Los Angeles Brain Injury Lawyer
When a traumatic brain injury changes everything, legal help shouldn’t add to the burden. Taking timely, informed action with the help of competent Los Angeles brain injury lawyers can protect access to the care, resources, and stability needed for the road ahead.
- Since 1972, Jacoby & Meyers has been a trusted pillar of legal strength in California.
- With over $2 billion recovered for our clients, we provide the bold representation catastrophic injury cases require.
- We operate on a contingency fee basis; you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why You Need Established Representation
For more than five decades, Jacoby & Meyers has protected the rights of injured Californians. With 14 locations statewide, our firm has the reach and resources to take on even the most complex personal injury cases against powerful defendants, including corporations and government entities. We understand that beyond medical diagnosis, a brain injury is a life-changing event that demands a serious, evidence-driven legal response.
What sets our firm apart:
- Over 50 years of experience representing seriously injured clients across California
- Statewide presence with 14 offices, providing local insight backed by firm-wide resources
- Proven ability to handle complex cases involving catastrophic injuries and high-value claims
- Evidence-focused advocacy built on thorough investigation and expert testimony
- Client-centered representation designed to protect your future while you focus on recovery
Reach out today for your free expert assessment and take the first step toward recovery.
Can I Afford a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer in Los Angeles?
Many victims hesitate to contact an attorney because they fear the cost. Brain injury claims often involve long-term medical needs and future costs that may not be immediately clear. Early legal guidance can help ensure these issues are properly evaluated and documented.
At Jacoby & Meyers, we believe access to justice should not depend on your bank account. We work on a contingency fee basis, which allows us to provide you with high-quality legal representation without financial burden. This approach ensures:
- No Upfront Costs: You don’t have to worry about retainers or hourly fees to get your case started.
- Zero Risk: We only get paid if we successfully secure compensation for you.
- Aligned Interests: Our success is directly tied to yours, ensuring we fight for the maximum recovery you deserve.
What To Do After a Brain Injury
- Seek immediate medical care. Brain injuries can worsen without warning. Follow all treatment and monitoring plans prescribed by neurologists or other specialists, even if symptoms seem mild at first.
- Watch for delayed symptoms. Headaches, confusion, memory problems, mood changes, or dizziness may appear days or weeks later. Report new or worsening symptoms to your doctor immediately.
- Document the injury and incident. Take photos of visible head injuries and the accident scene if possible. Keep a journal noting symptoms, medical visits, and how the injury affects daily life.
- Avoid recorded statements. Do not provide recorded or detailed statements to insurance adjusters without legal guidance. Brain injury symptoms can be misunderstood or minimized.
- Preserve physical evidence. Save helmets, headgear, or damaged personal items involved in the incident, as they may help demonstrate the force of impact.
- Consult a Los Angeles traumatic brain injury lawyer early. Speak with an attorney before accepting any settlement offers. Brain injuries often involve long-term medical needs that may not be clear right away.
Expert Legal Tip from Our Attorneys
Traumatic brain injuries are often “invisible” in the early stages. It is common for insurance adjusters to argue that a victim is fine because they do not have broken bones or because a standard MRI came back negative. Never skip a medical appointment. Consistent medical documentation linking your symptoms, such as memory loss, mood swings, or fatigue, directly to the accident is the single most important evidence we use to refute insurance denials.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries in Los Angeles
Did you know that there are 2.9 million TBI-related emergency department visits each year in the United States?
In Los Angeles, the risk is amplified by daily realities, from heavy congestion on the Hollywood Freeway and the 101 to the nonstop activity in neighborhoods like Hollywood and Koreatown. In a city that never slows down, a serious, life-altering accident can happen in a matter of seconds, often when you least expect it.
According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, here are some of the leading causes of TBI include:
- Motor Vehicle Crashes: Car, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injury. The force from collisions can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, leading to serious injury.
