Brain Injury Lawyer
in Warminster
Traumatic brain injuries can cause lifelong cognitive and physical impairments, and they often result from preventable accidents such as falls, motor vehicle crashes, or workplace incidents. If you or your loved one is living with traumatic brain injury, a Warminster brain injury lawyer at Cordisco and Saile may be able to recover substantial compensation for you.
This page has been written and edited by a team of experienced legal writers . This page was approved by Managing Partner, Michael Saile who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
This page has been written and edited by a team of experienced legal writers . This page was approved by Managing Partner, Michael Saile who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
- Last Modified:
- November 8, 2024
- Do I Need an Attorney if I Suffered a Brain Injury?
- Why Choose Cordisco & Saile?
- What damages are available to brain injury victims?
- How Long Do I Have to File a Brain Injury Case in Pennsylvania?
- What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
- Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
- Types of Traumatic Brain Injury
- What Are the Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury?
- What Types of Accidents Lead to Traumatic Brain Injury?
- Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Brain Injury Case?
- Contact Cordisco & Saile LLC for a Free Consultation
- Frequently Asked Questions
The human brain controls every voluntary and involuntary action in the human body. A brain injury can impair your ability to process information, perceive the world, and relate to others. It can change your personality, emotions, and the essence of who you are.
Our Warminster injury lawyers have seen firsthand the devastation a brain injury can cause and are passionate about holding those accountable who injure others through careless conduct.
Whether driving on York Road, shopping at Wegman’s, or working anywhere, you are entitled to expect others to conduct themselves reasonably and not cause harm.
If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury in Bucks County because of others’ carelessness, we can pursue significant damages to cover your medical treatment, provide financial security, and compensate you for your pain and suffering.
Do I Need an Attorney if I Suffered a Brain Injury?
Whether you need to file an insurance claim or sue a business, the other party will likely retain an attorney to represent their best interests, and you also need someone to represent your interests.
Insurance companies hire adjusters and attorneys whose primary roles are to minimize compensation. They may offer an early settlement that seems generous. However, our experience has shown it is usually impossible to know the full value of a traumatic brain injury case until some time has passed.
An early settlement offer is often an insurance company’s method to get you to take a lowball amount before you know your injuries’ lifetime costs. If you accept this offer, you cannot later recover additional compensation if your costs exceed the settlement.
If you do not accept this settlement, the insurance company may resort to other tactics to reduce or eliminate compensation, such as the following:
- Blaming you for your injuries
- Accusing you of faking your injuries
- Claiming something else caused your injuries
- Persuading you to sign away your rights to compensation
Anything you say to an insurance company can be misconstrued and used against you. When you hire our traumatic brain injury lawyers in Warminster, we will work tirelessly to ensure you don’t miss out on the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Cordisco & Saile?
Our award-winning attorneys offer a personalized approach to every case, and we leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of damages. Our work ethic and dedication to our clients have helped us achieve an average traumatic brain injury settlement in Bucks County and throughout Pennsylvania of approximately $2,134,583.
Below are just a few examples of the brain injury settlements and verdicts we have won for our deserving clients:
- $10,000,000 for brain and spinal cord injuries sustained in a truck accident
- $2,900,000 for brain injuries sustained in a Bucks County motorcycle accident
- $1,000,000 for brain injuries sustained in a Bucks County car accident
- $470,000 for brain injuries caused by a wave runner accident
- $242,500 for brain injuries sustained in a rear-end car accident accident
- $195,000 for brain injuries sustained in a Bucks County bicycle accident
Our consistent outstanding results and exemplary customer service have also won us the respect and admiration of the legal community, which has recognized us with the following distinguished accolades:
- Top one percent of lawyers by Litigator Awards
- A Martindale-Hubbell Preeminent rating for ethical standards and legal ability
- A rare five-star Google rating
- The National Association of Distinguished Counsel’s Top One Percent
The most rewarding aspect of our work is the difference we make in the lives of our injured clients, who are often experiencing the most devastating losses of their lives. We are honored that they are frequently willing to take the time to leave us such heartfelt testimonials as the following:
“I cannot say enough positive things about Cordisco and Saile. From their intake paralegal, Barb, to the paralegals Priya and Nikki, I felt my case was always moving forward and everyone genuinely cared about me. The attorney Steven DeBonis consistently updated me on negotiation statuses and reviewed my treatment to intelligently talk about my case. C&S settled my case quickly and I would not recommend anyone else.”
What damages are available to brain injury victims?
Brain injury victims may be entitled to substantial compensation for their lifelong challenges. Compensation in a brain injury case may include the following:
- Special damages – compensation for actual monetary losses
- General damages – compensation for intangible losses
- Punitive damages – damages awarded as a punishment against a defendant whose conduct was outrageous and shocking
Punitive damages are only awarded in a Bucks County personal injury case if you can prove by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant’s conduct was grossly negligent or intentional.
