The Most Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a life-altering event that can have a significant impact on the whole family. At Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, our brain and spine injury lawyers in Staten Island understand the physical, emotional, and financial costs of a TBI. We can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve if you’ve been hurt by someone else’s negligence.

Key Takeaways

• Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations for people ages 15 to 44.
• Symptoms of TBI aren’t always apparent and can take days or weeks to manifest, so seeking immediate medical care is essential.
• Our personal injury lawyers in Staten Island have recovered more than $500 million for clients and handle hundreds of cases each year.
• Our contingency fee structure offers quality legal representation with no financial risk.

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a violent blow or jolt to the head causes the brain to strike the skull. This physical force can bruise brain tissue, damage nerve fibers, and cause internal swelling that disrupts the brain’s ability to send signals to the rest of the body. TBI can range from mild concussion to severe trauma that requires lifelong care.

Common causes of traumatic brain injuries include:

• Falls—Whether someone has a slip-and-fall accident on an icy sidewalk or trips on uneven stairs, falls are the number one cause of TBI in the U.S.
• Motor vehicle accidents—Collisions involving motorcycles, cars, and trucks are a primary cause of TBI for teens and adults. 
• Struck by objects—These types of accidents often occur on construction sites or while playing sports.
• Assault—Physical violence and domestic abuse may also result in traumatic brain injury.

Recognizing the signs of a traumatic brain injury is important to ensure you receive timely medical intervention. Symptoms often include:

• Headache, nausea, dizziness, or blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light and sound or ringing in the ears
• Confusion, memory lapses, and difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia or sleeping much more than usual
• Irritability, mood swings, or feelings of anxiety and depression

If you or a loved one experiences loss of consciousness, slurred speech, seizures, or weakness in the extremities, it’s vital to go to the emergency room right away. 

The brain is the command center of the body. When it is injured, the complications can be far-reaching. Both the physical and emotional toll of a TBI can place an immense strain on victims and their families. Complications can include:



• Cognitive decline— Long-term struggles with executive function, multi-tasking, and communication can make it difficult to hold a job and do things you once enjoyed.
• Physical impairments— Chronic pain, recurring seizures, or issues with balance and fine motor skills can have a serious impact on your quality of life
• Behavioral changes— Mood swings and other shifts in personality affect relationships with spouses and children.
• Increased risk of neurological conditions— Those who suffer from TBI may be more susceptible to conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease.
• Economic strain— Piles of medical bills and being unable to work can put families in a precarious financial situation.

Legal Help for Brain Injury Victims

If a traumatic brain injury is caused by someone else’s negligence, our personal injury lawyers in Staten Island can help you seek justice. Although no amount of money can change what happened, financial compensation can ensure that the full scope of medical treatment and damages are covered for the long term.

Our brain injury attorneys can help you pursue compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Home modifications
• Long-term care
• Loss of enjoyment
• Loss of consortium

Our team meticulously gathers evidence such as accident and police reports, camera footage, medical records, and witness statements and puts it all together to demonstrate how your TBI occurred and who is liable for your injury. We work closely with respected medical experts and economists to accurately value your claim and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve. We handle all communications and negotiations with insurers so you and your family can focus on your recovery. 

Why Choose Our Staten Island Brain Injury Lawyers?

Navigating a claim while adjusting to the new reality of a TBI is overwhelming. Our personal injury law firm provides the strength and stability you need to move forward. With Chelli & Bush, you get:

• Five decades of local experience— Our brain injury lawyers have served clients in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and surrounding communities for more than 50 years.
• Dedicated representation— Our tenacious personal injury attorneys aren’t afraid to go up against powerful insurance companies and fight to help you obtain the fair amount of compensation you deserve.
• Compassionate approach— Our team understands that you may be going through one of the most difficult times of your life. We’re here to lend a helping hand and treat our clients with the empathy and respect they deserve.
• No upfront costs— Our contingency fee structure means you pay nothing unless we secure a recovery for you.

Find a Brain Injury Attorney Near You in Staten Island

If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI, let Chelli & Bush, Attorneys at Law, help you navigate this challenging time with patience, compassion, and confidence. To schedule a free consultation with a brain injury lawyer near you in Staten Island, NY, contact us or call 718-987-8444. We serve clients in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brain Injury Claims in NY

How serious are traumatic brain injuries?

Many TBIs have long-lasting effects. Even a concussion can result in chronic headaches and have an impact on your memory and mood. Severe TBIs can lead to coma, permanent disability, or death.

Who is liable in a TBI case?

If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, that person or entity may be liable for damages. For example, if a distracted driver caused an accident and you were injured, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages.  

When should I contact a brain injury lawyer?

You should contact a local brain injury attorney as soon as your medical condition is stable. In New York, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against any liable parties. However, there are exceptions that can shorten or lengthen this timeline, so it’s important to speak to a brain injury attorney as soon as you can. Taking swift action also helps preserve valuable evidence.