Reno Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys

Traumatic brain injuries are incredibly devastating, often resulting in severe physical and mental implications for victims. Both victims and their family members will face a number of new challenges, ranging from obtaining proper and adequate medical care to managing medical bills and day-to-day expenses to facing a lifetime of disability. The emotional consequences of a traumatic brain injury are nearly as debilitating as the physical effects.

At Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P., our Reno TBI lawyers understand what you and your family are going through. If you or someone you love suffered a brain injury as a result of another person or party’s negligence, we can help you file a catastrophic injury claim and seek fair compensation for your expenses and losses caused by the injury. Our traumatic brain injury lawyers in Reno are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and will do everything possible to secure justice on your behalf. With over 100 years of combined experience and millions of dollars recovered, our Reno brain injury attorneys have what it takes to effectively advocate for you.

Call Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. at (775) 227-2280 today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a member of our legal team. Speak to a TBI lawyer near you today!

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

There are several different types of brain injuries; a traumatic brain injury, as the name implies, occurs as a result of a traumatic accident or event that causes damage to the brain. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often result from serious car accidents, truck collisions, motorcycle crashes, pedestrian accidents, slip and falls, and other similar incidents. While they are technically classified as mild, moderate, or severe depending on how life-threatening they are, there is really no such thing as a minor TBI—all brain injuries are very serious and require immediate medical attention.

Common TBIs include:

• Concussions: A concussion occurs as a result of a severe jolt or blow to the head, which causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. This, in turn, causes the brain to move within the skull, which can lead to injury and brain damage. This movement can also lead to chemical changes in the brain, which may have any number of negative consequences.
• Contusion: “Contusion” is the medical term for a bruise; a brain contusion, therefore, is a bruise that forms on the brain. Typically, brain contusions occur alongside other TBIs, such as concussions. An impact or blow to the head causes blood vessels to burst, leading to blood pooling (bruising). In most cases, brain contusions heal on their own. In more severe cases, however, they will not heal and will require surgical removal.
• Coup-Contrecoup: A coup-contrecoup brain injury occurs when a blow to the head is so severe, it causes the brain to hit the opposing side of the skull. This results in two points of injury: one where the initial impact occurred, and one where the brain slammed against the inside of the skull. Coup-contrecoup injuries are often accompanied by other TBIs, such as brain contusions and concussions.
• Diffuse Axonal Injuries: When a sudden impact or blow causes the brain to rotate and move inside the skull, it can lead to shearing or tearing of the various connecting nerve fibers, called “axons,” on the brain. This is a very serious TBI and often leads to long-term brain damage and coma. Diffuse axonal injuries can be difficult to diagnose, as tears are often microscopic and, therefore, difficult to detect on CT scans and MRIs.
• Penetrating Injuries: While the above examples are all classified as “closed head injuries,” penetrating head injuries are known as “open head injuries” and are arguably the most obviously traumatic type of brain injury. When an outside object penetrates the skull and brain, the victim is likely to sustain massive damage and, in many cases, these injuries will be fatal.
• Hematoma (Brain Bleeding): A hematoma occurs when there is bleeding in or around the brain, often due to a traumatic injury. The accumulation of blood can put pressure on the brain, causing significant damage. There are several types of hematomas, including:
  • Epidural Hematoma: Bleeding between the skull and the brain's outer protective layer. This type often results from a blow to the head and may cause rapid onset of symptoms.
  • Subdural Hematoma: Bleeding between the brain and the layer of tissue covering the brain. This type is more common in falls or accidents where the brain is jolted. It may develop more slowly and can have delayed symptoms.
  • Intracerebral Hematoma: Bleeding within the brain tissue itself. This is a serious condition that may require surgery to relieve the pressure caused by the blood accumulation.

Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms

While different types of brain injuries will result in different symptoms, most share similar signs. Brain injury symptoms can be physical or cognitive in nature. It’s important to look out for both types of symptoms in the hours and days following a head injury or suspected head injury.

