⚖ PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

California Traumatic Brain Lawyer

A traumatic brain injury can affect memory, concentration, movement, communication, personality, and the ability to work or live independently. Anand Desai Law Firm helps injured Californians pursue compensation when another person’s negligence causes a TBI. With 20+ years of legal experience and No Win, No Fee representation, we’re ready to fight for you.

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Recent Case Results

$500,000

Auto vs. Auto

Verified recovery.

$500,000

Auto vs. Auto

Disputed liability.

$200,000

Slip/Fall

Disputed liability.

$250,000

Auto vs. Auto - Sideswipe

Disputed liability.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different.

Why Choose Anand Desai Law for TBI Case?

Brain injury cases are among the most complex in personal injury law. The injuries are often invisible — a TBI victim may look physically fine while suffering debilitating cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes that destroy their quality of life. Insurance companies exploit this invisibility, arguing that the victim is exaggerating or that symptoms are unrelated to the accident. Overcoming this defense requires an attorney who can marshal neurological evidence, retain the right medical experts, and present the full scope of the injury to a jury in terms they can understand. Attorney Desai's 50+ jury trials have given him the skill to make invisible injuries visible in the courtroom.

Deep Local Knowledge — Brain injuries in the Glendale area most commonly result from car accidents on the 134 and I-5, motorcycle collisions, pedestrian strikes on high-traffic boulevards like Brand and Broadway, and falls at commercial properties and construction sites. Attorney Desai works with neurological specialists at leading LA-area medical centers and understands the local resources available for TBI rehabilitation and long-term care.

Multilingual Support — Brain injury victims often struggle with communication, making clear attorney-client interaction essential. Our firm communicates in 11 languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Thai, Tagalog, Russian, Armenian, Farsi, and Korean. We work closely with families — who are often the primary caregivers — to ensure nothing is lost in translation.

24/7 Availability — Brain injury emergencies require immediate legal response. Evidence must be preserved, at-fault parties must be identified, and medical records must be secured while treatment is still ongoing. Our team is available around the clock to begin building your case from day one.

No Win, No Fee — Brain injury cases require significant upfront investment in medical experts, neuropsychological evaluations, life care planners, and forensic economists. We advance all of these costs on a contingency basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

How It WorksThree Steps to Getting the Compensation You Deserve

1

Free Consultation

Call us or fill out the form. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and answer all your questions — at no cost.

2

We Build Your Case

We gather evidence, work with experts, handle the insurance companies, and build your claim for maximum compensation.

3

You Get Compensated

We don’t get paid unless you win. 100% contingency fee — no upfront costs, no hidden charges, no risk to you.

What You Need to Know About Traumatic Brain Injuries in California

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is an injury to the brain caused by an external force.

It can result from:

  • A bump to the head
  • A blow to the head
  • A violent jolt
  • Rapid movement of the head and brain
  • An object penetrating the skull

NINDS defines TBI as a brain injury caused by an outside force, including a forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body or an object entering the brain.

Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Concussion

A concussion is generally considered a mild traumatic brain injury.

Symptoms may include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Concentration problems
  • Memory difficulties
  • Vision changes
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Sensitivity to light or noise

 

The CDC lists these among common mild TBI and concussion symptoms.

Brain Contusion

A brain contusion involves bruising of brain tissue and may include localised bleeding.

California brain-injury firms distinguish contusions from concussions because contusions involve structural injury to brain tissue.

Diffuse Axonal Injury

A diffuse axonal injury can occur when rapid acceleration or deceleration causes widespread damage to connections within the brain.

These injuries are often associated with high-force trauma such as serious vehicle crashes.

Coup-Contrecoup Injury

A coup-contrecoup injury involves trauma at the original point of impact and on the opposite side of the brain as it moves within the skull.

Penetrating Brain Injury

A penetrating TBI occurs when an object enters the skull and damages brain tissue.

The CDC identifies penetrating injury as one mechanism of moderate or severe TBI.

Intracranial Bleeding

A serious head injury can also involve bleeding inside the skull.

Brain bleeding may place pressure on surrounding tissue and require urgent medical attention.

Mild, Moderate, and Severe TBI

Traumatic brain injuries can vary substantially in severity.

Mild TBI

Mild TBI commonly includes concussion.

Many people recover within days or weeks, although some experience symptoms for months or longer.

Moderate TBI

A moderate brain injury can result in more significant neurological, cognitive, and physical effects.

Rehabilitation may be necessary to help the person regain skills and independence.

Severe TBI

Severe brain injuries can lead to long-term or lifelong health consequences affecting virtually every aspect of a person’s life.

