A traumatic brain injury from an accident can be life-changing, causing a permanent disability and significant hardship for the victim and his or her loved ones. If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury caused by another’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
Phillips Law Group’s traumatic brain injury lawyers in Phoenix understand the difficulties brain injury victims suffer. We have helped obtain adequate compensation for many personal injury victims, including more than $7 million in damages for a client who suffered a brain injury after a motorcycle accident. We will not hesitate to pursue maximum compensation for your case.
Contact Our Brain Injury Attorneys
Contact our firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We can review your claim and determine your legal options. Our dedicated Phoenix traumatic brain injury attorneys have years of knowledge and experience to put to use for your case. All of our services are provided on a contingency fee basis, which means you will not be charged any fees unless we help you recover adequate compensation.
The dedicated attorneys at our firm are prepared to help with brain injury cases caused by auto accidents, motorcycle collisions, bus or train accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice, and more. Our Phoenix traumatic brain injury lawyers can help obtain the compensation you need and the justice you deserve.
Currently in the United States, every 20 seconds someone is suffering from a traumatic brain injury, of which many of these people are involved in an automobile accident. Picture this; you are driving your car at 70 mile per hour on the highway and you are struck by another car, this causes your brain to instantly fly into your skull at 70 miles per hour. This sort of impact can cause blood vessels to tear resulting in uncontrollable bleeding of these blood vessels. Uncontrollable bleeding of the blood vessels in the brain will cause the pressure to build up preventing the brain from functioning properly. This may cause the person to lose control of their breathing and heart rate thus resulting in a life or death situation. There are two primary types of traumatic brain injuries:
Penetrating Injuries
These injuries are caused by a foreign object entering the brain and causing damage to specific area. As different areas are damaged, each person may experience different symptoms.
Closed Head Injuries
These injuries are caused by a blow to the head and are most common in automobile accidents. These injuries can cause two types of brain damage:
- Primary Brain Damage
- Skull fracture
- Contusions (bruises)
- Hematomas (blood clots)
- Lacerations
- Nerve damage
- Secondary Brain Damage
- Brain edema (swelling)/li>
- Increased pressure
- Epilepsy
- Intracranial infection
- Fever
- Hematoma (blood clots)
- Low or high blood pressure
- Lower sodium
- Anemia
- High or low carbon dioxide
- Abnormal blood coagulation
- Changes in heart rate
- Changes in breathing
If you have been involved in an automobile accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury, you may be entitled to compensation. At Philips Law Group we have years of knowledge and experience to put to use for you today. By completing and submitting the form on this page, you will be made eligible for a free case evaluation from our prestigious lawyers.
Physical and Communication Problems After TBI
If you or someone you love is suffering from a traumatic brain injury, you may notice certain symptoms. Typically the physical symptoms associated with a traumatic brain injury include ringing of the ears, headaches, loss of hearing, seizures, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, low sense of taste or smell, blurred vision, and reduced strength and coordination. Unfortunately traumatic brain injuries can also cause many cognitive and communication problems as well. These problems may vary depending on the severity and location of the brain damage. Many TBI survivors have trouble expressing their ideas, so it may take a lot of effort for them to understand what is being spoken to them. It is also common for these people to have difficulty with communicating socially. Some common communication problems may include:
- Taking turns during conversations
- Staying on topic of conversations
- Using correct tone of voice
- Unable to determine subtleties of conversation
- Unable to recognize facial expressions or body language
- Keeping up with a fast paced conversation
Individuals could seem like they are overreacting or emotionless during a conversation, which can be very frustrating to family and friends who know this person prior to the accident. At Philips Law Group we understand how frustrating this may be and offer our legal assistance in any way possible to help you in your time of need.
How is TBI Diagnosed?
Severity of traumatic brain injuries is determined by a neuropsychological assessment. A neuropsychological assessment is a task oriented assessment that evaluates human brain behavior. This assessment evaluates both higher cognitive functions along with the basic sensory motor process. A neuropsychologist will review everything from case history to hospital records then interview the accident victim along with their family regarding what the individual was like before the injury. Testing for TBI typically includes evaluation of the following:
- Attention span
- Orientation
- Memory
- Concentration
- Language
- New learning
- Mathematical reasoning skills
- Special perception
- Organizational and abstract thinking skills
- Problem solving skills
- Social judgment skills
- Motor abilities
- Sensory awareness
- Emotional characteristics
- Psychological adjustments
Once doctors have gathered the results from these tests they will determine the proper treatment plan for individual including therapy and support from family and friends. Family and friends should also be aware that these peoples abilities may remain unchanged depending on the severity of the brain injury.