- Falls: Falls from ladders, stairs, or at heights, or slip-and-fall incidents, are a frequent cause of brain injuries, especially among older adults and young children.
- Being Struck by or Against an Object: Accidents where a person’s head is hit by or thrown against an object, such as in sports, workplace incidents, or construction site accidents, can cause traumatic brain injuries.
- Sports and Recreational Activities: High-impact sports (football, soccer, skateboarding, etc.) and recreational activities can lead to concussions and more severe brain injuries, particularly among teens and young adults.
Common Injuries in TBI Cases
Brain injury can have catastrophic, life-altering effects. A 10-year study (2005–2014) analyzing California patient data found that about 4 in 10 people returned to the ER within a year, often at a different hospital, with some requiring hospitalization.
Brain injuries vary in severity, but all require serious medical evaluation.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Ranging from concussions to severe penetrating injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Often occurring alongside head trauma in high-impact collisions.
- Skull Fractures: Breaks in the cranial bone that can cause bleeding or infection.
- Internal Injuries: Bleeding or bruising of the brain tissue (contusions).
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Whiplash, which can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull.
Who May Be Liable in a Brain Injury Case?
A traumatic brain injury rarely happens without warning signs or preventable failures. Under California law, any party whose negligence contributed to the injury may be held responsible, and in many brain injury cases, liability is shared among multiple parties. Identifying every responsible party is critical to securing the resources needed for long-term care and recovery.
Depending on how the brain injury occurred, liable parties may include:
- Drivers: Speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or breaking traffic laws can result in severe collisions leading to concussions, brain hemorrhages, or permanent brain damage.
- Employers: Companies can be held liable if they fail to properly vet drivers, enforce safety policies, or maintain safe work environments, especially in industries like transportation and construction.
- Property Owners: Landlords and businesses are responsible for addressing hazards. Issues like poor lighting, broken stairs, or uneven flooring can cause serious falls and head injuries if left unaddressed.
- Manufacturers: Defective helmets, airbags, seatbelts, or vehicle parts can fail when needed most, leading to preventable brain injuries.
- Government Entities: Poor road design, inadequate maintenance, or accidents involving public transportation may make entities like the City of Los Angeles, Caltrans, or LA Metro liable. Special legal rules and deadlines often apply in these cases.
Why Brain Injury Cases Are Especially Complex
Brain injury claims are fundamentally different from standard personal injury cases. The damage isn’t always visible, but its effects can be profound and permanent.
- Invisible and delayed symptoms: Cognitive impairments such as memory loss, concentration problems, and personality changes are harder to prove than visible injuries and may worsen over time.
- Long-term and future damages: Brain injuries often require lifelong treatment, therapy, and support. Accurately projecting these costs requires medical specialists and economic experts.
- Disputed causation: Insurance companies frequently argue that symptoms are due to aging, stress, or pre-existing conditions rather than the traumatic event itself.
- Claims involving government entities: Lawsuits against public agencies involve shorter deadlines, strict notice requirements, and procedural hurdles that can bar recovery if not handled correctly.
- Insurance policy limitations: The cost of a severe brain injury often exceeds standard insurance limits, requiring an investigation into additional defendants, excess policies, or umbrella coverage.
Brain injuries can change how a person thinks, works, and lives. Because legal, medical, and financial issues are deeply intertwined, these cases require the best brain injury lawyer Los Angeles can offer to ensure the full impact of the injury is recognized and addressed.
Damages You May Be Entitled To in a Brain Injury Case
A traumatic brain injury affects far more than your immediate health. A successful claim is designed to restore financial stability while acknowledging how profoundly a brain injury can alter your independence, relationships, and future.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the specific financial losses you have suffered due to your injury. We work to ensure every dollar is accounted for, including:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and specialist visits.
- Future Medical Care: Support for long-term rehabilitation, cognitive therapy, in-home assistance, and ongoing monitoring.
- Lost Income: Reimbursement for the wages you lost while unable to work during your recovery.
