Head Injury Attorneys in Irvine

Head injuries, a severe form of traumatic brain injury (TBI), present a significant public health issue in California, particularly in Orange County. According to recent data, there are approximately 400,000 residents across the state living with head injuries that will necessitate ongoing medical care. This care may include specialized home equipment, medical devices, and at-home nursing services.

The Impact of Head Injuries

Head injuries can have profound and long-lasting effects on individuals, affecting their quality of life and requiring continuous support. In California, where the incidence of such injuries is notably high, the need for comprehensive care and resources is critical. This includes not only medical treatment but also various support systems to help manage daily living activities.

What Types of Care Are Needed?

Individuals with head injuries often need a range of medical care services. This can involve the use of advanced home medical equipment designed to assist with daily activities and monitor health conditions. Medical devices tailored to their specific needs may also be necessary, and in many cases, professional at-home nursing care becomes essential for ongoing support and management.

Each year, there are thousands of head injury hospitalizations in Irvine. Unfortunately, head injuries are one of the most common injuries associated with accidents like bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents.  If another person’s negligence caused your head injuries, you have the right to hold them responsible by filing a civil lawsuit in court. Our Irvine attorneys will take care of your civil lawsuit, while you focus on your head injury medical treatments.

How could I prove a head injury?

Head injuries can be particularly challenging to diagnose and prove, primarily because they are not always visible from the outside. Unlike broken bones, which often result in visible bruises or lacerations, head injuries may lack external physical signs. This makes it essential to involve multiple medical experts to accurately diagnose and substantiate such injuries.

Why Seek Immediate Medical Assistance After an Accident?

One of the first steps you should take following an accident is to seek medical attention immediately. Even if you do not feel any immediate symptoms of a head injury, medical professionals often inquire whether you lost consciousness or experienced a direct impact to your head. Head injuries can be complex and might not present symptoms right away, but delayed treatment can lead to severe, potentially permanent effects.

The Importance of Attending Follow-Up Appointments

A few weeks post-accident, it is crucial to adhere to your medical treatment and physical therapy appointments. Skipping these appointments can not only exacerbate your injuries but also weaken your personal injury case. Consistent medical care is vital for effective recovery and can significantly impact the overall outcome of your case.

Potential Future Medical Treatments

In some cases, head injuries may necessitate ongoing medical treatment. Severe head injuries might require specialized procedures, such as neurosurgery. Neurosurgery addresses critical issues like swelling or internal bleeding, offering a chance for recovery and mitigating long-term damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are head injuries hard to detect immediately?

A: Head injuries are often difficult to detect immediately because they may not show visible signs like bruises or cuts. Symptoms can be internal, requiring expert medical evaluation for accurate diagnosis.

Q: What are the risks of not treating a head injury right away?

A: Delaying treatment for a head injury can lead to serious complications, including permanent brain damage or cognitive impairments. Immediate medical attention helps prevent these severe outcomes.

Q: What types of medical treatments might be required for head injuries?

A: Depending on the severity, treatments can range from medication and physical therapy to more advanced procedures like neurosurgery to address issues like swelling or bleeding.

Who is responsible for my head injury accident in Irvine?

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, and the cause of the injuries, the parties responsible for your head injury lawsuit could differ. Below are some examples of different parties that could be held responsible in a head injury lawsuit.

• Other drivers: drivers who are driving negligently, such as bus drivers, motorcyclists, and bicyclists, could be at fault for your head injuries. When a driver fails to follow California Vehicle Code regulations, they increase the likelihood of being involved in an accident.
• Property owners: Landowners, property tenants, and business owners could be responsible for your head injuries in the event that you were injured on another person’s property. The most common example of this is a slip and fall accident and a trip and fall accident.
• Product manufacturers: If a defect in an object causes head injuries, a product manufacturer, product engineer, product designer, and product retailer could be held responsible under a product liability lawsuit. 
• Employers: If an employee of a company caused your head injuries, you have the right to hold the employer responsible for your head injury. But, you must prove that the employee was acting within the course and scope of their employment. For example, this is most commonly seen in Uber and Lyft accidents when the rideshare driver drives negligently and causes an accident.
• Government entities: In certain circumstances, the government entity, such as the Orange County Transportation Authority could be held responsible for head injuries. For example, if a bus driver who was employed by the Orange County Transportation Authority drove negligently, you have the right to seek recovery. 

When should I file my Irvine head injury lawsuit?

