Pittsburgh Brain Injury Lawyers

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden blow, jolt, or penetrating injury disrupts the brain’s normal function. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe, life-threatening brain damage. While some people may recover with treatment and time, others face permanent physical, emotional, and cognitive impairments.

Because brain injuries are often complex and unpredictable, victims require immediate medical care, ongoing rehabilitation, and, in many cases, lifelong support. When negligence is involved, holding the responsible party accountable is essential to securing the financial resources you and your family need.

Common Types of TBI

Not all brain injuries are the same. Some may appear minor at first but worsen over time. Common types of traumatic brain injuries include:

• Concussions – Mild TBIs often caused by blows to the head or violent shaking, leading to headaches, dizziness, and memory issues.
• Contusions – Bruising of the brain tissue, which can cause swelling and long-term damage.
• Diffuse Axonal Injuries – Occur when the brain’s nerve fibers are torn due to rapid acceleration or deceleration, often leading to coma or permanent disability.
• Penetrating Brain Injuries – Caused by objects piercing the skull, such as shrapnel or bullets, resulting in severe and often irreversible damage.
• Coup-Contrecoup Injuries – When the brain strikes both sides of the skull due to a violent impact, leading to multiple areas of damage.

Common Causes of TBI

Brain injuries can occur in a wide variety of circumstances. Some of the most common causes of TBIs in Pittsburgh include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents – Car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents are leading causes of traumatic brain injuries.
• Falls – Slip-and-fall accidents, falls from heights, and workplace falls frequently result in brain trauma.
• Workplace Accidents – Particularly in construction and industrial jobs, falling objects, machinery accidents, and explosions pose serious risks.
• Sports Injuries – Contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing often contribute to concussions and long-term brain damage.
• Medical Negligence – Errors during surgery, anesthesia mistakes, and misdiagnosis can cause brain damage.
• Acts of Violence – Assaults, gunshot wounds, and other intentional acts can lead to devastating brain injuries.

No matter the cause, if another party’s negligence or recklessness led to your injury, you may be entitled to compensation.

Symptoms of a Brain Injury

Brain injuries can manifest in many ways, depending on the type and severity of the injury. 

Some common symptoms of a brain injury include:

• Physical Symptoms: Headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in vision or hearing, changes in coordination or balance, and seizures
• Cognitive Symptoms: Confusion, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, difficulty with speech, disorientation, and attention deficits
• Emotional Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, irritability, mood swings, personality changes, impulsiveness, and aggression
• Sensory Symptoms: Sensitivity to light, noise, or touch, as well as tinnitus, vertigo, numbness, or tingling in the limbs.

People should seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of these symptoms. Pennsylvania allows people to file a personal injury lawsuit for two years following an injury, so we encourage you to act quickly, as the more time passes, the harder it can be to prove your case. 

Long-Term Impact of Brain Injuries

The effects of a brain injury can extend far beyond the initial trauma. Many victims experience lasting challenges that interfere with their ability to live independently, maintain employment, or enjoy life as they once did. Some long-term effects of TBIs include:

• Memory loss and difficulty concentrating
• Personality changes and mood disorders
• Chronic headaches and seizures
• Difficulty speaking, understanding language, or processing information
• Loss of mobility and motor coordination
• Need for long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation

Proving Liability in a Brain Injury Claim

Successfully recovering compensation for a brain injury requires proving that another party’s negligence caused the injury. This typically involves:

1. Duty of Care – Establishing that the defendant owed you a duty of care (e.g., a driver must obey traffic laws, a property owner must maintain safe premises).
2. Breach of Duty – Showing that the defendant acted negligently or wrongfully, violating that duty.
3. Causation – Linking the defendant’s breach directly to the brain injury.
4. Damages – Demonstrating the physical, emotional, and financial harm suffered as a result.

At Friday & Cox LLC, we work with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and life-care planners to build strong cases that fully reflect the devastating impact of a brain injury.