- Reduced Earning Capacity: Compensation if your injury prevents you from returning to your career or earning at your previous level.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace vehicles or personal items damaged in the incident.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages address the profound personal and emotional impact of a brain injury, acknowledging the challenges you and your family face:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for your ongoing physical pain and discomfort.
- Emotional Distress: Support for the anxiety, depression, and personality shifts often caused by brain trauma.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Recognition of how cognitive or emotional changes may interfere with your hobbies and relationships.
- Permanent Impairment: Compensation for lasting disabilities or cognitive deficits that affect your daily function.
Punitive Damages
In rare but serious cases, punitive damages may also be available. These are not intended to compensate the victim, but to punish particularly reckless or egregious conduct and deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages may apply when a brain injury is caused by actions such as drunk driving, extreme negligence, or intentional misconduct.
An experienced brain injury attorney ensures brain injury damages are fully valued by working with experts to document medical, economic, and non-economic impacts while identifying all available resources for maximum recovery.
California Statute of Limitations for Brain Injury Claims
Time is especially critical in brain injury cases. Under California law, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government entity is involved, such as the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, Caltrans, or LA Metro, you typically must file a formal claim within six months.
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar recovery, regardless of the severity of the injury. This is why it is important to contact a competent Los Angeles brain injury lawyer to preserve key evidence in brain injury cases, where symptoms may change over time.
Contact us today at 888-533-0516 for a free consultation. We are here to protect your rights and ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Brain Injury Cases
A traumatic brain injury can leave you struggling with memory loss, fatigue, mood changes, or difficulty concentrating, while insurance companies move quickly to protect their profits. In high-value brain injury claims, insurers often challenge the seriousness of the injury or argue that symptoms are exaggerated, pre-existing, or unrelated to the accident.
Trying to manage a complex legal claim while coping with a brain injury can be overwhelming. You deserve a legal team that understands both the medical realities of brain trauma and the legal strategies insurers use to minimize payouts.
A top-rated brain injury attorney helps by:
- Shielding you from insurance pressure and bad-faith tactics
- Ensuring your injury is properly documented and understood, even when symptoms are invisible
- Managing complex legal procedures and deadlines so nothing jeopardizes your claim
- Allowing you to focus on healing, therapy, and rebuilding your life
When you work with Jacoby & Meyers, your case is handled with the seriousness and attention a life-altering brain injury demands.
Preparing for Mediation in a Brain Injury Case
Mediation can be a pivotal moment in a brain injury claim. Because symptoms may be long-lasting or difficult to see, preparation is essential to ensure the full impact of the injury is understood.
Mediation Preparation Checklist
Understand the goal. Mediation is a guided negotiation, not a trial, and you are not required to accept an unfair offer.
Have complete medical records. Include neurologist reports, imaging, and neuropsychological evaluations that document cognitive and emotional effects.
Document daily impact. Be ready to explain how the brain injury affects work, memory, mood, and daily life.
Know the value of your claim. Review medical costs, future care needs, lost income, and non-economic damages with your attorney.
Expect insurance pushback. Insurers often downplay symptoms or blame pre-existing conditions. Rely on medical evidence, not assumptions.
Let your lawyer lead. Your brain injury attorney handles negotiations and protects your interests, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Careful preparation helps ensure mediation reflects the long-term reality of a brain injury, not just short-term medical bills.
How to Choose the Best Brain Injury Lawyer in Los Angeles
Not all lawyers are equipped to handle catastrophic brain injury cases. When vetting attorneys, consider the following:
Does the lawyer have experience with brain injury cases?
Brain injuries are medically and legally complex, often involving subtle or delayed symptoms, long-term treatment, and disputes over future care and earning capacity. Your lawyer should have proven experience handling brain injury claims from car accidents, falls, workplace incidents, or other traumatic events.
Our firm has decades of experience in brain injury cases and has recovered over $2 billion for injured clients across California, demonstrating our expertise in high-stakes claims.
