After an accident, you might look in the mirror and see the same person. But inside, everything feels different. A traumatic brain injury isn’t a visible wound like a broken bone, but the headaches, the confusion, and the frustration are profoundly real. This silent struggle can leave you feeling isolated and overwhelmed.
At Fields Injury Law, we see you, we hear you, and we understand the true impact of your injury. If someone else’s carelessness caused this hidden pain, a compassionate Minneapolis traumatic brain injury lawyer is ready to be your advocate and help you fight for the resources needed for your recovery.
Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation.
Key Takeaways for Minneapolis Traumatic Brain Injury Victims
- A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious medical condition that can result from events like car accidents, falls, or workplace incidents.
- TBIs often have long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional effects that may not be immediately apparent after an accident.
- In Minnesota, a personal injury claim for a TBI typically requires proving that another party's negligence, or carelessness, caused the injury.
- Compensation in a TBI case can cover a wide range of damages, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Accepting an early settlement offer from an insurance company can prevent an individual from seeking further compensation if their condition worsens.
- Minnesota law generally allows six years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit for personal injuries caused by negligence.
Why Choose Fields Injury Law for Your Minneapolis, Minnesota Traumatic Brain Injury Claim?
When you’re recovering from a serious injury, the last thing you need is more stress. At Fields Injury Law, we understand that your situation involves more than just a single legal claim. That’s why we created our unique All-in-One Injury Solution. We recognize that a single accident can trigger a complex web of needs, from a personal injury lawsuit to claims for workers’ compensation or disability benefits. Our team handles all these interconnected issues under one roof, providing you with seamless and steady support.
We take the time to listen to your story and understand what matters most to you and your family. Our approach is built on a foundation of clear communication and genuine care for our clients. By managing every aspect of your case, we allow you to focus on what’s truly important: your health and recovery. Let our team coordinate the legal complexities so you can move forward with confidence.
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Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, happens when a sudden jolt, blow, or penetrating injury disrupts the normal function of the brain. Unlike a broken bone, a TBI is often an "invisible injury." Someone might look perfectly fine on the outside while struggling with serious and debilitating symptoms.
These injuries can range from a supposedly "mild" concussion to a severe, life-altering injury. Even mild TBIs can have lasting consequences. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides extensive information on the long-term outcomes of TBI, which can impact a person's ability to think, feel, and act.
Some common symptoms of a TBI can appear hours or even days after the initial incident. It is vital to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following after an accident:
- Persistent headaches or neck pain
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering new information
- Unusual fatigue, dizziness, or loss of balance
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Changes in mood, such as increased irritability or sadness
These symptoms can significantly affect your ability to work, interact with loved ones, and enjoy life as you once did. Acknowledging these challenges is the first step toward seeking the help and support you deserve.
Common Causes of TBIs
A traumatic brain injury can result from almost any type of accident where the head is struck or violently shaken. In a bustling area like Minneapolis, with heavy traffic on I-35W and constant construction projects, the risk of these accidents is an everyday reality. Our team is prepared to help victims whose injuries were caused by a wide variety of incidents.
Some of the most frequent causes of TBIs in Minnesota include:
- Car and Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Construction Site Accidents
- Slips and Falls
- Drunk Driving Accidents
No matter the cause, if someone else’s poor decision or careless action led to your brain injury, you have the right to explore your legal options for holding them accountable.
Do I Have a Brain Injury Case?
This is one of the most common and important questions we hear. The answer usually depends on a legal concept called negligence. In simple terms, negligence is the failure to use reasonable care, which results in harm to another person. Most personal injury cases, including those for TBIs, are built on proving that another party was negligent.
To have a successful TBI case, a Minneapolis traumatic brain injury attorney must help you establish four key elements.
- Duty of Care
First, we must show that the person who caused your injury owed you a "duty of care." This is a legal responsibility to act in a way that doesn't cause foreseeable harm to others. For example, every driver on the streets of Minneapolis has a duty to obey traffic laws and pay attention to the road.
- Breach of Duty
Second, we need to prove that the person breached, or violated, that duty. A driver who runs a red light at the intersection of Hennepin and Lake, a store owner who fails to clean up a spill, or a construction company that ignores safety regulations have all breached their duty of care.
- Causation
Third, it’s necessary to connect the breach of duty directly to your injuries. This means showing that the at-fault party's actions (or inaction) were the direct cause of your traumatic brain injury. Medical records, accident reports, and witness statements are often used to establish this crucial link.
