BEST Brain Injury Lawyers Near You

Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers San Diego, CA

Did you or someone close to you suffer a traumatic brain injury or another serious head injury in a car accident in San Diego? Are you overwhelmed by the growing medical expenses and uncertain about what steps to take next? Have you been struggling with uncooperative insurance companies and complex claim procedures? If so, you need a legal team that truly understands the challenges you’re facing. You need an experienced attorney who can clearly explain your legal rights and help you navigate the process of pursuing compensation. You need a skilled lawyer who can effectively negotiate with even the most powerful insurance providers on your behalf.

At The Levinson Law Group, our San Diego personal injury attorneys are deeply committed to representing individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can have devastating, long-term effects. Initial symptoms are often missed, and expenses can accumulate rapidly, putting immense financial pressure on families. Moreover, the impact of a TBI—such as difficulty concentrating, emotional changes, and sleep disruption—can complicate every aspect of recovery. When negligence leads to such a catastrophic injury, the responsible parties must be held legally and financially accountable.

If you or a loved one has sustained a serious brain injury and are unsure of your legal options, reach out to a San Diego brain injury lawyer at Levinson Law Group. With over four decades of combined legal experience, our firm is equipped to handle the complexities of brain injury litigation. We understand the medical and legal intricacies of these cases and are dedicated to helping clients recover what they deserve. Attorney Gordon Levinson brings invaluable insight from his background in insurance defense and now uses that experience to stand up for victims of negligence.

The Most Common Causes of Brain Injuries in San Diego, California

No one is completely protected from the risk of a brain injury. Because the brain is highly vulnerable, even a seemingly minor incident can lead to significant trauma. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most frequent causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) include:

• Falls
• Being struck by or against an object
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Physical assaults
• Intentional self-harm

Falls alone are responsible for approximately 48% of all TBI-related emergency room visits in the United States. Older adults and young children are especially susceptible, with these groups accounting for over one million brain injuries annually. Meanwhile, car accidents remain the top cause of brain injury hospitalizations among individuals between the ages of 15 and 44.

If you or someone close to you has sustained a brain injury from a fall or trip on another person’s property, it is crucial to seek legal representation from a top-rated slip and fall lawyer near you in San Diego. The right attorney can help ensure you recover the full compensation you are entitled to. Additionally, if you need a slip and fall lawyer in Carlsbad, our skilled legal team is ready to guide you through the legal process and protect your rights every step of the way.

Types of Brain Injuries

Most brain injuries resulting from accidents are classified as traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs. A TBI is a specific form of acquired brain injury, meaning the damage occurred after birth rather than being congenital. These injuries typically happen when the brain collides with an object—often the inside of the skull—due to sudden force or impact.

While all TBIs fall under the category of acquired brain injuries, not every acquired brain injury qualifies as a TBI. For instance, brain injuries caused by oxygen deprivation are also acquired but do not involve external force, so they are not considered traumatic.

Traumatic brain injuries are alarmingly prevalent. Each year, more than 60,000 people in the United States die due to TBI-related complications. Among the various causes, motor vehicle accidents stand out as the leading contributor to both fatal and non-fatal traumatic brain injuries. Over 35 percent of all non-fatal TBIs are linked to car accidents.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention classifies TBIs into three levels of severity: mild, moderate, and severe—each requiring a tailored approach to medical treatment and legal action.

Mild TBI

While most traumatic brain injuries are classified as mild, this does not mean they are without serious consequences. Mild TBIs—often referred to as concussions—can result in both chemical imbalances within the brain and physical disruption to the brain’s connective tissues. Even without visible injuries, these disruptions can significantly impact cognitive function, memory, mood, and overall neurological health, often requiring careful monitoring and medical intervention.

Moderate TBI

Losing consciousness for more than a minute after a head injury may indicate a moderate traumatic brain injury. Moderate TBIs often lead to a range of complications, including physical impairments, cognitive challenges, and noticeable shifts in mood or personality. Individuals diagnosed with a moderate TBI are significantly more vulnerable to long-term neurological effects and are approximately 50 times more likely to develop a seizure disorder compared to the general population. Prompt diagnosis and comprehensive treatment are essential to managing symptoms and reducing long-term risks.

Severe TBI

Severe traumatic brain injuries involve extended periods of unconsciousness and often result in lasting neurological damage. Individuals with severe TBIs may face profound challenges with cognitive functions such as thinking, learning, and speaking, as well as issues related to motor coordination, balance, and emotional regulation. These impairments can significantly alter a person’s daily life and long-term well-being.

No matter the severity or type of brain injury sustained, seeking immediate medical attention is critical. Head injuries are often more serious than they initially appear. Even if your symptoms seem typical following a car accident, getting a second medical opinion can be vital to identifying hidden complications and ensuring proper care.

How Car Accidents Cause Brain Injuries

During a car accident, the sudden impact can cause your head to jolt violently in multiple directions. This rapid movement often results in a concussion, especially for drivers and passengers. If the head strikes the interior of the vehicle—such as the window, dashboard, or roof—there is an increased risk of severe or even permanent brain damage.

Even seemingly minor brain injuries from vehicle collisions can require emergency medical care. Common injuries include:

• Contusions
• Lacerations
• Abrasions
• Burns
• Nerve damage
• Concussions

While these injuries might appear superficial or manageable at first, they can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Internal trauma, including bleeding or swelling in the brain, can only be accurately diagnosed through a comprehensive medical evaluation at a hospital or doctor’s office.

