Award-Winning Pittsburgh Brain Injury Attorneys
We’ve Recovered Billions to Help Traumatic Brain Injury Victims Move Forward with Their Lives
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury in an accident, it is important to know that you are not alone. Many people sustain brain injuries in car accidents, workplace accidents, and other disastrous incidents in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States every day. Negligence on the part of drivers, companies, property owners, and other parties can cause these life-threatening and -altering injuries.
At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., our brain injury attorneys in Pittsburgh personally work with accident victims and their families to help them obtain the compensation and justice they need.
Our lawyers are dedicated to serving our clients fully. From our initial consultation and case review until we reach a settlement or judgment on your behalf, your best interests are our first priority.
Reach out to our team to learn what we can do to help you.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Pittsburgh
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have long-term effects that change people's lives significantly. A mild TBI, like a concussion, can cause confusion, personality changes, headaches, sleep disorders, tinnitus, and difficulty controlling emotions.
Moderate TBI victims typically suffer similar symptoms but with greater severity. In addition, this group may experience nausea and vomiting, trouble speaking, difficulty with physical coordination, and weakness in the extremities. They may also have seizures.
Severe TBI is the most dangerous type of brain injury. These patients’ symptoms are often so debilitating that they need 24-hour care. In addition, severe TBIs can cause long-term unconsciousness. A persistent vegetative state or coma is not uncommon in such a scenario. If the brain cannot recover its function, the injury may turn fatal, either when it occurs or months or years later.
Common types of TBIs include:
- Concussion: Often considered a mild TBI, a concussion results from a blow to the head that causes the brain to shake within the skull. Symptoms can include headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and temporary loss of consciousness.
- Contusion: This is a bruise on the brain tissue caused by a direct impact to the head. It can lead to bleeding and swelling, potentially causing localized brain damage.
- Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): This occurs when the brain's long connecting fibers (axons) are torn due to rapid acceleration or deceleration. It often results from severe shaking or rotational forces and can lead to widespread brain damage.
- Subdural Hematoma: This type of injury involves bleeding between the brain and its outermost covering (the dura mater). It is often caused by head trauma that leads to a rupture of blood vessels.
- Epidural Hematoma: This occurs when blood accumulates between the skull and the dura mater. It is usually caused by a skull fracture that tears an artery, leading to rapid bleeding and increased pressure on the brain.
- Intracerebral Hemorrhage: This involves bleeding within the brain tissue itself, which can result from a severe impact or a stroke. It often leads to significant brain damage and can be life-threatening.
- Penetrating Head Injury: This occurs when an object penetrates the skull and brain tissue, such as a bullet or sharp object. It can cause severe damage to the brain and its functions.
Why You Need Compensation for Your Losses
Mild, moderate, and severe brain injuries can lifelong affect victims and their families in Pittsburgh. For example, many TBI victims cannot return to their jobs, and some may not be able to complete everyday tasks independently. Others suffer from memory loss and significant personality changes, which can be devastating for the victim and their family and friends.
The more severe the injury, the higher the possibility that the victim will need a lifetime of expensive medical care. At the same time, their income and earning ability will likely be significantly reduced if not eliminated. Therefore, to cover medical expenses and loss of revenue, TBI victims need considerable financial compensation.
Our Pittsburgh brain injury lawyers have the experience to help you and your loved ones through traumatic brain injury cases. We understand your needs and will advocate for you to win the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of TBI
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result from a variety of causes, often involving sudden and forceful impacts or movements. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Falls: Falls are a leading cause of TBIs, particularly among young children and older adults. Examples include falls from ladders, slips on wet surfaces, or tripping over objects. These incidents can lead to a direct impact to the head or cause the head to hit a hard surface.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Collisions involving cars, motorcycles, or bicycles are significant causes of TBIs. The impact from a crash can cause the head to strike the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield, or result in rapid acceleration or deceleration forces that jostle the brain inside the skull.
- Sports Injuries: Contact sports like football, hockey, and soccer, as well as non-contact sports such as skiing or cycling, can result in TBIs. Blows to the head or body, falls, or collisions with other players or equipment can lead to concussions or other types of brain injuries.
- Violence: Assaults, such as physical altercations or domestic violence, can cause TBIs. Weapons or objects used to strike the head, or blows resulting from fights, can lead to direct trauma or injuries from impact.
- Explosions: Explosive events, such as those encountered in military combat or industrial accidents, can result in blast-related TBIs. The force of the explosion can cause concussive injuries or secondary impacts from debris or shockwaves.
- Accidental Injuries: Everyday accidents, such as being struck by falling objects, or accidents involving machinery or tools, can cause TBIs. The impact from these accidents can lead to direct trauma or secondary brain damage.
How Do You Recognize a Brain Injury?
Sometimes brain damage is not detected immediately, even by physicians. Symptoms may not be apparent for days or weeks. Suppose you or someone you know has been in an accident or experienced any sudden impacts to the head. In that case, it is important to look for signs of brain injuries such as:
- Dizziness
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Sleepiness
- Blurred vision
- Memory loss and confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dilated pupils
No matter how small you think an accident was, if brain damage is a possibility, you need to take action immediately. Minor brain injuries can predispose patients to more serious damage, especially if they are not treated in a timely manner. Let our knowledgeable legal team work for you to make sure you get the medical treatment and recovery you need.
Put Our Strength Behind You
With contingency fee arrangements on all personal injury cases, you don't owe us anything until we reach a positive result for you. We’ve been helping brain injury victims in Pittsburgh for more than four decades. Speak to our team today to see what we can do for you.
Call (844) 383-0565 or reach out online to schedule your free initial consultation. If you can’t come to us, we will come to you.
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My experience with Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C. was exceptional. From the first day that I contacted them, I knew I made the right choice. Their entire team is very knowledgeable and guides you through the entire process with ease.- Kelly Weber
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Thank you for all your hard work and understanding - You made a tragic accident a little easier to deal with.- Alberta
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Lauren & Adrian, I wish to thank you for your hard work on my SS Disability claim. I appreciate your help whenever I had multiple questions, your answers were clear which I could understand.- Joyce