Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can change a person’s life immediately. A car accident, workplace incident, or fall can damage the brain and affect how a person thinks, moves, and feels. If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury because of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to pursue compensation. You may be able to recover damages for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Tamaki Law helps TBI victims throughout Bellevue and Washington pursue compensation related to their injuries. Call (425) 679-6421 today for a free consultation.
Why Choose Tamaki Law for Your Traumatic Brain Injury Claim
When you hire Tamaki Law, you work with attorneys who handle brain injury cases. The firm’s Washington brain injury page states that its attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases and that the firm has represented accident victims since 1994. The firm states that it takes most cases on contingency, so clients do not have to pay upfront legal fees or costs. Tamaki Law has been recognized with awards for its work in personal injury law.
The Bellevue office is listed as appointment only at 2200 112th Ave. NE, Suite 200-A, Bellevue, WA 98004. Tamaki Law states that it reviews accident details, investigates claims, and works to pursue compensation in injury cases.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force causes the brain to move inside the skull or causes skull damage that harms the brain. TBIs can range from mild to severe, and their effects may be temporary or long term.
Types of TBI include closed head injuries and penetrating injuries. In a closed head injury, the skull remains intact while the brain moves inside the skull. In a penetrating injury, an object pierces the skull and brain tissue. Severity can range from a mild concussion to more serious injuries involving prolonged loss of consciousness or other significant impairment.
The brain controls movement, memory, emotion, and decision-making. When a TBI damages brain tissue, those functions can be disrupted. Common causes of brain injury in Washington include motor vehicle accidents, falls, construction accidents, assaults, defective products, and other traumatic events.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Bellevue
Motor vehicle accidents are identified by the firm as a common cause of brain injuries. Falls, including slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall incidents, are also listed among common causes.
The firm’s source page also lists construction accidents, assaults, falling objects, defective products, dangerous drugs, nursing home abuse, and medical malpractice as potential causes of brain injuries. Workplace injuries that result in head trauma may also lead to TBI claims.
Symptoms and Long-term Effects of TBI
Common symptoms listed on the firm’s brain injury page include anxiety, balance issues, blurry vision, difficulty thinking or concentrating, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headaches, light or noise sensitivity, irritability, and changes in energy or sleep. Some people may also experience memory problems, mood changes, or other cognitive difficulties after a head injury.
The source page states that untreated brain injuries can result in physical impairment, disability, or death, and that severe brain injuries may lead to long-term physical or mental disabilities. Many people with serious brain injuries may need ongoing medical treatment and support. Spinal cord injuries often occur alongside TBIs and may compound recovery challenges.
How Tamaki Law Helps Tbi Victims Pursue Compensation
Tamaki Law states that it reviews the facts of an injury case, investigates the cause of the injury, and determines who may be financially responsible. Depending on the circumstances, the firm may pursue an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
The source page lists potential damages such as medical costs, lost wages, lost future earnings, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and property damage. Understanding what compensation covers is important for evaluating your claim.
Traumatic Brain Injury Claims and Settlements
In Washington, a TBI claim may involve economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life, depending on the facts of the case. The firm page discusses compensation categories, but it does not provide settlement averages or value ranges for mild, moderate, or severe TBI cases.
Because the source page does not list sample settlement amounts, the dollar-value estimates have been removed. The source page does support a three-year filing deadline for certain brain-injury-related claims, including wrongful death claims arising from a brain injury, and the firm’s Washington injury pages also reference a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury actions in Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traumatic Brain Injuries
How long does a traumatic brain injury claim take?
The timeline depends on the severity of the injury, the available evidence, the disputed issues, and whether the matter resolves through settlement or litigation. Understanding case timelines helps set realistic expectations for your claim.
What is the average settlement for a TBI?
There is no fixed settlement amount for a traumatic brain injury claim. Case value may depend on factors such as medical expenses, lost income, the effect of the injury on daily life, and the available evidence. Evaluating your case value requires careful analysis of all damages.
Do I need a lawyer for a traumatic brain injury claim?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer to pursue a claim. However, traumatic brain injury cases often involve substantial medical evidence, questions about future care, and disputed liability issues. Legal representation can help protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
What evidence is needed to prove a TBI claim?
Relevant evidence may include medical records, imaging studies, medical bills, proof of lost income, witness statements, police reports when applicable, and other documentation related to how the injury happened. The firm page also indicates that investigation into the cause of the injury is an important part of the case.
Can I still file a claim if the accident was partially my fault?
Washington personal injury cases generally apply comparative negligence principles. A person who is partially at fault may still be able to recover damages, although the recovery can be reduced based on that person’s share of fault. Understanding comparative negligence helps clarify your recovery options.
What should I do immediately after a traumatic brain injury?
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if symptoms seem minor at first. It is also helpful to document the incident, preserve records, and gather available evidence such as photographs and witness information. Speaking with an attorney early may also help preserve evidence and clarify legal options.
Contact Tamaki Law for Your Free Consultation
If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury in Bellevue or elsewhere in Washington, contact Tamaki Law to discuss your legal options. The firm offers a free consultation and states that it takes most cases on contingency, so there are no upfront legal fees or costs in most matters.
The Bellevue office is located at 2200 112th Ave. NE, Suite 200-A, Bellevue, WA 98004, by appointment only. Call (425) 679-6421 today.