The Hidden and Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Colorado
Unlike broken bones or visible wounds, the effects of a traumatic brain injury may not present themselves immediately. In fact, the full impact of these injuries could remain hidden for weeks or months after an accident.
Over 500,000 people in Colorado have suffered a severe brain injury and are living with a disability. These injuries are often caused by accidents such as vehicle collisions and slip and falls, or they may be the result of medical negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured, the experienced Colorado brain injury attorneys at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. are ready to help.
Long-Term Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when a sudden impact disrupts the brain’s normal function. This can result from a blow to the head or upper body or a violent jolt (as in a car crash). Serious brain injuries can also be caused by oxygen deprivation during surgery.
While some TBIs are diagnosed immediately after an accident, others may appear subtle at first and become more severe with time. The long-term effects of TBI are often wide-ranging, including harm to the victim’s memory, cognitive ability, mood, and motor skills.
Delayed TBI Symptoms
One of the most challenging aspects of a TBI is that TBI symptoms don’t always show up right away. A person may feel shaken up after a fall or collision and then develop serious symptoms much later.
Cognitive Effects
Cognitive decline caused by brain injuries can significantly impair daily functioning, work performance, and interpersonal relationships. Symptoms include:
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering information
- Slower processing speed
- Language problems (e.g., trouble finding words)
- Disorientation or confusion
- Executive function issues (planning, organizing)
Emotional and Behavioral Effects
Emotional changes may be misattributed to stress after an accident, making them especially hard to link back to the injury without professional evaluation. Symptoms:
- Sudden mood swings
- Increased irritability or aggression
- Depression or anxiety
- Lack of impulse control
- Difficulty with social interactions
Physical Symptoms
These common physical symptoms of TBI can grow worse over time:
- Persistent headaches or migraines
- Fatigue or sleep disturbances
- Dizziness and balance issues
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Nausea or vomiting
- Seizures
Diagnosing TBI in Colorado
If you suspect you have suffered a TBI after an accident, you’ll want to see your doctor right away. Medical providers have access to advanced neuroimaging tools and neurological evaluations that can detect and monitor brain injuries.
Steps for diagnosis include:
- Immediate Medical Evaluation: Always seek medical care following head trauma, even if you feel fine. Let professionals make the call.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Schedule follow-ups with neurologists or neuropsychologists to evaluate any changes in behavior or function.
- Neuropsychological Testing: These evaluations assess memory, problem-solving, and language skills and are essential for understanding cognitive trauma brain damage.
In many cases, the full extent of a brain injury only becomes clear through weeks or months of careful observation. Insurance companies may attempt to downplay claims by pointing to this apparent lack of immediate evidence. That’s why early and continuous documentation can help strengthen a personal injury claim.
Litigating a Brain Injury Lawsuit in Colorado
Colorado law allows brain injury survivors to pursue compensation when the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. These are complicated cases that require the right legal assistance.
What Your Attorney Will Need to Prove
To bring a successful brain injury lawsuit, your legal team must demonstrate:
- That a duty of care was owed by the at-fault party (e.g., a driver, property owner, or surgeon)
- That the duty was breached, leading to the accident or incident
- That the breach caused a traumatic brain injury
- That the TBI resulted in measurable damages, including long-term impairments
Since delayed TBI effects can be subtle, expert testimony is often necessary to link your symptoms to the initial trauma. This is where an experienced brain injury attorney becomes essential.
The Role of Expert Witnesses
At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we work closely with leading medical experts, including:
- Neurologists
- Neuropsychologists
- Life care planners
- Vocational experts
- Economists
These professionals help quantify both current and future damages caused by long-term traumatic brain injuries, such as:
- Loss of earning capacity
- Cost of lifelong in-home care
- Ongoing therapy and rehabilitation
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Reduced quality of life
Colorado’s Legal Landscape for TBIs
Colorado has a statute of limitations that requires most personal injury lawsuits to be filed within two years of the date of injury. However, there are exceptions, especially when the plaintiff suffers a brain injury. Call us at (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 today if you have any questions about your case.
An experienced Denver personal injury attorney can evaluate your timeline, gather medical records, and make sure all your paperwork is filed correctly and submitted on time.
You have the right to seek compensation to cover full cost of expenses such as:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- In-home care
- Vocational retraining
You also have the right to seek compensation for noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering and reduced quality of life.
Finding the Right Attorney for You
Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. has secured record-breaking verdicts in brain injury cases across the country. Our partner Jim Puga won one of the largest medical malpractice jury verdicts in the history of Colorado, over $17.8 million on behalf of a child with brain damage. Several of our attorneys are recognized by Super Lawyers, which is based on independent research and peer recognition.
Speak With a Trusted Brain Injury Lawyer in Denver
The effects of a traumatic brain injury can be devastating, but you don’t have to face the medical system alone. Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. serves clients across Colorado and the U.S. in high-stakes injury and medical malpractice cases.
Call (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 to learn more today.
We offer a no-cost consultation. Let our nationally respected Denver Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers fight for the justice you deserve.