5.0 Google Rating•5.0 Yelp Rating•Former Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) Hispanic Heritage Month Honoree•Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA)•California State Bar•Mexican American Bar Association•Orange County Trial Lawyers Association•Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles•The Association of Trial Lawyers of America•5.0 Google Rating•5.0 Yelp Rating•Former Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) Hispanic Heritage Month Honoree•Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA)•California State Bar•Mexican American Bar Association•Orange County Trial Lawyers Association•Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles•The Association of Trial Lawyers of America

CALL US NOW
Available 24/7

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Lawyer in San Dimas, CA

Compassionate Recovery Advocacy

Guiding Traumatic Brain Injury Claims in California

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can change daily life in an instant, affecting memory, mood, mobility, and the ability to work. At Morales Law Firm, APC in San Dimas, we focus on helping people injured by negligent conduct recover compensation that addresses both immediate medical needs and ongoing care. If someone else’s actions caused your injury in California, you deserve clear guidance about your legal options and a firm that will pursue full recovery on your behalf. Call our office at (626) 648-5656 to discuss your situation and learn what steps to take next.

A brain injury claim is rarely simple: it involves medical records, imaging, long-term prognosis, lost income, and often complex liability questions. We help clients gather medical documentation, work with treating clinicians to explain how injuries affect daily life, and identify responsible parties whether those are individual drivers, employers, property owners, or product manufacturers. Every case is different, and we tailor our approach to the particular medical, financial, and personal consequences each client faces. Our goal is to secure a recovery that pays for present and future needs while communicating clearly throughout the process.

Why Legal Support Matters for Traumatic Brain Injuries

Legal support for a traumatic brain injury claim helps ensure the full scope of loss is identified and pursued, from immediate medical costs to long-term care, rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity. An effective claim secures monetary resources for therapies, home modifications, assistive devices, and vocational planning when necessary, and it can help protect a family’s financial stability while the injured person focuses on recovery. Legal representation also helps preserve important evidence, coordinates with medical professionals to establish causation and prognosis, and handles communications with insurers so clients are not pressured into inadequate early settlements that overlook future needs.

About Morales Law Firm, APC and Our Approach

Morales Law Firm, APC is a San Dimas personal injury practice devoted to securing fair outcomes for people injured in motor vehicle collisions, slip-and-fall incidents, workplace accidents, and other causes of traumatic brain injury. Our attorneys take a hands-on, client-centered approach that emphasizes clear communication, thorough investigation, and practical planning for each client’s recovery path. We prepare cases for strong negotiation and, when necessary, trial advocacy to ensure insurers and other parties take claimants seriously. Throughout, our priority is protecting client rights and obtaining compensation that reflects the full impact of the injury on life and livelihood.

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury Claims

A traumatic brain injury results from a direct blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head that disrupts normal brain function. Symptoms can range from brief confusion and headaches to persistent cognitive deficits, seizures, sensory changes, mood differences, and physical impairments. Diagnosis typically relies on medical history, clinical exams, imaging such as CT or MRI scans, and specialist evaluations from neurologists, neuropsychologists, or rehabilitation physicians. Early and consistent medical documentation is vital for both treatment and legal claims because it establishes the connection between the incident and the injury and supports an accurate prognosis for recovery and future care needs.

Legally, a successful TBI claim usually requires showing that another party owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach caused measurable harm and damages. Evidence includes police reports, witness statements, medical records, diagnostic imaging, and documentation of employment and financial losses. Establishing causation often depends on expert medical opinions and longitudinal documentation showing how symptoms persisted or evolved after the incident. Damages can include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, and the cost of ongoing rehabilitation or long-term care when appropriate.

Need More Information?

Key Terms and TBI Glossary

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury is any injury to the head that results in a change to normal brain function, whether from a blow, sudden acceleration or deceleration, or penetration of the skull. TBIs are categorized by severity and by the mechanism of injury, and they can produce immediate symptoms like loss of consciousness or confusion as well as delayed cognitive, emotional, and physical consequences. For legal purposes, documenting the timing of symptoms, the medical treatment received, and the relationship between the incident and ongoing limitations is essential to proving that the injury resulted from someone else’s negligence.

Concussion

A concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt that temporarily disrupts brain function, producing symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion, memory trouble, or sensitivity to light and sound. While many concussions resolve with rest and gradual return to activity, some people develop persistent symptoms that interfere with work, school, and daily life. In legal claims a documented concussion is important because it helps demonstrate the impact of the incident and the need for medical treatment and follow-up care, including cognitive or occupational therapy when symptoms persist.