A severe injury may affect:

  • Memory
  • Communication
  • Movement
  • Vision
  • Hearing
  • Personality
  • Behaviour
  • Independence
  • Ability to work

Common Symptoms of TBI

Symptoms depend on the severity and location of the injury.

Thinking and Memory Problems

Possible symptoms include:

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory loss
  • Trouble thinking clearly
  • Feeling mentally slowed
  • Difficulty learning new information

Physical Symptoms

Potential physical effects include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Balance problems
  • Weakness
  • Vision changes
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea

Communication Problems

Moderate and severe TBI can interfere with communication and learning skills.

Emotional and Behavioural Changes

A person may experience:

  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Sadness
  • Emotional changes
  • Behavioural differences

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Car Accidents

Motor vehicle crashes are a recognised cause of TBI and can expose occupants to rapid acceleration, deceleration, and direct impact.

Truck Accidents

Commercial-truck crashes can involve substantial forces and may result in severe head and brain injuries.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists may suffer head injuries after striking another vehicle, the roadway, or another object.

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians can suffer significant brain trauma when struck by vehicles or thrown onto pavement.

Bicycle Accidents

Cyclists can sustain TBIs after collisions with vehicles, roadway surfaces, doors, or other objects.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Falls are one of the major causes of traumatic brain injuries.

Construction Accidents

TBIs may occur after:

  • Falls from heights
  • Falling-object accidents
  • Equipment accidents
  • Vehicle collisions
  • Structural failures

Being struck by objects and falls are established mechanisms of traumatic brain injury.

Why TBI Claims Can Be Difficult to Prove

Brain injuries do not always look like other physical injuries.

A broken bone may be easily visible on an X-ray.

A TBI may involve problems with:

  • Memory
  • Attention
  • Personality
  • Processing speed
  • Sleep
  • Balance
  • Communication

 

Some of these effects can be difficult for an outside observer to see.

California TBI firms note that insurers often challenge whether cognitive symptoms are caused by the accident, particularly in mild or less visibly apparent brain injury cases.

This is why documentation from healthcare providers, family members, employers, and rehabilitation professionals can become important.

Evidence That Can Strengthen a TBI Claim

Medical Records

Medical records may establish:

  • Diagnosis
  • Symptoms
  • Treatment
  • Referrals
  • Hospitalisation
  • Rehabilitation
  • Work restrictions

Medical Imaging

Depending on the injury, CT or MRI imaging may identify structural brain damage, bleeding, swelling, or other abnormalities.

Neuropsychological Testing

Neuropsychological evaluation may help assess areas such as:

  • Memory
  • Attention
  • Processing speed
  • Problem-solving
  • Executive function

Accident Evidence

Useful evidence may include:

  • Photographs
  • Dashcam footage
  • Surveillance video
  • Police reports
  • Witness statements
  • Vehicle damage

Employment Records

Employment evidence may show:

  • Lost work
  • Reduced hours
  • Modified duties
  • Lost income
  • Reduced earning ability

Family and Coworker Statements

People who knew the injured person before and after the accident may notice significant changes involving:

  • Memory
  • Personality
  • Communication
  • Independence
  • Energy
  • Work performance

Rehabilitation After a TBI

Moderate and severe brain injuries may require substantial rehabilitation.

Possible services include:

  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Cognitive rehabilitation
  • Psychological services
  • Vocational rehabilitation

 

The CDC explains that rehabilitation can help individuals with TBI relearn skills, increase independence, return to work, and participate more fully in everyday life.

Can a TBI Cause Permanent Problems?

Yes, particularly when the injury is moderate or severe.

The CDC states that a moderate or severe TBI can lead to long-term or lifelong health problems affecting thinking, communication, movement, sensation, emotions, and other areas of functioning.

The long-term outcome varies depending on factors such as:

  • Severity
  • Location of injury
  • Age
  • Other injuries
  • Overall health
  • Rehabilitation
  • Complications

Compensation After a Traumatic Brain Injury

The damages available depend on the facts of the individual case.

Medical Expenses

Potential expenses include:

  • Ambulance transportation
  • Emergency care
  • Hospitalisation
  • Diagnostic testing
  • Neurological treatment
  • Surgery
  • Medication
  • Rehabilitation

Future Medical Care

A serious TBI may require ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.

Lost Wages

The injured person may be unable to return to work during recovery.

Reduced Earning Capacity

Cognitive or physical limitations may affect long-term employment and income.

