Summary
With the right legal strategy, speeding up a brain injury claim in California is possible. This guide helps victims take action—from early treatment to legal planning—with insights from a top-rated brain injury lawyer in Bakersfield to ensure timely, fair compensation without cutting corners.
Recovering from a traumatic brain injury is overwhelming—navigating a brain injury claim shouldn’t add to the stress. This guide helps California accident victims move their cases forward efficiently without compromising the compensation they deserve.
With the right preparation, clear documentation, and a skilled brain injury attorney, the process can be sped up so you can focus on healing.
Why Brain Injury Lawsuits Take Time
Unlike broken bones or surface wounds, a brain injury—especially a mild TBI—isn’t always visible. Brain injury symptoms like memory loss, emotional shifts, or cognitive impairments may take time to appear fully. Building a solid brain injury claim requires more than just a diagnosis—it demands documentation, follow-ups, and expert input.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, over 220,000 Americans were hospitalized due to TBIs in 2020 alone, and TBI-related fatalities were more than 69,000 cases in 2021. Common causes include car accidents, sports injuries, or defective products. These cases involve multiple parties and complex medical evaluations, making them more time-consuming than a typical personal injury claim.
What You Can Do to Move the Process Forward
Below are steps that can help speed up your brain injury claim without sacrificing your long-term care or settlement value.
1. Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
- Go to the ER or see your doctor promptly after any head trauma.
- Get necessary tests like CT scans to detect brain swelling or bleeding.
- Follow all medical professionals’ instructions for follow-up and therapy.
Early TBI diagnosis is critical if your injury involves brain tissue damage or the risk of long-term care needs.
2. Document Every Detail
- Save medical records, medical bills, and imaging results.
- Keep a journal of symptoms (fatigue, confusion, vision problems).
- Obtain witness statements from the scene of the accident.
- Collect accident reports and correspondence with your insurance company.
Your documentation will help your personal injury lawyer prove the severity of your brain damage and calculate total medical costs and lost wages.
3. Hire our Qualified Brain Injury Attorney
- Choose our top-rated brain injury lawyer in Bakersfield with experience in TBI claims and litigation.
- We work with expert witnesses, medical experts, and life-care planners.
- We understand how to prove future medical expenses and the full impact of your injury.
- We know how to challenge denials by the insurance company and present compelling evidence in settlement talks or court.
4. Don’t Settle Too Early
Settling your claim early with your insurance directly, even before reaching maximum medical improvement, may leave out future care needs—like therapy, surgeries, or long-term care. Your legal team should assess:
- Current and future medical care needs
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Permanent cognitive impairments or disabilities
5. Respond Quickly and Honestly
Be proactive:
- Answer your attorney’s calls and emails promptly.
- Don’t withhold health updates or changes in your condition.
The more informed your legal team is, the faster they can act to secure a fair outcome.
What the Law Says About the Deadline to File Claims
Under California’s statute of limitations, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a claim. However, if your brain injury wasn’t discovered immediately, the clock may begin when the injury is diagnosed—this is critical in cases of mild TBI or delayed-onset brain damage.
FAQs About Brain Injury Claims and Lawsuits in Bakersfield
Depending on severity, a brain injury lawsuit near busy roads like Ming Avenue or the 99 Freeway may take 6 months to 2+ years. Delays are common if medical recovery is ongoing or the insurance company disputes your claim.
After an accident near Chester Avenue or Stockdale Highway, gather:
- Medical records, CT scans, and doctor’s notes
- Photos of injuries or the scene
- Witness statements and police reports
- Proof of medical costs and lost wages
Yes. California allows the statute of limitations to start when your injury is discovered, not just the accident date. This is especially relevant for mild TBI cases where symptoms don’t appear immediately.
Don’t Wait—Start Your Brain Injury Claim Today
Each brain injury claim is unique. Whether your trauma was caused by a car accident or a slip and fall that was not your fault, Farahi Law Firm’s brain injury attorney in Bakersfield is here to guide you through every step.
Call us today. We offer free consultations and only get paid if we win. Let us help you recover full compensation for your medical care, future needs, and the recovery you deserve.
