A+ rating on Better Business Bureau•Google reviews: 5.0•Martindale Hubbell Client Rating: 5.0•Lawyers.com Client Rating: 5.0•Avvo Client Rating: 5.0•Facebook Rating 5.0•Best Dog Bite Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Car Accident Lawyers – Middletown, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•A+ rating on Better Business Bureau•Google reviews: 5.0•Martindale Hubbell Client Rating: 5.0•Lawyers.com Client Rating: 5.0•Avvo Client Rating: 5.0•Facebook Rating 5.0•Best Dog Bite Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Car Accident Lawyers – Middletown, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Lawyer in Jericho, NY — Ahearne Law Firm

Jericho TBI Advocacy

Guiding Traumatic Brain Injury Claims in Jericho

Traumatic brain injuries can change daily life in an instant. If you or a loved one suffered a head injury in Jericho, New York, understanding your legal options early matters. The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC handles personal injury matters across Nassau County and the Hudson Valley, working with injured people to document medical care, preserve evidence, and pursue fair compensation from responsible parties. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the firm offer local representation that focuses on practical results and clear communication. If you are dealing with medical bills, lost income, or ongoing care needs after a head injury, reach out to learn about available legal steps.

A traumatic brain injury claim often involves many moving parts: hospital records, imaging studies, witness statements, and timely insurance communications. Early action can protect your rights and help secure important records before they are lost or forgotten. At the Ahearne Law Firm, we prioritize thorough investigation, coordination with treating providers, and persistent negotiation with insurers to pursue compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation, and non-economic losses. We provide responsive client service and will explain options in plain language. For immediate assistance or to discuss next steps in Jericho, call the office to arrange a case review and get direction on preserving critical evidence.

How Legal Help Benefits TBI Claimants

Legal support in traumatic brain injury matters helps ensure that the many elements of a claim are properly coordinated. A thorough approach gathers medical documentation, links symptoms to the accident, and calculates the full scope of damages including long-term care needs and diminished earning capacity. A local firm familiar with insurance practices in Nassau County can manage communications with insurers to prevent premature or inadequate settlement offers. Timely legal involvement also helps preserve critical evidence and connect clients with medical professionals who can explain the nature and expected course of injuries. This organized approach improves the likelihood of a fair result while reducing stress for the injured person and their family.

About Ahearne Law Firm and Allan J. Ahearne, Jr.

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC serves clients in Jericho, Nassau County, and the broader Hudson Valley with a focus on personal injury claims, including traumatic brain injuries. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. guides clients through each stage of a case, from evidence preservation and medical documentation to negotiation and, when needed, litigation. The firm emphasizes clear communication, personalized attention, and practical planning for medical care and financial needs after an injury. Clients can expect candid assessments of their claims and a commitment to pursuing recovery that addresses both immediate costs and potential long-term needs connected to a brain injury.

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury Claims

A traumatic brain injury claim is based on proving that someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing caused the injury and resulting losses. The process typically begins with documenting the accident scene, medical treatment, and ongoing symptoms. Medical records, imaging reports, and treating provider notes form the backbone of proof that a head injury occurred and is linked to the incident. Claims may seek recovery for medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Timely medical care, consistent documentation of symptoms, and thorough investigation of fault are essential to building a strong claim that accurately reflects the full impact of the injury.

Investigating a TBI claim often requires coordinating with medical professionals who can interpret test results and explain functional limitations. That may include neurology, neuropsychology, physical therapy, and vocational assessment to address cognitive, emotional, and physical consequences. Gathering witness statements, surveillance footage, and police reports helps establish how the injury occurred and who may be responsible. Insurance companies will scrutinize treatment timelines and prior medical history, so early preservation of records and clear documentation of new or worsened symptoms are important. A careful legal approach seeks to assemble comprehensive proof that supports both liability and a realistic assessment of damages.

Need More Information?

Key Terms and Glossary for TBI Claims

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury occurs when a blow or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. TBIs vary in severity from mild concussions causing temporary symptoms to more serious injuries that produce prolonged cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. Medical diagnosis relies on clinical assessment, imaging such as CT or MRI scans, and sometimes neuropsychological testing to evaluate memory, attention, and executive function. From a legal perspective, a TBI claim must connect the injury and its lasting effects to the incident in question and demonstrate resulting losses that may include medical costs, therapy, lost income, and diminished quality of life.

