Columbia Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney

We Handle Traumatic Brain Injury Claims in Columbia and Throughout South Carolina

At Hart Law, our Columbia traumatic brain injury attorney is a compassionate, experienced, and reliable advocate for victims and their families. A brain injury is a serious matter. Immediate medical attention and proper follow-up care are a must. Victims need full financial compensation. If you or your loved one suffered a serious brain injury, we are here as a legal resource.

All Head Injuries Require Immediate Medical Attention

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) have been labeled as a “silent epidemic” by public health authorities. There are approximately 1.5 million TBIs suffered nationwide each year. Nearly 260,000 of those injuries are so severe that they require hospitalization (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)).

A challenge with brain injuries is that they often arise with a delayed onset. A victim may be far more seriously injured than they initially realize. All head injuries require immediate medical attention and proper follow-up care. Health and safety are the top priority.

Traumatic Brain Injuries Can Occur in Many Different Types of Accidents

People can suffer traumatic brain injuries in a wide variety of different types of accidents. Indeed, any time a person receives a blow to the head—whether directly or indirectly—they are at serious risk of sustaining a TBI. Some of the leading causes of brain injuries in South Carolina include:

Car Accidents: Motor vehicle wrecks (including hit and runs, truck accidents, and even Uber accidents) frequently result in severe head trauma when occupants strike their heads against steering wheels, dashboards, or windows.
Semi-Truck Accidents: Truck collisions can be particularly dangerous because the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles increase the force of impact.
Motorcycle Wrecks: Given their lack of built-in protection, riders are exposed to head injuries. Helmets can help—but some risk remains.
Bicycle Crashes: These accidents pose a serious risk, especially when cyclists are struck by motor vehicles or thrown from their bikes onto hard pavement.
Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrians are also vulnerable. A crash can be devastating, as a person on foot has little to no protection against a moving vehicle.
Fall Accidents: Slip-and-fall incidents commonly occur in stores, workplaces, and public spaces. They can cause the victims to hit their heads on unforgiving surfaces.
Recreational Sports: Sports carry some risk of head injuries—especially in contact sports like football or hockey. Though injuries may certainly occur in all types of sports.
Workplace Accidents: Workers may be hurt in many ways, including falling from heights or being struck by falling objects. A brain injury on the job may be life-altering.
Assaults: When a victim’s head is forcefully struck, it can produce serious trauma to the brain. A business or property owner may be liable on the grounds of negligent security.

Know the Statute of Limitations: Brain Injuries in South Carolina

Under South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 15-3-20), there is a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including traumatic brain injury claims. In other words, if you suffered a TBI in an accident, you have three years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party. If you do not bring your claim on time, the case may be dismissed outright.

Do not fall behind the defendant or their insurance companies: Speak to a Columbia, SC brain injury lawyer right away after a serious accident.

We Help Injured Victims Fight for the Maximum Compensation

A serious TBI can leave the victim (and their family) facing a serious financial burden. Through a personal injury claim in South Carolina, victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their actual damages. You can seek compensation for both direct out-of-pocket losses and for any intangible, non-economic damages.

A settlement may include compensation for:

Property damage;
Ambulance costs;
Emergency room care;
Hospital bills;
Physical therapy;
Mental health support;
Loss of wages;
Loss of future earnings;
Pain and suffering;
Mental distress;
Cognitive impairment;
Long-term disability;
Reduced quality of life; and
Wrongful death of a family member.

Understanding the Claims Process for TBIs

If you or your loved one suffered a serious TBI in Columbia, you must have a general understanding of the personal injury claims process. Here is an overview of the claim process in South Carolina:

Seek Medical Attention and Follow-Up Care: The first step in any TBI case is to seek immediate medical treatment and carefully follow all recommended care plans. Prompt diagnosis and treatment help stabilize your condition and minimize complications. From a legal perspective, it will also create medical records that support your claim.
Report the Accident: All accidents that result in TBIs should be reported to the appropriate parties. Who needs to hear about the incident? It depends on the type of accident. A car crash should be reported to law enforcement. A slip and fall should be reported to the business or property owner. Insurers should also be notified.
Investigate the Brain Injury Case: Your Columbia personal injury lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to establish liability and gather evidence. The investigation may involve reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, examining police reports, and working with experts to determine how the accident caused your TBI.
Initiate a Claim and Start Settlement Negotiations: Filing personal injury claims is not the same thing as filing a personal injury lawsuit. Once liability is established, your attorney will typically initiate the claims process with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier. Armed with medical documentation, evidence of damages, and (if needed) expert opinions, your Columbia TBI lawyer can fight for the maximum settlement in negotiations.
File a Personal Injury Lawsuit and Prepare for Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the next step is to file a personal injury lawsuit. Your attorney will handle court filings, discovery, and pre-trial motions while you focus on recovery. In the courtroom, the goal is to present a compelling and well-supported personal injury case.

How Our Columbia, SC Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

Personal injury claims are complicated—especially so for traumatic brain injuries. Victims and families must be able to get justice and the maximum available financial compensation. Our founder and principal attorney Christopher R. Hart is always ready to go the extra mile to fight for clients.

Our leadership in law and a history of testimonials demonstrate what we can do in complex cases. Along with other things, our Columbia traumatic brain injury lawyer is ready to:

Conduct a free, comprehensive review and assessment of your case;
Investigate the accident that caused the traumatic brain injury;
Help connect you with the right medical specialists;
Handle the settlement negotiations with the defendant/insurers; and
Take aggressive legal action focused on maximizing your financial recovery.

Brain Injury Claims in Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Should I Look for in a Personal Injury Lawyer for a Brain Injury Case?

You need a Columbia personal injury attorney who has been there before. When searching for a personal injury attorney to handle a brain injury claim, focus on their experience with similar cases and their track record of successful settlements and verdicts. It is also important to select a lawyer who is willing to devote personalized attention to your case.

Do Serious Traumatic Brain Injuries Require Specialized Care?

Yes. These are challenging injuries. They can have both physical and psychological effects. Specialized care is a must. As TBIs can affect cognitive, physical, and emotional functioning, professional support from experts who are skilled in brain injury management is essential. An attorney can help you seek compensation to get medical care covered.

How Long Does it Take to Recover From a Serious TBI?

The answer depends on the nature and severity of the brain injury. Indeed, the recovery time for a TBI can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury. Some people show improvement within months. Some people require ongoing support for years. Still others may be left with permanent adverse effects. Prompt, comprehensive care is key to promoting the best possible recovery.

How Much Compensation Can I Expect to Recover in a Brain Injury Case?

Your personal injury compensation for a TBI will depend on your ability to prove fault, the extent of your damages, and the severity of your injuries. Settlements in the four, five, six, and even seven figures have all been awarded in brain injury cases in South Carolina. A Columbia, SC personal injury lawyer will help you fight for the maximum compensation for your damages.

Will My TBI Claim Be Settled Before Trial?

Most TBI claims are resolved outside of litigation. Indeed, trials in personal injury claims—including TBI cases—are relatively uncommon. A settlement is a far more common way to resolve a case than a verdict. Still, litigation is sometimes needed to get justice. For that reason, you should always be represented by a trial-tested Columbia concussion lawyer.

Contact Our Columbia Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Today

At Hart Law, our Columbia personal injury attorney has the skills and experience to handle the full range of brain injury cases. If you or your loved one suffered a concussion or TBI, we are here to help. Reach out to us by phone at (803) 771-7701 or contact us online to set up your free, completely confidential initial case review. We handle brain injury claims in Columbia, Richland County, Lexington County, and throughout all of South Carolina.