Michigan Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer

A traumatic brain injury can change nearly every part of a person’s life. Problems with memory, concentration, speech, balance, mood, vision, sleep, and physical functioning can make it difficult to work, maintain relationships, or complete ordinary daily activities.

At Khamo Law, a Michigan traumatic brain injury lawyer can help people who suffered a TBI because of another person’s negligence understand their legal options and pursue compensation for the harm they have experienced.

Traumatic brain injuries can result from motor vehicle crashes, falls, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, dangerous property conditions, and other serious incidents. Some symptoms appear immediately, while others may develop or become more noticeable over time.

If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury because of someone else’s negligence, call Khamo Law at (248) 466-0606 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Brain Injury Lawyers Serving Communities Across Metro Detroit

Khamo Law represents people with traumatic brain injuries throughout Michigan. For more localized information, visit our Troy Brain Injury Attorney, Sterling Heights Brain Injury Attorney, Warren Brain Injury Attorney, Detroit Brain Injury Attorney, and Clinton Township Brain Injury Attorney resources.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury occurs when a bump, blow, jolt, or penetrating injury disrupts the normal function of the brain.

Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services explains that TBI severity can range from mild to severe and that brain injuries can have complex and unpredictable outcomes. Even an injury that initially appears mild may cause significant symptoms or long-term impairment.

A traumatic brain injury may result from:

A direct blow to the head
Rapid acceleration or deceleration
The brain moving violently inside the skull
A penetrating object
A motor vehicle collision
A fall or other impact

Not every head impact causes a TBI, but anyone who experiences neurological symptoms after an accident should seek appropriate medical evaluation.

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Michigan

TBIs can occur in many different types of accidents.

Common causes include:

Car accidents
Truck accidents
Motorcycle crashes
Pedestrian accidents
Bicycle accidents
Slip and fall accidents
Falls from heights
Workplace incidents
Recreational accidents
Assaults
Other incidents involving blunt-force trauma

Michigan MDHHS reports that motor vehicle crashes account for a substantial share of traumatic brain injuries in the state.

If your brain injury occurred in a vehicle collision, our Michigan car accident attorneys can evaluate the insurance and liability issues involved.

Traumatic brain injury cases may require careful review of medical records, diagnostic imaging, and the long-term effects of the injury.

Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries and Concussions

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury.

The word “mild” describes the initial classification of the injury and does not necessarily mean that the effects are insignificant. Michigan health officials note that even mild TBI can result in lasting impairment.

Symptoms can include:

Headaches
Dizziness
Memory problems
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue
Sensitivity to light or noise
Blurred or double vision
Nausea
Sleep disturbances
Anxiety
Depression
Irritability
Problems processing information

One challenge in TBI cases is that the injured person may look physically normal while experiencing significant cognitive or neurological difficulties.

Moderate and Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries

More severe traumatic brain injuries can result in substantial and permanent impairment.

A person may experience:

Extended loss or alteration of consciousness
Memory loss
Cognitive impairment
Difficulty speaking or understanding language
Problems walking or maintaining balance
Vision loss
Changes in personality or behavior
Paralysis
Seizures
Loss of independence
Need for long-term rehabilitation
Need for attendant or personal care

Michigan MDHHS describes TBI outcomes as complex and unpredictable and notes that serious injuries can occur without obvious physical disabilities.

Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Brain injury symptoms vary widely from person to person.

Physical symptoms may include:

Headaches
Dizziness
Balance problems
Nausea
Weakness
Fatigue
Sensitivity to light or sound

Cognitive symptoms may include:

Memory problems
Difficulty concentrating
Slower thinking
Difficulty making decisions
Problems organizing tasks

Emotional or behavioral changes may include:

Irritability
Depression
Anxiety
Mood swings
Changes in personality
Impulsivity

A person does not need to lose consciousness to suffer a traumatic brain injury.

Why Some Brain Injuries Are Difficult to Diagnose

Unlike a broken bone, a TBI is not always obvious on routine imaging.

Some people may have persistent neurological or cognitive symptoms even when early scans do not show major structural damage.

As a result, a TBI case may depend on more than one piece of evidence.

Medical documentation can include:

Emergency room records
Neurology evaluations
Neuropsychological testing
CT scans
MRI studies
Rehabilitation records
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Physical therapy
Records from treating physicians

Family members, friends, and coworkers can sometimes also provide important information about changes in memory, personality, behavior, or daily functioning after an injury.

Long-Term Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury

A serious brain injury may affect a person for months, years, or permanently.

Long-term consequences may involve:

Loss of employment
Reduced earning ability
Difficulty returning to school
Loss of independence
Need for ongoing medical care
Rehabilitation
Cognitive therapy
Assistance with daily activities
Changes in family relationships
Emotional and psychological difficulties

The financial consequences can also be significant when an injured person cannot return to the same work or requires long-term assistance.

A properly evaluated claim should consider future losses, not just bills that have already been incurred.

Who May Be Liable for a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Liability depends on how the injury occurred.

Potentially responsible parties may include:

A negligent driver
A trucking company
A property owner
A business
An employer or contractor
A manufacturer
Another person whose negligence caused the incident

Some cases involve more than one responsible party.

For example, a truck crash could involve a driver, trucking company, maintenance contractor, or another motorist.

Evidence That Can Strengthen a TBI Claim

Brain injury cases can be evidence-intensive.

Important evidence may include:

Police or incident reports
Photographs and video
Witness statements
Medical records
Diagnostic testing
Neuropsychological evaluations
Employment records
Wage documentation
Expert evaluations
Testimony from family and friends
Records showing how the injury affected daily life

Medical treatment and documentation are especially important because insurance companies may dispute whether symptoms were caused by the accident or whether the injury is as serious as claimed.