Concussion

A concussion is a type of mild traumatic brain injury often caused by a blow to the head or sudden acceleration-deceleration of the brain within the skull. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, memory problems, and sensitivity to light or noise. While many concussions improve over days to weeks, some individuals experience persistent symptoms that require longer-term care and accommodations. For legal purposes, documentation linking the concussion to the incident and showing how symptoms interfered with daily activities and work is critical when pursuing compensation for treatment and related losses.

Damages

Damages refer to the monetary recovery sought in a personal injury claim to compensate for losses caused by another party’s conduct. In TBI cases, damages commonly include past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and non-economic losses such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. Calculating damages often involves medical projections, vocational evaluations, and testimony about how the injury changed daily functioning. A clear, documented presentation of damages helps insurers, mediators, or a jury understand the full financial and personal impact of the injury.

Liability

Liability refers to the legal responsibility of a person or entity for causing an injury through negligent or wrongful actions. Establishing liability in a TBI case requires showing that the other party owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach caused the traumatic brain injury and resulting losses. Evidence to prove liability may include police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, maintenance records, and expert opinions on how the incident occurred. Demonstrating both fault and causation is essential to a successful claim for compensation for medical care and long-term needs.

PRO TIPS

Document Medical Care Immediately

Seek prompt medical attention after any head injury and keep a detailed record of all treatments, appointments, and recommendations from providers. Early medical documentation helps establish the connection between the incident and subsequent symptoms, and it creates a chain of records that insurers and decision makers will review. Preserve copies of imaging results, discharge notes, therapy summaries, and written work restrictions to support an accurate assessment of care needs and recovery trajectory.

Preserve Evidence and Observations

Collect and secure any physical evidence, photos of the scene, and contact information for witnesses as soon as possible following the incident. Keep a contemporaneous diary of symptoms, cognitive changes, and how daily activities are affected, as these notes can document patterns that medical records alone may not fully capture. If possible, obtain copies of police reports or incident reports and keep digital backups to prevent loss of important documentation.

Limit Public Statements and Social Media

Avoid posting details about the injury, symptoms, or recovery on social media, and be cautious when discussing the incident with insurance adjusters without first obtaining clear guidance. Public statements and casual comments can be misinterpreted or used to undercut claims of ongoing impairment. Instead, focus on medical follow-up and informed communication through appropriate legal or medical channels to ensure your situation is accurately represented.

Comparing Legal Approaches for TBI Cases

When Comprehensive Representation Helps:

Serious or Long-Term Symptoms

When symptoms persist and require ongoing medical care, comprehensive legal representation helps coordinate care documentation, specialist opinions, and long-term cost projections. A detailed approach supports claims for future medical needs and diminished earning capacity, which require careful preparation and presentation. This level of attention helps ensure that settlement discussions or court hearings consider the full scope of the injury and its lasting effects on daily life and work.

Complex Liability Issues

When fault is disputed, multiple parties are involved, or liability depends on technical evidence, an in-depth legal strategy can identify responsible parties and secure the records and testimony necessary to prove causation. Investigating vehicle data, surveillance footage, maintenance records, or safety protocols can be time-sensitive and technically detailed. Comprehensive handling helps protect claims from being diminished by gaps in evidence or overlooked sources of responsibility.

When a Limited Approach May Be Appropriate:

Minor Injuries with Clear Liability

For incidents where liability is straightforward and medical costs are limited, a more focused approach can quickly resolve the claim through targeted negotiation with insurers. If recovery is brief and future care is unlikely, parties may prefer an efficient settlement that covers documented expenses without protracted legal involvement. Even in such cases, accurate documentation and careful review of settlement terms are important to avoid waiving rights to necessary future care.

Early Settlements for Small Claims

When early offers reasonably cover medical bills and lost wages and the injured person has returned to normal activities, resolving the claim can be practical and timely. A limited scope of representation can focus on maximizing the settlement for immediate needs while avoiding extended procedures. It remains important to ensure the settlement fully accounts for any delayed symptoms or potential follow-up care, so careful evaluation before agreement is essential.