Contact an Experienced Attorney
Traumatic brain injuries can result in dozens of medical bills and typically require a lot of recovery time. If you or a loved one is suffering from a traumatic brain injury from an automobile accident, you could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering. Contact a personal injury lawyer today to begin exploring your legal options. The experienced Phoenix personal injury attorneys at Phillip Law Group have years of knowledge and experience to handle every type of automobile accident claims. To schedule your free case analysis, fill out the form on this page or give us a call at 602-222-2222 and get started today.
Having skilled help brings peace of mind. From having a cavity filled to being taught a foreign language, people feel most comfortable receiving services from someone with a long record of success. That’s also true when it comes to getting legal help. And if you’re looking specifically for a brain injury lawyer, you’ve come to the right place. Getting treatment for a brain injury would make anyone nervous. You want the best possible care for yourself or your loved one. Yet, you might need the support of an experienced brain injury lawyer to ensure you get the compensation you need to pay for treatment. Phillips Law Group provides free legal information for Arizona residents and visitors. Call us at (602) 222-2222 today to schedule your personalized brain injury consultation.
Getting a Brain Injury Lawyer – Why Location Matters
Most people want a lawyer nearby for convenience. They might need to consult their attorneys frequently, and a law firm not too far away might make the entire legal process easier. Our compassionate lawyers realize that accidents are stressful. Traveling long distances could add more pressure. Such a trip would be impossible for some with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). We welcome visitors to our offices located in:
Since our clients are our top priority, we make house calls and hospital visits when necessary. However, convenience is not the only reason to choose a local lawyer.
State-imposed deadlines
All 50 states limit the time you have to bring legal actions for different types of lawsuits and civil actions. These deadlines vary from state to state. Therefore, any lawyer you hire must meet the statute of limitations corresponding to where your brain injury occurred. In Arizona, the deadline is 2 years for many types of brain injury cases, such as those involving medical malpractice. To determine how long you have to file a lawsuit based on your specific circumstances, click the “Live Chat” button at the bottom of your screen for more information.
Damage caps
A damage cap limits the amount of money you can receive from a civil lawsuit. Suppose your brain injury resulted from an accident with a defective product in Arizona, and another person living in Colorado suffered identical injuries while using the same product. Since Colorado caps non-economic damages, their courts might award less compensation than Arizona courts. If your lawyer does not understand damage caps, how could he or she negotiate for you? If you reject a settlement based on bad advice, your case could drag on unnecessarily, costing you additional legal fees and reducing the amount you win.
Awareness of the local legal environment
The authority to interpret and apply laws in a particular location is called jurisdiction. In any given state, several local judges, courts, and law enforcement agencies might handle legal matters. These entities might be conservative, moderate, or liberal, and knowledgeable lawyers will consider these factors in how they present a case. Phillips Law Group is one of the largest consumer law firms in Arizona. Our attorneys are experienced, confident, aggressive, and successful – because we know how the law works in our jurisdictions.
Choosing a Brain Injury Lawyer in Your Area
If you were hiring someone to take care of your lawn, you could find various options listed in a phone directory or an online search engine. However, you will have no guarantee that the person is honest, trustworthy, or skilled at his or her job. After all, picking anything at random is risky. You could get lucky or end up with someone who ruins your landscaping. While trial-and-error hiring might suffice for a basic service, the work of a brain injury lawyer is too impactful to take a chance on someone with questionable credentials. Some of the methods described in the subsequent sections could help you find a good local lawyer.
Referrals
About 1.5 million Americans sustain a TBI each year, resulting in:
- 50,000 deaths
- 230,000 hospitalizations
- 80,000 to 90,000 survivors who experience long-term disabilities
The population of the United States is over 331 million. Viewed in that context, TBIs are a somewhat rare occurrence. Many of our satisfied clients tell their family and friends about us. Though referrals can be an effective way to learn about the quality of products and services, finding someone who has personally interacted with brain injury lawyers can be challenging. Why not check out our client reviews? These can help you learn about our services from people with firsthand experience and situations like yours.
Consultations
Once you get a referral or locate a lawyer with excellent testimonials from previous clients, you can set up a face-to-face meeting. A law firm might refer to these as case reviews, evaluations, or interviews. Ask about the issues that concern you, including:
- How long the law firm has been in practice
- Whether the firm is undergoing disciplinary action
- What fees the firm charges
Check the prices before you schedule your appointment. At Phillips Law Group, the initial consultation is always free, but some law firms might charge you hidden fees.
Case results
Another way to assess candidates is to look at their track records. Case results can tell you a lot about a law firm, including:
- Transparency: Trustworthiness strongly correlates with honesty and openness. Sharing case results demonstrates that a law firm has nothing to hide, and potential clients can make their final informed decisions.
- Expertise: Positive verdicts do not often happen by chance. Good case results can indicate whether or not a law firm has experience with your type of case law.
