TBI Types & Symptoms

Traumatic brain injury spans a wide range of severity. A mild TBI, commonly called a concussion, can produce lasting cognitive effects even when the person appears functional. More serious classifications include contusion, diffuse axonal injury caused by rapid acceleration or deceleration forces, coup-contrecoup injury, intracranial hemorrhage, and penetrating injury.

Symptoms vary but often include headache, disorientation, nausea, memory loss, sleep disturbance, fatigue, vision problems, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating. One of the most difficult aspects of brain injury cases is that serious effects may not emerge until days or weeks after the incident, and the injured person is frequently the last to recognize how significantly they’ve been affected. That delayed presentation is exactly why prompt medical evaluation after any head impact matters, even when you feel functional at the scene.

How Brain Injury Claims Work in Modesto

Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, injured claimants generally have two years from the date of injury to file suit. Exceptions may apply when the injury wasn’t immediately apparent, but delay creates risk. Consulting an attorney promptly can protect your right to recover. Claims are filed in Stanislaus County Superior Court.

Strong TBI claims require neurological evaluations, imaging results, treating physician records, neuropsychological testing, and clear documentation of how the injury affects work and daily functioning. When standard imaging appears normal, consistent medical follow-up and neuropsychological testing build the record that counters insurer arguments that the injury is minor or unrelated to the accident. The process moves from investigation and evidence gathering through insurer negotiation and, when necessary, litigation.

Questions Brain Injury Clients Often Ask

What Should I Do Immediately After a Head Injury?

Seek medical evaluation as soon as possible after any accident involving a blow to the head. Early evaluation protects your health and establishes a documented timeline that supports a future claim. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen before seeing a doctor.

Can I Still Have a Claim If My Imaging Showed Nothing Abnormal?

Yes. A TBI claim can be valid even when CT or MRI results appear normal. Consistent symptom reporting, neuropsychological testing, and documented functional limitations can support a strong claim when standard imaging doesn’t show the full picture. Insurers routinely use normal imaging as a basis to dispute or undervalue claims. That’s a tactic, not a legal bar to recovery.

How Does the Contingency Fee Work?

We collect no fee unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront legal costs and no obligation after a free consultation. Call (415) 275-3008 to discuss your situation with our firm and understand your options without any financial commitment.