Medical Experts in Traumatic Brain Injury Cases

Serious TBI cases may involve medical professionals who can help explain the injury and its long-term consequences.

Depending on the case, these may include:

Neurologists
Neuropsychologists
Neurosurgeons
Rehabilitation physicians
Physical therapists
Occupational therapists
Speech-language pathologists
Vocational experts
Life-care planners

The purpose is not simply to establish that an injury occurred. It may also be necessary to explain how the injury affects the person’s ability to work, live independently, communicate, and participate in normal activities.

Compensation After a Michigan Traumatic Brain Injury

The compensation available depends on the circumstances of the accident, the severity of the injury, available insurance, and the applicable law.

Potential damages may include:

Medical expenses
Future medical treatment
Rehabilitation
Lost wages
Reduced future earning capacity
Attendant care
Disability
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Other accident-related losses

A severe TBI can create lifelong financial needs, which is why future care and future earning losses can be especially important in these cases.

Michigan No-Fault Benefits After a Brain Injury

When a TBI results from a motor vehicle accident, Michigan no-fault insurance may provide Personal Injury Protection benefits.

Michigan currently permits several levels of PIP medical coverage, including unlimited, $500,000, $250,000, certain limited or excluded options, a $50,000 option for qualifying Medicaid participants, and an opt-out for certain Medicare participants.

Depending on the applicable coverage, PIP benefits may help with:

Medical treatment
Rehabilitation
Wage loss
Replacement services
Certain other covered expenses

The amount of available medical coverage depends on the policy and eligibility rules.

If an insurer delays or denies benefits, see our guide to denied PIP benefits in Michigan.

Can You Sue the At-Fault Driver for a TBI?

Potentially.

Michigan law permits recovery of noneconomic damages arising from a motor vehicle accident when the injured person suffers death, permanent serious disfigurement, or a serious impairment of body function.

The statute defines serious impairment using several factors, including whether the impairment is objectively manifested, involves an important body function, and affects the person’s general ability to lead their normal life.

Michigan law also contains a specific provision addressing closed-head injuries. In certain circumstances, sworn medical testimony that there may be a serious neurological injury can create a factual question for the jury.

These issues are highly fact-specific and should be evaluated based on the medical evidence and the impact of the injury.

What If You Were Partially at Fault?

Michigan uses comparative-fault rules.

In a motor-vehicle claim for noneconomic damages, Michigan law provides that damages are assessed based on comparative fault and bars noneconomic damages when the injured person is more than 50% at fault.

The effect of comparative fault depends on the type of claim and circumstances involved.

How Long Do You Have to File a Michigan TBI Claim?

Michigan generally provides a three-year limitations period for actions involving injury to a person, although different claims can involve different deadlines or notice requirements.

Motor vehicle claims can also involve separate insurance deadlines.

Because the applicable deadline depends on how the injury happened and who is responsible, it is better to determine the deadline based on the specific case rather than relying on one general rule.

What To Do After Suffering a Brain Injury

If you may have suffered a traumatic brain injury:

Seek medical attention.
Tell your medical provider about all neurological and cognitive symptoms.
Follow recommended treatment.
Keep copies of medical records and bills.
Document changes in memory, concentration, mood, sleep, and daily activities.
Keep records of missed work and lost income.
Preserve photographs, video, and accident information.
Avoid minimizing symptoms simply because they are not visible.
Consider speaking with a lawyer before giving detailed recorded statements to an insurance company.

Early documentation can be especially important when symptoms change or develop over time.

Why Choose Khamo Law for a Michigan TBI Case?

Traumatic brain injury cases require careful attention to medical evidence and the long-term effects of the injury.

Khamo Law can help by:

Investigating how the injury occurred
Identifying responsible parties
Gathering medical and accident evidence
Reviewing available insurance coverage
Evaluating current and future losses
Working with qualified professionals when appropriate
Handling communications with insurance companies
Pursuing litigation when necessary

We represent people with serious injuries throughout Michigan and handle personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traumatic Brain Injury Claims

Can I have a TBI if I never lost consciousness?

Yes. Loss of consciousness is not required for a traumatic brain injury. Symptoms and diagnosis depend on the nature of the injury and medical evaluation.

Can a concussion lead to a personal injury claim?

Potentially. A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. Whether a legal claim exists depends on what caused the injury, whether another person was negligent, and the damages that resulted.

What if my MRI or CT scan was normal?

A normal scan does not necessarily determine whether someone has suffered a TBI. Diagnosis can involve symptoms, clinical evaluation, neurological testing, and other evidence.

What if my symptoms appeared days after the accident?

Some symptoms may become more noticeable after an accident. Seek medical attention and explain when the symptoms began and how they have changed.

Can a TBI affect my ability to work?

Yes. Brain injuries may affect concentration, memory, communication, stamina, judgment, or physical functioning. Those changes may affect a person’s ability to perform the same job or work the same hours.

What if my brain injury happened in a car accident?

Michigan no-fault benefits and a potential claim against an at-fault driver may both need to be evaluated. The available claims depend on the circumstances and insurance coverage.

How much is a traumatic brain injury case worth?

There is no standard value. Important factors include injury severity, medical evidence, future treatment, lost income, long-term impairment, insurance coverage, liability, and how the injury affects the person’s life.

How much does it cost to hire Khamo Law?

Khamo Law handles personal injury claims on a contingency-fee basis, so attorney fees are tied to the recovery obtained rather than charged upfront.