually care about us even when the case is over."
- Willie W.
Billions of Dollars Recovered for Our Clients
Big or Small, We Maximize Them All
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$8,750,000 Truck Wreck
Rear-end: Chris’ client suffered head, neck, elbow, arm, wrist, rib, back, and leg injuries in a truck wreck in Pointe Coupee Parish.
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$2,900,000 Truck Wreck
Rear-end: Chris’ client suffered headaches, neck, back, and various soft-tissue injuries in a truck wreck in Pointe Coupee Parish.
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$3,100,000 Car Wreck
Side-Swiped: Chris’ client suffered head, neck, and back injuries in a car wreck in East Baton Rouge Parish.