When a traumatic brain injury turns your world upside down, you need Connecticut personal injury attorneys who understand the devastating impact these injuries have on victims and their families. At Claggett, Sykes & Garza Trial Lawyers, our Connecticut traumatic brain injury lawyers have secured record-breaking verdicts, including the largest bodily injury verdict in Connecticut history—a $100 million recovery for a client who suffered catastrophic injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact our experienced attorneys today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your injuries. Call 860-471-8333 to speak with our experienced legal team.
Experienced Connecticut TBI Attorneys Fighting for Maximum Compensation
Traumatic brain injuries represent some of the most complex and life-altering injuries in personal injury law. These cases require attorneys with deep medical knowledge, extensive trial experience, and the resources to take on insurance companies and large corporations. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, approximately 2.8 million Americans sustain a TBI annually.
Claggett, Sykes & Garza Trial Lawyers stands as a leading injury trial firm, with founding partners Andrew Garza and Sean Claggett bringing extensive experience to TBI cases. Our Connecticut catastrophic injury lawyers combine decades of trial advocacy with cutting-edge legal technology and medical expertise.
Andrew Garza, our Co-Founder, earned recognition as the 2022 Keenan Trial Institute Trial Lawyer of the Year and the 2023 New England Legal Awards Lawyer of the Year. He has been named to Super Lawyers from 2016-2023 and recognized in Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury Litigation. His record includes the $100 million Connecticut verdict—the largest bodily injury verdict in the state’s history.
Our firm’s selective approach means we only accept serious injury cases where we can make a meaningful difference. This focus allows us to dedicate extensive resources to each TBI case, including comprehensive medical evaluations, expert witness testimony, and thorough investigation of all contributing factors.
We offer free consultations to all potential clients and work exclusively on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your traumatic brain injury. Our Connecticut injury attorneys provide convenient access to legal representation throughout the state.
Get the Compensation You Deserve. Our Experienced Lawyers Can Help.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries in Connecticut
Traumatic brain injuries occur when external forces cause damage to the brain, disrupting normal brain function. These injuries range from mild concussions to severe, life-threatening trauma that can result in permanent disability or wrongful death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies TBI as a major cause of death and disability in the United States. Understanding the different types and severity levels of TBI helps victims and families recognize the full scope of their injuries and potential compensation.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries
Mild traumatic brain injuries, commonly known as concussions, represent the most frequent type of TBI. Despite being classified as “mild,” these injuries can have serious long-term consequences, including persistent headaches, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. Many mild TBI symptoms do not appear immediately after an accident, making proper medical evaluation crucial. Our brain injury lawyers understand the complexity of these seemingly minor injuries and work with neurological experts to document their full impact.
Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries
Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries involve more extensive brain damage and typically require immediate emergency medical treatment. These injuries often result in extended periods of unconsciousness, significant cognitive impairment, and physical disabilities. Victims require lifelong medical care, rehabilitation services, and assistance with daily activities. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke provides comprehensive information about severe TBI treatment protocols.
Penetrating Brain Injuries
Penetrating brain injuries occur when objects pierce the skull and enter brain tissue. These injuries, often caused by accidents involving sharp objects or high-velocity impacts, typically require emergency surgery and result in significant neurological damage. Our Connecticut catastrophic injury attorneys have extensive experience handling these complex cases and securing compensation for victims facing permanent disabilities.
Acquired Brain Injuries
Acquired brain injuries, while technically different from traumatic brain injuries, can occur due to medical malpractice, oxygen deprivation, or other non-traumatic causes. Our Connecticut brain injury attorneys handle these cases with the same level of expertise and dedication as traditional TBI claims, particularly in cases involving birth injuries or surgical complications.
Common Symptoms of TBI
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can affect every aspect of a person’s life, with symptoms ranging from physical pain to cognitive struggles and emotional challenges. While no two injuries are alike, understanding these common symptoms is essential for recognizing the impact of TBI and seeking the right care and support. The Mayo Clinic provides detailed information about TBI symptom recognition and treatment.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms of traumatic brain injury include persistent headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Victims experience sensitivity to light and sound, blurred vision, and problems with balance and coordination. These physical symptoms can significantly impact a person’s ability to work, drive, or perform routine activities. Our Connecticut personal injury lawyers work with medical experts to document all physical manifestations of TBI and calculate the full cost of ongoing treatment needs.
Cognitive Symptoms
Cognitive symptoms encompass memory loss, difficulty concentrating, confusion, and problems with decision-making. TBI victims often struggle with processing information, following conversations, or completing tasks that were previously routine. These cognitive changes can affect job performance, relationships, and overall quality of life. Neuropsychological testing, as outlined by the American Psychological Association, helps establish the extent of cognitive impairment and supports claims for future care needs.
