Abilene Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
If you’ve sustained a brain injury in Abilene, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. You may be dealing with severe pain, escalating medical bills, and uncertainty about the road ahead.
As your Abilene brain injury lawyers, we’re here to listen, offer support, and guide you through the process of securing the compensation you deserve. We recognize the unique challenges brain injury victims face, and we’re committed to advocating for your rights.
From handling insurance claims to gathering key evidence for your case, we’ll stand by your side at every stage. Let us handle the legal complexity so you can focus on your recovery.
Reach out to our personal injury team today to begin your journey toward healing.
Knowing if You Have Grounds for a Brain Accident Claim
If you’ve suffered a brain injury in Abilene and are wondering whether you have grounds for a legal claim, certain elements must be present:
- Duty of Care: The responsible party, such as a property owner, employer, or another individual, must have had a legal obligation to ensure your safety.
- Breach of Duty: It must be proven that this duty was violated or neglected, whether through recklessness, negligence, or unsafe conditions.
- Causation: You must establish a direct link between the breach of duty and your brain injury, proving that the other party’s actions caused your harm.
- Damages: Finally, you must demonstrate that you suffered measurable damages, such as medical costs, lost wages, emotional distress, or other losses resulting from the injury.
Damages You Can Recover in a Personal Injury Case
If you’ve sustained a brain injury in Abilene, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation to help cover the impact of your injury. These damages fall into different categories, each addressing a specific type of harm:
- Economic Damages: These include tangible financial losses such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and any future income you may be unable to earn due to the severity of your injury.
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensation in this category covers intangible effects like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the strain the injury may have placed on your relationships.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the responsible party’s actions were especially reckless or malicious, you may also be awarded punitive damages. These are intended to punish the offender and deter similar behavior in the future.
How to Get in Touch With Us
If you’ve suffered a brain injury and are seeking legal assistance in Abilene, our Abilene personal injury lawyers are here to support you. You can connect with us in the following ways:
- Phone: Call us directly at 325-308-6960 to discuss your brain injury case with our dedicated Abilene brain injury lawyers.
- Online Contact Form: Visit our website and fill out the contact form, and we’ll respond promptly to address your questions.
Take advantage of a free consultation to explore your legal options and start your path to recovery.
Keith & Lorfing: Abilene Brain Injury Lawyers
At Keith & Lorfing, we are always committed to advocating for the hardworking people of West Texas. Our team operates with one clear mission: to ensure justice is served for every client we represent.
We approach each case with the knowledge that it’s not just about legal matters—it’s about fighting for something much larger. With over 75 years of combined experience and more than 500 jury trials to our name, our legal team collaborates closely to give clients the strongest possible support.
When you work with us, you’re not just another case file. You become part of our family, and we ensure you receive the attention, care, and respect you deserve at every stage of the process.
At Keith & Lorfing, our drive for success comes from our dedication to our clients. While we appreciate the recognition we’ve received locally and nationally, our focus remains on delivering results that truly make a difference.
We’ve earned a reputation throughout Texas for standing firm and fighting for the rights of those who need it most.
How Our Abilene Traumatic Brain Injury Law Firm Can Help
Our primary goal is to provide dedicated legal support to hardworking Texans, ensuring that each case is given the attention it deserves. We’re on your side when it comes to protecting your rights and guiding you through every step of the process with fairness and care.
Here’s how we can help you with your brain injury claim:
- Types of Cases: Whether the brain injury resulted from a fall, accident, or another incident, we have the experience and knowledge to tackle your case with confidence.
- Recovering Lost Wages: We’ll fight to secure compensation for the income you’ve lost due to your injury, helping you focus on recovery without financial strain.
- Medical Expenses: We pursue compensation to cover your medical bills, so the costs of treatment and rehabilitation don’t become a burden.
- Property Damage: If your injury involves damage to personal property, we’ll work to ensure you’re compensated for repairs or replacements.
- Emotional Distress: Brain injuries often lead to long-term emotional and psychological effects. We’ll help you seek compensation for the mental toll these injuries take.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: We handle negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- Comprehensive Legal Support: Throughout the process, we provide clear and compassionate legal guidance, allowing you to move forward without unnecessary stress.
First Steps After a Traumatic Brain Injury Accident
If you’ve experienced a brain injury, taking prompt and strategic action can greatly strengthen your claim. Here’s what you should do right away:
- Collect Evidence: If possible, gather evidence from the scene immediately. Maintain a detailed record of your medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and any other expenses tied to your injury.
