By Attorney Christopher Brainard – California Personal Injury Lawyer
Not all injuries are visible. Some of the most devastating injuries after a car crash, fall, or violent impact are the ones you can’t see—like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries can be life-altering, even when there are no obvious signs on the surface.
In California personal injury law, understanding the hidden symptoms of TBIs is essential to pursuing the full compensation you deserve. This article explains what a traumatic brain injury really is, how it can go undiagnosed, and why victims should never settle without exploring the long-term impact.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden force—like a blow to the head or violent jolt—disrupts the normal function of the brain. Common causes include:
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Car accidents
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Falls
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Bicycle or motorcycle collisions
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Sports injuries
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Physical assaults
TBIs range from mild (like a concussion) to severe (like brain bleeding or coma). Even a so-called “mild” TBI can result in serious, long-term symptoms.
Why TBIs Often Go Undiagnosed
Unlike broken bones or visible wounds, brain injuries don’t always show up on X-rays or CT scans. Many TBI symptoms appear gradually—hours, days, or even weeks after the trauma. Victims may not connect their symptoms to the accident or may downplay how they feel.
That’s why TBIs are sometimes called “invisible injuries.”
Hidden Symptoms of a TBI That Deserve Compensation
Here are some of the most common hidden symptoms of a traumatic brain injury that California courts recognize as compensable:
1. Memory Loss
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Difficulty recalling recent conversations or events
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Forgetting appointments or names
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Feeling confused or disoriented
2. Mood and Personality Changes
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Sudden anger or irritability
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Anxiety or depression
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Uncharacteristic emotional outbursts
3. Cognitive Impairment
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Trouble concentrating or focusing
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Slower mental processing
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Difficulty organizing thoughts or following directions
4. Sleep Disturbances
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Insomnia or excessive sleep
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Fatigue even after rest
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Disrupted sleep cycles
5. Speech and Language Problems
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Slurred speech
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Difficulty finding words
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Trouble following conversations
6. Vision and Sensory Changes
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Blurry or double vision
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Light sensitivity
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Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
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Loss of taste or smell
7. Chronic Headaches
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Persistent migraines
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Pressure or pain in the head that doesn’t subside
These symptoms may not seem “serious” to outsiders—but they can dramatically affect a person’s relationships, career, independence, and quality of life.
Why TBI Cases Require Specialized Legal Representation
TBI cases are often more complex than other personal injury claims. They involve:
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Expert medical evaluations (neurology, neuropsychology)
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Long-term treatment plans
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Functional assessments for work and daily life
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Testimony from family, coworkers, and caregivers
At LawBrainard, I know how to build a strong legal case around these challenges—and how to deal with insurance companies that often try to minimize or deny these symptoms.
What Compensation Can TBI Victims Receive?
California law allows TBI victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:
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Medical expenses (past and future)
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Lost income and diminished earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Long-term care and rehabilitation costs
If the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you should not bear the burden alone.
Don’t Settle for Less—Get the Legal Help You Deserve
If you’ve experienced memory issues, personality changes, or cognitive struggles after a head injury—you may have a valid TBI claim, even if your scans look “normal.”
📞 Call LawBrainard at (310) 266-4115
🌐 Visit: www.LawBrainard.com
🗓 Schedule a consultation to discuss your rights and next steps.
Attorney Christopher Brainard is a California personal injury lawyer who helps victims of traumatic brain injuries pursue full compensation. He is dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and helping clients restore their lives after invisible injuries.
*This article/blog is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Christopher Brainard, Esq. An attorney-client relationship can only be formed through a written and signed agreement with Christopher Brainard. If you need legal advice about your specific situation contact us for a consultation. [Christopher Brainard, 651 N. Sepulveda Blvd., #2010, Bel Air, CA 90049].