- Damages
Finally, we must demonstrate that you suffered actual harm, or "damages," as a result of the injury. These aren't just about punishment; they are about quantifying your losses. Damages include everything from medical bills and lost income to the physical pain and emotional suffering you’ve endured.
Under Minnesota law, you generally have six years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit for an injury caused by negligence. It’s important to act well before this deadline, known as the statute of limitations, to protect your rights.
The Insurance Company Made Me an Offer. Should I Take It?
After an accident, it’s common to receive a phone call from the at-fault party’s insurance company. The insurance adjuster may sound friendly and concerned, and they might even make a quick settlement offer. While it can be tempting to accept, especially when bills are piling up, this is often a tactic to resolve your claim for far less than it's truly worth.
Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to protect their bottom line by paying out as little as possible. They know that TBI victims may not understand the full extent of their future medical needs, the long-term impact on their earning capacity, or their right to compensation for pain and suffering. They count on you not knowing the true value of your claim.
Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, your case is closed forever. You cannot go back and ask for more money, even if your medical condition worsens or you discover you need ongoing therapy that wasn't anticipated. Before you speak with an adjuster or sign any paperwork, it is wise to understand your rights and the potential long-term costs associated with your injury.
Compensation Available in a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawsuit
The purpose of a TBI lawsuit is to help you recover the financial stability you lost due to someone else’s negligence. This means accounting for every single way the injury has impacted your life. The compensation, or damages, available in a Minnesota TBI case is typically broken down into two main categories.
Economic Damages
These are the tangible, out-of-pocket financial losses you have incurred and will likely incur in the future. They have a clear dollar value and can be proven with receipts, bills, and employment records.
- Medical Expenses: This includes everything from the initial emergency room visit and hospital stay to ongoing needs like physical therapy, medication, and in-home care.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you've lost while being unable to work during your recovery.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If your TBI prevents you from returning to your previous job or working at all, you can seek compensation for the income you will lose over your lifetime.
- Rehabilitation Costs: This covers specialized therapies such as occupational, speech, or vocational therapy designed to help you regain skills and independence.
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Non-Economic Damages
These damages are meant to compensate you for the intangible, personal losses that don’t have a specific price tag but are just as real and devastating.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury and your recovery process.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your TBI prevents you from participating in hobbies, activities, or relationships that you once cherished, you can be compensated for this loss.
- Emotional Anguish: This addresses the mental toll of the injury, including depression, anxiety, frustration, and other psychological impacts.
- Loss of Consortium: In some cases, the uninjured spouse may have a claim for the loss of companionship and support resulting from their partner's TBI.
Our legal team works diligently to document all of your losses to build a comprehensive case aimed at securing the full and fair compensation you need for your future.
What if I'm partly to blame for my head injury?
This is a very common and understandable concern. It’s important to know that being partially responsible for an accident does not automatically prevent you from receiving compensation in Minnesota. The state follows a legal rule called comparative fault, which is a way of assigning responsibility to everyone involved.
Under Minnesota's comparative fault statute, you can still recover damages as long as your percentage of fault is determined to be 50% or less. Your final compensation award would then be reduced by your share of the blame. For example, if you were awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 20% at fault, you would be able to recover $80,000. Insurance adjusters may try to use any admission of fault to unfairly place more blame on you and reduce their payout.
Minneapolis, MN TBI FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions our clients have about traumatic brain injury claims.
How much does it cost to hire a Minneapolis traumatic brain injury lawyer?
At Fields Injury Law, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of the final settlement or award. This arrangement allows everyone to access quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
How long will my brain injury case take to resolve?
The timeline for a TBI case varies greatly depending on its complexity. A key factor is reaching "maximum medical improvement," or the point where your doctors have a clear understanding of your long-term prognosis. This is vital to ensure any settlement covers your future needs. While simpler cases might resolve in months, more complex ones can take a year or longer. We will keep you informed every step of the way.
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Contact Our Minneapolis Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers Today
Your life may have changed after your injury, but you have the power to seek justice and fight for a secure future. You don't have to fight the insurance companies and legal system alone. Let the compassionate team at Fields Injury Law stand by your side. We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and helping you get the resources you need to move forward.
When you work with a Minneapolis TBI lawyer from our firm, we can:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into your accident to gather evidence and identify all at-fault parties.
- Work with medical and financial professionals to calculate the full, long-term value of your claim.
- Handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Aggressively negotiate for a settlement that fully and fairly compensates you.
- Prepare your case for trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Your recovery is your priority. Let us make your case ours. Contact Fields Injury Law today at (612) 206-3495 or through our online form for a free, confidential consultation to learn how we can help.
