Sugar Land, TX Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer

Life can take an unexpected turn in the blink of an eye. All it takes is a quick blow or penetration to the head to cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI), forever altering a person’s life. Traumatic brain injuries are complex and often misunderstood, encompassing a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges that can persist long after the initial incident.

If you or someone you care about has suffered a traumatic brain injury in Sugar Land as a result of the negligence of another party, the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC can help. With a proven track record of securing compensation for our clients, we have a legacy of success that speaks volumes about our commitment and capabilities. Our Sugar Land traumatic brain injury lawyer takes pride in our relentless pursuit of justice, leaving no stone unturned in our quest to hold negligent parties accountable for their carelessness. 

Head Injury Classifications

Traumatic brain injuries vary in severity, ranging from mild concussions to severe and life-altering injuries, but overall, they are classified into two types: open and closed. When a person’s head collides with something and does not cause external damage or a visible wound, it is considered “closed.” Conversely, an open head injury is when the trauma cracks open or punctures the skull.

Other examples of head injuries include:

• Concussion: A concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is caused by a sudden action that causes the brain to bounce or twist in the skull, resulting in the stretching or death of brain cells.
• Anoxic brain injuries: These occur when the flow of oxygen to the brain is reduced, causing brain cells to die.
• Subdural hematoma: A bruise-like collection of blood between the covering of the brain and the surface of the brain.
• Hemorrhage: Also known as an intracranial bleed, is a large amount of blood loss caused by a ruptured blood vessel.
• Toxic brain injury: Brain damage that occurs as a result of exposure to a hazardous substance.

Following a head injury, your brain will begin rebuilding the damaged tissue. However, depending on the severity of the lesion, some areas of the brain may be irreversible, resulting in progressive decline or life-long disability.

Traumatic Brain Injury Accidents We Handle in Sugar Land, Texas

A traumatic brain injury can develop from various situations where a jolt to the head may occur due to external force. Some concussion symptoms include loss of consciousness, forgetfulness, appearing dazed or stunned, altered vision, balance, and mood, behavior, and personality changes. Some common types of TBI accident cases include:

• Motor vehicle accidents: Car accidents, motorcycle crashes, truck collisions, and other motor vehicle accidents are significant causes of traumatic brain injuries. The impact of a collision can result in head trauma, even with seat belts and airbags. Even what some people may consider a low-impact collision can cause concussions.
• Slip-and-fall accidents: Slippery surfaces, uneven floors, inadequate signage, or poorly maintained properties can lead to slip-and-fall accidents that result in head injuries, particularly if a person’s head strikes a hard surface during the fall.
• Sports and recreational injuries: Contact sports like football, soccer, and boxing, as well as recreational activities such as biking, skateboarding, and skiing, carry a risk of head injuries due to falls, collisions, or impacts. Both the NFL and NCAA have concussion protocols in place to help ensure a fast diagnosis and immediate treatment for athletes. Even the Fort Bend Independent School District has protocols in place when a student suffers symptoms of a concussion.
• Workplace accidents: Industrial and construction sites pose hazards that can lead to traumatic brain injuries. Falling objects, machinery accidents, and construction site mishaps are examples of workplace incidents that can cause head injuries.
• Assaults and violence: Physical altercations, assaults, and acts of violence can result in head injuries if a person is struck on the head with an object or during a physical altercation.
• Falls from heights: Falls from ladders, rooftops, stairs, or elevated surfaces can result in severe head injuries, especially if protective gear is not used or is inadequate.
• Product liability: Defective products, such as faulty helmets or safety equipment, can fail to provide adequate protection, leading to head injuries in accidents.

The legal process for each TBI case depends on the specific circumstances, the extent of the injury, and the parties involved.

Damages Available to Traumatic Brain Injury Victims in Sugar Land, Texas

Brain injury victims may be eligible to seek various types of damages from suffering a traumatic brain injury in a legal claim or lawsuit, depending on their case. These damages are designed to compensate the injured person for the losses and hardships they have experienced due to the brain injury. Monetary compensation may be available for your:

Medical Expenses

This includes the cost of past, current, and future medical treatment related to the brain injury. It encompasses hospital stays, surgeries, medications, therapy (physical, occupational, speech), assistive devices, and ongoing medical care.

Lost Wages

If the brain injury has caused the victim to miss work, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and diminished earning capacity. This could include both past and future lost income.

Pain and Suffering

These damages are intended to compensate for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the brain injury. This can encompass both the immediate suffering and the ongoing impact on the victim’s quality of life.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Brain injuries can drastically alter a person’s ability to engage in activities they once enjoyed. Compensation may be awarded for the loss of enjoyment of life and the inability to participate in hobbies, social activities, and other pursuits.

Permanent Disability or Impairment

If the brain injury results in a permanent disability or impairment that affects the victim’s ability to perform everyday tasks, work, or maintain a certain quality of life, they may be entitled to compensation for this long-term impact.

Emotional Distress

Brain injuries can lead to emotional and psychological distress, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Damages may be awarded to address the emotional toll of the injury.

Loss of Consortium

If the brain injury has a significant impact on the victim’s relationships with their spouse or family members, a claim for loss of consortium may be pursued. This seeks compensation for the loss of companionship, care, and support that the injured person’s loved ones experience.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious, intentional, or reckless, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.

Wrongful Death Damages

In cases where a brain injury results in the death of the victim, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for loss of the care, advice, or maintenance that the deceased would have provided her family, loss of inheritance, funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional impact of their loved one’s passing. Our Sugar Land brain injury attorney can help you pursue these claims.

Consult a Sugar Land, TX Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Attorney

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in Sugar Land due to the negligence or misconduct of another party, consulting an experienced Sugar Land TBI lawyer is crucial to understanding your rights and pursuing appropriate legal action.

Attorney Shane McClelland knows every Sugar Land personal injury case is as unique as the individual it affects. This is why our approach is deeply rooted in compassion and personalization. When you choose to partner with our firm, you are not just hiring legal representation; you are gaining a supportive partner who is dedicated to understanding your story, your struggles, and your aspirations for the future.

For a free consultation with our Sugar Land, TX traumatic brain injury lawyer, call (713) 987-7107 or reach out to us online.