- Attorney-client relations: In some areas, laws require lawyers to keep case results private unless clients sign a waiver. Since dissatisfied clients would likely be unwilling to do so, published case results can indicate positive relationships between attorneys and their clients.
After reviewing verdicts and settlements obtained by Phillips Law Group and other associated firms, you might wonder how you can pursue compensation for your brain injury.
Awards and memberships
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) aims to help consumers “find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust.” Phillips Law Group has been BBB Accredited with the highest ranking (A+) since 2015. You can view a company’s BBB accreditation by enabling the search filter on their website or checking for the BBB Seal of Accreditation on the company profile. Awards and professional memberships, such as those listed below, identify law firms that are outstanding in their field:
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- Chamber of Commerce Verified Members
- American Association for Justice Premier 100 Members
Considering a law firm’s reputation on BBB, its awards, and its professional organization memberships can help you discern between good and exceptional service.
When Not Just Any Arizona Lawyer Will Do
Your choice of attorney can greatly impact the outcome of your personal injury case. Traumatic brain injuries are devastating, and treatment, therapy, and nursing care often cost families millions over a lifetime. The attorneys of Phillips Law Group can seek compensation on your behalf for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering associated with your brain injury.
If we cannot handle your case for some reason, such as if you live outside of our jurisdiction or your issue relates to Social Security Disability, we can refer you to other excellent law firms in some instances. Your initial consultation is free, so do not hesitate to schedule your appointment with our caring lawyers as soon as possible. Our phone lines at (602) 222-2222 are open 24 hours a day to take your call.
People have likely asked this question since the beginning of the legal system: Do I need a lawyer? The answer depends on the complexity of the case, and some other crucial factors discussed below. If you decide to hire a lawyer, our team of attorneys can help you maximize your compensation. Your first consultation at Phillips Law Group is provided at no cost, so feel free to schedule your visit at your earliest convenience. Start chatting online by clicking the “Live Chat” button below or phone us at (602) 222-2222. We are looking forward to answering your questions.
Reasons People Consider Representing Themselves
Taking legal actions in court without professional representation is called “pro se,” a Latin term meaning “for oneself.” People proceed pro se for various reasons, but let’s consider three of the most common.
They cannot afford a lawyer
Some unprincipled law firms charge unreasonably high fees. Even if the attorney fees are fair based on the time and labor spent, you might feel they are beyond your means. Additionally, you might find yourself at a financial low if your brain injury prevents you from earning a living. Yet, the type of fees your lawyer imposes can make all the difference. In general, there are 3 types of arrangements for payment:
- Fixed: Most fixed fee arrangements mean that the contracted law firm will charge a set price to handle your legal issues for a specific time. These fees might vary from client to client, based on how complex the project is and how long it might take to resolve.
- Flat: A flat fee usually refers to the cost of a single task. For example, an attorney might charge a certain price for preparing wills. Even if one person’s will takes 4 hours and another person’s takes 4 days, both clients will pay the same flat fee.
- Contingent: Contingency fees are based on the outcome of a legal case or settlement. Lawyers are paid a percentage of any damages they win for their clients, or they can set flat or fixed fees that are only collected after a successful verdict.
Each law firm has its policies, so you will need to read the fine print of your contract to determine how it defines its fee structure. You will also need to know when you need to pay upfront, at the end of the job, or in periodic installments. Phillips & Associates work under a contingency, so our clients only owe legal fees if we recover compensation on their behalf. Otherwise, they pay nothing.
They feel well-qualified
Many who represent themselves in court make similar statements: “Law is common sense. I can do my research. I trust no one as much as I trust myself.” Yet, some pro se litigants are surprised by the many steps of a court case. Court cases involve:
- Pleadings: Filing formal complaints with the court and defendant
- Discovery: Gathering information about the case from each other or other involved parties, interviewing witnesses, researching applicable laws
- Pre-trial motions: Requesting the court to decide on specific issues before the trial starts and responding to motions made by the opposing party (e.g. motion to dismiss based on lack of evidence, motion to suppress evidence, motion for change of venue)
- Trial or arbitration: Presenting facts to a judge or jury, questioning witnesses, raising or responding to objections, getting a verdict
- Post-trial motions: In the case of an undesirable result, brain injury litigants can motion for a new trial if they meet eligibility requirements
- Appeals: Presenting evidence, such as errors, that affected the original verdict to try to overturn a decision
To represent yourself, you must know the federal and local laws that apply to your brain injury cases. In addition, almost every step of the judicial process has structure and regulations. If you make a mistake in court procedures, you might not have a chance to correct yourself. You could lose your case, forfeiting compensation you and your loved ones deserve.
