Established in 1972, Tronfeld West & Durrett brings to the table over 50 years of legal expertise with personal injury cases in Virginia. Our lawyers specialize in handling cases like yours, where negligence has led to life-altering injuries such as TBIs. We focus on delivering results that matter to you, ensuring your rights are upheld during the whole legal process.

Have You Suffered a TBI Due to Negligent Action in Chesterfield? Trust Our Lawyers with 50 Years of Experience

If you’ve experienced a traumatic brain injury in Chesterfield due to someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation under Virginia’s law.

Recovering damages in Virginia requires proving that another party’s recklessness directly caused your injury and, to achieve this, is crucial to get legal advice. The attorneys at our office in Chesterfield are well-equipped to assist you in this process, ensuring your case is handled with the attention it deserves. Specifically, we can provide:

  • Legal expertise: We are well-versed in personal injury law, considering how both state-wide and local regulations impact your case. Our team understands the nuances of Virginia’s legal system and how to leverage them to effectively solve your case.
  • Investigation: Additionally, we conduct comprehensive investigations to collect evidence and establish liability. This includes consulting with medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and eyewitnesses to build a compelling case that gets you financially restored.
  • Negotiation: Our team has extensive experience in negotiating with insurance companies. We aim to secure a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your losses, managing all communications on your behalf.
  • Litigation: If your case goes to trial, our lawyers will represent you vigorously in court and strive for the maximum compensation possible before a judge and jury.

At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we’re committed to delivering tailored legal services that focus on your specific needs and circumstances. With a history of successful case results on our backs, we aim to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve to move forward with your life.

For answers to your questions about a traumatic brain injury in Chesterfield, call:
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Cases When Negligence Causes Catastrophic Injuries Such as TBIs

Traumatic brain injuries are a significant public health concern, and this type of catastrophic injury affects thousands of individuals in the United States each year.

According to the Brain Injury Association of Virginia, TBIs are a major cause of death and disability, with over 69,000 TBI-related deaths occurring in the US each year. Moreover, in Virginia, the leading causes of TBI-related death are firearms, motor vehicle accidents, and falls, according to Virginia Commonwealth University.

We know the causes of accidents that cause TBIs are varied, but when these injuries are a result of negligence, the need for legal intervention becomes critical. Our experience spans a range of causes, including:

We can help you with any case, no matter its complexity. Our team of attorneys is large enough to handle any case while maintaining an approach tailored to each individual’s unique situation.

Common Types of Severe Head Injuries

In our decades of experience, we have seen how traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can range in severity and have long-lasting effects on the victims and their families. Overall, these are the most common types of brain injuries:

Concussion

A concussion is the most common form of TBI and occurs when the brain is shaken or jolted inside the skull, usually due to a blow to the head or a violent body impact. While concussions are often classified as mild, they can lead to serious symptoms such as confusion, headaches, memory issues, and in some cases, loss of consciousness.

Contusion

A brain contusion is essentially a bruise on the brain tissue caused by a direct impact to the head. Contusions can result in localized bleeding and swelling within the brain. In severe cases, the bleeding may require surgical intervention to alleviate pressure on the brain.

These injuries can cause cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments depending on their severity.

Hematoma

Hematomas are blood clots that form due to ruptured blood vessels in the brain. There are several types of hematomas related to TBIs:

  • Epidural hematoma: Occurs when blood accumulates between the skull and the dura mater (the brain’s outer covering), often resulting from trauma.
  • Subdural hematoma: Involves blood pooling between the dura mater and the brain’s surface, typically following a severe blow to the head.
  • Intracerebral hematoma: Refers to bleeding within the brain itself, which can result in significant damage and may require immediate medical attention.

Skull Fracture

A skull fracture occurs when the skull bone is broken due to trauma. This type of injury may or may not penetrate the brain tissue. The main types include:

  • Linear skull fracture: A simple break in the bone without displacement.
  • Depressed skull fracture: A portion of the skull is pushed inward, potentially causing pressure on the brain.
  • Basilar skull fracture: A break at the base of the skull, often leading to more serious complications, such as fluid leakage or nerve damage.

Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)

It occurs when the brain’s nerve fibers are damaged due to rapid acceleration or deceleration forces, often seen in car accidents or falls. DAI can lead to widespread brain damage, prolonged unconsciousness, and even coma, making recovery challenging.

Brain Edema (Swelling)

Brain edema, or swelling of the brain, occurs when excess fluid accumulates inside the brain, leading to increased intracranial pressure. If untreated, this pressure can cause permanent damage to the brain tissue and may require emergency medical intervention, including surgery, to relieve the pressure.

A Chesterfield traumatic brain injury lawyer at Tronfeld West & Durrett can help assess the impact of your injury and fill a traumatic brain injury claim to secure compensation.

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Signs of Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries can manifest a wide range of symptoms, varying based on the injury’s severity and location. Early recognition of these signs is crucial—not only for seeking prompt medical attention but also for ensuring you can pursue legal action against the negligent party responsible for the TBI-causing accident.

Here are some of the common signs and symptoms associated with TBIs:

Physical Symptoms

  • Headaches: Persistent or worsening headaches are often one of the first symptoms of a TBI.
  • Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms may develop soon after the injury and can persist, especially in more severe cases.
  • Dizziness and balance issues: People with TBIs frequently experience problems with balance, light-headedness, or vertigo.
  • Fatigue and drowsiness: A general feeling of exhaustion or increased need for sleep is common following a brain injury.
  • Vision problems: Blurred vision, double vision, and sensitivity to light are frequent symptoms that can affect daily activities.
  • Seizures: In more serious TBIs, seizures may occur and require immediate medical attention.

