Editor's note: This post was originally published on May 31, 2021 and has been updated for accuracy and relevance.
Auto accidents in Baton Rouge can result in a range of injuries, from minor bruises to severe, life-changing conditions. While broken bones and soft tissue injuries often heal over time, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can cause lasting, sometimes permanent, effects.
Because the brain controls movement, speech, emotions, memory, and decision-making, any injury to it can impact nearly every aspect of daily life. For victims and their families, understanding the severity of TBIs, especially when caused by auto accidents, is the first step toward recovery.
What Makes a Brain Injury Catastrophic?
A catastrophic injury is one that permanently alters a person’s quality of life or ability to work. Traumatic brain injuries fall into this category because:
- They can cause irreversible damage to brain tissue.
- Victims may require lifelong medical care or assistive devices.
- They often impair a person’s ability to earn an income.
- Emotional and behavioral changes can strain family relationships and social life.
When a TBI is catastrophic, securing full and fair compensation is critical, not just for today’s expenses, but for the costs you’ll face for years to come.
Common Complications of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries can affect nearly every part of life. The most common complications include:
- Physical issues such as seizures, chronic headaches, dizziness, numbness, or sensory loss (hearing, vision, taste, or smell).
- Cognitive impairments like memory loss, poor judgment, and difficulty with problem-solving or decision-making.
- Communication struggles including trouble reading, writing, or following conversations.
- Behavioral changes such as impulsivity, lack of self-control, or unawareness of limitations.
- Emotional challenges like depression, anxiety, mood swings, or insomnia.
How a Baton Rouge TBI Attorney Builds Your Case
A skilled Baton Rouge traumatic brain injury lawyer can make a critical difference in the outcome of your claim. The process typically involves:
- Collecting Evidence – Medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert evaluations.
- Working with Medical Specialists – Neurologists and rehabilitation experts can help document the full scope of your injury.
- Calculating Damages – Including current and future medical costs, lost wages, and non-economic losses.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies – To reach a fair settlement without undervaluing your claim.
- Litigation if Necessary – Taking your case to trial when settlement offers don’t reflect your true losses.
Why You Need a Baton Rouge Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Recovering from a TBI often involves months or years of treatment, lost income, and permanent lifestyle changes. If another driver’s negligence caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
An experienced attorney will fight to ensure you are not pressured into an unfair settlement and will work tirelessly to protect your future.
FAQ: Traumatic Brain Injuries from Auto Accidents in Baton Rouge
How long do I have to file a TBI claim in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including TBIs, is generally two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to compensation.
What is my traumatic brain injury case worth?
The value depends on factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, long-term care needs, and pain and suffering. Severe or catastrophic TBIs typically result in higher settlements or verdicts.
Will my TBI case go to trial?
Many cases settle out of court, but if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, your attorney may recommend going to trial.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. Under Louisiana’s comparative fault rules, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you may still be able to recover some damages.
Do I need a lawyer for a TBI claim?
Yes. TBIs are complex, both medically and legally. A lawyer can gather evidence, work with experts, and negotiate aggressively with insurers to protect your rights.
Get Legal Help After a Traumatic Brain Injury in Baton Rouge
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic brain injury in a
Baton Rouge auto accident, you do not have to face the legal and financial challenges alone. Contact MGM Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation.
