Pittsburgh Brain Injury Lawyers

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Pittsburgh

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can happen suddenly and often have life-altering consequences. In Pittsburgh, these injuries arise in a variety of serious accidents, many of which involve preventable negligence. Some of the most common causes include:

• Car Accidents: Serious head injuries frequently occur in high-speed collisions and rear-end crashes. Even when airbags deploy, the force of impact can cause concussions or more severe brain trauma.
• Truck Accidents: Collisions involving commercial trucks and tractor-trailers often result in catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. These cases may involve complex liability issues, including trucking companies and third-party contractors.
• Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists face a heightened risk of traumatic brain injury, even when wearing helmets. Direct impact with the pavement or another vehicle can cause life-altering neurological damage.
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: When pedestrians or cyclists are struck by vehicles, head injuries are common and often severe. Busy Pittsburgh intersections and urban roadways increase these risks.
• Slip-and-fall incidents: Falls on unsafe property conditions regularly lead to head injuries. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to fall-related TBIs.
• Workplace Accidents: Pittsburgh’s industrial and construction sectors present significant risks. Falling objects, heavy machinery accidents, scaffolding collapses, and explosions can cause catastrophic brain injuries.
• Sports and Recreational Injuries: Contact sports such as football, hockey, and boxing, as well as recreational activities common throughout the region, contribute to concussions and repeated head trauma that may lead to long-term neurological damage.
• Medical Malpractice: Surgical errors, anesthesia mistakes, oxygen deprivation, delayed diagnosis, or improper treatment can result in preventable brain damage in hospital or clinical settings.
• Acts of Violence: Assaults, gunshot wounds, and other intentional acts can cause severe and permanent traumatic brain injuries.

Regardless of how a traumatic brain injury occurs, if another party’s negligence or reckless conduct played a role, you may have the right to pursue compensation under Pennsylvania law. Early legal action can help preserve critical evidence and protect your claim.

Symptoms of a Brain Injury

Brain injuries can manifest in many ways, depending on the type and severity of the injury. 

Some common symptoms of a brain injury include:

• Physical Symptoms: Headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in vision or hearing, changes in coordination or balance, and seizures
• Cognitive Symptoms: Confusion, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, difficulty with speech, disorientation, and attention deficits
• Emotional Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, irritability, mood swings, personality changes, impulsiveness, and aggression
• Sensory Symptoms: Sensitivity to light, noise, or touch, as well as tinnitus, vertigo, numbness, or tingling in the limbs.

People should seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of these symptoms. Pennsylvania allows people to file a personal injury lawsuit for two years following an injury, so we encourage you to act quickly, as the more time passes, the harder it can be to prove your case. 

Long-Term Impact of Brain Injuries

The effects of a brain injury can extend far beyond the initial trauma. Some long-term effects of TBIs include:

• Memory and concentration issues: Ongoing problems with short-term memory, multitasking, and staying focused on work or daily activities.
• Personality and mood changes: New or worsening depression, anxiety, irritability, or emotional outbursts that affect relationships.
• Chronic pain and seizures: Persistent headaches, migraines, or seizure disorders that require regular medical care.
• Communication and language difficulties: Trouble speaking clearly, understanding others, or processing complex information.
• Mobility and coordination problems: Weakness, balance issues, or reduced fine motor skills that limit independence.
• Need for ongoing care: Long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and assistance with daily living tasks.

Because these long-term effects can touch every part of daily life, a brain injury lawyer can work with vocational specialists, life-care planners, and your medical providers to estimate future needs and pursue compensation that reflects the full cost of ongoing care and support.

Proving Liability in a Brain Injury Claim

Successfully recovering compensation for a brain injury requires proving that another party’s negligence caused the injury. This typically involves showing all of the following elements:

1. Duty of Care: Establishing that the defendant owed you a duty of care (e.g., a driver must obey traffic laws, a property owner must maintain safe premises).
2. Breach of Duty: Showing that the defendant acted negligently or wrongfully, violating that duty.
3. Causation: Linking the defendant’s breach directly to the brain injury.
4. Damages: Demonstrating the physical, emotional, and financial harm suffered as a result.

Our brain injury lawyer in Pittsburgh works with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and life-care planners to build strong cases that fully reflect the devastating impact of a brain injury.

Working With Our Brain Injury Lawyers in Pittsburgh

Choosing the right legal team after a serious head injury is a significant decision for you and your family. A traumatic brain injury can affect every part of daily life, from work and finances to relationships and long-term health. Our goal is to make the legal process clear, supportive, and focused on your recovery.

Here is what you can expect when working with our Pittsburgh brain injury attorney:

• Careful Initial Consultation: We begin by listening to your story, reviewing any medical records or accident reports you already have, and explaining how Pennsylvania law applies to your situation. We understand that many clients are managing appointments, therapy sessions, and major life adjustments, so we keep our approach straightforward and accessible.
• Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering: As your case progresses, we collect medical records, consult with specialists when appropriate, secure accident reports, and preserve other key evidence. Brain injury claims often require detailed documentation to demonstrate the full impact of cognitive, physical, and emotional changes.
• Handling Insurance Communications: Insurance companies may attempt to minimize the severity of a traumatic brain injury, especially when symptoms are not immediately visible. We manage communications with insurers to protect your interests and help prevent statements from being used to undervalue your claim.
• Local Knowledge of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania: If your injury occurred in or around Pittsburgh—whether in a crash on I-376, a workplace accident in western Pennsylvania, or another serious incident—we are familiar with how local courts, employers, and insurers approach these claims. That regional insight informs our strategy at every stage.
• Ongoing Communication and Support: We keep you updated on major developments and explain each step in plain language. You should not have to navigate Pennsylvania’s legal system alone while recovering from a brain injury.

From the initial consultation through resolution, our focus remains on protecting your rights and pursuing compensation that reflects the long-term consequences of a serious head trauma.

Brain Injury Claims Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a valid brain injury claim?

If your injury resulted from another party’s negligence—such as a careless driver, property owner, or employer—you may have grounds for a claim. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case.

What compensation can I recover in a brain injury case?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.

Do brain injury cases usually settle out of court?

Many cases are resolved through settlements, but if a fair offer is not made, your attorney can take your case to trial to fight for full compensation.

Why should I hire a Pittsburgh brain injury Attorney?

Brain injury claims are often complex and require expert testimony, detailed medical evidence, and aggressive negotiation. A lawyer helps to ensure your rights are protected and maximizes your chance of a successful recovery.