Cognitive Symptoms

  • Confusion or disorientation: Difficulty understanding what is happening or recognizing familiar people and places is a typical sign of cognitive impairment after a TBI.
  • Memory problems: Short-term memory loss, trouble concentrating, or difficulty making decisions are often reported by individuals with TBIs.
  • Loss of consciousness: A TBI can cause brief or prolonged unconsciousness, depending on the severity of the injury.

Behavioral and Emotional Symptoms

  • Mood swings: Increased irritability, anger, or sadness can follow a TBI as the injury affects the brain’s emotional centers.
  • Anxiety or depression: Emotional changes, including heightened anxiety or depressive episodes, are common among those recovering from a brain injury.
  • Emotional instability: Some individuals may experience erratic mood swings or exaggerated emotional responses, which can impact personal relationships and daily functioning.

Signs in Children

Children may display different symptoms of a TBI compared to adults, making it vital for parents to recognize the signs, which may include:

  • Changes in eating or sleeping patterns.
  • Unexplained crying or irritability.
  • Loss of interest in favorite activities or toys.
  • Difficulty focusing or sudden changes in behavior.

Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

If any of the following danger signs appear, it is essential to seek emergency medical care immediately:

  • Worsening headache that does not subside.
  • Repeated vomiting or nausea.
  • Slurred speech or unusual behaviors.
  • One pupil being larger than the other.
  • Difficulty waking up or reduced responsiveness.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms following an accident, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention. Consulting with an experienced Chesterfield traumatic brain injury lawyer can also help you navigate the legal complexities of TBI cases and secure the compensation you deserve.

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How Do You Prove Traumatic Brain Injury in Virginia?

Proving a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Virginia hinges on demonstrating that another’s negligence directly led to the injury. At the same time, this requires a comprehensive understanding of the legal requirements and standards of evidence, as well as establishing negligence, causation, and damages to build a strong case. This process is crucial in personal injury cases because it establishes your right to compensation.

In cases of medical malpractice, for instance, and according to Virginia Code § 8.01-581.1, proving negligence involves establishing that a healthcare provider failed to adhere to the appropriate standard of care and that this failure was the cause of the injury.

In such cases, our lawyers collaborate with medical experts to analyze the care provided and identify any deviations from accepted medical practices.

We Can Help You Cover All the Damages from the Accident

In personal injury cases, such as those involving traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), damages refer to monetary compensations awarded to individuals who’ve suffered harm due to the negligence or wrongful actions of others. These compensations help victims to manage the financial burdens that come with serious injuries. Damages include:

Medical Expenses

These include costs for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation therapies, and any ongoing medical care. Our approach involves a detailed assessment of all your medical bills and projected future medical needs to ensure your compensation covers the entire spectrum of your healthcare expenses.

Lost Wages and Income

TBIs can significantly impact your ability to work, leading to lost wages and, in some cases, a diminished capacity to earn in the future. We meticulously calculate these losses, considering your current income, potential future earnings, and the impact of your injury on your career trajectory.

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the non-economic impact of your injury, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. These damages are subjective and require a nuanced approach to valuation.

Long-Term Consequences of TBIs

Long-term symptoms of a TBI can drastically alter an individual’s ability to work, maintain relationships, and perform everyday tasks. Many victims experience persistent cognitive issues, such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and slower mental processing. These challenges can make it difficult to return to their previous job or engage in activities that require focus and decision-making.

In addition to cognitive impairments, TBIs can lead to profound emotional and behavioral changes. Many people experience mood swings, increased irritability, anxiety, or depression, which can further complicate recovery and strain personal relationships. Physical complications, such as chronic headaches, motor skill impairments, or even seizures, can also arise, requiring ongoing medical treatment and therapy.

If you or a loved one is dealing with these life-altering impacts, consulting with us is crucial to securing compensation for the continued care and support you need. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we are committed to helping TBI victims recover the resources necessary for their long-term recovery.

Our Chesterfield Attorneys Can Maximize Your Recovery for a TBI. No Fee Unless We Win Your Case

At Tronfeld West & Durrett, we take a structured approach to recovering all damages caused by the accident. We start by gathering all relevant evidence, collaborating with medical professionals to understand the full extent of your injuries, and with financial experts to project future costs and losses. This way, we can accurately assess the full impact of your injury to determine a fair compensation amount to claim for.

For example, one of the TBI cases we handled in Chesterfield involved a severe car accident. The plaintiff, a 61-year-old individual, was involved in a head-on collision caused by another driver losing control of their vehicle. The accident led to ongoing cognitive deficits due to the injuries sustained. In this case, our team successfully secured a $725,000 settlement that reflected the severity of the injuries and their impact on the plaintiff’s life. As we did in this case, we work to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible under Virginia’s law, allowing you to move forward after a life-altering injury such as a TBI.

If you have a similar case, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an initial screening call and discuss your TBI case with expert lawyers, with no upfront costs or financial risk.

Call or text 804-560-5550 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form

What Are the Most Common Types of Personal Injury Claims?

Automobile accidents are, by far, the most common type of personal injury claim. There are more than 17,250 car accidents every day in the United States, and many of those accidents are the direct result of negligence or carelessness on the part of a driver. Auto accidents can cause injuries that result in lifelong medical issues and pain. Therefore, holding the careless driver responsible is extremely important.