If you’ve sustained a head injury in Irvine, it’s crucial to understand the timeframe for filing a lawsuit to secure compensation. Irvine follows California’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which stipulates that victims have two years from the date of the accident to initiate legal action. This applies to various types of accidents, including slip and fall incidents, bus accidents, and bike accidents.

General Filing Deadlines

For most personal injury claims in Irvine, including those involving head injuries, you have a window of two years from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit. It’s essential to adhere to this timeline to ensure that your case is heard and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Q: What if I miss the two-year deadline?
If you fail to file within this period, you may forfeit your right to seek compensation. It’s vital to consult with a legal professional to ensure timely filing and avoid losing your chance for redress.

Claims Against Government Entities

If your head injury resulted from an accident involving a government entity, such as the Orange County Transportation Authority, the rules differ. In these cases, you must file a claim within six months of the incident. This shorter deadline underscores the importance of acting quickly and seeking legal advice promptly.

Q: Are there exceptions to the filing deadlines?
While the two-year and six-month deadlines are standard, there may be exceptions based on specific circumstances or factors affecting your case. Consulting with an experienced attorney can provide guidance tailored to your situation.

What do our Irvine head injury attorneys do?

Our skilled Irvine head injury attorneys begin by thoroughly evaluating your case. This involves a detailed review of the circumstances surrounding your injury, including medical records and accident reports. By understanding the specifics of your situation, we can build a strong foundation for your legal claim.

Determine the Responsible Parties

Next, our team identifies who is liable for your head injury. This could involve multiple parties, including individuals, organizations, or entities. We meticulously analyze all aspects of the case to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.

Assess the Value of Your Case

Determining the value of your case is a critical step in the legal process. Our attorneys assess the damages you have suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This helps us in seeking fair compensation for you.

File a Lawsuit

Once we have evaluated and valued your case, we will file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Our team handles all the legal paperwork and procedural requirements, ensuring that your case is presented effectively in court.

Manage Legal Paperwork

Managing legal paperwork is a complex and time-consuming process. Our attorneys take care of all necessary documentation, from filing claims to responding to court orders, so you can focus on your recovery.

Communicate and Negotiate

Effective communication and negotiation with insurance adjusters and other involved parties are crucial. Our attorneys represent your interests, negotiating on your behalf to achieve the best possible settlement.

Investigate the Cause of Your Accident

A thorough investigation into the cause of your accident is essential for building a strong case. Our team gathers evidence, consults experts, and conducts interviews to uncover all relevant details.

Represent Your Case in Trial

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys are prepared to represent your case in trial. We are committed to advocating for your rights and achieving justice for your head injury.

What are the signs of a head injury?

Symptoms of head injuries could vary depending on the person, but usually, general symptoms include:

• Loss of vision
• Inability to speak
• Loss of consciousness
• Unable to sleep
• Dilated pupils
• Numbness
• Vomiting
• Bleeding
• Seizures 

Could I file an insurance claim for my head injuries?

You could also file a claim with your insurance company or be negligent parties insurance company to get compensated. If you do not have an attorney, the adjusters will downplay their liability as much as possible. Keep in mind that insurance adjusters will always try to side with the insurance company so they can pay out as little as possible. 

Having a qualified head injury attorney in Irvine will help ease the process. Also, an attorney will be able to investigate the circumstances of your accident to piece together responsible and liable parties. 

What happens if the insurance company denies my claim?

After filing a claim with your insurance company, the insurance company could deny your claim, accept your claim, or partially accept your claim. If your insurance company denies your claim, you could appeal the decision. The appeals process could take a couple of months, and during this time, the insurance adjuster will need several different types of records and paperwork as proof of your expenses. Contact our attorneys today to get started on your insurance claim.

Could I receive compensation for a head injury in Irvine?

Yes, you could receive compensation for injuries suffered if it was caused by another party. The compensation you could receive is economic and non-economic damages. This includes damage to your vehicle, medical treatments, medical surgeries, emotional distress, and mental anguish. You could also recover punitive damages. Punitive damages are awarded by the courts In cases where the negligent party acted maliciously to bring about the harm. 

Call Our Irvine Head Injury Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been a victim of an accident that has led to head injuries, get in touch with our top-rated attorneys to schedule a free case evaluation. Our case evaluations are completely risk-free, and allow you the opportunity to get to know our top-rated and successful Irvine attorneys, while our attorneys get the opportunity to learn a little bit more about the details of your accident.