Emotional Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Emotional and behavioral changes following traumatic brain injury can include depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. Some victims experience personality changes, increased aggression, or loss of emotional control. These psychological effects often prove as challenging as physical symptoms and require specialized treatment and support from qualified medical professionals. Our catastrophic injury attorneys ensure that mental health treatment costs are included in damage calculations.
Let Us Fight for Your Rights and Maximize Your Compensation.
Leading Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Falls
Falls represent the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in Connecticut, according to Connecticut Department of Public Health data. Falls account for 55% of TBI-related deaths in the state, particularly affecting older adults. These accidents can occur on poorly maintained sidewalks, in stores with wet floors, or on properties with inadequate lighting or security. Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain safe conditions, and their negligence can lead to serious brain injuries through premises liability claims. Our Connecticut slip and fall lawyers have secured significant recoveries for TBI victims injured in preventable falls.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents also cause significant traumatic brain injuries in Connecticut. Car crashes, truck accidents, and motorcycle collisions can generate tremendous forces that cause the brain to impact the skull, resulting in bruising, bleeding, and tissue damage. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations. Even seemingly minor accidents can cause significant brain injuries, particularly when victims strike their heads on steering wheels, windows, or other surfaces.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can cause traumatic brain injuries through surgical errors, anesthesia mistakes, failure to diagnose conditions like strokes or brain tumors, or improper treatment of medical emergencies. Birth injuries represent a particularly tragic form of medical malpractice that can result in lifelong brain damage to newborns. Our Connecticut medical malpractice attorneys work with leading medical experts to establish the standard of care and prove negligence in these complex cases.
Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents, particularly in construction, manufacturing, and industrial settings, can cause severe traumatic brain injuries. Falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, or accidents involving heavy machinery can generate the forces necessary to cause significant brain trauma. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration emphasizes the importance of proper safety protocols to prevent workplace TBI. Our Connecticut injury lawyers help injured workers navigate both workers’ compensation claims and potential third-party liability cases.
Sports-Related Injuries
Sports-related injuries, while often considered minor, can result in serious traumatic brain injuries. Repeated concussions, particularly in contact sports, can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other long-term neurological problems. The Concussion Legacy Foundation provides valuable research on the long-term effects of repeated head trauma in athletes. Our attorneys represent athletes and their families in pursuing compensation for sports-related brain injuries.
Violent Crimes and Assaults
Violent crimes and assaults can cause traumatic brain injuries through direct blows to the head or when victims fall and strike their heads on hard surfaces. These cases involve both criminal prosecution and civil liability for the perpetrators. Our Connecticut personal injury attorneys help victims pursue compensation through civil litigation while criminal cases proceed.
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers Ready to Assist You.
Connecticut TBI Laws and Your Rights
Connecticut law provides important protections for traumatic brain injury victims, but understanding these legal requirements is crucial for preserving your right to compensation. The state’s statute of limitations generally allows two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under Connecticut General Statutes § 52-584, though certain circumstances can extend this timeframe. Connecticut also has a three-year statute of repose that serves as an absolute deadline regardless of when the injury was discovered.
What Is Comparative Negligence in CT?
Connecticut follows a comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you bear some responsibility for the accident that caused your TBI. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault for an accident, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. The Connecticut Judicial Branch provides detailed information about damage calculations in personal injury cases.
TBI victims in Connecticut have the right to seek compensation from all responsible parties, including drivers, property owners, employers, product manufacturers, and healthcare providers. Our Connecticut injury lawyers thoroughly investigate each case to identify all potential sources of compensation and ensure you receive the maximum recovery possible.
Compensation Available for Connecticut TBI Victims
Traumatic brain injury victims in Connecticut can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages resulting from their injuries. Understanding the full scope of available compensation helps ensure you receive fair recovery for all losses related to your TBI. Our catastrophic injury attorneys have extensive experience calculating the full value of TBI claims.
Economic Damages
Medical expenses represent the most significant economic damages in TBI cases. These costs include emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgery, diagnostic testing, medications, and ongoing medical care. Many TBI victims require lifelong medical treatment, making it essential to calculate future medical costs accurately. Our personal injury lawyers work with life care planners and medical economists to establish comprehensive damage calculations.
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity compensation addresses the financial impact of your inability to work due to your traumatic brain injury. This includes wages lost during recovery, reduced earning capacity due to permanent disabilities, and the loss of employment benefits and advancement opportunities. Vocational rehabilitation experts help establish the full scope of economic losses in TBI cases.
Rehabilitation and therapy costs encompass physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and psychological counseling. Many TBI victims require years of intensive rehabilitation to regain maximum function and independence. The Brain Injury Association of Connecticut provides resources for TBI survivors and their families navigating the rehabilitation process.
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and suffering compensation addresses the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by your traumatic brain injury. These damages recognize that TBI victims endure significant suffering that extends beyond financial losses. Our trial lawyers have extensive experience presenting compelling evidence of pain and suffering to juries.
