Everett Brain Injury Lawyer

Key Highlights

• An Everett brain injury lawyer provides protection for a victim when symptoms of a TBI are not evident or deemed minimal by insurers.
• A TBI has the power to inflict long-lasting effects on the cognitive, emotional and financial components of the injured person’s life.
• Obtaining timely medical documentation is crucial for providing evidence of the actual effects from a TBI.
• A lawsuit for a TBI in Washington will require both the experience of the lawyer handling the case and the experience of a medical expert.

In an instant, a traumatic brain injury can change an entire life. The result is both immediate and overwhelming. The individual and their family have to deal with feelings of fear, confusion, and uncertainty, especially when symptoms are not visible. Brain “fog”, loss of memory, a change in personality, or becoming emotionally unstable, may not show up right away but will most certainly have a long lasting effect on the victim’s independence, ability to work, and relationships with others.

The Russell & Hill Law Firm representing clients and families throughout the state of Washington who have suffered a traumatic brain injury. Our Everett brain injury lawyers specialize in protecting our client’s rights from the tactics that insurance companies use to minimize the effects of the traumatic brain injury and in creating a medically supported claim for our clients showing the true long-term impact of the traumatic brain injury.

Contact an Everett traumatic brain injury attorney near me at (800) 529-0842 to schedule your free and confidential case evaluation today.

Understanding What is A TBI Injury After Accidents in Everett

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when normal brain function is disrupted due to an outside force. Examples of injuries caused by this would be from a concussion to life-threatening injuries. This occurs frequently during routine activities across Everett.

Common Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

• Concussion (Mild TBI): A concussion develops from rapid movements of the brain, either accelerating or decelerating, which may lead to a variety of symptoms including headaches, confusion, sensitivity to lights, memory issues, and chronic cognitive problems.
• Contusion: A contusion is a bruise to the brain caused by direct contact, usually from the head hitting against a solid object, such as the ground or another person during a fall or collision.
• Coup–Contrecoup Injury: A coup-contrecoup injury is a brain injury causing damage to both sides of the head because of the force from the impact and the rebound of the head, which can make this injury more likely to result in long-term cognitive impairment.
• Penetrating Brain Injury: A penetrating brain injury occurs when a foreign object (e.g., bullet, knife, other objects) penetrates the skull through a break in the bone, resulting in damage to brain tissue, and is frequently associated with long-term disability and the need for extensive rehabilitation.
• Anoxic / Hypoxic Brain Injury: Anoxic or hypoxic injuries to the brain are caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain. The absence of oxygen leads to cell death throughout the brain, results in memory problems, and can affect the ability to plan and organize activities.

Medical research shows 70–90%, of all TBIs are considered “mild” in severity. Many of these injuries will go undiagnosed because the signs or symptoms of a TBI do not usually happen until a few hours or a few days have passed after the injury. Therefore, documenting the medical condition of a patient as soon as possible is critical for determining the effects of a TBI on brain function.

“Is This Normal?” Mild vs. Severe Brain Injury Symptoms

Symptom Category	Mild TBI (Concussion)	Moderate–Severe TBI
Physical	Headaches, dizziness, nauseated feelings, fatigue	Seizures, loss of coordination, repeated vomiting
Cognitive	Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, memory gaps	Profound confusion, slurred speech, agitated feeling
Sensory	Sensitivity to bright light or loud sound	Blurred vision, ringing in ears or tinnitus
Emotional	Irritability or anxious with mood swings	Aggressive, change of personality

If you feel that somethin is wrong, it matters; legally and medically. Many TBI lawyer near me have had many cases where symptoms were dismissed initially, only to worsen several months later.

Where Brain Injuries Commonly Happen in Everett, WA

Everett also has many areas where a brain injury from unexpected events occurs daily.

Motor Vehicle Collisions

Accidents involving cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians are some of the most common causes of head trauma. It’s possible to have traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from sudden force, whiplash, or direct impact on the head, regardless of whether a seatbelt was used or an airbag deployed.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slips and falls have become one of the most common causes for TBIs, especially in relation to youth or the elderly population, due to unsafe surroundings (such as uneven sidewalks, wet surfaces, and poorly maintained stairways).

Workplace & Construction Injuries

Serious head trauma, such as TBIs, can also occur as a result of falling objects, faulty equipment, or unsafe job sites.

Sports & Recreational Injuries

Many types of sports, whether contact or non-contact, can create a risk of TBIs. Long-term effects of these injuries may not be evident to the athlete, but they can still happen from repeated injuries.

Assaults & Violent Incidents

Assaults and other forms of violence can result in blunt force trauma to the head, leading to long-term psychological or emotional trauma, in addition to TBIs.

Emergency & Trauma Care in Everett

Victims of brain injuries in Everett are most commonly treated at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett and Swedish Edmonds.

Proper follow-up neurological treatment and the timely diagnosis will be instrumental in establishing the accuracy of the medical record for accident or injury-related litigation.

The First 72 Hours After a Brain Injury: Medical & Legal Checklist

The first three days after suffering a head injury are essential for the long-term healing process and ensuring that your legal rights are safe. 