Common Circumstances That Lead to TBI Claims

Motor Vehicle Collisions

Motor vehicle collisions are a frequent cause of traumatic brain injuries, including concussions and more severe brain trauma, due to sudden acceleration and impact forces. Establishing fault, preserving scene evidence, and documenting immediate and ongoing medical care are critical steps in pursuing compensation after a crash in Jericho or elsewhere in Nassau County.

Slip and Fall Incidents

Slip and fall incidents on public or private property can result in head injuries when a fall leads to direct impact to the skull or sudden jarring movement. Proving property owner negligence, obtaining incident reports, and gathering surveillance or witness statements are important elements when pursuing a claim arising from a fall.

Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents, including falls from height or struck-by incidents, can produce traumatic brain injuries that require coordinated medical and legal attention. Depending on circumstances, injured workers may have both workers’ compensation and third-party claim considerations that should be evaluated to secure full recovery for medical costs and other losses.

Jericho, NY Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney

Why Hire Ahearne Law Firm for TBI Claims

Choosing legal representation in a Traumatic Brain Injury matter means selecting a firm that will prioritize timely preservation of evidence, thoughtful coordination with medical providers, and clear communication about recovery expectations. Ahearne Law Firm PLLC focuses on guiding clients through the insurance process and advocating for compensation that reflects both immediate expenses and potential long-term needs. Serving Jericho and surrounding communities, the firm provides local knowledge of New York and Nassau County procedures while tending to personal concerns and practical consequences following a serious head injury.

The firm’s approach emphasizes thorough case preparation and persistent negotiation, with readiness to present claims in court when settlement discussions do not fairly address a client’s losses. We assist clients in documenting ongoing care needs, vocational impact, and non-economic harms so decision makers can see the full effects of the injury. Throughout the process, clients receive straightforward updates, guidance on medical follow-up, and help navigating communications with insurers and providers to protect legal rights and recovery options.

Call for a Free Case Review

People Also Search For

Jericho TBI lawyer

Traumatic brain injury attorney Jericho NY

TBI claim Nassau County

head injury lawyer Jericho

personal injury TBI New York

Ahearne Law Firm traumatic brain injury

Allan J. Ahearne TBI attorney

Jericho brain injury settlement

FAQS

What is a traumatic brain injury and how is it diagnosed?

A traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force causes the brain to function differently, ranging from mild concussions to more severe injuries that produce lasting symptoms. Medical diagnosis typically combines clinical examination, patient history, and diagnostic imaging such as CT or MRI when indicated. Neuropsychological testing can help assess cognitive and functional impacts that are not visible on scans, and treating providers document symptoms, functional limitations, and recovery progress over time. From a legal perspective, diagnosis documentation is central to establishing that a head injury occurred as a result of the incident in question. Detailed medical records, emergency department notes, imaging results, and ongoing treatment reports strengthen a claim by showing causation and the scope of care required. Consistent follow-up and clear records of how symptoms affect daily life support a comprehensive presentation of damages when pursuing compensation.

How long do I have to file a TBI claim in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims generally requires filing a lawsuit within three years from the date of the accident. This time limit applies to many TBI claims, but there can be exceptions depending on specific facts, such as delayed discovery of injury or claims against certain government entities that may have shorter notice requirements. It is important to confirm applicable deadlines early to avoid losing the right to pursue a claim. Timely action also matters beyond filing deadlines: preserving evidence, obtaining medical records, and notifying relevant parties should occur as soon as possible after the incident. Consulting with counsel promptly helps identify any special limitations or administrative steps required, especially when claims might involve multiple defendants or public entities with different procedural rules.

What kinds of compensation can I seek after a brain injury?

Compensation in a traumatic brain injury case can cover a variety of economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages commonly include past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation, physical and cognitive therapy, assistive devices, and lost wages or reduced earning capacity. When long-term care or ongoing support is needed, claims may seek projected future medical and caregiving costs supported by medical and vocational opinions. Non-economic damages aim to compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other subjective harms caused by the injury. In some cases where negligence is particularly severe, claims may also consider punitive elements, though those are rare and fact-specific. Calculating fair compensation involves combining medical documentation, expert opinions, and careful evaluation of how the injury has altered daily functioning and future prospects.

