Pittsburgh Brain Injury Attorneys

We’ve Recovered Billions to Help Traumatic Brain Injury Victims Move Forward with Their Lives

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury in an accident, it is important to know that you are not alone. Many people sustain brain injuries in car accidents, workplace accidents, and other disastrous incidents in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States every day. Negligence on the part of drivers, companies, property owners, and other parties can cause these life-altering injuries.

At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., our brain injury attorneys in Pittsburgh personally work with accident victims and their families to help them obtain the compensation and justice they need.

With more than 40 years of experience, our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. From our initial consultation and case review until we reach a settlement or judgment on your behalf, your best interests are our priority.

Reach out to our Pittsburgh brain injury lawyers to learn what we can do to help you. 

Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can have long-term effects that change people's lives significantly. A mild TBI, like a concussion, can cause confusion, personality changes, headaches, sleep disorders, tinnitus, and difficulty controlling emotions.

Moderate TBI victims typically suffer similar symptoms but with greater severity. In addition, this group may experience nausea and vomiting, trouble speaking, difficulty with physical coordination, and weakness in the extremities. They may also have seizures.

Severe TBI is the most dangerous type of brain injury. These patients’ symptoms are often so debilitating that they need 24-hour care. In addition, severe TBIs can cause long-term unconsciousness. A persistent vegetative state or coma is not uncommon in such a scenario. If the brain cannot recover its function, the injury may turn fatal, either when it occurs or months or years later.

Common types of TBIs include:

• Concussion: Often considered a mild TBI, a concussion results from a blow to the head that causes the brain to shake within the skull. Symptoms can include headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and temporary loss of consciousness.
• Contusion: This is a bruise on the brain tissue caused by a direct impact to the head. It can lead to bleeding and swelling, potentially causing localized brain damage.
• Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): This occurs when the brain's long connecting fibers (axons) are torn due to rapid acceleration or deceleration. It often results from severe shaking or rotational forces and can lead to widespread brain damage.
• Subdural Hematoma: This type of injury involves bleeding between the brain and its outermost covering (the dura mater). It is often caused by head trauma that leads to a rupture of blood vessels.
• Epidural Hematoma: This occurs when blood accumulates between the skull and the dura mater. It is usually caused by a skull fracture that tears an artery, leading to rapid bleeding and increased pressure on the brain.
• Intracerebral Hemorrhage: This involves bleeding within the brain tissue itself, which can result from a severe impact or a stroke. It often leads to significant brain damage and can be life-threatening.
• Penetrating Head Injury: This occurs when an object penetrates the skull and brain tissue, such as a bullet or sharp object. It can cause severe damage to the brain and its functions.

Common Causes of TBI

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can result from a variety of causes, often involving sudden and forceful impacts or movements. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Falls: Falls are a leading cause of TBIs, particularly among young children and older adults. Examples include falls from ladders, slips on wet surfaces, or tripping over objects. These incidents can lead to a direct impact on the head or cause the head to hit a hard surface.
• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Collisions involving cars, motorcycles, or bicycles are significant causes of TBIs. The impact from a crash can cause the head to strike the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield, or result in rapid acceleration or deceleration forces that jostle the brain inside the skull.
• Sports Injuries: Contact sports like football, hockey, and soccer, as well as non-contact sports such as skiing or cycling, can result in TBIs. Blows to the head or body, falls, or collisions with other players or equipment can lead to concussions or other types of brain injuries.
• Violence: Assaults, such as physical altercations or domestic violence, can cause TBIs. Weapons or objects used to strike the head, or blows resulting from fights, can lead to direct trauma or injuries from impact.
• Explosions: Explosive events, such as those encountered in military combat or industrial accidents, can result in blast-related TBIs. The force of the explosion can cause concussive injuries or secondary impacts from debris or shockwaves.
• Accidental Injuries: Everyday accidents, such as being struck by falling objects, or accidents involving machinery or tools, can cause TBIs. The impact from these accidents can lead to direct trauma or secondary brain damage.

