Summary
A traumatic brain injury can have life-changing effects. If you were injured in Panorama City due to someone else’s negligence, you might have the right to file a claim. Learn about common causes, legal timelines, and how a personal injury lawyer can help you recover medical costs and compensation.
A sudden accident can change everything—especially when it results in a traumatic brain injury. From memory loss and confusion to long-term cognitive impairments and emotional challenges, brain trauma can take a devastating toll.
If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you might be entitled to compensation. This article explains when you can file a personal injury claim, the types of accidents that commonly lead to brain injuries, and how the legal process works in Panorama City.
When Can You Sue for a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is legally actionable when another person or entity was negligent or directly responsible for causing it. This includes situations where someone breached a duty of care—such as a driver running a red light or a property owner failing to fix a broken staircase—and that breach led to your injury.
To sue, your case must meet the following negligence criteria under personal injury law:
- Duty of care: The at-fault party had a legal responsibility to act safely.
- Breach of duty: They failed to uphold that responsibility.
- Causation: Their negligence caused your injury.
- Damages: You suffered losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers in Panorama City can help you determine if you have a valid case and guide you through the process.
Accidents That Commonly Cause TBIs
Many different types of accidents can result in a traumatic brain injury. These injuries are often accompanied by other severe trauma, such as spinal cord injuries, broken bones, or internal bleeding.
Common causes of TBIs include:
- Car accidents – High-speed crashes or rollovers often result in head injuries.
- Motorcycle accidents – Even with a helmet, riders are vulnerable to brain trauma and spinal cord damage.
- Slip and fall accidents – Common in unsafe stores, sidewalks, or stairwells.
- Truck accidents – Large commercial trucks cause significant impact force.
- Pedestrian accidents – Head injuries are common when someone is hit by a vehicle.
- Workplace injuries – Falling equipment or construction hazards.
TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe, life-changing brain injuries. Many victims also suffer from cognitive impairments, long-term emotional struggles, and the need for physical therapy or permanent care.
Time Limit to Take Legal Action in California
Under California law (statute of limitations), you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit for a personal injury claim, including TBIs.
Special rules apply if:
- The at-fault party is a government agency (you must file an administrative claim within six months) as per Government Code § 911.2.
- The injured party is a minor.
- The case involves wrongful death resulting from the TBI.
Filing late may result in losing your right to compensation, so it’s critical to contact a personal injury attorney early to begin the process.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A successful traumatic brain injury claim may compensate for economic and non-economic losses. Below is a breakdown of potential damages:
Category | Examples |
Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, neurologist visits, medication, physical therapy |
Lost Wages | Time missed from work and reduced earning capacity |
Pain and Suffering | Physical discomfort, mental anguish, PTSD |
Future Care Costs | In-home care, long-term rehabilitation, assistive devices |
Property Damage | Especially relevant in car accidents or motorcycle accidents |
Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to enjoy hobbies, sports, or social activities |
What to Expect from the Legal Process
Pursuing a TBI claim can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re also dealing with a recovery process. That’s where an experienced legal team comes in.
The typical legal process includes:
- Free consultation – Share your story and find out if you have a case.
- Investigation – Your attorney will gather evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and police reports.
- Filing a claim – A demand letter is sent to the insurance company.
- Negotiation – Your attorney negotiates for fair compensation. Most claims are settled out of court.
- Litigation – If necessary, your lawyer will take the case to trial.
Our firm is committed to helping you get the legal representation you deserve. We work on a contingency basis—you don’t pay unless we win.
Why Work with Brain Injury Lawyers in Panorama City?
Not all law firms have experience handling complex brain trauma cases.
TBIs are unique—they often don’t show up on routine scans, and symptoms can be subtle but devastating. That’s why working with the best brain injury lawyer in Panorama City can make a significant difference.
We understand the science behind TBIs, how to work with neurologists, and how to present the full impact of your injuries to insurers or a jury. Our team fights to recover maximum compensation while providing compassionate support through every stage of the process.
FAQs About Traumatic Brain Injury Claims
The timeline varies. Some brain injury lawsuits settle within a few months, especially if the accident happened in a documented location—like a collision near Roscoe Boulevard or a slip and fall at Panorama Mall.
However, if the insurance company disputes the severity of your injury or the liability is unclear, it could take a year or more. Our legal team will guide you every step of the way to ensure your case moves efficiently.
Yes. California’s pure comparative negligence rule allows you to file a claim even if you’re partly responsible. For instance, if you were injured in a pedestrian accident while crossing Van Nuys Boulevard without using the crosswalk, you may still recover damages. The amount you receive would simply be reduced based on your share of fault.
Solid evidence makes a huge difference. If your motorcycle accident occurred near Nordhoff Street or your truck accident happened on Sepulveda Boulevard, try to gather the following:
- Photos of the scene
- Witness contact info
- Medical reports from local hospitals like Kaiser Permanente Panorama City
- Police reports
- Diagnostic tests such as CT scans or MRIs
A trusted personal injury lawyer with local knowledge can also help connect the dots between your injuries and what happened, especially if your accident occurred near busy intersections or well-known landmarks in Panorama City.
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone. We Can Help.
A traumatic brain injury is more than just a medical diagnosis—it’s a life-changing event that affects your health, finances, and emotional well-being. Whether your injury was caused by a truck accident, pedestrian accident, or violent incident, we’re here to help.
At Farahi Law Firm, our award-winning legal team has years of experience helping California residents recover from serious accidents. We provide personalized attention, aggressive advocacy, and a commitment to winning fair compensation for our clients.
Call us to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you take the next step toward healing—physically, emotionally, and financially.
Get the medical care you need and the money you deserve.
