Newport News Brain Injury Lawyers

Head trauma—from an auto accident, slip and fall, or other incidents can result in a wide range of brain injuries. Even a “mild” concussion may lead to lasting effects if it recurs, while more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can cause permanent cognitive and physical impairments. The financial costs—medical care, therapy, lost income—can accumulate rapidly. If negligence caused your injury, an experienced Newport News brain injury lawyer can help protect your rights and pursue full compensation.

How Are Brain Injuries Classified?

Medical professionals use the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) to categorize brain injuries:

Mild TBI (GCS 13–15): Includes concussions. May involve brief loss of consciousness, memory gaps, dizziness, headaches, and lingering “brain fog.” Symptoms usually resolve within weeks, though sometimes persist longer.
Moderate TBI (GCS 9–12): Loss of consciousness from 30 minutes to 24 hours, plus confusion, memory issues, and coordination problems. Hospitalization, rehab, and ongoing care are often required.
Severe TBI (GCS ≤ 8): Lost consciousness for over 24 hours. May result in lasting cognitive and physical disability requiring long-term care.

Types of Brain Injuries

Concussions: Can occur without visible injury but may lead to long-term issues if repeated; can contribute to conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
Closed Head Injuries: Caused by blunt trauma—common in vehicle crashes—resulting in bleeding or swelling inside the skull.
Penetrating Injuries: Occur when an object pierces the skull, carrying a higher risk of severe damage.
Anoxic or Hypoxic Brain Injuries: Result from oxygen deprivation—often due to drowning, choking, or medical errors. These may occur even without external head trauma.

Common Causes of Brain Injury

According to the CDC, the following causes the majority of non-suicide-related TBIs:

Falls: Including workplace incidents from heights or scaffolding.
Motor Vehicle Crashes: Especially high-speed or side-impact collisions.

How Do You Recover Damages?

To recover compensation in Virginia, you must establish negligence:

Duty of Care: Someone had a legal obligation to act safely.
Breach of Duty: That obligation was violated (e.g., speeding, unsafe conditions).
Injury: You sustained a brain injury documented by medical records—and sometimes expert testimony.
Damages: You suffered financial losses such as medical bills and lost income.

With these elements, your attorney can demand compensation for current and future care needs.

Types of Compensation

Economic Damages: Medical expenses, surgeries, rehab, assistive devices, in-home care, lost wages, income loss, and home modifications.
Non-Economic Damages: Pain, suffering, emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, or loss of enjoyment in life.
Potential Government Benefits: If your condition qualifies, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) or other assistance.

Statute of Limitations in Virginia

Under Virginia Code § 8.01-243, personal injury claims—including for brain injuries—must typically be filed within two years from the date of injury. Delaying beyond this window often results in losing your ability to seek compensation.

Why Hire a Newport News Brain Injury Lawyer?

A lawyer can provide the following:

Immediate investigation and preservation of evidence.
Expert medical support to document injury severity.
Thorough financial assessment, including future care costs.
Negotiation with insurance and defendants to secure a fair settlement.
Court representation, if insurers don’t offer fair compensation.

Contact Our Newport News Brain Injury Lawyers at Anchor Legal®

If you or a family member sustained a brain injury due to negligence, connect with the Newport News brain injury lawyers at Anchor Legal® as soon as possible. Call 757-LAW-0000 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. Located in Virginia Beach, we serve clients in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, and Eastern Shore, Virginia.