Medical Steps

• Seek Neurological Evaluation: If you have any concerns about your mental state, be sure to ask for further testing. It is common for injuries such as concussions or diffuse axonal injury (injury to the brain from the tearing of cells due to acceleration or deceleration) to be missed in early scans.
• Document Symptoms Daily: Each day write down any headaches, confusion, mood swings, memory issues, or sleep disturbances in order to create a medical history of your injury. 
• Avoid Returning to Work or Driving: You may feel well enough to return to work or drive after your head injury, but doing so too soon can increase your symptoms and make it harder for you to recover medically and legally. 

Legal Steps

• Do Not Give Recorded Statements:  Insurance companies often try to downplay the seriousness of your traumatic brain injury by using your recorded statement, which was likely recorded before your true symptoms had developed. 
• Preserve Evidence: Make sure you keep copies of all medical records, witness information, photographs, and incident reports so you can prove your case. 
• Consult a Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys Near Me: Contacting traumatic brain injury lawyers near me who specializes in traumatic brain injury as soon as possible will help ensure that you receive the full value of your claim.

Washington State Brain Injury Laws That Affect Your Case

Washington state offers crucial laws to support people who have sustained brain injuries, but they come with many critical requirements and stipulations.

• Statute of Limitations: Victims have three years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury claim.
• Comparative Fault Rule: Even if you are partially responsible for your accident and injuries, you can still recover damages. However, your damages will be reduced proportionate to your share of the fault.
• Proving Invisible Injuries: Many TBIs require expert testimony from neurologists and neuropsychologists regarding both the cause and long-term effects.
• Insurance Challenges: Insurance companies tend to minimize the seriousness of concussions and mild TBIs, making it extremely important for you to have someone advocating for you in the legal system.
• Early Investigation Matters: If your case is not investigated in a timely fashion, important medical evidence may be lost, making a case more difficult to prove.

The Hidden, Long-Term Costs of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Brain injuries can create lifelong financial and personal expenses that continue to extend far beyond the point of emergency treatment. 

Economic Damages

Economic losses include emergency room treatment, inpatient treatment, visits with neurologists or neuropsychologists, rehabilitation services, assistive devices and loss of wages.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages include chronic pain, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress or permanent cognitive and personality change resulting in a less than satisfying relationship with their family.

Planning for Future Care

To provide adequate compensation, you will need long-term planning that follows this framework:

Total TBI impact = Current medical bills + Future care + (Annual earning capacity * number of years to retirement) + Non-Economic Damages.

Although necessary, many brain injury compensation lawyers rely on medical doctors and life-care planners to accurately calculate future needs. 

Why Choose Russell & Hill Law Firm for an Everett Brain Injury Case

Choosing the proper traumatic brain injury law firm has a direct impact on your recovery and financial security.

• Washington-Focused Practice: Our team of TBI attorney near me exclusively practice Washington personal injury law, which gives us a strategic advantage over other parties when negotiating brain injury claims.
• Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have experience representing clients who have suffered from catastrophic traumatic brain injury claims that are highly complex and require us to rely on advanced medical evidence and experts.
• Victim-First Approach: Because of our dedication to providing quality client representation, we take on fewer cases than many of our peers and provide each of our individual injured clients with personal contact.
• Medical & Economic Collaboration: We work with many different medical providers, such as neurologists and neuropsychologists, and forensic experts in order to present claims that have medical backing and economic backing.
• Clear Communication: Our clients and their supported family members receive the truth, are updated frequently by us, and have compassion shown to them at all times.
• Contingency Fee Structure: You do not pay us anything unless compensation is recovered for your injuries, through your case.
• Proven Results & Credentials: Russell & Hill Law Firm has recovered $1.3 million in serious injury cases, served more than 20,000 clients, brings 135+ years of combined experience, maintains a 4.9 average client rating, and holds a 10.0 AVVO Rating along with a Top Attorney – Personal Injury Award.

Protect Your Future After a Brain Injury

Because a brain injury will alter your ability to think, perform work, or maintain independent living well beyond the immediate expenses (medical bills) associated with them, it is important to seek legal representation immediately to protect your health, financial resources, and long term viability.

You will never have to worry about your recovery while an Everett brain injury lawyer is working for you by processing insurance claims, gathering and collecting evidence, and ensuring that all legal deadlines are met.

Call Russell & Hill Law Firm at (800) 529-0842 to speak with an Everett brain injury attorney and receive the answers your family deserves.

Frequently Asked Questions About Everett Brain Injury Lawyers

How do I know if I have a brain injury after an accident?

Symptoms of brain injury after an accident include headaches, memory loss, confusion, mood changes, and difficulty sleeping can indicate a potential brain injury after an accident. Its best to get medical attention immediately after the accident and consult with a Everett brain injury lawyer. 

Can I file a claim if symptoms appeared days later?

Delayed symptom onset is common with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and Washington State law allows for filing a claim as long as the initial medical evidence connects the TBI to the accident. 

What if the insurance company says my injury is “mild”?

Although insurance companies will refer to the severity of a person’s injury as “mild” when describing the initial injury, this does not take into account the long term impact. So its best to collect evidences to support your claim.

How long does a brain injury case take in Washington?

Claims in Washington can take anywhere from several months to several years to resolve depending on a person’s recovery and whether litigation is necessary. 

How much is a brain injury case worth in Everett?

Case value for brain injuries will depend on the extent of the injury and long term effects, medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages which a brain and spine injury attorney can help you figure out with the help of medical experts.