Tacoma’s Top Legal Authority for Those Seeking Justice from a Traumatic Brain Injury

The blink of an eye is enough time to experience a profound, catastrophic injury. And few injuries have such a profound power to change a life as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In some cases, head injuries can result from an unavoidable accident, such as an unexpected fall. But in other cases, TBI—or even wrongful death—can be a result of someone else’s negligence, such as with motor vehicle accidents or medical malpractice.

If you or your loved one is a traumatic brain injury victim, we offer you a path toward justice. Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC has been getting justice for the wrongfully injured for more than six decades. And we’re ready to go to work for you. Contact us for a free consultation.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

TBI can occur when a person suffers a significant blow or jolt to the head or body; it can also occur when an object penetrates the skull and enters the brain tissue. TBI can be more mild, such as a concussion, or it can be a more serious injury with a wide range of potentially debilitating symptoms.

Basic Categories of TBI:

• Closed brain injury. This kind of injury occurs when the skull remains unbroken; nothing penetrates the skull in this type of brain injury. The brain is shaken or impacted within the skull, leaving the brain tissue and blood vessels torn or bruised. This type of injury is common in auto accidents or motorcycle accidents, falls, or sports.
• Penetrating brain injury. If the skull is broken or penetrated in this type of brain injury, it is called a penetrating brain injury. A bullet piercing the skull is an example of this kind of injury.

Basic Symptoms of TBI:

There are many symptoms of TBI, varying widely depending on the age of the injured, the type of injury, and its severity. While we can’t go into all the symptoms, you can read Mayo Clinic’s page on the topic here.

Some of the symptoms, ranging from mild to severe:

• Physical symptoms
  • Headache
  • Problems with speech
  • Dizziness, loss of balance
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Convulsions or seizures
  • Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears
• Sensory symptoms
  • Blurred vision
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
• Cognitive, behavioral, or mental symptoms
  • Memory or concentration problems
  • Mood changes
  • Feeling depressed or anxious
  • Profound confusion
  • Slurred speech
  • Coma, or other disorders of consciousness

Children may experience a different set of symptoms:

• Change in eating or nursing habits
• Unusual irritability
• Sad or depressed mood
• Drowsiness

According to the Mayo Clinic, you should see a doctor if you or your child has received a blow to the head that concerns you or has caused behavioral changes. You should seek emergency medical care if there are any signs or symptoms of traumatic brain injury following a recent blow or other traumatic injury to the head.

For decades and decades, we’ve been proving personal injury cases for our clients—from Olympia to Seattle—and we can do the same for you. If you or a loved one is seeking a traumatic brain injury lawyer, we urge you to contact us for a free case evaluation.

Common Causes of Brain Injuries

TBI, from mild to severe, can range from problematic and worrisome to tragic and life-altering. Whether a result of negligence or willful intent, some common causes of TBI are:

• Falls. One of the most common causes of TBI, falls can happen anywhere—at work, at home, or in public.
• Car accidents. Car accidents—from motorcycle collisions to truck accidents—are a very common cause of TBI. They can happen both on and off the job, and negligence is frequently a factor.
• Pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians who are hit by moving vehicles account for a significant amount of personal injury claims.
• Violence. Tragically, violence—such as gunshot wounds, domestic violence, and even shaken baby syndrome—contributes to the number of injury victims annually.
• Sports injuries. Especially affecting young people, many TBIs are caused by sports-related injuries, such as football.

When to Involve a Personal Injury Lawyer

We recommend contacting a law firm—like RHHK—as soon as possible after a TBI. Personal injury law is complicated, and anyone suffering from a TBI will benefit from the guidance and advocacy of an experienced personal injury attorney.

Many TBI cases may involve a negligent party—whether another driver, an abusive family member, or a negligent employer. A qualified brain injury attorney can help you gather the evidence needed to prove your claim, provide expert counsel, and represent you—should your case go to trial.

Why You Deserve Compensation

If another person or entity is responsible for your TBI, you may be entitled to compensation for damages. As the top Tacoma personal injury lawyers, we fight relentlessly for the justice and compensation you deserve, so you can recover what was lost and live better.

Some reasons for compensation include, but are not limited to:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of earning potential
• Lost income
• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering

RHHK is stalwartly dedicated to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. To receive a free consultation with one of our team of nine expert lawyers, contact us here.

How We Fight for You

We know that personal injury claims can be difficult to navigate, from contacting medical providers and insurance companies to filing a lawsuit. We’re here to handle that for you.

• It starts with a free consultation. During our initial consultation, we’ll evaluate the strength of your case. We’ll explain the legal process and answer any questions you may have. If we believe you have a strong case, we’ll go to work right away.
• We’ll gather the evidence. In this stage of the process, we investigate the evidence to support and bolster your claim. We’ll analyze medical records, collect witness statements, and more, so that we can strengthen your claim and give you more than a fighting chance.
• We’ll negotiate a settlement. Often, a settlement is preferable for all parties. If possible, we’ll keep your claim out of court. Doing so is often in our client’s favor, as the negligent party may wish to avoid any bad publicity or press.
• We’ll file a lawsuit, if necessary. While we’re skilled negotiators, some cases don’t resolve out of court. As the most respected Tacoma brain injury lawyers, we’re able to represent you both in and out of the courtroom with equal aplomb—and we have the results to back it up.

What Makes Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC Different?

We rely on our expertise and experience, hailing from a tradition of six decades of excellence. What makes us effective isn’t just our understanding of the law—any law graduate can explain the letter of the law. We’re effective because we understand the spirit of the law. We’re compassionate, we’re seasoned, and we’re expert storytellers.

But what sets us apart—what truly makes us different—is our unfaltering dedication to your story. Your voice will be heard, not quieted. You will be championed, not ignored. And justice will be delivered, not forgotten.