Severity: Mild, Moderate, Severe

TBI severity is categorized by clinical indicators such as loss of consciousness, duration of confusion, Glasgow Coma Scale scores, and findings on imaging studies. Mild injuries may involve brief disorientation or short-term memory loss, while moderate to severe injuries often include extended unconsciousness, notable neurological deficits, and clear abnormalities on CT or MRI scans. Severity informs prognosis, rehabilitation needs, and the likely extent of damages claimed, including long-term care and support services when deficits are significant and permanent.

Long-Term Effects

Long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury can include cognitive impairments, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood and personality changes, chronic headaches, sleep disturbances, and physical limitations. These consequences may develop over weeks or months and can require ongoing medical treatment, therapy, vocational assistance, and home modifications. For legal claims, careful documentation of how these effects alter daily functioning and quality of life is essential to obtain compensation that accounts for future care, lost income, and non-economic harms like pain and suffering.

PRO TIPS

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Prompt medical evaluation after a head injury is essential because early documentation can reveal injuries that are not immediately obvious and establishes an official medical record linking the incident to symptoms. Even if symptoms seem mild at first, delayed cognitive or neurological issues can arise, and having a contemporaneous medical record helps later legal claims and treatment planning. Seek care from emergency departments or urgent care and follow up with specialists as recommended to create a complete record of diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for both recovery and any potential claim.

Document Everything

Thorough documentation strengthens a TBI claim: keep copies of medical records, imaging reports, bills, and therapy notes, and record changes in memory, mood, or daily functioning in a symptom journal. Preserve evidence from the incident scene when possible, such as photos of damage, contact information for witnesses, and police reports. This comprehensive record supports causation, shows the impact on life and work, and helps attorneys and medical professionals explain both immediate and ongoing needs when negotiating with insurers or presenting a claim in court.

Avoid Early Settlements

Insurance companies may offer early settlements that seem convenient but fail to account for future treatment, lost earning capacity, or the long-term effects of a brain injury. Accepting an early payment without fully understanding the prognosis can close off access to additional funds needed for rehabilitation and support. Before agreeing to any settlement, consult with legal counsel who can evaluate the offer against documented current and projected needs to determine whether it fairly addresses both present expenses and anticipated long-term care.

Comparing Legal Approaches for Traumatic Brain Injury Cases

When a Full-Service Legal Approach Helps:

Complex Injuries and Long-Term Care

When a brain injury involves lasting cognitive or physical impairments that require years of therapy or assisted living, a comprehensive legal approach helps secure compensation for long-term needs, vocational rehabilitation, and ongoing medical costs. Such an approach coordinates medical experts, life-care planners, and vocational specialists to estimate future expenses accurately and present a cohesive case for damages. It also includes a detailed review of insurance policies and potential sources of recovery to ensure all avenues of compensation are pursued on behalf of the injured person and their family.

Multiple Liable Parties

Cases involving multiple potentially responsible parties, such as government entities, employers, vehicle operators, or product manufacturers, require a comprehensive legal strategy to identify each source of liability and navigate different rules and notice requirements. This process may involve complex investigations, depositions, and legal filings to preserve claims against each party. A full-service approach helps ensure claimants do not miss critical deadlines or procedural steps that could limit recovery and that the interactions between claims are managed to maximize overall compensation.

When Limited Legal Assistance May Be Enough:

Minor, Short-Term Symptoms

When an injury produces short-lived symptoms that resolve quickly with minimal treatment, limited legal assistance may suffice to negotiate with an insurer for reimbursement of medical bills and minimal wage loss. In these situations, focused help with documentation and a settlement negotiation can be efficient and cost-effective, avoiding a full litigation path. It is important, however, to maintain adequate medical follow-up for at least several weeks to ensure delayed symptoms do not emerge and to preserve the option of further action if new issues arise.

Clear Liability and Small Damages

A limited approach can be appropriate when liability is undisputed and damages are straightforward, such as when property damage and modest medical bills are the main losses. In these cases, a brief period of negotiation or guidance on settlement documentation may achieve a fair outcome without prolonged proceedings. Even so, clients should ensure all future medical needs are considered before finalizing any agreement so that compensation reflects the full scope of both known and reasonably anticipated costs.

Common Situations That Cause Traumatic Brain Injuries

Vehicle Collisions

Vehicle collisions, including car, motorcycle, truck, and pedestrian crashes, are among the most frequent causes of traumatic brain injuries because rapid deceleration, impact forces, or direct blows to the head can damage brain tissue and cause concussive or more severe injuries. These events often require coordinated investigation of accident reports, witness accounts, and medical imaging to demonstrate causation and quantify damages for both immediate treatment and long-term rehabilitation needs.

