New Orleans Brain Injury Attorneys

Common Causes of Brain Injuries

Some leading causes of TBIs include falls from heights or stairs, workplace accidents, defective products, fires and explosions, and motor vehicle collisions involving cars, trucks, pedestrians, buses, or motorcycles. Whether you were hit by a drunk driver or suffered a slip-and-fall accident on unsafe premises, our attorneys can work diligently to recover the compensation you need to move forward with your life.   

Common Types of TBIs

There are two primary types of traumatic brain injuries: 

Penetrating TBI

A penetrating or open TBI is a type of injury that occurs when something pierces the skull, enters brain tissue, and causes neurological damage. 

Blunt TBI

A blunt or closed TBI occurs when something hits your head hard enough for the brain to bounce or twist inside your skull without breaking bone. 

Understanding the Health Effects of TBIs 

Traumatic brain injuries can lead to a variety of short-term and long-term health complications that affect many parts of everyday life. Common symptoms include memory issues, dizziness, and nausea. More serious effects include brain bleeding, seizures, permanent brain damage and disability, and shorter life expectancy. 

The specific health outcomes and recovery period for a TBI depend on the severity of the injury. We can gather key evidence like neurological exam records, CT or MRI imaging, treatment notes, and other medical documentation to support your claim and present a clear picture of the impacts on your life. 

How Do Delayed TBI Symptoms Affect the Two-Year Filing Deadline?

Brain injury claims are subject to Louisiana’s two-year prescriptive period. However, TBIs frequently involve subtle, delayed symptoms that may not become obvious until weeks or months after an accident, such as chronic dizziness, memory gaps, or sudden mood shifts.

Certain exceptions can apply in limited circumstances when a cause of action was not known or reasonably knowable. While state law recognizes exceptions for injuries that could not be reasonably discovered right away, state courts interpret these delayed discovery rules very restrictively.

Relying on a delayed onset argument can create significant hurdles, especially when defending your claim against insurance adjusters who are focused on protecting their bottom lines. Our attorneys can review the circumstances surrounding the injury to determine how these prescription rules may apply to your claim.

How We Prove the Invisible Impact of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Securing Appropriate Neurological Testing

A routine emergency evaluation doesn’t always capture the full effects of a brain injury. We work with qualified neurological specialists to document problems that may not be apparent from a basic examination.

Collaborating with Neuropsychology Experts

Cognitive testing can measure changes in memory, attention, processing speed, executive function, and other abilities. That objective information can give a clearer picture of how the injury has affected you.

Documenting Daily Cognitive Struggles

A TBI can affect ordinary tasks long after the accident. We use medical records, family observations, employment information, and other documentation to show how memory problems, concentration issues, mood changes, and other symptoms affect your life.

Challenging Pre-Existing Condition Defenses

Insurance companies may try to attribute your symptoms to age, prior head injuries, or unrelated medical conditions. We can review your medical history and fight to distinguish pre-existing issues from changes caused or aggravated by the accident.