Determining Damages is Critical

Suffering a brain injury in a San Diego car accident can be a life-altering experience. You’re seriously hurt, unable to work, and uncertain about when—or if—you’ll fully recover. In addition to physical and emotional trauma, you may be facing a future filled with medical challenges and long-term limitations. Even for the most resilient individuals, the aftermath can be overwhelming.

Filing a San Diego car accident claim may offer a path toward financial recovery. Compensation can help cover both immediate and long-term costs associated with your injury. Although each case is unique, brain injury claims commonly include compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Ongoing and future healthcare costs
• Lost income
• Reduced earning potential

Beyond these economic damages, victims may also be eligible to recover non-economic damages, which reflect the personal impact of the injury, such as:

• Disability or disfigurement
• Emotional suffering
• Loss of companionship or consortium
• Reduced quality of life
• Physical pain and mental anguish

Hiring a lawyer who has experience handling brain injury cases is essential to achieving a fair and full recovery. At The Levinson Law Group, we understand the complexities of these claims. Our team will conduct a thorough assessment of your case to determine the full scope of your losses—ensuring you and your family are not left to shoulder the burden of someone else’s negligence.

Symptoms and Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury in San Diego, CA

Anyone who experiences a blow to the head is at risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI). According to the latest eight-year report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 2 million people in the United States suffer from TBI annually.

Whether classified as moderate or severe, TBIs can have lasting effects on both physical health and cognitive function. Many symptoms may initially appear minor or seem unrelated to the injury, including:

• Loss of consciousness
• Persistent headaches
• Dizziness or nausea
• Vomiting
• Mental confusion
• Difficulty speaking clearly
• Depression or mood changes
• Altered sleep patterns
• Short-term memory issues

It is essential to seek prompt medical evaluation and care following a head injury. Left untreated, a TBI can significantly interfere with daily activities and may lead to a progressive decline in quality of life. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for managing symptoms and improving outcomes.

Recent Traumatic Brain Injury Settlement Examples

Brain injuries caused by car accidents can have a profound and lasting impact, often resulting in ongoing physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. At Levinson Law Group, we are dedicated to advocating for individuals who have suffered serious traumatic brain injuries. Our mission is to help victims obtain the full compensation they are entitled to, easing the financial and emotional burdens they face. Our recent case results demonstrate our unwavering commitment to securing justice for accident victims throughout California.

$1,250,000 Traumatic Brain Injury Settlement in Encinitas, California

In May 2023, our firm represented a client in Encinitas who sustained a severe traumatic brain injury after being T-boned by a driver executing an illegal left turn. The injury demanded intensive rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, pain management injections, and long-term care. Although the initial settlement offer was just $27,618.16, the experienced brain injury attorneys at Levinson Law Group fought tirelessly on behalf of our client. Through strategic legal advocacy, we secured a $1,250,000 settlement—providing the critical financial resources needed to support our client’s recovery and future care.

$500,000 Traumatic Brain Injury Settlement in Escondido, California

In August 2023, we represented a client in Escondido who suffered a traumatic brain injury after being sideswiped by a driver making a left turn. The collision resulted in persistent pain that required ongoing injections and rehabilitative therapy. Thanks to the dedication and persistence of our brain injury legal team, we secured a $500,000 settlement. This outcome provided crucial financial relief for our client, supporting their recovery and helping manage the lasting impact of the injury.

$750,000 Truck Rear-End Accident Settlement

In October 2023, Levinson Law Group secured a $750,000 settlement for a client who was rear-ended by a truck while merging onto the freeway in Anaheim. The impact resulted in a concussion along with injuries to the neck, back, and shoulder, requiring chiropractic rehabilitation and injection-based treatments.

Although the initial insurance offer was just $75,000, our experienced attorneys pushed back with strategic and aggressive representation. As a result, we secured a significantly higher settlement, ensuring our client received the compensation needed to cover medical costs, pain, and long-term suffering.

Factors Affecting a Traumatic Brain Injury Settlement in California

Because brain injuries are often complex and involve high medical costs, legal claims related to traumatic brain injuries can differ significantly from other personal injury cases. Several key factors influence the potential settlement amount in a brain injury lawsuit, including:

• The severity and permanence of the injury
• The impact on daily functioning and independence
• Duration and extent of medical treatment and rehabilitation
• The clarity of fault or liability
• Emotional and psychological trauma
• Litigation expenses and legal complexity

In cases where the brain injury resulted from intentional misconduct or gross negligence, victims may also be eligible for punitive damages. These are awarded in addition to compensatory damages and are intended to penalize the defendant for egregious behavior—often seen in cases involving intentional harm, medical malpractice, or abuse of authority.

It’s important to understand that emotional trauma is more difficult to quantify in legal terms, and requires skilled legal and expert support to properly evaluate.

Timing is also a critical factor in the success of a brain injury claim. California enforces a statute of limitations that restricts how long you have to file a lawsuit. In some situations, you may have as little as one year to take legal action. If the deadline passes, the court may refuse to hear your case—regardless of its merits.

Given the complexity and time sensitivity of these claims, it’s essential to consult with a knowledgeable brain injury lawyer in San Diego as soon as possible to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.