Falls and Slip-and-Fall Incidents

Falls from heights, slips and trips on unsafe surfaces, or falls at home or on commercial properties can cause significant head trauma, especially for older adults, and often involve property owner liability questions and the need to document hazardous conditions. Accurate and timely photographs, witness statements, and medical records help establish how the fall occurred and the subsequent medical consequences that support a claim for compensation.

Workplace and Construction Accidents

Workplace incidents, including construction accidents, falls from scaffolding, or being struck by equipment, can produce brain injuries and often involve complex interactions between workers’ compensation rights and third-party claims against contractors or equipment manufacturers. Understanding employer reporting requirements, safety logs, and third-party liability is important to preserve all potential avenues for recovery beyond workers’ compensation benefits when appropriate.

San Dimas Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney

Why Choose Morales Law Firm, APC for TBI Claims

Morales Law Firm, APC provides personal attention and strategic case preparation to people in San Dimas and the surrounding areas who have sustained brain injuries. We focus on understanding each client’s medical condition, daily challenges, and financial losses in order to build a persuasive case for recovery. Our team works with medical professionals and other specialists to document the full scope of harm, negotiates aggressively with insurers, and keeps clients informed at every step so they can make decisions that protect their long-term well-being and financial stability.

From the first consultation through resolution, we emphasize clear communication, practical planning, and thorough preparation. We assist clients with obtaining medical records, coordinating evaluations, and calculating both current and projected costs associated with treatment and lost income. We also take care of correspondence with insurers and opposing parties, allowing injured people to focus on recovery while their legal matters are managed professionally. To learn about options for your case, contact us at (626) 648-5656 for a confidential consultation.

Contact Morales Law Firm for a Free Consultation

People Also Search For

traumatic brain injury lawyer San Dimas

TBI attorney California

brain injury claim San Dimas

concussion lawsuit California

TBI compensation California

brain injury legal help San Dimas

brain and spinal cord injury attorney

personal injury lawyer TBI California

Related Services

FAQS

What is a traumatic brain injury and how is it diagnosed?

A traumatic brain injury is an injury to the brain caused by an external mechanical force such as a blow to the head, rapid acceleration or deceleration, or penetration of the skull, which leads to impairment of brain function. Diagnosis typically involves a medical history, a neurological exam, cognitive testing, and imaging like CT or MRI scans; specialists such as neurologists or neuropsychologists may perform detailed evaluations to determine cognitive, behavioral, and physical effects. Documenting the timing of symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention is important both for health outcomes and for any related legal claim. Early diagnosis helps guide treatment and establishes a clear record linking the incident to subsequent symptoms and care. Because some cognitive and emotional effects may develop or become clearer over time, ongoing monitoring and follow-up evaluations can be essential. For legal purposes, a thorough medical record that includes initial emergency care, specialist assessments, and any subsequent therapy or rehabilitation provides the strongest foundation for demonstrating the existence and impact of a TBI.

How long do I have to file a TBI lawsuit in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including those involving traumatic brain injuries from negligence, is generally two years from the date of injury, but there are important exceptions and nuances that can change the deadline. For example, claims against public entities may have much shorter filing requirements and require specific notices within a set timeframe. It is important to act promptly to preserve your rights because missing a deadline can bar recovery even for a serious injury. Timely action also enables the preservation of evidence that can be critical for proving causation and damages, such as witness statements, scene photos, and early medical records. Because every case has unique facts that can affect timing, including discovery of injury or ongoing symptoms, consult with legal counsel early to determine the correct deadlines and any required notices in your particular situation.

What types of compensation can I recover for a TBI?

Compensation in a TBI claim can cover a range of economic and non-economic losses, depending on the severity and impact of the injury. Economic damages commonly include past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, assistive devices, home modifications, and lost wages or diminished earning capacity. Non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the loss of companionship when injuries affect relationships and daily life. In cases involving wrongful death or permanent disability, recoveries can also address long-term care and the financial consequences for surviving family members. If other parties share liability or if insurance policy limits are involved, exploring all available avenues of recovery—including uninsured motorist coverage or third-party claims—can be important to ensure compensation matches the full extent of losses.

How do you prove that an accident caused my brain injury?

Proving that an accident caused a brain injury relies on a combination of medical documentation, accident evidence, and expert analysis connecting the event to the injury. Key elements include contemporaneous medical records showing diagnosis and symptoms shortly after the incident, imaging results when available, and expert opinions from treating physicians or independent specialists that explain how the trauma produced the observed deficits. Police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence from the scene also help establish the circumstances of the accident and the mechanism of injury. Consistency in treatment notes and follow-up care reinforces the causal link, especially when records show a clear onset and progression of symptoms. In many cases, professionals such as neurologists, neuropsychologists, or life-care planners provide assessments that translate medical findings into understandable explanations about prognosis, required therapies, and expected future needs, which are essential for valuing a claim and presenting it persuasively to insurers or a jury.

