A severe blow to your head from a motor vehicle accident, fall, or other traumatic incident can leave you facing life-altering consequences that extend far beyond the initial injury. Traumatic brain injuries are often called “the silent epidemic” because the most devastating effects are invisible, yet they can permanently change your ability to think, work, communicate, and live independently. The road to recovery often involves years of rehabilitation with neurologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists, creating overwhelming financial burdens for families already dealing with emotional trauma.
When your brain injury resulted from someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation that covers not only your current medical expenses but also the extensive future care you’ll need. At Dordick Law Corporation, we have been fighting for brain injury victims since 1987. We know how to secure substantial settlements and verdicts that can provide families with the resources necessary for comprehensive care and support. Call (310) 551-0949 today for a free consultation with a brain injury lawyer in Southern California.
Types of Southern California Traumatic Brain Injuries We Handle
Traumatic brain injuries occur in numerous ways throughout Southern California. We have the experience and skills to handle cases involving:
- Motor Vehicle Accident Brain Injuries – Car accidents, truck collisions, motorcycle crashes, and pedestrian accidents can cause severe head trauma when victims strike windshields, dashboards, or pavement. The sudden acceleration and deceleration forces in vehicle collisions can also cause the brain to move violently within the skull, resulting in diffuse brain damage even without direct head contact.
- Fall-Related Brain Injuries – Falls are particularly dangerous for elderly individuals and children, who are more vulnerable to severe head injuries.
- Construction and Workplace Brain Injuries – Workplace TBIs can occur when workers are struck by falling objects, fall from heights, or are injured by machinery. Hard hat requirements and safety protocols help reduce these injuries, but equipment failures and employer negligence still put workers at risk of life-altering brain trauma.
- Penetrating Brain Injuries – Gunshot wounds, stabbings, or accidents involving sharp objects can pierce the skull and damage brain tissue. These open head injuries often require immediate surgery and can cause severe, permanent disabilities.
- Blast-Related Brain Injuries – Military personnel and civilians exposed to explosions can sustain head injuries from industrial accidents, gas leaks, or other causes. The pressure waves from explosions can cause brain damage even when there’s no direct impact to the head.
- Assault-Related Brain Injuries – Violent crimes, domestic violence, and other intentional acts can cause severe head trauma. These cases may involve both criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits for compensation.
Traumatic Brain Injury Statistics
While the majority of TBI cases are classified as mild and can be treated outside hospital settings, even “mild” brain injuries can have lasting effects on cognitive function, memory, and quality of life. In a recent year, approximately 214,110 TBI injuries in the United States required hospitalization. Tragically, 190 Americans die every day as a result of traumatic brain injuries, underscoring the potentially fatal nature of these injuries.
Males face higher risks of sustaining traumatic brain injuries compared to women, and adults over 75 are more likely to be hospitalized or die from long-term disabilities linked to TBI. These statistics demonstrate that brain injuries represent one of the most serious public health challenges facing our society.
Recent Case Results
Our track record of success in traumatic brain injury cases demonstrates our ability to secure substantial compensation that provides for victims’ lifetime care needs and holds negligent parties accountable.
Johnston v. University Community Association – $14 Million Settlement
Thirteen-year-old Teresa Johnston was walking the dog of an elderly neighbor in the University community complex when a tree in the common area fell on Teresa. The incident caused severe, life-altering injuries, including traumatic brain injury, head trauma, and facial fractures.
Our legal team demonstrated that the property managers had a duty to inspect and maintain the trees in common areas, and their failure to identify and address the dangerous condition made them liable for Teresa’s injuries. The $14 million settlement has provided Teresa with the resources necessary for her ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and support services she’ll need throughout her life as a result of her traumatic brain injury.
Zesatti v. Doe Construction – $17 Million Settlement
Gary Dordick’s client sustained massive head and spinal trauma, including traumatic brain injury, when the car she was riding in struck a tractor-trailer making a prohibited right turn into a retail distribution center. The collision resulted in catastrophic injuries requiring immediate emergency intervention and ongoing specialized care.
The $17 million settlement provides for the victim’s ongoing 24-hour care, monitoring, and specialized equipment needed as a result of her traumatic brain injury and spinal trauma.
Sosa v. DJI Technologies – $31 Million Verdict
A Los Angeles Superior Court jury awarded Cesar Sosa a remarkable $31 million verdict after sustaining multiple bone fractures, a left leg amputation, and traumatic brain injury when he was struck by a vehicle while walking near Los Angeles International Airport in the middle of the night.
The jury awarded $9 million in future medical expenses, $456,000 in past medical expenses, $1.7 million in future lost wages, and $20 million in non-economic damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most pressing questions our clients have while pursuing compensation for a traumatic brain injury:
What are the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries?
Brain injuries can cause:
- Lasting cognitive disabilities
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Personality changes
- Speech and language issues
- Motor function problems
- Emotional challenges
Many victims require ongoing rehabilitation with neurologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists. Some may need 24-hour care, specialized equipment, and assistance with daily activities for the rest of their lives.
How do I prove someone else caused my brain injury?
Proving liability requires demonstrating that another party’s negligence directly caused your accident and resulting brain injury. This involves gathering evidence such as:
- Accident reports
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Expert testimony
- Accident reconstruction analysis
Our attorneys work with medical experts and investigators to establish the connection between the defendant’s negligence and your injuries.
What if my brain injury was only diagnosed later?
Brain injury symptoms may not appear immediately or may worsen over time. Late diagnosis doesn’t prevent you from pursuing compensation, but it makes early legal representation even more important to establish the connection between your accident and brain injury. Our attorneys work with neurological experts to document the progression of your condition.
Contact Dordick Law Corporation Today
Traumatic brain injuries are some of the most devastating and life-changing injuries a person can suffer. The effects extend far beyond the initial trauma and may cost millions of dollars over a lifetime.
At Dordick Law Corporation, we understand that securing adequate compensation can ensure that you and your family have the resources necessary for the best possible care and quality of life. However, these cases require immediate action to preserve evidence and expert testimony that establishes the full extent of your current and future needs. Furthermore, California has strict time limits in place for filing a traumatic brain injury lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, you may forfeit your right to pursue the compensation you deserve.
We know that many TBI victims avoid seeking legal assistance because they fear they can’t afford it. However, the team at Dordick Law Corporation works on a contingency fee basis. As such, you will pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today at (310) 551-0949 for a free consultation, and let us begin building the strongest possible case for maximum compensation while you focus on your recovery and rehabilitation. We look forward to learning about your situation and discussing how we can help.