California Concussion and Closed Head Injury Lawyer
If you have been in an accident recently, you may have suffered a closed head injury that is nearly impossible to diagnose immediately. Often, the symptoms of a mild concussion or a subdural hematoma will not show up for weeks or months following an accident. In addition, just because you didn't crack your head on the door frame or windshield doesn't mean that you didn't suffer brain trauma. Any sudden acceleration or deceleration can result in a brain injury. Even the motion of whiplash can cause a coup or contra coup brain injury.
Shea & Shea has been a leading trial law firm representing the rights of brain injury victims in California since 1966. Senior attorney Michael Shea has earned the AV rating and is a certified trial law specialist.* Under his direction, our firm has been selected as a proud member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Our focus is always on helping brain injury victims fight for the highest possible compensation for injuries that can result in a lifetime of medical expenses and financial losses.
What are some common closed head injuries?
Concussion: Resulting in loss of concentration, fatigue and personality disorders. Can ultimately result in short- and long-term memory loss from post-concussive syndrome.
Hematoma: Hemorrhaging of blood onto the surface of the brain. Among the most common and most serious, a subdural hematoma is a buildup of blood under the outer membrane covering of the brain and the arachnoid, or middle layer. This injury compresses and damages delicate brain tissue and can lead to a breakdown in functioning capacity and death, in extreme cases.
Contusion: A bruise on the brain, resulting in a full range of temporary and permanent brain injury symptoms.
Diffuse axonal injury: Often results from rapid or immediate acceleration or deceleration, but no impact is necessary. When one part of your brain slides over another part because of the rapid motion, the axons become stretched and damaged. The injury can result in a full range of symptoms.
What to be aware of if you suspect brain trauma from a closed head injury:
- Paralysis, coma
- Speech problems
- Sudden personality changes
- Seizures
- Reduced hearing and vision
- Change in sense of taste and smell
- Reduced physical capacity in hands, arms, legs
Proving that you have suffered a closed head injury
As you can imagine, opposing insurance defense lawyers often try to discredit your injuries. After all, by its very definition, a closed head injury shows no outward sign of scarring or skull damage. Your case will rely on a full investigation of your personality, mental capacity and physical capabilities prior to your accident. This often requires the testimony and medical services of neurological professionals. Our firm has earned recognition among the nation's elite neuro law professionals. We have the experts available to prepare and present the clearest case possible for maximum money damages.
We handle all cases on contingency, and the consultation is free.
We cover the upfront costs of investigating, preparing and negotiating your case for a maximum settlement. By preparing every case for a jury trial, opposing attorneys know how serious we are when we present the facts. You will pay no attorney's fees unless you collect compensation for your injuries, although other costs may be involved.
Our attorneys have the experience to make a decisive difference.
Contact us to schedule an opportunity to meet with one of our brain injury trial lawyers. There is no fee for your consultation.
*Certified as Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy
CV, BV and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories — legal ability and general ethical standards.