Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer in Chicago
Suffered a brain injury in an accident? You deserve experienced legal help to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need for your recovery.
At The Super Lawyer, our Chicago traumatic brain injury attorneys understand the life-changing impact of brain injuries. We fight to hold negligent parties accountable while you focus on healing.
Free consultation • No fees unless we win • Available 24/7
Schedule Your Free Consultation →
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when a sudden blow, jolt, or penetrating injury damages the brain. These injuries range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that permanently affects your ability to work, think clearly, or live independently.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries in Chicago
Brain injuries often result from preventable accidents caused by someone else’s negligence:
- Car accidents – The leading cause of TBI, especially in high-speed collisions
- Truck accidents – Large commercial vehicles cause severe head trauma
- Motorcycle accidents – Riders face high risk even with helmets
- Slip and fall accidents – Particularly dangerous for older adults
- Workplace accidents – Construction sites and industrial settings
- Sports injuries – Contact sports and recreational activities
- Assault – Intentional acts of violence
- Pedestrian accidents – Being struck by vehicles
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations occurred in 2020, with motor vehicle crashes being a leading cause.
Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries We Handle
Brain injuries affect every person differently. Our attorneys have experience with all severity levels:
Mild TBI (Concussions)
Even “mild” brain injuries can cause serious symptoms:
- Headaches and dizziness
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes
- Sensitivity to light and noise
Many people don’t realize they have a concussion, making it crucial to see a doctor after any head injury.
Moderate TBI
These injuries often involve:
- Loss of consciousness for minutes to hours
- Confusion lasting days or weeks
- Physical, cognitive, and behavioral changes
- Longer recovery periods
Severe TBI
The most serious brain injuries result in:
- Extended unconsciousness or coma
- Permanent cognitive impairment
- Physical disabilities
- Personality changes
- Need for long-term care
Specific Brain Injury Types
- Contusions – Bruising of brain tissue
- Coup-contrecoup injuries – Damage at impact site and opposite side
- Diffuse axonal injury – Widespread tearing of nerve fibers
- Penetrating injuries – Objects piercing the skull
- Hematomas – Blood clots in or around the brain
- Skull fractures – Broken skull bones that may damage brain tissue
Signs and Symptoms of Brain Injuries
Brain injury symptoms may appear immediately or develop over days and weeks. Seek medical attention if you experience:
Physical symptoms:
- Persistent headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Balance problems
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in ears
- Loss of consciousness
Cognitive symptoms:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion or disorientation
- Slowed thinking
Behavioral symptoms:
- Irritability
- Depression or anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood swings
Always see a doctor after hitting your head, even if you feel fine. Some brain injuries don’t show symptoms right away, and delayed treatment can worsen outcomes.
How Brain Injury Claims Work in Illinois
If someone else’s negligence caused your TBI, you have the right to seek compensation under Illinois personal injury law.
Illinois Laws That Affect Your Case
Statute of Limitations
Under Illinois law (735 ILCS 5/13-202), you typically have two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to compensation forever.
Comparative Negligence
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). You can recover damages even if you’re partially at fault, as long as you’re less than 50% responsible. Your compensation reduces by your percentage of fault.
Damage Caps
Illinois does not cap economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) or non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in most personal injury cases, allowing full compensation for your losses.
What Your TBI Claim May Be Worth
Brain injury cases often result in substantial compensation because these injuries affect your entire life:
Economic damages:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Assistive devices and home modifications
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- In-home care or nursing home costs
Non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Cognitive impairment
- Relationship impacts
Punitive damages:
In cases involving intentional harm or extreme recklessness, courts may award additional damages to punish the wrongdoer.
Why Brain Injury Cases Need Specialized Legal Help
TBI cases are among the most complex personal injury claims. Here’s why:
Medical Complexity
Brain injuries require expert testimony from:
- Neurologists
- Neuropsychologists
- Rehabilitation specialists
- Life care planners
- Vocational experts
We work with top medical professionals who can explain your injury, treatment needs, and prognosis to insurance companies and juries.
Proving Causation
Insurance companies often argue that symptoms existed before the accident or resulted from other causes. We gather comprehensive evidence linking your brain injury directly to the accident.