Special damages, also known as economic damages, may include past and future financial losses, including the following:
- Medical expenses
- The cost of ongoing medical care
- Therapy and rehabilitation
- Vocational rehabilitation and training
- The cost of necessary domestic and personal care services
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Lost business opportunities
- Lost job benefits
- Property damage
General or non-economic damages include losses related to your quality of life and activities you can no longer enjoy. They include the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of society
- Humiliation
- Inconvenience
- Loss of bodily functions
- Disability
- Disfigurement
The total damages you recover will vary based on the severity of your injuries, the available insurance, and who the liable parties are.
One of the most important factors that determine compensation is the lawyer you choose. A lawyer with successful trial experience can gain better leverage in settlement negotiations because defendants know they could lose big-time in court.
Our Warminster brain injury lawyers are nationally recognized trial attorneys who have received the coveted National Trial Lawyers Top 100 designation. Only the most successful trial lawyers in each state receive this honor.
We’re ready to fight for you. Take the first step towards getting the compensation you deserve.
Free Case Evaluation
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How Long Do I Have to File a Brain Injury Case in Pennsylvania?
The statute of limitations in Pennsylvania for most brain injury cases is two years from the accident date.
Although two years may seem like more than sufficient time, it is important to contact a Warminster brain injury lawyer as soon as possible after your injury. The best brain injury lawyers perform detailed case investigations that include witness interviews, medical record reviews, and forensic reconstruction.
These investigations must be completed before the case is filed to give you the best chance of recovering maximum compensation.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
The Mayo Clinic defines a traumatic brain injury as an alteration in how the brain functions after a violent blow or jolt to the head. A traumatic brain injury can be penetrating or focal.
A penetrating injury occurs when a foreign object, such as a skull fragment or bullet, enters the brain.
A focal injury occurs from blunt force head trauma or a jolt, which does not penetrate the brain. Depending on the strength of the force, this can lead to bruising, bleeding, and tearing of the brain.
Traumatic brain injuries are categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Mild traumatic brain injuries may be temporary, but moderate and severe injuries will likely have permanent effects.
Is a Concussion a Brain Injury?
A concussion is another term for a mild traumatic brain injury. If you suspect you have a concussion, you should always seek medical attention. Symptoms of moderate and severe brain injuries can be similar to concussions initially, and your doctor will advise you of activities you should avoid to facilitate recovery.
If you have suffered a blow to the head or a jolt, our concussion quiz can help you determine whether you should suspect a concussion. Although classified as mild, concussions can carry long-term effects that are anything but mild.
If you have suffered a concussion caused by someone else’s carelessness, contact us for a free case evaluation.
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury may be immediate, or they may develop over the course of minutes, hours, days, and even weeks. It is important to seek medical treatment immediately if you have experienced a jolt or blow to the head and subsequently experience symptoms.
Concussion Symptoms
It is possible to experience a concussion even if you do not lose consciousness. You likely will not experience all the potential concussion symptoms, but if you experience any of the symptoms below after your accident, seek medical attention immediately:
- Momentary loss of consciousness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Feelings of disorientation
- Memory loss
- Speech problems
- Balance problems
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in your emotions or cognitive abilities
Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms
Moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries can include any of the signs and symptoms of a concussion plus additional, more severe symptoms, which may not appear until hours or days later.
This is one reason it is crucial to seek medical attention even if you only suspect a mild injury. In some cases, swelling may occur between the brain and the skull, further damaging the brain. Early medical intervention can often prevent further brain damage.
Symptoms of a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury include the following:
- Loss of consciousness lasting for more than just a moment
- Coma
- Seizures
- A persistent or worsening headache
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Dilation of one or both pupils
- Clear fluid drainage from the nose or ears
- Loss of sensation in the fingers and toes
- Loss of coordination
- Profound confusion
- Agitation, combativeness, or other unusual behavior
- Slurred speech
Types of Traumatic Brain Injury
The type of traumatic brain injury you experience influences the short-term and long-term effects. Among the most severe traumatic brain injuries are the following, according to Brainline, a brain injury support and advocacy organization:
- Coup-contrecoup injury – common in car accidents, a traumatic brain injury that occurs when the head is propelled forward, and the brain moves inside the skull, causing a contusion at the point of impact and on the opposite side of the brain when the head moves back
- Diffuse axonal injury – Twisting and tearing of the brain often caused by rotational forces or violent stopping in a motor vehicle
- Intracranial hematomas – blood clots that occur inside the brain or in the areas between the brain and the skull
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injury may lead to chronic problems with executive functions, communication skills, emotions, and personality. The most common long-term and possibly permanent effects of traumatic brain injury include the following, according to the Mayo Clinic:
- Memory problems
- Impairments in problem-solving and decision-making
- Attention deficits
- Vision changes
- Personality changes
- Difficulty processing complex information
- Motor impairments
- Speech difficulties
- Trouble understanding written or verbal communication
- Mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety
- Lack of empathy
- Reduced impulse control
- Emotional outbursts
What Types of Accidents Lead to Traumatic Brain Injury?
Slips and falls are the most common causes of traumatic brain injury, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). Traumatic brain injuries from falls are especially prevalent in adults 75 and older. Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury in adolescents and younger adults.
Slips and Falls
According to the CDC, unintentional falls account for 29.9 percent of deaths related to traumatic brain injury, or 4.6 deaths per 100,000 adults. This rate is markedly higher in adults 65-74, at 9.5 related deaths per 100,000. It is drastically higher in adults older than 75, at 54.3 related deaths per 100,000.
Slips and falls in Bucks County are categorized as premises liability claims because, in most cases, an unsafe condition on the premises caused or contributed to the fall. The most common causes of slips and falls our premises liability lawyers have seen include the following:
- Wet floors
- Slippery sidewalks due to snow and ice
- Poorly maintained concrete, stairs, and steps
- Broken railing
- Inadequate lighting
- Obstructions in walkways
Car Accidents
Approximately 17 percent of traumatic brain injury deaths stem from motor vehicle accidents, with the highest rates of related deaths among people ages 15 to 34, according to the CDC. Car accidents were also the most common cause of traumatic brain injury deaths among children under 18.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Warminster have a higher potential for severe traumatic brain injury because their increased weight and mass significantly increase impact during a collision. Our Bucks County truck accident lawyers have won millions of dollars in compensation for truck accident victims.
Bus Accidents
Bus passengers often do not have the option to wear seatbelts, and head injuries may occur if they are thrown around inside the bus during a rollover or are violently thrown forward. Bus accidents also increase the risk of traumatic brain injuries for passenger vehicle occupants hit by buses due to the buses’ larger size and mass.
Vulnerable Roadway Users
Vulnerable roadway users are those legally on the roads who lack crash protection. Our attorneys have helped numerous vulnerable roadway users in Warminster and Bucks County get the compensation they deserve after they experienced brain injuries as a result of the following accidents:
These roadway users are significantly more likely than occupants of enclosed vehicles to be thrown onto the pavement during an accident. They are also more likely to take a direct blow to the head from the colliding vehicle.
Youth Sports
Concussions in youth sports are all too common, but this does not mean they are not serious injuries. Any traumatic brain injury has the potential to cause serious long-term health effects, and sports injuries can also cause moderate and severe traumatic brain injuries.
Schools, sports leagues, and coaches owe participants a duty to ensure proper helmet use at all times, establish safety rules, and ensure anyone suffering from a concussion does not participate without a physician’s clearance.
Concussions most commonly occur during the following youth sports:
- Cycling
- Football
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Softwall
- Soccer
- Lacrosse
- Cheerleading
- Hockey
- Combat sports
Violence
Violence may lead to penetrating or focal traumatic brain injuries due to blunt force trauma, gunshot, or jolting motion. In many cases, traumatic brain injuries stem from the following types of negligence:
- Inadequate security
- Negligent alcohol service
- Insufficient prevention or intervention of bar fights
If you have experienced a brain injury from an act of violence in Bucks County or the surrounding areas, our Warminster brain injury attorneys may be able to pursue significant compensation for you through a premises liability lawsuit.
Workplace Injuries
According to the CDC, construction workers had the highest number of fatal and non-fatal traumatic brain injuries in United States workplaces from 2003 to 2010. During this period, 2,210 construction workers nationwide died from traumatic brain injuries.
These injuries accounted for 25 percent of all construction-related fatalities and 24 percent of work-related traumatic brain injury fatalities across all industries. Our construction accident lawyers in Bucks County have won significant settlements and verdicts for construction workers with traumatic brain injuries stemming from the following:
- Being struck by falling or flying objects
- Falls from heights, such as roofs, ladders, and scaffoldings
- Violence in the workplace
- Transportation incidents
Notably, falls from heights are responsible for more than half of all work-related traumatic brain injuries.
Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Brain Injury Case?
Any party whose carelessness caused or contributed to an injury careless can be held liable in a brain injury case. You must prove all the following elements to prevail in court:
- The party owed a duty of care.
- The party breached the duty of care.
- The breach of duty caused an injury you would not otherwise have suffered.
- The breach of duty, and not something else, is the cause of your injury.
The parties responsible vary based on the circumstances of your accident.
Property Owners
Property owners are generally liable in premises liability cases if you can prove that negligence by the owner caused or contributed to the accident. Simply getting injured on someone else’s property is insufficient to constitute negligence.
You must also establish that a hazardous condition precipitated your brain injury and that a property owner should reasonably have foreseen the danger and mitigated the risk. If this can be established, property owners may be liable for the following incidents:
- Slips and falls
- Negligent security
- Bar fights
- Falling objects
Drivers
Every driver has a duty to exercise reasonable care at all times while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers who fail to pay attention to the road and obey traffic laws put other drivers at risk. Drivers who cause or contribute to an accident while engaging in the following behaviors may be liable for damages:
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Distracted or inattentive driving
- Failure to yield
Workers’ Compensation
If your brain injury occurred in the workplace, you may qualify for workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation provides medical care and partial wage replacement whether or not the employer was at fault. You generally cannot sue your employer, even if you can prove fault.
In Pennsylvania, most employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance and cover all employees beginning their first day of employment.
Employers
Employers are not required to provide workers’ compensation coverage to workers who qualify as independent contractors under Pennsylvania law. Workers are not employees if they are customarily engaged in an independently established business or profession free from the control of an employer.
Some employers misclassify workers as independent contractors to avoid paying workers’ compensation premiums. Our Bucks County workers’ compensation lawyers can identify the appropriate classification for you and help you sue your employer if you do not qualify for workers’ compensation.
Trucking Companies
If you have experienced a brain injury in a truck accident, a trucking company may be liable. Trucking companies are liable for the actions of their drivers, whether they are employees or independent contractors. This is known as vicarious liability.
Manufacturers
If you experience a brain injury in a car accident or on the job, a manufacturer, retailer, and distributor may be liable if a defective product contributed to the accident. Defective products that may contribute to injuries include the following:
- Automobile brakes
- Tires
- Airbags
- Ladders
- Safety equipment
Identifying faulty products in serious accidents requires a detailed investigation by experienced attorneys who know how to identify causation by defective products. In Warminster, you can count on the injury lawyers at Cordisco & Saile to leave no stone unturned when determining liability.
Government Entities
If you are injured as a result of the following, you may be eligible to sue the Warminster Township, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or another government agency:
- A negligent bus driver
- Poorly maintained roads, sidewalks, or bridges
- Faulty utility services
- Any negligent government driver
- The actions of any government employees while carrying out their duties
The process of suing the government in Pennsylvania has more requirements than suing private individuals or businesses. It is important to retain a lawyer with experience handling cases against the government.
Contact Cordisco & Saile LLC for a Free Consultation
If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury because of the carelessness of others, you deserve significant compensation. Our Warminster brain injury attorneys in Bucks County can help, but time is limited. There is no upfront cost to hire us, and the initial consultation is free. Contact us today to schedule your free case review now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to questions we frequently receive about brain injury cases.
What Is the Difference Between Traumatic and Non-Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injury occurs as a result of an external force. A non-traumatic brain injury occurs from internal factors and can be just as damaging as traumatic brain injuries.
The most common types of non-traumatic brain injuries are hypoxic and anoxic brain injuries. Hypoxic brain injury occurs when the brain receives too little oxygen; anoxic brain injury is total oxygen deprivation. Both can severely damage brain tissues, resulting in significant disabilities or death.
The most common causes of non-traumatic brain injury include near-drownings, surgical errors, and birth injuries.
What if My Loved One Died from a Traumatic Brain Injury?
If a loved one died from a brain injury caused by someone else’s negligence, our Bucks County wrongful death lawyers can help you file a lawsuit. You may be able to recover compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses of the deceased
- Burial expenses
- Loss of comfort, guidance, and support
- Lost income of the deceased
What if I Am Partly at Fault for the Accident?
Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law allows a traumatic brain injury victim in Bucks County to recover compensation even if you share fault as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault. However, your compensation will be adjusted in proportion to your share of the fault.
If someone said you’re at fault for your accident, they may be wrong. When you hire our Buck’s County personal injury lawyers, you can count on us to accurately identify the causes of your accident, refute inaccurate findings of fault, and pursue damages from all responsible parties.
What Should I Do if the Insurance Company Contacts Me About My Case?
The insurance company should not contact you if you have already hired us. If they do, direct them to your attorney without engaging in discussion. If you have not hired an attorney, contact us for a consultation before you talk to the insurance company.
Every word you say to the insurance company is important and could affect the outcome of your case. In any event, never admit fault or downplay your injuries to reassure a friendly adjustor you are okay. No matter how well-meaning you are in your comments, they can harm your case.
Will My Case Go to Trial?
Most cases settle outside of court, but we are unafraid to go to trial if necessary. We have a strong record of results, and our experienced lawyers know how to win at trial. Your case may go to court if the liable party refuses to offer a fair and reasonable settlement. We will advise you on how to proceed, but the final decision to accept a settlement or go to trial is always yours.
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