Should I speak with insurance companies after a TBI?

It is usually best to be cautious when communicating with insurance companies after a traumatic brain injury. Insurers may request recorded statements or quick releases, and early comments or incomplete information can be used to undervalue claims. Instead of providing a detailed statement right away, focus on obtaining medical care, documenting symptoms, and consulting legal counsel who can advise on what information to share and when to respond to insurer inquiries. Insurance adjusters are often focused on limiting payouts; having legal support helps ensure that communications do not inadvertently reduce your recovery options. Counsel can handle insurer interactions, request necessary documentation, and negotiate or litigate on your behalf to pursue fair compensation that accounts for both immediate and long-term needs arising from the injury.

Can a mild TBI still lead to long-term problems?

Yes, a mild traumatic brain injury can still result in long-term problems for some individuals, including persistent cognitive difficulties, headaches, mood or sleep disturbances, and sensitivity to noise or light. Symptoms can evolve over weeks to months, and what appears to be a short-term injury at first may later reveal longer-lasting effects that impact work performance, relationships, and day-to-day functioning. Because of this potential, thorough medical follow-up and documentation are important even after a seemingly mild event. From a legal standpoint, demonstrating ongoing deficits requires medical records that track symptoms and treatment, assessments from relevant specialists, and documentation of how the injury affects daily life and earning capacity. Properly accounting for long-term consequences is vital to ensuring any settlement or verdict covers future medical needs and non-economic harms rather than only immediate, short-term costs.

Will my medical records be enough to support my claim?

Medical records are a core component of a TBI claim because they document diagnosis, treatment, test results, and the progression of symptoms, all of which support causation and the need for specific medical care. Records from emergency care, specialists, imaging centers, therapists, and primary care providers together present a comprehensive picture of the injury and its effects. However, while medical records are essential, they may need to be supplemented by expert opinions, functional assessments, and testimony that translate clinical findings into a clear explanation of how the injury impairs daily life and future earning capacity. Additional evidence such as witness statements, accident reports, employer records of lost time, and a symptom diary can strengthen a claim when medical records alone do not fully capture the impact of the injury. Coordinating these elements with medical professionals and legal counsel improves the ability to present a convincing narrative of both current needs and projected future care.

What if the at-fault party disputes liability?

When the at-fault party disputes liability, the case typically requires a more detailed investigation of the accident, collection of additional evidence, and often the use of expert testimony to establish fault. This may involve reconstructing the accident, obtaining traffic or surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing maintenance or safety records for vehicles or property. The goal is to assemble persuasive evidence that demonstrates how the other party’s conduct led to the incident and your injuries. Disputes over liability also increase the importance of careful documentation and timely preservation of evidence. Legal counsel can manage the investigative process, engage specialists as needed, and craft legal arguments to counter defenses. If negotiations do not resolve the dispute, prepared litigation may be necessary to resolve fault and secure appropriate compensation.

How much does hiring a TBI attorney cost?

Most personal injury attorneys handling traumatic brain injury claims work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they are paid a percentage of any recovery rather than charging hourly fees up front, which allows injured people to pursue claims without immediate legal bills. Contingency arrangements typically cover attorney fees, and costs for investigations, expert opinions, and litigation are either advanced by the firm or outlined in the retainer agreement and reimbursed from any recovery. This structure aligns attorney incentives with achieving the best possible outcome for the client. It is important to review the fee agreement carefully, including the contingency percentage, how costs are handled if there is no recovery, and any potential additional expenses. A transparent discussion about fees and expected processes helps clients make informed decisions about representation and understand how their case will be managed financially throughout the claims process.

What should family members know about caring for someone with a TBI?

Family members caring for someone with a traumatic brain injury should be prepared for changes in cognitive, emotional, and physical functioning that may affect daily routines and relationships. Care often includes arranging medical appointments, managing medications, helping with therapy exercises, coordinating home modifications, and advocating for the injured person’s needs with employers and insurers. Caregivers also benefit from learning about available community resources, support groups, and rehabilitation services that can reduce isolation and provide practical assistance during recovery. From a legal perspective, family members should preserve medical and financial records, document changes in the injured person’s abilities and needs, and keep detailed logs of caregiving time and expenses, as these records support claims for compensation. Consulting with an attorney early can help family members understand how to protect the injured person’s rights, ensure appropriate benefits are pursued, and plan for long-term care needs if the injury results in permanent impairment.