Washington Brain Injury Lawyer | Calbom & Schwab Law Group

A serious head injury is one of the most devastating injuries a person can suffer. When the brain is affected, victims may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation, and in some cases, a full recovery may never be possible. Beyond the physical effects, there are significant emotional consequences. This can place immense strain on an entire family.

The experienced team of brain injury lawyers at Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC understands the profound impact that serious head injuries can have. For over 65 years, we have helped the people of Washington State, relieving financial strain and providing support for ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.

We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, and you can schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced brain injury attorneys. To speak with a member of our team, contact our law firm today. You can also call us at (509) 765-1851.

Common Causes of Brain Injuries

Head trauma can occur in many different situations, and understanding how the injury happened is an important first step in pursuing brain injury compensation. Some of the most common causes our brain injury attorneys see include the following.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slips, trips, and falls are the leading cause of brain injuries in Washington State. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, or icy conditions can lead to serious head trauma. These accidents often occur in workplaces, on business premises, or in public spaces.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car accidents, semi-truck collisions, and motorcycle crashes are a major source of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Even minor accidents can cause concussions or more severe brain injuries, especially if safety restraints are not properly used.

Workplace and Farm-Related Injuries

Washington’s hardworking communities, including farm and ranch workers and construction workers, face a higher risk of serious brain injuries. Heavy machinery, falling tools, and unsafe job conditions often contribute to these life-changing injuries and may form the basis of a brain injury lawsuit in Washington.

Struck by Objects or Collisions

Being struck by falling objects or debris is a common cause of serious brain injuries in Washington. These incidents can occur when materials, tools, or construction debris fall from buildings, scaffolding, or other elevated surfaces in public areas. Even a seemingly minor impact can cause significant brain damage, especially if the force is sudden or involves heavy objects.

Other Accidents and Assaults

Less common causes of serious head injuries in Washington include sports injuries, boating accidents, or assaults. While these may account for fewer cases, they can still result in significant brain injuries with long-term consequences.

Whatever the cause, establishing negligence is essential. At Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC, our brain injury attorneys have extensive experience investigating these incidents and identifying the factors that led to your injury. Our goal is to ensure that your head injury compensation fully reflects the impact on your life, both now and in the future.

Types of Brain Injuries and Their Symptoms

Brain injuries vary widely in severity and long-term impact. Understanding the type of brain injury you have suffered, along with its immediate and lasting consequences, is crucial for your brain injury claim.

Our Washington brain injury lawyers take a people-first approach to every case, carefully navigating both the legal and medical complexities to ensure you receive compensation that fully reflects your losses. The following overview highlights the most common brain injuries we handle.

Concussions

Concussions are the most common type of brain injury. They occur when the brain experiences a sudden impact or jolt, often from a fall, car accident, or workplace incident. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and mood changes. While most people recover quickly from a concussion, repeated or severe concussions can have long-term consequences.

Contusions and Hematomas

A contusion is a bruise on the brain caused by a direct impact. Contusions can range from mild to severe and may lead to hematomas, which are blood clots that put pressure on the brain. Symptoms can include confusion, slurred speech, nausea, and loss of consciousness. These injuries often require immediate medical attention and sometimes surgery.

Penetrating Injuries

Penetrating brain injuries occur when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain. These injuries are often severe and may result in permanent physical, cognitive, or emotional impairments. Surgical intervention is usually required, and long-term rehabilitation is common.

Anoxic or Hypoxic Brain Injuries

Anoxic brain injuries happen when the brain is deprived of oxygen. This can result from near-drowning, suffocation, or complications during medical procedures. Symptoms vary depending on how long the brain was without oxygen and may include cognitive impairment, memory loss, difficulty speaking, and changes in behavior.

Closed-Head Injuries and Skull Fractures

Closed-head injuries occur when the skull remains intact, but the brain is shaken or bruised. Skull fractures, on the other hand, involve a break in the skull bone, which can sometimes lead to additional brain injury. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light, and neurological deficits.

Severity Levels and Symptoms of a Brain Injury

Brain injuries are typically classified as mild, moderate, or severe:

Mild Brain Injuries: Symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes.
Moderate Brain Injuries: Symptoms may last for months or become permanent. Victims may experience cognitive, behavioral, and physical impairments.
Severe Brain Injuries: These injuries can result in coma, long-term disability, or death. Recovery may be partial, and life-altering challenges often remain.

Our compassionate team of brain injury lawyers in Washington understands that every brain injury is unique. That is why we take a personalized approach to each case. We are highly respected throughout Washington State and work closely with regional medical experts to thoroughly document your injuries and their long-term effects. This careful approach allows us to pursue the maximum possible compensation in your brain injury claim.

The True Impact of a Brain Injury on You and Your Family

A serious brain injury can affect every part of your life, including your physical and emotional well-being, your ability to work, and your overall quality of life. It can also place a significant burden on your family.

At Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC, we understand just how life-changing these injuries can be, and we work tirelessly to ensure that your Washington brain injury claim fully reflects your losses. Common lasting consequences of a severe brain injury include:

Effects on the Body and Mind: Disrupted brain function, even with mild injuries, can lead to balance and coordination issues, memory problems, speech difficulties, chronic headaches, dizziness, sleep disturbances, and sensitivity to light or sound.
Short-Term and Long-Term Challenges: Short-term symptoms may appear immediately after the injury, including confusion, fatigue, headaches, or mood changes. Long-term effects can develop over time, such as cognitive impairments, slower processing, memory difficulties, and challenges with daily activities or maintaining independence.
Emotional Impacts: Brain injuries often cause anxiety, depression, irritability, and personality changes, which can strain relationships with family, friends, and coworkers.
Work and Financial Consequences: Many head trauma victims experience reduced earning potential or inability to return to their previous job, resulting in lost wages and long-term financial stress. Compensation must reflect both immediate and ongoing losses.
Impact on Families and Caregivers: Loved ones may need to provide ongoing care, adjust daily routines, and take on additional responsibilities, creating emotional and physical strain.

Given our close professional relationships with medical experts in Washington State, the brain injury attorneys at Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC, can accurately assess the treatments you may need and the long-term consequences of your injury. This allows us to pursue personal injury compensation that reflects the full scope of your trauma, including its impact on your livelihood and family life.

When Negligent Actions Lead to Brain Injuries

Numerous negligent acts can lead to brain injuries. To succeed in a brain injury claim in Washington, you must show that someone owed you a duty of care, that they breached that duty, and that the breach directly caused your injuries. Below are some of the most common examples of negligence in brain injury cases.

Premises Liability

Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions. Slips, trips, and falls caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces, or unsafe walkways can lead to serious brain injuries.

Distracted or Impaired Driving

Drivers who are texting, using their phones, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs put others at risk. Brain injuries caused by car, truck, or motorcycle accidents are often preventable and result from negligent driving.

Unsafe Workplaces

Employers are required to provide safe working conditions. Accidents involving heavy machinery, falling objects, or inadequate safety measures can lead to serious brain injuries, especially in construction, farming, and industrial settings.

Defective Products

Manufacturers and distributors must ensure their products are safe. Defective machinery, faulty tools, or dangerous consumer products can cause brain injuries when they fail unexpectedly.

At Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC, we investigate every angle of your case. If negligent actions caused your injuries, we will identify the responsible parties and hold them accountable by pursuing the maximum compensation allowed under Washington personal injury laws.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Injury Claims

Dealing with a serious brain injury can be overwhelming, and the last thing you should worry about is navigating complex legal processes. Our Washington brain injury attorneys are committed to handling all aspects of your case, from negotiating with insurers to pursuing a lawsuit if necessary. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about brain injuries to help put your mind at ease.

What should I do immediately after suffering a head injury?

All head injuries should be treated as medical emergencies. Even if you feel okay after an accident, it is essential to be evaluated by a doctor. Traumatic brain injuries can be dangerous because symptoms are not always immediately obvious, and medical scans are often the only way to determine the full extent of the injury.

Once your immediate health needs are addressed, you can focus on gathering evidence to support your brain injury claim. The dedicated team at Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC, can help collect CCTV footage, witness statements, police reports, and any other information that will strengthen your case and ensure your claim fully reflects your losses.

How long do I have to file a brain injury claim in Washington?

Brain injury claims in Washington are time-sensitive. The statute of limitations means most cases must be filed within three years of the accident. For claims involving government entities, the deadline is often just six months. Regardless of the deadline, it’s best to speak with our Washington brain injury lawyers as soon as possible.

Is it possible to settle my brain injury case without going to court?

If the insurance company is cooperative and the responsible party admits liability, your brain injury claim can often be resolved without going to court. However, if these conditions are not met, litigation may be necessary. The brain injury attorneys at Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC, always aim to find the most efficient solution, but never at the expense of securing the full compensation you deserve.

What types of brain injury compensation can I receive in Washington?

You may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses, such as treatment, rehabilitation, and future care.
Lost wages, including income lost during recovery or reduced earning potential.
Pain and suffering, which refers to the physical and emotional impact of the injury.
Long-term care associated with ongoing assistance for permanent disabilities.

At Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC, we pursue every possible avenue to ensure your compensation fully reflects the impact of your injuries.

Contact Our Washington Brain Injury Attorneys Today

You don’t have to face serious brain injury litigation on your own. We’re here to listen and we’re more than ready to offer our help. If you’re unable to meet us in person because of your injuries, just let us known and we can travel to meet with you. For a free consultation with our experienced Washington brain injury lawyers, contact our law firm today. You can also call Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC at (509) 765-1851.