When the average person thinks of a brain injury, they might picture someone in a coma or with a visible head wound. But the truth is that many brain injuries go completely unnoticed at first. If you or a loved one has been in a car crash, a fall, or any kind of accident, you might have a brain injury and not even realize it.
The hidden nature of many brain injuries is a big problem. It’s not just individuals who can miss the signs. Doctors often fail to diagnose brain injuries, and some lawyers don’t recognize the symptoms either.
An insurance company’s priority is to pay out as little as possible. They will gladly take a lack of evidence or argument as a sign that a claimant’s brain injury is not that severe or exists at all. The more they can minimize the impact of a brain injury on a victim’s life, the less money they must provide to someone who may very well need it.
At Crosley Law, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating undiagnosed brain injuries can be. That’s why we fight as brain injury lawyers to make sure victims and their families get the care and compensation they deserve.
RELATED: Crosley Law wins $1 million for elderly man with post-concussion syndrome
Why do so many brain injuries go undetected?
The medical system, especially in emergency settings, focuses on treating the problems that are most obvious: broken bones, bleeding wounds, and life-threatening injuries.
Brain injuries are trickier. They often don’t show up on standard CT scans, and symptoms like memory loss, mood swings, fatigue, or trouble focusing might not appear right away.
Doctors in emergency rooms are trained to treat immediate threats. If you seem alert and can answer basic questions, you might be sent home with nothing more than a mild concussion diagnosis. In reality, you could find yourself struggling to function properly over the coming weeks, months, or longer.
Even worse, many people with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) don’t realize they’re suffering. Memory loss, confusion, and emotional changes can be subtle at first, making it easy to ignore symptoms. But over time, these issues can get worse, impacting work, relationships, and daily life.
RELATED: Crosley Law wins $900K for father with concussion
How an experienced brain injury lawyer can help prove your case
If you’ve been in an accident and things just don’t feel right, a good brain injury lawyer can be your best advocate. Many attorneys don’t have the experience to recognize a potential brain injury case unless it’s glaringly obvious, but Tom Crosley has extensively studied this area after realizing many life-altering brain injuries were going unaddressed in the legal system.
Here’s how we make sure our clients don’t fall through the cracks:
We look beyond the obvious signs
A direct blow to the head isn’t always necessary for a brain injury. Even a sudden jolt, like in a car accident, can cause the brain to collide against the inside of the skull.
We investigate the wide variety of symptoms that can suggest a TBI, including:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Mood swings
- Memory loss
- Vision problems
- Confusion
- Concentration issues
Such symptoms can be easy to overlook or ignore. If they continue long after the initial injury, they deserve to be looked into more deeply.
We work with top brain injury experts and understand modern testing
Many general doctors miss mild TBIs. We connect our clients with neurologists, neuropsychologists, and other specialists who know exactly what to look for. These experts can also serve as witnesses, if needed, helping to explain the extent of your injuries and how they affect your health, happiness, relationships, and ability to work.
Another key to proving brain injuries is the use of more advanced imaging. Standard CT scans and MRIs don’t always detect brain damage, but newer technologies can. We work with doctors who use:
- Magnetoencephalography (MEG): Measures brain activity and detects abnormalities in brain function that other scans miss
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI): Maps brain pathways and can reveal damage to brain structures not visible on standard MRIs.
An experienced brain injury lawyer not only knows of these tests, but more effectively explains what they mean to a jury or judge, making it more difficult for an insurance company to dismiss a claim.
RELATED: Getting fair compensation for pain and suffering after a TBI: Kaegan’s story
We don’t settle too soon
Many brain injuries take months or even years to fully reveal their impact. The insurance company might try to get you to accept a quick, lowball settlement before the full effects are known. You don’t want to accept such an offer, only to realize later that you need more medical care and financial support.
You never need to accept the first offer that the insurance company gives you. It is always best to talk with a personal injury or brain injury lawyer first to discuss your options. They can also speak with the insurance company and other involved parties on your behalf so you don’t have to worry about making any errors in your statements.
Have you or a loved one suffered a brain injury? Here’s what to do next
If you’ve been in an accident and notice any of these symptoms—headaches, dizziness, memory problems, emotional changes, or trouble concentrating—it’s important to act:
- Seek medical attention. Even if the ER cleared you, follow up with a specialist.
- Document your symptoms. Keep a journal of changes in your mood, memory, sleep, or focus.
- Talk to an experienced brain injury attorney. At Crosley Law, we offer free consultations to help you understand your rights.
About Crosley Law: fighting for brain injury victims
At Crosley Law, we have a long history of fighting for brain injury victims. Our founding attorney, Tom Crosley, is nationally recognized for his expertise in TBI litigation. He has helped clients recover millions of dollars in compensation for brain injuries caused by car crashes, falls, and other accidents.
We use cutting-edge medical evidence and work with top brain specialists to build strong cases that stand up in court. We know how insurance companies try to downplay brain injuries and we don’t let them get away with it.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, don’t wait. Contact Crosley Law today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, connect you with the right doctors, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Call us at (210) 529-3000 or visit CrosleyLaw.com to schedule your free consultation.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