They want to give it a try
Some people reason they can try to represent themselves; if things get complicated later, they can hire a lawyer. However, notice this quote from the United States District Court webpage: “In a civil case, you do not have a constitutional right to appointed counsel. Therefore, if you file a civil case pro se, you should be prepared to pursue it to completion on your own because the Court appoints counsel only under certain limited circumstances that may not be met by your case.” In other words, representing yourself is a commitment. If you realize the process is too complex for your level of expertise, it might be too late to save your case. At Phillips Law Group, we encourage potential clients to take advantage of our free consultations. You can acquire free legal advice that might be invaluable to your claim during your initial visit. For instance, you could learn:
- How much your claim is worth
- Your probability of success
- Common pitfalls to avoid
- What evidence you need to prove your claim
- Deadlines that apply to your case
Call 602-222-2222 or fill out our Free Case Review form to schedule your risk-free case evaluation.
Advantages of Hiring Legal Counsel
Competent lawyers have a working knowledge of state laws and the rules that govern court processes. Their expertise can save you time, money, and frustration.
Help with tedious paperwork
For brain injury victims or their legal representatives, filling out forms can seem like a never-ending project. You must read everything you get from the court clerk’s office and the opposing counsel. Legal documents are not written in everyday speech, so you need to learn what terms mean to understand what is expected of you. You could delay compensation for your medical bills and other expenses if you make a mistake. What’s worse, you could make an error that gives the wrong impression to an insurer or a judge. Either way, you could jeopardize your eligibility for collecting compensation.
Teams to handle time-sensitive tasks
Meeting deadlines is essential for brain injury lawsuits. For instance, if the statute of limitations set by your state runs out, you could lose your right to recover any compensation for your losses. Since lawyers work with a team of talented legal professionals familiar with the tasks, they can often work faster than someone learning as they go. They also know how to formally request extensions in writing if more time is necessary to build a case. Last but not least, attorneys understand the deadlines that apply to insurance companies. An aggressive lawyer can pressure insurers to ensure you get your money on time.
Knowledge of all your alternatives
Is pursuing a lawsuit the only legal remedy open to you? You might have more options than you realize. If your brain injury happened due to someone else’s negligence, lawyers could help you pursue a lawsuit. Yet, in most cases, lawsuits are a last resort. Attorneys skilled in negotiation can often mediate a settlement for you without a court trial. Settlements come faster frequently and are generally less costly than court cases.
Exercise Your Rights Wisely
The Constitution of the United States guarantees your right to legal counsel, and most states also recognize your right to represent yourself. If you represent yourself, you must familiarize yourself with the process of filing legal action and prepare to meet the requirements of each step. Yet, we invite you to talk to our legal team about your case before you enter a courtroom. There is no cost or obligation for a free case evaluation, so why wait? Contact us today to learn how Phillips Law Group can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your brain injuries.
When Arizona car accidents occur, and more than 140,000 of them take place every year in the state, one of the most troubling injuries that can result is known as a traumatic brain injury. These injuries deal with a part of the body that largely remains a mystery to the world of medical science, which means that those who suffer from this type of harm as a result of an Arizona car accident should seek the help of a Phoenixcar accident lawyer. Below is a brief overview of what could be obtained in terms of damages in a Phoenix personal injury lawsuit that’s filed because someone suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident.
Arizona Car Accidents and Traumatic Brain Injury Lawsuits
Unfortunately for those who suffer from traumatic brain injuries, most of these situations involve long-term medical care and rehabilitation. In short, there is no cure for brain damage, which means that people who suffer from these injuries will usually need to relearn the basic life skills that have been lost due to an injury that’s inflicted to that portion of the brain. While surgery is a possibility in some instances, many times a traumatic brain injury involves a portion of the brain that cannot be reached by surgeons.
Therefore, there are several forms of damages that could be sought and ultimately obtained by those who find themselves in this position. These damages could include:
- Medical costs – The costs of ongoing care and rehabilitation can be exorbitant over time, and for many, these costs will never stop. These costs can be recaptured in the form of damages.
- Lost income – Some who suffer from traumatic brain injuries are unable to work for extended periods of time, and some will never be able to hold gainful employment again. The loss of income can also be recaptured in the form of damages.
- Pain and suffering – Pain and suffering is a form of damages in Arizona that deals with the general lowering of the quality of life for someone who has been injured. When it comes to traumatic brain injuries, the loss of quality of life can be substantial and can be compensated for in the form of damages in an Arizona personal injury lawsuit.
Phoenix Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys Can Help
When someone suffers this type of injury in an Arizona car accident, there are several types of proof that must be accepted by the court in a personal injury lawsuit. The plaintiff must establish that the defendant was at fault for this accident, and then he or she must prove that the traumatic brain injury exists and that the damages sought are accurate. Rather than attempt to handle this troubling situation by yourself, seek the help of an experienced injury lawyer who have been holding those responsible for the infliction of these injuries accountable for many years. Contact Phillips Law Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Available 24/7