Is the firm respected within the legal community?
Reputation is key in serious injury cases. Recognition from peer-reviewed legal organizations and industry publications signals credibility and professionalism.
Our attorneys have been Super Lawyers and TopVerdict our commitment to excellence in representing clients with catastrophic injuries.
Do they understand Los Angeles–specific legal challenges?
Local knowledge can impact how brain injury cases are handled. An experienced legal team should be familiar with Los Angeles courts, judges, filing requirements, and insurer tactics in California.
With over 50 years of experience serving Los Angeles and statewide communities, our firm combines local insight with the resources needed for complex brain injury claims.
Are they prepared to take your case to trial?
Some firms settle quickly, even when offers don’t reflect the long-term impact of a brain injury. Meaningful results are more likely when insurers know your lawyer is ready to go to trial.
At Jacoby & Meyers, we prepare every case as if it’s going to court, ensuring your rights are protected whether through settlement or trial.
How Jacoby & Meyers Prepares Brain Injury Cases for Settlement or Trial
We prepare every brain injury case as if it will be decided by a jury. This level of preparation often pressures insurance companies to offer fair settlements, because they know we are ready to go to court.
Our approach includes:
- Early, aggressive investigation. We move quickly to secure surveillance footage, accident data, and witness statements before evidence is lost.
- Expert coordination. We work with neurologists, neuropsychologists, vocational experts, and life-care planners to validate the severity of your brain injury and its long-term impact.
- Comprehensive damage documentation. We develop detailed life-care plans that outline future medical treatment, cognitive therapy, in-home care, and support needs.
- Strategic, evidence-based demands. Our settlement demands account for future medical costs, inflation, lost earning capacity, and non-economic harm.
- Full trial readiness. If insurers refuse a fair offer, we are prepared to file suit and present your case clearly and persuasively to a jury.
A brain injury can change how you think, work, and live. Your legal representation should reflect the seriousness of that reality, protecting your future while you focus on recovery.
Client Testimonials
We take pride in the trust and connection we build with those we represent.
“Best firm there is. This Firm has been very helpful throughout the entire process. Adanhelly was one of the best!!. Very helpful, and she makes me feel valued and cared for. I highly recommend this law firm to EVERYBODY!” –Ali Medrano from Google Review.
Case Results
While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, our track record demonstrates our ability to handle high-stakes litigation.
- $3.75 Million – Traumatic Brain Injury
- $9.24 Million – Auto VS. Pedestrian resulting in Spinal Cord Injury
- $2.5 Million – Traumatic Brain Injury
- $1.15 Million – Auto VS. Auto resulting in Spinal Cord Injury
For decades, Jacoby & Meyers has represented clients with serious brain injuries, securing more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements across California. These recoveries have helped individuals and families manage extensive medical care, lost income, and the lasting cognitive and emotional effects of brain trauma.
Brain Injury Attorney Near Me
Jacoby & Meyers provides statewide representation for brain injury victims.
While our main office is based in Los Angeles, we represent clients throughout Los Angeles County, including Long Beach, Santa Monica, Glendale, Santa Clarita, and Pomona.
With 14 offices across California, we combine the resources of a statewide firm with the local insight you expect when searching for a brain injury attorney near you. No matter where you’re located, experienced legal representation is always within reach, without sacrificing personal attention or familiarity with local courts.
- Orange County
- San Jose
- San Francisco
- San Diego
- San Bernardino
- Sacramento
- Ontario
- Oakland
- Los Angeles
- Fresno
- Escondido
- Brea
- Bakersfield
Frequently Asked Questions
How does comparative fault work in California?
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your award will be reduced by 20%.
Can I file a claim if I had a prior concussion or head injury?
Yes. A prior head injury does not prevent you from seeking compensation if an accident aggravated your condition. We often work with medical experts to demonstrate how the new incident caused additional harm or worsened your existing symptoms.