Physical symptoms of a brain injury include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Disorientation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Vision, balance, and speech problems
• Light/sound sensitivity
• Convulsions
• Seizures
• Dilated pupils
• Coordination problems
• Clear fluids draining from ears or nose
• Loss of feeling/function in extremities
• Coma

Cognitive symptoms of a brain injury include:

• Seeming dazed and/or confused
• Memory loss
• Inability to concentrate
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Changes in mood/behavior
• Marked confusion
• Agitation
• Anger
• Irritability

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms in yourself or someone else who you have reason to believe may have suffered a head injury, seek immediate medical attention.

Common Causes of Brain Injuries

According to the Mayo Clinic, brain injuries, whether traumatic or not, can be caused by a variety of different accidents, including but not limited to:

• Falls (whether from a great height or after slipping/tripping)
• Car, bicycle, motorcycle and truck accidents
• Assault or other forms of violence including domestic violence, child abuse, etc.
• Sports injuries (particularly in high-contact sports like football, soccer, boxing, hockey, etc.)
• Combat injuries or injuries from explosions including penetration from shrapnel or severe blows to the head

How We Can Help With Your Brain Injury Lawsuit

A traumatic brain injury will change your life, often for the worse. Although treatments are available, some victims will not recover completely. Others face a long, uphill battle paved with costly, time-consuming treatments and years of rehabilitation therapy.

At Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P., our Reno TBI lawyers believe that you should not have to simply face the consequences of another person’s negligence on your own—and the law agrees. If you were injured because another person, company, or entity was careless, reckless, or acted outside the law, you are entitled to take legal action to not only hold them accountable and recover compensation for your damages but also to help ensure that similar acts do not occur again in the future.

Contact Our Reno Brain Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation

After first ensuring that you/your loved one has received proper medical attention, your next step after a traumatic brain injury should be contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you understand your options and protect your rights. At Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P., our Reno traumatic brain injury lawyers are ready to guide you through this process and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. By preparing every case for trial, we are always prepared for the unexpected. We refuse to accept the insurance company’s first lowball settlement offer; instead, we will aggressively pursue the full recovery you deserve, even if that means representing you at trial.

Contact us online or call us at (775) 227-2280 to request a complimentary case evaluation with our traumatic brain injury attorneys in Reno. Se habla español.

Traumatic Brain Injury FAQS

1. How do I know if I have a case for brain injury compensation? If you have suffered a brain injury due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party, you may be entitled to compensation. It’s essential to consult with an experienced Reno brain injury lawyer who can evaluate the circumstances surrounding your injury and advise you on the best course of action.

2. What should I do if I suspect I have a brain injury? If you suspect you have sustained a brain injury, seek medical attention immediately. Even if the injury seems mild, it’s important to have a healthcare professional assess your condition. Symptoms of brain injury may not appear immediately, and early intervention can prevent complications.

3. How long do I have to file a brain injury lawsuit in Nevada? In Nevada, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including brain injuries, is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, it’s important to act quickly to ensure that crucial evidence is preserved, and to allow time for investigation and preparation. Consulting with an attorney as soon as possible is advisable.

4. How much is a brain injury claim worth? The value of a brain injury claim depends on various factors, including the severity of the injury, the long-term effects on your life, the medical expenses incurred, and your lost wages. Our attorneys can help you assess the value of your claim and work to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.

5. Will my case go to trial? While many brain injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, some cases may proceed to trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Our Reno TBI attorneys are experienced in both negotiation and litigation, and we will fight to secure the best possible outcome for you, whether through settlement or trial.

6. How long will it take to resolve my brain injury case? The duration of a brain injury case depends on various factors, such as the complexity of the injury, the cooperation of the parties involved, and the need for expert witnesses. While some cases may resolve quickly, others may take months or even years to reach a final resolution. We will keep you informed every step of the way.