Traumatic brain injuries can have a life-altering impact. When the brain suffers physical injury, it can affect how an individual thinks, moves, and communicates. Victims and their families may face numerous challenges during brain injury recovery, from high medical costs to coping with long-term effects.
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Suffering with a Brain Injury?
In Bakersfield and Kern County, brain injuries can arise due to accidents such as car crashes, falls, and acts of violence. Brain injuries are responsible for many hospitalizations in the United States each year.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s careless or wrongful actions, you may have the right to pursue financial compensation. The Bakersfield brain injury lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers represent individuals seeking accountability and compensation under California law.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries We Handle
Jacoby & Meyers has been providing clients in California with access to legal representation for over 50 years. Our goal is to support our clients’ physical, financial, and emotional recovery through experienced legal advocacy.
With our years of experience, we handle cases involving many types of traumatic brain injuries, including:
- Concussions
- Contusions
- Diffuse-axonal injuries
- Penetrating injuries
- Anoxic brain injuries
- Hypoxic brain injuries
- Second-impact syndrome
- Coup-contrecoup injuries
- Shaken baby syndrome
We have a team of skilled attorneys, medical case managers, assistants, and negotiators who work together to represent clients in brain injury claims. We also help clients understand the legal process so they can make informed decisions moving forward.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries in Bakersfield
Brain injuries in Bakersfield can be caused by a number of accidents and incidents. The most common include:
- Motor vehicle accidents (including hit-and-run)
- Motorcycle and bicycle accidents
- Oilfield and agricultural workplace accidents
- Construction site falls and accidents
- Slip and falls on commercial properties
- Sports-related concussions
- Industrial accidents in manufacturing facilities
- Violent assaults and attacks
- Medical malpractice incidents
- Birth injuries
- Defective product incidents
Many brain injuries in California are preventable. The circumstances surrounding these incidents often involve human error, neglect, carelessness, or other wrongful acts.
Signs and Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury
The brain is responsible for controlling and regulating thought, emotion, memory, autonomic functions, and more. For this reason, traumatic brain injuries can cause a wide range of cognitive, physical, emotional, behavioral, and sensory symptoms.
Every case is unique, but common complaints include:
- Memory loss
- Confusion or disorientation
- Persistent headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances
- Trouble communicating
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Prompt diagnosis and medical care are important after a suspected brain injury. Some symptoms may be delayed or subtle, appearing hours or days after the accident. Seeking medical evaluation can help ensure proper treatment and documentation.
The Legal Process for Brain Injury Claims
In Bakersfield, a brain injury victim or the victim’s family may file a claim in pursuit of financial compensation if someone else is responsible for causing or contributing to the injury. Liability, or financial responsibility, is generally based on negligence — the failure to exercise reasonable care.
If an individual or entity is negligent, that party may be held legally accountable for a traumatic brain injury. Seeking financial compensation may involve filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit with the Kern County Superior Court. Many personal injury cases in California are resolved through negotiated settlements, though outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.
Calculating Damages in Brain Injury Cases
The goal of a personal injury claim is to provide financial compensation for losses resulting from the injury. A claim may include economic and non-economic damages for a variety of losses.
Examples include:
- Current medical expenses
- Future medical and care costs
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Home modifications and assistive technology
- In-home care expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Loss of consortium for family members
- Potential punitive damages
- Life-care planning experts
Understanding the potential value of a brain injury case may require consultation with a knowledgeable Bakersfield personal injury lawyer. An attorney can review the circumstances and documented losses to provide guidance during settlement discussions.
Why Brain Injury Cases Require Specialized Legal Representation
Brain injury cases in Bakersfield can involve complex medical and legal issues. These matters may require detailed documentation, expert evaluations, and coordination with medical professionals.
A brain injury lawyer may work with medical experts to provide testimony regarding cognitive impairments and long-term care needs. Experience with neuropsychological testing, brain injury diagnoses, and lifetime care considerations can be important when evaluating a claim. An attorney can also communicate with insurance companies and opposing parties on your behalf.
Time Limitations on Bakersfield Brain Injury Claims
California’s statute of limitations (Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1) generally provides two years from the date of the accident or injury discovery to file a personal injury claim.
Shorter deadlines may apply if the claim involves a government agency. In such cases, a notice of claim typically must be filed within six months. Different rules may apply in cases involving minors.
Consulting an attorney promptly can help ensure that filing deadlines are properly evaluated.
Schedule Your Free Brain Injury Case Consultation in Bakersfield at Jacoby & Meyers
A traumatic brain injury can significantly affect your life. At Jacoby & Meyers, our Bakersfield brain injury lawyers represent individuals seeking to protect their rights and pursue compensation under California law.
We develop case strategies tailored to the facts of each matter, including investigation, evidence gathering, negotiation, and litigation when appropriate.
Schedule your free initial case review our Bakersfield local attorneys at (661) 402-8934 or by contacting us online.