Calculating Future Costs
Brain injuries often require lifetime care. We work with economists and life care planners to calculate the true cost of your injury, including:
- Future medical treatment
- Long-term care needs
- Lost earning potential
- Reduced quality of life
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurers frequently undervalue brain injury claims, especially when injuries aren’t visible on imaging tests. Our attorneys know how to counter these tactics and demand full compensation.
Our Approach to Brain Injury Cases
1. Thorough Investigation
We immediately begin gathering evidence:
- Accident scene investigation
- Police and incident reports
- Witness statements
- Video footage
- Expert analysis
2. Comprehensive Medical Documentation
We help you:
- Get proper diagnostic testing (CT scans, MRIs, neuropsychological testing)
- Document all symptoms and impacts
- Connect with appropriate specialists
- Establish treatment plans
3. Building Your Case
Our team:
- Calculates total damages
- Consults medical experts
- Documents life impacts
- Preserves evidence
- Prepares for trial if needed
4. Aggressive Negotiation
We negotiate with insurance companies from a position of strength, backed by thorough case preparation and willingness to go to court.
5. Trial Preparation
If fair settlement isn’t possible, we’re ready to present your case to a jury. Insurance companies know we’re not afraid to go to trial.
What to Do After a Brain Injury
Taking the right steps protects both your health and your legal rights:
Immediate Actions
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel okay, get checked by a doctor
- Follow doctor’s orders – Attend all appointments and follow treatment plans
- Document everything – Keep records of symptoms, treatments, and expenses
- Avoid statements – Don’t give recorded statements to insurance companies
- Preserve evidence – Keep damaged items, take photos, gather contact information
- Contact an attorney – Call us before speaking to insurance adjusters
Ongoing Steps
- Keep a symptom journal documenting daily impacts
- Save all medical bills and receipts
- Track missed work and lost income
- Avoid social media posts about your activities
- Don’t accept quick settlement offers
The insurance company is not on your side. They’ll look for reasons to reduce or deny your claim. Having an attorney levels the playing field.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Brain Injury?
Depending on how your injury occurred, multiple parties may be responsible:
- Negligent drivers – Those who cause car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
- Property owners – When unsafe conditions cause falls
- Employers – For workplace safety violations (in addition to workers’ compensation)
- Product manufacturers – When defective products cause injuries
- Sports organizations – For inadequate safety measures
- Medical providers – In cases of medical malpractice
- Businesses – For inadequate security leading to assault
We identify all potentially liable parties to maximize your compensation.
Why Choose Our Chicago Brain Injury Lawyers?
Experience With Complex Cases
Brain injury cases require attorneys who understand both the medical and legal complexities. Our team has the knowledge and resources to handle even the most challenging TBI claims.
Resources to Fight for You
We invest in your case by:
- Consulting top medical experts
- Conducting thorough investigations
- Using advanced case presentation technology
- Preparing for trial when necessary
Personalized Attention
You’re not just a case number. We take time to understand how your injury affects your daily life and fight for compensation that reflects your unique situation.
No Upfront Costs
We work on contingency, meaning:
- No fees unless we win
- Free initial consultation
- We cover case expenses upfront
- You pay nothing out of pocket
We’re Available When You Need Us
Brain injuries don’t follow business hours. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and address concerns.
Talk to a Brain Injury Attorney Now →
FAQs
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. We only collect a fee if we win your case, taking a percentage of your settlement or verdict. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing. Your initial consultation is always free.
Illinois law gives you two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit (735 ILCS 5/13-202). However, you should contact an attorney immediately. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and earlier action generally leads to better outcomes. Don’t wait until the deadline approaches.
This is common with TBIs. Sometimes symptoms develop days, weeks, or even months after an accident. Under the “discovery rule,” the statute of limitations may begin when you discovered or should have discovered the injury. Document when symptoms began and contact an attorney immediately.
Yes. Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, you’d receive 80% of your damages.
Every case is different. Value depends on:
- Injury severity
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability and life impacts
- Quality of evidence
- Insurance policy limits
During your free consultation, we’ll review your case details and give you a realistic assessment.
Don’t accept without talking to an attorney first. Insurance companies often make quick, lowball offers hoping you’ll accept before understanding your injury’s full extent. Brain injuries frequently require long-term treatment, and early settlements rarely cover future costs. Let us review any offer before you respond.