Can I settle my TBI case before I fully recover?
While you can, settling too early is often risky. Brain injuries can have delayed symptoms, and a premature settlement may not cover future medical care, therapy, or long-term limitations that have not yet surfaced.
What happens if the at-fault party doesn’t have enough insurance?
If the responsible party’s insurance is insufficient, we will investigate other avenues for compensation. This may include umbrella policies, underinsured motorist coverage, or claims against employers and other third parties.
How much does it cost to hire Jacoby & Meyers?
There are no upfront costs. We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means we only receive a fee if we win your case. If we don’t recover a settlement or verdict for you, you don’t pay us any legal fees.
Traumatic Brain Injuries Lawyer Near Me
We serve the whole of California with 14 satellite offices. You can visit us at our Main Los Angeles Office at Ave of the Stars
Jacoby & Meyers 2000 Ave of the Stars Suite 1150S, Los Angeles, CA 90067 Call us +12132960792 Fill out a form today for a free case assessment or give us a call to talk to a live legal expert.
Directory
Emergency Rooms
- Los Angeles General Medical Center 1200 N State St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
- Harbor-UCLA Medical Center– 1000 W. Carson St., Torrance, CA 90509
- Olive View-UCLA Medical Center -14445 Olive View Dr. Sylmar, CA 91342
- Dignity Health – California Hospital Medical Center– 1401 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015
- Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center – 1300 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Urgent Care Centers
- Care Fast Urgent Care- Burbank – 353 N Pass Ave Ste D Burbank, CA 91505
- First Aid Urgent Care – 7204 Foothill Blvd Tujunga, CA 91042
- Edward R. Roybal Comprehensive Health Center – 245 S. Fetterly Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90022
- H. Claude Hudson Comprehensive Health Center – 2829 South Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90007
- Ladera Urgent Care – 5311 W Centinela Ave Los Angeles, CA 90045
Local Courthouses
- Airport Courthouse – 11701 S. La Cienega Los Angeles, CA 90045
- Central Arraignment Courthouse – 429 Bauchet St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center – 210 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Disclaimer: We do not endorse or profit from these organizations. This list is provided for informational purposes only.
Protect Your Future After a Brain Injury
A brain injury can change every part of life, but you don’t have to face the legal aftermath alone. If you or a loved one was injured due to someone else’s negligence, Jacoby & Meyers is here to stand up for you. Our experienced legal team is prepared to pursue the full compensation needed to support long-term care, recovery, and stability.
- We’re available 24/7 to review your case and answer your questions.
- Free consultation.
- No fees unless we win.
Our Los Angeles Accident Attorneys can also help with the following:
- Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer
- What Usually Happens in a Hit-and-Run Accident?
- Los Angeles Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
- Los Angeles Fatal Car Accident Lawyer
- Los Angeles Food Delivery Car Accident Lawyer
- Los Angeles Head-On Collision Lawyer
- Los Angeles Parking Lot Accident Lawyer
- Los Angeles Rear-End Collision Lawyer
- Los Angeles Red Light Accident Lawyer
- Los Angeles Rollover Accident Lawyer
- Los Angeles Side-Impact Collision Lawyer
- Los Angeles Speeding Accident Lawyer
- Los Angeles Texting and Driving Accident Lawyer
- Los Angeles Uber and Lyft Ridesharing Accident Lawyer
- Los Angeles Whiplash Injury Lawyer
- Los Angeles Arm & Leg Injury Lawyer
- Los Angeles Amputation Injury Lawyer
Michael Akiva is Managing Partner of Pre-Litigation of Jacoby & Meyers. Having started his career as an attorney at Latham & Watkins LLP, a prestigious, global corporate law firm, Michael quickly realized that representing big corporations was not for him. After leaving the firm, Michael dedicated himself to fighting for the rights of the injured. Education J.D. UCLA School of Law, Editor, UCLA Law Review B.S., Finance, University of Southern California, Magna cum laude