Loss of quality of life damages compensate for the ways your traumatic brain injury has diminished your ability to enjoy activities, relationships, and experiences that previously brought meaning and satisfaction to your life. These damages require careful documentation and expert testimony to establish their full value.
Emotional distress and mental anguish compensation addresses the psychological impact of traumatic brain injury, including depression, anxiety, fear, and the emotional trauma of dealing with a life-altering injury. Mental health professionals play a crucial role in documenting these damages.
Why Choose Claggett, Sykes & Garza Trial Lawyers for Your TBI Case
Our record-breaking verdicts demonstrate our ability to secure maximum compensation for traumatic brain injury victims. The $100 million Connecticut verdict represents the largest bodily injury verdict in the state’s history, while our $485 million sexual abuse verdict stands as the largest single-plaintiff sexual abuse verdict in U.S. history. These results reflect our commitment to fighting for justice and our ability to handle the most complex catastrophic injury cases.
Trial Advocacy
Our national trial advocacy expertise sets us apart from other Connecticut law firms. Andrew Garza and other team members regularly teach trial advocacy techniques to attorneys across the country, sharing knowledge gained from decades of courtroom experience. This national recognition demonstrates our standing among the legal community and our commitment to excellence in trial advocacy.
Building Your Case
Our comprehensive approach to case preparation utilizes advanced technology and thorough analysis to build the strongest possible cases for our clients. This approach allows us to identify patterns, strengthen arguments, and present compelling evidence that maximizes our clients’ chances of success. We work with leading medical experts, economists, and life care planners to build comprehensive cases.
Our team of experienced TBI attorneys brings diverse backgrounds and expertise to every case. This collaborative approach ensures every aspect of your case receives attention from attorneys with relevant experience and knowledge. Our legal team includes attorneys with specific experience in catastrophic injury litigation.
The TBI Legal Process in Connecticut
Initial Case Evaluation and Investigation
The traumatic brain injury legal process begins with an initial case evaluation and comprehensive investigation. Our Connecticut personal injury attorneys review medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and other evidence to determine the strength of your case and identify all responsible parties. This thorough investigation forms the foundation of successful TBI litigation.
Medical Documentation
Medical documentation plays a crucial role in TBI cases, requiring detailed records of your injuries, treatment, and prognosis. We work with leading medical experts and neurologists to ensure your injuries are properly documented and their long-term impact is clearly established. Proper medical documentation is essential for maximizing compensation in catastrophic injury cases.
Expert Witness Testimony
Expert witness testimony often proves essential in traumatic brain injury cases. Our attorneys work with neurologists, neuropsychologists, life care planners, and economic experts to present compelling evidence regarding your injuries, treatment needs, and financial losses. The quality of expert testimony can significantly impact the outcome of TBI litigation.
Negotiation and Litigation
Negotiation and litigation strategies depend on the specific circumstances of your case. While many TBI cases settle through negotiation, our trial attorneys are always prepared to take cases to trial when necessary to secure fair compensation for our clients. Our track record of successful verdicts gives us significant leverage in settlement negotiations.
Timeline Expectations
Timeline expectations for TBI cases vary significantly based on the complexity of injuries, number of responsible parties, and willingness of insurance companies to offer fair settlements. Our attorneys keep clients informed throughout the process and work diligently to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while ensuring maximum compensation. Complex TBI cases often require 18-24 months or more to reach resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut TBI Cases
How long do I have to file a TBI claim in Connecticut?
Connecticut’s statute of limitations generally provides two years from the date of injury to file a traumatic brain injury lawsuit under Connecticut General Statutes § 52-584. However, certain circumstances can extend this deadline, particularly in cases involving medical malpractice or when injuries are not immediately apparent. Connecticut also has a three-year statute of repose that serves as an absolute deadline. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
What if the TBI symptoms didn’t appear immediately after the accident?
Many traumatic brain injury symptoms do not appear immediately after an accident. Connecticut law recognizes this reality and applies the discovery rule, which can extend the statute of limitations based on when symptoms first appeared or when the injury was reasonably discoverable. However, the three-year statute of repose still applies as an absolute deadline. Seeking immediate medical attention after any head trauma is essential, even if you feel fine initially.
Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes, Connecticut’s comparative negligence law allows you to recover compensation even if you bear some responsibility for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still receive significant recovery for your traumatic brain injury. Our Connecticut personal injury attorneys work to minimize any fault attributed to you while maximizing compensation from responsible parties.
Contact our Connecticut traumatic brain injury lawyers today at 860-471-8333 for a free consultation. We’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t let insurance companies minimize your traumatic brain injury—trust the attorneys who secured the largest bodily injury verdict in Connecticut history to protect your rights and secure your future.
Related Post
Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries
