Trusted Louisville Brain Injury Attorney Standing Up For Victims
Nearly 1.7 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These injuries range from mild concussions to serious contusions, often changing lives forever for victims and their families.
As your trusted Louisville brain injury attorney, T.J. Smith, Attorney at Law, is here when you need an advocate most. With over 30 years of experience, T.J. has built a reputation for securing multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for brain injury clients. His experience in catastrophic injury cases helps you get the compensation you deserve for recovery and rehabilitation.
“To be a successful personal injury lawyer, you’ve got to actually care. You’ve got to be competitive. I roll up my sleeves and get into court.” — Attorney T.J. Smith
The Long-Term Impact Of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries affect life far beyond the initial trauma. Even minor injuries – commonly caused by car crashes and falls – can develop into persistent conditions that reduce quality of life.
Brain injury victims often experience these physical symptoms:
- Persistent headaches or migraines
- Dizziness and balance problems
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances
- Seizures or convulsions
- Vision or hearing impairments
Cognitive challenges can disrupt work and daily tasks:
- Memory problems and forgetfulness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Slowed thinking and processing
- Problems with organization and planning
- Confusion with routine tasks
Many overlooked symptoms can significantly impact your life:
- Changes in taste or smell
- Hypersensitivity to light or noise
- Temperature regulation problems
- Altered pain perception
- Vestibular dysfunction affecting spatial awareness
Emotional and behavioral changes often strain relationships:
- Mood swings and emotional instability
- Depression and anxiety
- Personality changes
- Increased irritability or aggression
- Social withdrawal or inappropriate social behavior
Children with brain injuries may show different symptoms than adults, including learning difficulties and developmental delays.
Many symptoms don’t appear immediately after injury. Always seek medical attention after any head impact, even if you feel fine. What seems minor could indicate a serious condition requiring prompt treatment.
A Concussion Is A Serious Injury
The most serious concussions are Class III concussions, in which the victim loses consciousness. However, even if you did not lose consciousness, you may have suffered a serious injury. Concussions can cause headaches, memory loss, impaired reasoning, and emotional problems. You deserve medical care that supports your recovery. T.J. Smith will advocate strongly for you, working to secure the best possible settlement or jury award.
Brain Injuries Can Hide Behind Whiplash Symptoms
Motor vehicle accidents – including truck accidents and motorcycle crashes – are the second leading cause of traumatic brain injuries nationwide and account for the most brain injury-related deaths. These injuries are particularly dangerous because they’re often missed during initial medical evaluations.
Many brain injuries don’t show up on standard CT scans and may be misdiagnosed as simple whiplash. Our Louisville law firm has successfully proven numerous brain injury cases that were initially overlooked. Often, those closest to you notice subtle cognitive and behavioral changes before medical imaging can.
T.J. builds your case by interviewing family members, friends and colleagues who can testify to changes in your behavior. He also works with medical experts to ensure you receive specialized neuropsychological evaluations and advanced testing that can detect injuries conventional scans might miss. This thorough approach has helped many victims receive proper diagnosis, treatment and compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Injury Cases
How Do I Know That A Brain Injury Is Going To Cause Lasting Damage?
The long-term impact of a brain injury isn’t always immediately apparent. Medical professionals typically monitor symptoms over time. If symptoms persist beyond the expected recovery period (typically 3-6 months for mild injuries), this may indicate lasting damage. Our law firm works with medical experts who can properly evaluate your condition and forecast future needs.
How Long Does It Take To Diagnose A Brain Injury, And Will It Change The Statute Of Limitations In Kentucky?
Brain injury diagnosis can take anywhere from days to months, especially with subtle symptoms. In Kentucky, the standard statute of limitations for personal injury is one year from the date of injury. However, the “discovery rule” may apply in cases where injuries weren’t immediately apparent. We recommend consulting with our attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
Can I File A Brain Injury Lawsuit In Kentucky On Behalf Of My Disabled Loved One?
Yes. If your loved one is legally incapacitated due to a brain injury, Kentucky law allows a guardian, conservator or family member to file a lawsuit on their behalf. The court may need to appoint a guardian ad litem to represent their interests. Our lawyer can guide you through this process with care.
Will A TBI Settlement Pay For My Ongoing Medical Care Needs?
A properly structured TBI settlement should account for all future medical needs. This includes ongoing treatments, rehabilitation services, home modifications and potential long-term care. Our attorney works with experts to accurately calculate these future expenses, ensuring your settlement provides for your lifelong needs.
Schedule Your Free Brain Injury Case Consultation Today
T.J. has successfully handled many cases like yours. Learn more through a free initial consultation about your potential case. Contact T.J. Smith, Attorney at Law, by email or by calling 502-677-1429. We offer home and hospital visits and work on contingency fees – you pay nothing unless we win your case.