Kansas City Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers

Advocating for TBI Victims in Missouri & Across the Midwest

Have you or a loved one suffered a serious brain injury due to someone else's negligence? Our team at Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman can help you file a claim and seek fair compensation from the negligent party that caused the accident that led to your injury. 

To date, our Kansas City traumatic brain injury lawyers have secured more than $850 million for injured individuals and their families throughout Missouri, Kansas, and the Midwest.

Call our Kansas City brain injury attorneys at (816) 542-5999 or contact us online to request a free consultation. There are no attorneys’ fees unless we win your case.

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of injury that occurs when there is a sudden and severe trauma to the head, resulting in damage to the brain. TBIs can range from mild to severe, and they can have a wide range of physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral effects. These injuries are typically categorized based on their severity and the specific areas of the brain that are affected.

Here are some common types of traumatic brain injuries:

• Concussion: A concussion is a mild form of TBI that often occurs due to a blow to the head. It can happen during sports, falls, or car accidents. Symptoms may include dizziness, headache, memory problems, and confusion.
• Contusion: A contusion is a bruise on the brain that results from a direct impact to the head. It can cause localized brain damage and neurological deficits.
• Coup-Contrecoup Injury: This injury occurs when there is a blow to one side of the head, causing the brain to strike the opposite side of the skull. It can result in multiple points of damage.
• Penetrating Injury: This type of TBI occurs when a foreign object, such as a bullet or a piece of skull, penetrates the brain tissue. Penetrating injuries often cause severe damage.
• Diffuse Axonal Injury: In this type of TBI, the brain's long connecting fibers (axons) are damaged or torn. This can happen due to rapid deceleration or rotational forces, such as those experienced in high-speed car accidents or shaken baby syndrome.
• Shaken Baby Syndrome: Shaking an infant violently can result in TBI. It is a form of diffuse axonal injury and can lead to severe brain damage.
• Second Impact Syndrome (SIS): SIS occurs when a person sustains a second TBI before recovering from the initial one. It is extremely dangerous and can lead to rapid brain swelling, disability, or even death.

Common Causes of Brain Injuries

Brain injuries can result from a variety of causes, and the severity of the injury can vary widely. 

Common causes of brain injuries include:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Sports and recreational activities
• Shootings/firearm accidents
• Defective products
• Railroad accidents
• Nursing home abuse
• Construction site accidents
• Industrial site accidents
• Oil and gas field accidents
• Physical assaults
• Explosions
• Falls

Signs of Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI symptoms take several forms, including physical signs, cognitive issues, and even emotional changes. In the immediate aftermath of an accident, as well as in the days and weeks that follow, be aware of any signs of a serious brain injury.

Physical TBI symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Slurred speech
• Loss of taste
• Blurred vision
• Loss of feeling in fingers and hands
• Reduced or loss of mobility

Some of the cognitive signs of a TBI include:

• Short and long-term memory loss
• Inability to complete simple tasks
• Inability to recognize familiar surroundings and people

Emotional signs of a brain injury can include:

• Wild mood swings
• Depression
• Permanent change in personality
• Unusually quick to anger

Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, range in severity, but there is no such thing as a “mild” TBI. Whether you have suffered a concussion in a sports-related accident or your loved one sustained a severe blow to the head in a car crash, it is imperative that you seek medical attention at the first sign of a brain injury.

Long-Term Impact of Brain Injuries

The consequences of a brain injury can extend far beyond the initial accident. Long-term effects may include:

• Cognitive impairments affecting memory, focus, and decision-making
• Physical disabilities requiring long-term care or rehabilitation
• Emotional and behavioral changes that affect relationships and daily life
• Loss of income or employment opportunities
• The need for lifelong medical treatment and therapy

The profound and lasting nature of TBIs makes it essential to pursue full compensation to cover medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Compensation from a Brain Injury Claim

Victims of brain injuries in Kansas City may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and lifestyle changes
• Long-term care costs and assistive devices
• Legal fees related to pursuing your claim

Our Kansas City brain injury lawyer can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your recovery.

FAQs About Traumatic Brain Injury Claims in Kansas City, MO

How long do I have to file a traumatic brain injury lawsuit in Missouri?

In Missouri, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is five years from the date of the injury. However, exceptions may apply, so it’s best to speak with a Kansas City attorney as soon as possible.

What if my TBI symptoms appeared weeks after the accident?

It is not uncommon for TBI symptoms to be delayed. You can still pursue a claim if medical evidence connects the injury to the original incident. Prompt medical documentation and legal consultation are imperative.

Who can be held liable for a traumatic brain injury?

Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include negligent drivers, property owners, product manufacturers, employers, or healthcare professionals. Your attorney will investigate all potential sources of liability.

Will I need to go to court to win a TBI claim?

Not always. Many TBI claims are settled out of court through negotiation or mediation. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit and going to trial.

How is the value of a TBI claim determined?

The value of a claim depends on factors such as the severity of the injury, the cost of current and future medical care, lost income, and how the injury has impacted your life. Non-economic damages like pain and emotional distress are also considered.

Can I file a TBI claim on behalf of a loved one?

Yes. If your loved one is incapacitated due to a TBI, you may be able to file a claim on their behalf as a legal guardian or through a power of attorney. In fatal cases, wrongful death claims may be appropriate.

What should I do immediately after suffering a TBI in an accident?

Seek medical attention right away, even if symptoms are mild. Document the incident, gather witness information, and avoid discussing the case with insurance adjusters before consulting our Kansas City brain injury lawyer.

Why Choose Our Kansas City Brain Injury Attorneys?

Simply put, we understand the medical and emotional issues of a brain injury.

Our firm has extensive experience helping families find the social and professional resources needed to deal with short- and long-term financial and medical needs. We’ll do everything we can to get you the resources you need while your case is progressing in the courts.

Our attorneys have been helping personal injury victims recover money from insurance companies for over 70 years. We understand the complex medical issues involved in proving a brain injury case, and we have the professional and technical resources to stand and fight successfully against the largest insurance companies.

Call (816) 542-5999 to schedule a free consultation with our Kansas City brain injury lawyers. If you are unable to make it into our office, we will do our best to travel to you.