Los Angeles Brain Injury Lawyer
A traumatic brain injury claim in California follows the same two-year deadline as other injury cases, but the value depends almost entirely on documenting long-term effects: cognitive testing, treating physician records, and a life care plan projecting future treatment and support needs.
Mild does not mean minor
A concussion can be labeled mild on a chart and still change how you think, sleep, work, and handle noise or light months later. Families usually notice it before any test does.
Keeping a symptom journal, and having someone close to you record what they observe, often becomes some of the most persuasive evidence in the case.
How these cases get proven
Emergency records and imaging, neurology and neuropsychological testing, vocational assessment of what work you can still do, and an economist to value lost earning capacity. A life care plan ties future treatment to real, itemized costs rather than a guess.
Working with a brain injury lawyer in Los Angeles
Our office is at 10850 Wilshire Blvd # 375 in Westwood, just off the 405 and a short drive from West LA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Century City, and Beverly Hills. Sam Schmuel handles cases throughout Los Angeles County.
We work on a contingency fee, which means you pay nothing up front and nothing at all unless we recover money for you. We speak English and Spanish, and we can come to you if you are still in the hospital or recovering at home.
If you're not sure where to start, just call us at (310) 601-7289. The consultation is free, and there's no fee unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my CT scan was normal?
Normal imaging is common with mild traumatic brain injury. Diagnosis often rests on clinical findings and neuropsychological testing rather than a scan.
How long do I have to file a TBI claim?
Generally two years from the injury, with a six-month government claim deadline if a public entity is involved.
Why do these cases take longer?
Because settling before the long-term picture is clear can leave you paying for years of care yourself. Value depends on knowing the prognosis.
Can family members testify about changes?
Yes. Testimony from people who knew you before the injury is often central to showing how it affected daily life.