Not necessarily. Many brain injury cases settle through negotiation. However, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This preparation strengthens our negotiating position and shows insurance companies we’re serious. If they won’t offer fair compensation, we’re ready to present your case to a jury.
Brain injury cases typically take longer than other personal injury claims because:
- Medical treatment may continue for months or years
- We need to understand your long-term prognosis
- Calculating future damages takes time
- Complex cases require extensive preparation
While we work efficiently, we won’t rush your case at the expense of full compensation. Some cases settle in months; others take a year or more.
Important evidence includes:
- Medical records and bills
- Diagnostic imaging (CT scans, MRIs)
- Accident reports
- Photos of the scene and injuries
- Witness contact information
- Employment records showing lost wages
- Journal documenting symptoms and impacts
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything. We’ll help gather the evidence needed to prove your case.
Work injuries typically go through the workers’ compensation system, which provides medical benefits and partial wage replacement without proving fault. However, you may also have a personal injury claim if:
- A third party (not your employer) caused your injury
- Your employer lacked required workers’ compensation insurance
- Your injury resulted from intentional employer conduct
We can evaluate whether you have claims beyond workers’ compensation.
Understanding Brain Injury Recovery
What to Expect During Treatment
Brain injury treatment varies based on severity but may include:
Immediate care:
- Emergency stabilization
- Surgery to relieve pressure or repair damage
- ICU monitoring
Rehabilitation:
- Physical therapy for movement and balance
- Occupational therapy for daily living skills
- Speech therapy for communication problems
- Cognitive rehabilitation for thinking and memory
- Psychological counseling for emotional impacts
Long-term management:
- Ongoing monitoring by neurologists
- Medication management
- Assistive devices
- Support services
- Vocational rehabilitation
The Emotional Toll
Brain injuries don’t just affect you physically. They impact:
- Your family relationships
- Your ability to work
- Your independence
- Your self-identity
- Your mental health
These impacts deserve compensation. We fight for damages that address the full scope of how your injury changed your life.
Resources for Brain Injury Survivors
National Organizations
Brain Injury Association of America
The nation’s oldest and largest brain injury advocacy organization, offering resources, support, and education.
Website: www.biausa.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – TBI Information
Evidence-based information about traumatic brain injury prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Website: www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury
Brain Trauma Foundation
Organization dedicated to improving outcomes for TBI patients through research and clinical guidelines.
Website: www.braintrauma.org
Illinois-Specific Resources
Brain Injury Association of Illinois
State affiliate offering support groups, resources, and advocacy for Illinois brain injury survivors and families.
Why These Resources Matter
While these organizations provide valuable information and support, they cannot replace legal representation. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers protecting their interests. You need an experienced attorney protecting yours.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
If you or someone you love suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve experienced legal representation that fights for your rights.
What Happens During Your Free Consultation?
When you contact us, we’ll:
- Listen to your story – We want to understand what happened and how the injury affects your life
- Answer your questions – No legal jargon, just clear explanations
- Review your options – We’ll explain your legal rights and potential claims
- Discuss next steps – If we take your case, we’ll outline our approach
- Provide honest advice – Even if that means we’re not the right fit
You’ll leave understanding your situation better, whether or not you hire us.
Why Call Now?
- Evidence disappears over time
- Witnesses’ memories fade
- Illinois law imposes strict deadlines
- Early legal guidance protects your rights
- You pay nothing unless we win
Your consultation is free and confidential. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Contact Our Chicago Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys
Phone: 866-4-LAW-411
Available 24/7 – Brain injuries don’t wait for business hours, and neither do we.
Office Location:
[Law Firm Name]
[Street Address]
Chicago, IL [Zip Code]
Free parking available • Wheelchair accessible • Home and hospital visits available
Don’t Face This Alone
Brain injuries change lives. Fighting for fair compensation shouldn’t add to your stress.
Let our experienced Chicago brain injury attorneys handle the legal battle while you focus on recovery.
Call now for your free consultation: 866-4-LAW-411
Schedule Your Free Consultation →
The content on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Contact our office to discuss your specific situation. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
