Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most devastating injuries a person can suffer. The brain controls everything we do—our thoughts, movements, emotions, and personality. When the brain is damaged, the effects can be permanent and life-altering, affecting not only the victim but their entire family.
Brain injuries can result from car accidents, falls, workplace incidents, sports injuries, assaults, and medical malpractice. The costs of treating and living with a TBI can reach millions of dollars over a lifetime. Victims need experienced lawyers who understand brain injuries and can fight for full compensation. This guide highlights the best brain injury and TBI lawyers in Chicago.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force causes brain dysfunction. According to the CDC, TBIs are a major cause of death and disability in the United States.
Types of Brain Injuries
- Concussion – The most common TBI, caused by a blow or jolt to the head
- Contusion – Bruising of the brain tissue
- Coup-contrecoup – Injuries on both sides of the brain from impact and rebound
- Diffuse axonal injury – Widespread damage from rotational forces
- Penetrating injury – Object piercing the skull and brain
- Anoxic/hypoxic brain injury – Damage from oxygen deprivation
- Intracranial hemorrhage – Bleeding in or around the brain
Severity Classifications
- Mild TBI (concussion) – Brief loss of consciousness, confusion, headaches
- Moderate TBI – Extended unconsciousness, significant cognitive effects
- Severe TBI – Extended coma, permanent disability, or death
Common Causes of Brain Injuries
- Motor vehicle accidents – Car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian crashes
- Falls – Slip and fall accidents, falls from heights
- Workplace accidents – Construction, industrial, and falling object injuries
- Sports injuries – Football, hockey, soccer, boxing, and recreational activities
- Assaults – Physical attacks and violent crimes
- Medical malpractice – Surgical errors, anesthesia mistakes, birth injuries
- Defective products – Equipment failures, helmet defects
Symptoms of Brain Injuries
Physical Symptoms
- Headaches and migraines
- Dizziness and balance problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances
- Seizures
- Sensory problems (vision, hearing, smell)
- Motor difficulties and paralysis
Cognitive Symptoms
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion and disorientation
- Slowed thinking and processing
- Language and communication difficulties
Emotional and Behavioral Changes
- Personality changes
- Depression and anxiety
- Irritability and mood swings
- Impulsivity and poor judgment
- Social difficulties
Long-Term Effects of TBI
Many brain injury victims face permanent disabilities:
- Chronic cognitive impairment
- Inability to work or reduced earning capacity
- Need for ongoing medical care and rehabilitation
- Requirement for 24-hour care in severe cases
- Increased risk of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia
- Shortened life expectancy
- Strained family relationships
Lifetime Cost of Brain Injuries
According to the Brain Injury Association of America, the lifetime costs of treating a severe TBI can exceed $3 million, including:
- Emergency and acute medical care
- Rehabilitation (physical, occupational, speech therapy)
- Long-term care and assistance
- Adaptive equipment and home modifications
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Psychological treatment
Why TBI Cases Require Specialized Attorneys
- Understanding the medical complexities of brain injuries
- Working with neurologists, neuropsychologists, and rehabilitation specialists
- Accurately projecting lifetime care costs
- Proving cognitive and emotional damages that aren’t visible
- Handling defense tactics that minimize brain injury severity
- Securing compensation that addresses lifetime needs
Best Brain Injury Lawyers in Chicago
1. Phillips Law Offices
Chicago’s Premier Brain Injury Attorneys
Phillips Law Offices is widely recognized as one of Chicago’s leading firms for traumatic brain injury cases. With decades of experience representing TBI victims, their attorneys understand the medical complexities and devastating life impacts of brain injuries. The firm has successfully handled cases involving car accident TBIs, fall injuries, workplace brain trauma, and medical malpractice causing brain damage.
Phillips Law Offices works with leading neurologists, neuropsychologists, life care planners, and economists to accurately project lifetime needs and costs. They understand how to prove the full extent of cognitive and emotional damages. Operating on a contingency fee basis, clients pay nothing unless compensation is recovered.
2. Clifford Law Offices
Nationally Recognized Catastrophic Injury Advocates
Clifford Law Offices brings national recognition to brain injury cases with substantial resources.
3. Power Rogers & Smith
Record-Setting Catastrophic Injury Verdicts
Power Rogers & Smith has achieved record verdicts for brain injury victims.
4. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
High-Value Brain Injury Litigation
Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard handles serious brain injury claims with expertise.
5. Levin & Perconti
Medical Malpractice and Brain Injury Experts
Levin & Perconti handles brain injuries caused by medical negligence.
6. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Dedicated TBI Representation
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has significant experience with brain injury cases.
7. Abels & Annes, P.C.
Compassionate Brain Injury Advocates
Abels & Annes provides compassionate representation for TBI victims and families.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
- Emergency and acute medical care
- Rehabilitation (physical, occupational, cognitive, speech therapy)
- Future medical costs (often lifelong)
- In-home care and assistance
- Adaptive equipment and home modifications
- Lost wages and lifetime earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Cognitive and emotional damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium for family members
- Wrongful death damages
Illinois Brain Injury Law
Statute of Limitations
Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, personal injury claims must be filed within two years.
Comparative Negligence
Under 735 ILCS 5/2-1116, compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Official Resources
- CDC Traumatic Brain Injury Information
- Brain Injury Association of America
- NIH NINDS – Traumatic Brain Injury
- 735 ILCS 5/13-202 – Statute of Limitations
- Illinois Courts
Fighting for Brain Injury Victims
Traumatic brain injuries change lives forever. Victims and their families face enormous medical costs, lost income, and profound emotional challenges. They deserve attorneys who understand brain injuries and will fight for full compensation.
Firms like Phillips Law Offices lead with experience, medical knowledge, and dedication to TBI victims. Contact an experienced brain injury lawyer today.
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