Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries and Your Legal Rights

Every year, millions of Americans experience head trauma that alters their lives in ways they never expected. A traumatic brain injury (TBI) doesn’t always look severe at first. Some people walk away from an accident thinking they’re fine, only to start feeling symptoms days or weeks later. Others experience immediate and life-altering effects. Whether caused by a car accident, slip and fall, or another type of impact, TBIs often carry long-term consequences.

At Aizenman Law Group, our personal injury lawyers have seen firsthand how these injuries affect people across Oklahoma. We don’t just handle legal claims. We help clients access medical care, document the full impact of their injuries, and fight for the compensation they need to move forward.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A TBI happens when an external force injures the brain. It might come from a direct blow to the head or a sharp jolt that causes the brain to shift inside the skull. Even without a visible wound, the brain can sustain bruising, bleeding, or tissue damage.

Common causes of TBIs include:

TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe injuries that cause permanent disability. According to the CDC:

Bar chart showing the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the U.S. based on 2014 CDC data. Slip and falls are the top cause, followed by motor vehicle accidents, being struck by an object, assaults, and other/unknown causes. — Based on CDC’s 2014 Report to Congress, slip and falls were the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in the U.S., followed by motor vehicle crashes and impact injuries.

In 2020 approximately 214,110 people were hospitalized for TBI-related injuries in the US.
In 2021, there were about 69,473 TBI-related deaths, averaging 190 deaths per day
These numbers do not include TBI’s treated in ERs, urgent care, or those that go unreported
An estimated 5.3 million Americans live with long-term TBI-related disability

Clinical studies suggest that roughly 75% of people with mild TBIs recover within six months. However, more severe brain injuries often result in lasting impairments that affect thinking, mobility, mood and overall independence.

According to the CDC study from 2014, slip and falls are the top cause of TBI nationwide, followed by motor vehicle accidents. This is why it’s so important to speak with an experienced slip and fall attorney or car accident lawyer if you suspect a brain injury.

How to Recognize TBI Symptoms

Not all TBIs show up right away. Symptoms may take hours or even days to appear. Ignoring early warning signs can worsen outcomes, so it’s important to know what to look for.

Common TBI symptoms include:

Medical professional in scrubs interacts with digital TBI icons representing brain function, injury, and treatment. — A healthcare provider selects digital icons related to traumatic brain injury symptoms and treatment.

Loss of consciousness
Confusion or disorientation
Headaches
Nausea or vomiting
Difficulty focusing or remembering
Sensitivity to light or sound
Sleep disturbances
Dizziness or balance issues
Mood swings or irritability

In more serious cases, victims may also experience:

Slurred speech
Seizures
Loss of coordination
Coma or prolonged unconsciousness

If you notice any of these symptoms after an accident, get medical attention immediately—even if you feel okay at first.

Why Medical Treatment Matters After a TBI

Early intervention can make a big difference in your physical and legal recovery. Aizenman Law Group helps connect clients to qualified specialists who understand how to diagnose and treat traumatic brain injuries.

You may need care from:

Neurologists
Neurosurgeons
Physical therapists
Cognitive rehabilitation experts
Speech-language pathologists

Access to the right team improves your long-term outlook and strengthens your legal claim. Our personal injury attorneys work closely with your doctors to document how the injury impacts your work, relationships, and quality of life.

With the proper medical care, you can bolster your chances of receiving maximum compensation from insurance companies that may undervalue or wrongfully deny your claim.

The Problem of Delayed Diagnosis

One of the challenges with TBIs is that they’re frequently missed at urgent care or emergency rooms. Many concussions don’t appear on traditional imaging like X-rays or CT scans. Some patients are sent home without any clear plan for follow-up care. If a TBI isn’t diagnosed early, symptoms can worsen and make recovery more difficult.

That’s why it’s so important to advocate for yourself and seek second opinions if symptoms persist. At Aizenman Law Group, we help our clients find doctors who know what to look for and how to treat brain injuries that aren’t always obvious at first glance.

Legal Challenges TBI Victims Often Face

Because TBIs don’t always show up on scans, insurance companies may try to minimize them. They might argue your condition isn’t serious, offer a settlement that’s far too low, or deny your claim outright.

Our traumatic brain injury attorneys push back with expert-supported documentation, medical evaluations, and thorough evidence of how the injury has disrupted your life. We know the tactics insurance companies use and how to hold them accountable.

Compensation for TBI victims may include:

Emergency care and hospital bills
Ongoing medical treatment and therapy
Lost wages and reduced future earnings
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Assistive devices or home modifications

If your TBI was caused by a negligent driver, employer, or property owner, we will pursue a claim on your behalf while you focus on recovery.

TBI vs. Spinal Cord Injury: How They Differ

Though they often happen together in high-impact accidents, traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries are different. A spinal cord injury disrupts communication between your brain and body, sometimes leading to paralysis. A TBI affects how your brain functions—physically, emotionally, and cognitively.

Both require different types of specialists, therapies, and long-term support. Our personal injury lawyers are experienced in coordinating complex claims involving both types of injury and can help ensure that nothing slips through the cracks.

How Aizenman Law Group Supports Your Recovery

We take a comprehensive approach to helping TBI victims rebuild their lives. From the moment you call us, our team works to make sure you:

Get referred to the right medical professionals
Receive ongoing care and rehabilitation support
Have documentation to prove the full impact of your injury
Are shielded from unfair tactics by insurance companies

We know how overwhelming the process can feel. That’s why we walk you through every legal step with clear communication and ongoing support so you can focus on healing.

Talk to a Tulsa Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Today

A TBI can upend your life. You don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. The attorneys at Aizenman Law Group have helped countless Oklahomans get the care and compensation they need after serious injuries.

Call 918-215-8856 any time, day or night for a free consultation. Don’t wait until the bills pile up or you window to act closes. Let us help you take the next step toward the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.