- Seek Medical Attention: Make sure to attend all medical appointments and strictly follow your doctor’s advice. Even if your brain injury seems minor at first, symptoms can worsen, and having thorough medical documentation is critical to your case.
- Limit Communication: Be careful when speaking to insurance adjusters or anyone involved. Anything you say could be used against you, so avoid making statements or admitting fault without the guidance of our attorneys.
- Stay Off Social Media: Refrain from posting about your injury or the incident on social media platforms. Insurance companies often monitor social media for evidence to undermine your claim.
- Don’t Rush to Accept Offers: It’s common for insurance companies to offer a low settlement upfront. Don’t accept the first offer without consulting with one of our lawyers—it may not adequately cover your expenses or losses.
- Contact Our Abilene Brain Injury Lawyers for Legal Representation: Get in touch with our experienced team at Keith & Lorfing. We will handle all negotiations with insurers and manage the legal ins and outs, so you can focus on healing while we work to secure the compensation you deserve.
Deadlines For a Personal Injury Claim
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a brain injury claim is typically two years from the date of the injury. Failing to meet this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation.
It’s essential to act quickly to preserve evidence and build a strong case. Contact our Abilene traumatic brain injury attorneys as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed on time and your rights are protected.
Gathering Evidence For Your Personal Injury Lawsuit
To build a brain injury claim in Abilene, gathering the necessary evidence as soon as possible is essential. Here’s a streamlined approach to what you should collect:
- Medical Records: Start by gathering all documents related to your medical treatment, such as hospital records, follow-up appointments, and prescriptions. These are essential to demonstrating the extent of your injuries and the costs involved.
- Photo/Video Evidence: Document the accident scene with clear photos or videos, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Visual evidence is critical for illustrating the accident’s impact.
- Eyewitness Statements: Collect contact information and statements from witnesses who saw the accident. Their testimonies can reinforce your account of what happened.
- Police Documentation: Obtain a copy of the police report, which provides important details about the accident and involved parties.
- Insurance Information: Document the insurance details for all parties involved, including policy numbers and contact information, to facilitate the claims process.
- Medical Bills and Receipts: Keep all bills and receipts related to your medical care and any out-of-pocket expenses. These records are essential for claiming compensation.
- Vehicle Damage Reports: Get estimates or records for the repair of any vehicles involved. This supports claims for property damage.
- Lost Wages Documentation: Record any time missed from work due to your injury. Obtain a statement from your employer detailing the financial impact of your absence.
- Accident Scene Documentation: If feasible, create a diagram or map of the accident scene. This helps in understanding the accident’s dynamics.
- Correspondence with Insurance Companies: Save all communications with insurance companies, including emails, letters, and claim forms. This helps track the progress of your claim and ensures nothing is missed.
Gathering this evidence promptly is vital to building a strong claim. We’ll manage the details, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery.
Contact an injury lawyer in Abilene as soon as you are able to so we can start getting evidence together on your behalf.
Evidence about specific injuries
When dealing with a brain injury claim, knowing the specifics of your injury is key. Brain injuries can vary significantly based on the areas affected and whether they are open or closed injuries.
Open injuries, like those from penetrating trauma, involve damage to the brain tissue, while closed injuries, such as concussions, result from impact or sudden movement without direct penetration. The severity and duration of your symptoms play a significant role in your claim.
Mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) may resolve in a few weeks, while moderate to severe injuries can have long-term or permanent effects, such as cognitive impairments, memory issues, and emotional changes. Common causes include falls, vehicle accidents, and impacts from sports or physical altercations.
Symptoms can range from headaches and dizziness to severe confusion and loss of motor skills. Gathering detailed evidence on these aspects can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with recovery.
What Can I Expect to Pay?
When pursuing a brain injury claim, it’s important to understand the costs involved. At our firm, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any upfront legal fees.
Instead, our payment comes from a percentage of the compensation we secure for you. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us anything.
This approach ensures that we are fully committed to achieving the best outcome for you, with no financial risk on your part.
Why Choose Us Over Other Abilene Brain Injury Attorneys?
At Keith & Lorfing, our focus is deeply rooted in West Texas, setting us apart from firms that often concentrate on larger metropolitan areas like Dallas or Houston. Our commitment is to serve clients across West Texas, with dedicated offices in Abilene, Lubbock, Midland, and San Angelo.
This local expertise is invaluable, as our background includes experience as judges and district attorneys within the region, providing us with a thorough understanding of local court expectations. Our team’s connection to West Texas is profound.
Managing Partner Russell Lorfing has served as a federal prosecutor in Lubbock, Partner Trey Keith has been a part of the Sweetwater community for 25 years, and Counsel Joel Wilks is a proud fourth-generation West Texan. Counsel Christopher Solis has strong ties to the heart of far-west Texas.
From the Panhandle to Big Bend, we are committed to offering personalized service and a deep knowledge of the unique legal challenges and opportunities our region presents.
General Information on Brain Injuries
Brain injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI), each impacting a person’s health and daily life in different ways.
Let’s explore the types, causes, and potential consequences of brain injuries to help you grasp the seriousness of these conditions and the importance of timely legal and medical intervention.
Signs & Symptoms Of TBIs
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can present with subtle symptoms that might be overlooked, even if a person seems fine on the outside. It’s essential to recognize and address these signs promptly.
If someone has experienced a head impact or body jolt and shows any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
- Confusion or Disorientation: Difficulty in understanding surroundings or responding appropriately.
- Loss of Consciousness: Any period of unresponsiveness or fainting.
- Severe Headache: Intense or persistent headaches that don’t go away.
- Nausea or Vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up.
- Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
What Are the Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Traumatic brain injuries occur when an external force disrupts the normal functioning of the brain, such as a bump, blow, jolt to the head, or a penetrating injury. Like many other cities, TBIs are a significant concern in Abilene, with various common causes contributing to their prevalence.
According to the Department of Public Health, falls are a leading cause of TBIs, followed by motor vehicle accidents and violence. Here are some of the most frequent causes:
- Falls from heights, slips tumbles down steps, and loss of balance
- Being struck by or against objects, such as falling debris or vehicular impacts
- Motor vehicle crashes, including those involving motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles
- Violence, including domestic or gang-related incidents, assaults, and shaken baby syndrome
- Explosion or blast injuries, notably affecting military personnel
Complications of a Brain Injury
Brain injuries can disrupt nearly every aspect of an individual’s life, creating lasting physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. In Abilene and across Texas, these injuries often come with serious, life-altering complications that extend beyond the initial trauma.
Some of the effects of a brain injury include:
- Cognitive effects, such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, poor planning and judgment skills, language difficulties, and impaired problem-solving abilities
- Persistent headaches and migraines
- Motor impairments, including coordination issues
- Emotional instability, mood swings, and changes in behavior
How a TBI Can Impact the Life of the Injured
A traumatic brain injury can significantly impact daily life. These injuries can lead to persistent difficulties with mobility, cognitive function, and emotional stability, making day-to-day activities overwhelming and challenging.
Common impacts include:
- Cognitive difficulties like memory loss and trouble concentrating
- Emotional and behavioral changes, such as mood swings and irritability
- Physical issues, including coordination problems and persistent headaches
- Struggles with daily activities and maintaining employment
We Cover The Entirety of West Texas
Our experienced traumatic brain injury attorneys cover ALL of West Texas, including but not limited to:
Speak to an Abilene Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Today!
Facing the challenges of a brain injury in Abilene can be daunting, but you don’t have to manage it on your own. Our compassionate team in Abilene is here to provide the support and legal guidance you need.
We’ll take care of the legal matters, so you can focus on your recovery and getting back to your daily life. Contact us today to find out how our lawyers can assist you.
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"Absolutely an amazing man, and an honest one at that."
This was absolutely the best defense experience I have ever had with an attorney.
We Are
West Texas Strong
Our commitment is to stand up for hardworking Texans who have been affected by truck accidents. Our team, rooted in humble beginnings, values hard work – with family histories of farmers, mechanics, laborers, firefighters, and servicemen. This heritage drives our dedication.
We deliberately choose not to represent corporations or the elite. Instead, we fight for everyday West Texans, often taking on big trucking companies and their insurers who try to short-change you. Our mission is to level the playing field, ensuring that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
Trey Keith
Founding Partner Meet Trey
Russell Lorfing
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3 Things you’ll get With Keith & Lorfing
A Lawyer Will Answer Your Calls & Emails
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You’ll Be Treated With Compassion & Respect
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We’re committed to being the best in the West! Proudly serving clients throughout Abilene, Lubbock, San Angelo, Midland & all of West Texas.