Rehabilitation Costs

TBI rehabilitation can become a significant part of a serious injury claim because some patients require extended therapy or assistance relearning everyday skills.

Pain and Suffering

A personal injury claim may also account for the physical and personal consequences of the injury.

Permanent Disability

Severe TBIs can cause lasting limitations affecting independence and quality of life.

California brain-injury practices commonly pursue medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment, rehabilitation needs, and non-economic losses when supported by the evidence.

What Affects the Value of a TBI Case?

There is no standard settlement value.

Important factors may include:

  • Severity of the brain injury
  • Medical diagnosis
  • Length of hospitalisation
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Physical disability
  • Rehabilitation needs
  • Future medical care
  • Lost income
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Effect on independence
  • Pain and suffering
  • Strength of liability evidence
  • Available insurance coverage
  • Comparative fault

 

Each case should be evaluated individually rather than relying on settlement figures from unrelated claims.

What if the Insurance Company Says the Scan Is Normal?

A normal scan does not automatically resolve every type of TBI claim.

Mild TBI and concussion can involve functional symptoms such as memory, concentration, dizziness, headache, and vision problems, and some patients recover without structural abnormalities being the central part of the diagnosis.

The appropriate medical diagnosis should come from qualified healthcare professionals.

What if Symptoms Appeared Later?

Some brain injury symptoms may become noticeable after the initial accident.

The CDC notes that mild TBI symptoms can continue for weeks and, for some people, months or longer.

If concerning symptoms develop after an accident, obtain appropriate medical care and explain when the injury occurred.

What if You Already Had a Previous Brain Injury?

A previous TBI does not automatically prevent a new injury claim.

The CDC notes that people with a history of repeated mild TBIs or concussions may experience longer recovery or more severe symptoms after another injury.

Medical evidence can help distinguish:

  • Earlier symptoms
  • New symptoms
  • Aggravated symptoms
  • Additional limitations caused by the new accident

How Long Do You Have to File a California TBI Lawsuit?

California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1 generally provides a two-year period for an action involving injury caused by another person’s wrongful act or neglect.

Different rules and shorter procedural deadlines can apply in some circumstances, including certain claims involving government entities.

Because accident evidence and video footage may disappear much sooner, early investigation can still be important even when the filing deadline has not yet approached.

Frequently Asked Questions About TBI

TBI stands for traumatic brain injury, meaning an injury to the brain caused by an external force.

Yes. A concussion is considered a mild traumatic brain injury.

Yes. Motor vehicle crashes are a recognised cause of traumatic brain injury.

Yes. Falls are a major cause of TBI-related injuries and hospitalisations.

Yes. Memory and concentration difficulties are recognised symptoms and potential effects of traumatic brain injury.

Brain injury can cause emotional or behavioural changes depending on the severity and location of the injury.

Yes. Moderate or severe brain injuries may require specialised rehabilitation to help with movement, memory, independence, and returning to work.

Moderate and severe TBIs can cause long-term or lifelong health and functional problems.

Depending on the case, compensation may include medical expenses, future care, rehabilitation, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other legally recoverable damages. California TBI practices commonly pursue these categories when supported by the facts.

Partial responsibility does not automatically determine the outcome of a California injury claim. The amount recoverable can depend on how fault is allocated among the parties.

California generally provides two years for a personal injury lawsuit arising from another person’s wrongful act or neglect, although exceptions and shorter procedures can apply.

There is no universal settlement amount. The value depends on the severity of the injury, future care, lost earnings, long-term impairment, liability evidence, available coverage, and other facts.

What Our Clients Say

Meet Your Attorney — Anand Desai

Anand Desai is a dedicated personal injury attorney serving Glendale and the greater Los Angeles area. A graduate of Loyola Law School with an undergraduate degree from USC, Anand has been a member of the California State Bar (#249768) since 2007, bringing 20+ years of legal experience to every case he handles.

Anand specializes in personal injury law, with particular expertise in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and catastrophic injury cases. His deep understanding of California personal injury law, combined with his tenacious negotiation skills, has helped him secure millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for his clients.

What truly sets Anand apart is his commitment to his community. His firm is one of the only law offices in Glendale that offers services in 11 languages, including Spanish, Armenian, Hindi, Gujarati, Korean, Tagalog, Farsi, Punjabi, Thai, Russian, and English — reflecting the rich diversity of the communities he serves.

“I fight for every client like they’re family. When you hire me, you’re not just getting a lawyer — you’re getting someone who genuinely cares about your recovery and your future.”

Call (833) 270-7800 to schedule your free consultation with Anand today.

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