How Do You Recognize a Brain Injury?

Sometimes brain damage is not detected immediately, even by physicians. Symptoms may not be apparent for days or weeks. Suppose you or someone you know has been in an accident or experienced any sudden impacts to the head. In that case, it is important to look for signs of brain injuries such as:

• Dizziness
• Mood swings
• Headaches
• Sleepiness
• Blurred vision
• Memory loss and confusion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dilated pupils

No matter how small you think an accident was, if brain damage is a possibility, you need to take action immediately. Minor brain injuries can predispose patients to more serious damage, especially if they are not treated in a timely manner. Let our knowledgeable legal team work for you to make sure you get the medical treatment and recovery you need.

Long-Term Impact of Brain Injuries

The "invisible" nature of brain injuries can make them particularly frustrating. A survivor may look fine on the outside while struggling with profound internal changes.

Cognitive and Emotional Challenges

Survivors often deal with memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and "brain fog." Emotional volatility is also common; a person who was once mild-mannered may become easily agitated, depressed, or anxious due to damage to the frontal lobe.

Physical Limitations

Depending on the area of the brain affected, victims may experience chronic headaches, seizures, loss of balance, or paralysis. Sensory issues, such as blurred vision or a constant ringing in the ears (tinnitus), are also frequent.

Financial Burden

The lifetime cost of treating a severe TBI can reach millions of dollars. This includes emergency surgery, intensive care, long-term rehabilitation, speech therapy, and 24/7 in-home care. If the victim can no longer work, the loss of earning capacity can devastate a family's financial stability.

Brain Injury FAQs

How long do I have to file a claim in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, exceptions may apply, so it is vital to consult a lawyer immediately.

Can I still recover compensation if I wasn't wearing a helmet?

Yes. While Pennsylvania has specific laws regarding helmets for motorcyclists and bicyclists, not wearing one does not automatically bar you from seeking compensation if someone else’s negligence caused the crash.

What if the insurance company offers a quick settlement?

Never sign a settlement offer without consulting an attorney. Early offers are often "lowball" amounts that do not account for the long-term medical needs associated with brain injuries.

Does it matter if my TBI symptoms didn't appear immediately?

Not at all. It is very common for brain injury symptoms—such as cognitive delays, mood swings, or sleep disturbances—to manifest days or even weeks after the initial accident. This is known as a "latent" injury. As long as we can establish a medical link between the accident and your eventual diagnosis, you still have a valid claim.

What is "Maximum Medical Improvement" (MMI), and why is it important?

MMI is the point at which a doctor determines your condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improve further with additional treatment. In brain injury cases, we often wait until you reach MMI before settling. This ensures we know the full extent of your permanent impairments and can accurately calculate the cost of your future care.

Can I file a claim if I had a previous concussion or brain injury?

Yes. Pennsylvania law follows the "Eggshell Skull Rule," which states that a defendant is responsible for the damages they cause, even if the victim was more susceptible to injury due to a pre-existing condition. If a new accident aggravated your old injury or made it worse, you are entitled to compensation for that exacerbation.

What if the injury happened at work in Pittsburgh?

If your brain injury occurred while on the job, you are likely entitled to Workers' Compensation benefits, which cover medical bills and a portion of lost wages regardless of who was at fault. However, if a third party (like a contractor or equipment manufacturer) caused the accident, you may be able to file a separate personal injury lawsuit for "pain and suffering," which Workers' Comp does not cover.

Put Our Strength Behind You

With contingency fee arrangements on all personal injury cases, you don't owe us anything until we reach a positive result for you. We’ve been helping brain injury victims in Pittsburgh for more than four decades. Speak to our team today to see what we can do for you.

Call (844) 383-0565 or reach out online to schedule your free initial consultation. If you can’t come to us, we will come to you.