What should I bring to my first meeting about a TBI claim?

For an initial meeting about a TBI claim, bring any medical records you have, including emergency department reports, imaging summaries, discharge papers, and treatment notes. Also gather documentation of expenses such as medical bills, receipts, and records of lost wages, plus photographs of the scene and injuries if available. A timeline of events, witness contact information, and any incident or police reports can further assist in evaluating the claim. If possible, prepare a brief account of how symptoms have affected daily life, work, and relationships, including limitations you experience and any accommodations required. Having this information at hand helps assess the likely path forward, identify evidence gaps, and plan next steps to preserve records and pursue appropriate recovery for medical care and related losses.

How do insurance companies evaluate TBI claims?

Insurance companies evaluate TBI claims by reviewing medical records, diagnostic imaging, treatment timelines, and documentation of symptoms and functional limitations. Adjusters will look for consistency in treatment, objective findings, and links between the incident and subsequent impairments. Insurers may seek independent medical examinations or request prior medical history to assess whether new symptoms are connected to the recent event, so clear and contemporaneous documentation is important. Adjusters also assess liability evidence and the financial exposure presented by a claim. Claims with strong documentation of fault, comprehensive medical records, and credible projections of future care tend to command higher settlement consideration. Because insurers aim to limit payouts, careful preparation and communication about the full scope of damages are essential when negotiating for fair compensation.

What evidence is most important in proving a TBI case?

Key evidence in a TBI case includes medical records, imaging studies, and treating provider notes that document diagnosis, treatment, and functional limitations. Emergency department notes, hospitalization records, therapy summaries, and neuropsychological testing reports can show the nature and extent of cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. Witness statements, photographs of the scene, and police or incident reports help establish how the injury occurred and who may be responsible. Additional important materials may include vocational assessments that project work limitations, testimony about daily living impacts from family members or caregivers, and bills or receipts for treatment and support services. Preserving records, obtaining timely statements from witnesses, and coordinating with providers to explain the link between the event and the injury strengthen the overall presentation of both liability and damages.

Can I recover for long-term care needs after a TBI?

Recovery from a traumatic brain injury can require long-term medical care, therapy, and supportive services depending on the severity and course of symptoms. When ongoing care is necessary, a claim may include projected future medical and caregiving costs, supported by medical opinions and vocational evaluations if loss of earning capacity is expected. Establishing a reasonable estimate of future needs helps ensure settlement or judgment reflects the anticipated long-term impact on health and finances. Documenting current functional limitations, treatment plans, and medical recommendations is essential to justify future care costs. Collaboration with treating providers, therapists, and rehabilitation specialists supports credible projections and helps decision makers understand the full scope of ongoing care needs tied to the injury.

Should I accept the first settlement offer from an insurer?

The first settlement offer from an insurer is often an initial step in negotiations and may not fully reflect the long-term costs or non-economic losses associated with a traumatic brain injury. Accepting an early offer without thorough evaluation of medical records, potential future care, and impact on earning capacity risks leaving a claimant undercompensated. It is important to carefully review any offer and understand whether it covers all current and anticipated needs before agreeing to a release. Before accepting a settlement, ensure medical treatment is complete or well-documented and that projections for future care are considered. Seeking guidance to evaluate offers and determine whether further negotiation or litigation may yield a more appropriate result helps protect long-term interests and avoids unintended forfeiture of future recovery opportunities.

How much will it cost to pursue a TBI claim?

Many personal injury firms, including those handling TBI claims, operate on a contingency basis where legal fees are collected only if compensation is recovered. This arrangement helps injured people pursue claims without upfront legal fees, with costs and fees typically deducted from any settlement or award. The specific percentage or fee structure should be disclosed in writing and discussed during the initial case review so clients understand potential financial obligations and net recovery expectations. Clients should also inquire about case-related expenses such as expert reports, medical record retrieval, and court filing fees, and how those costs will be handled if there is no recovery. Transparent communication about fee arrangements and anticipated expenses helps injured people make informed decisions about pursuing a claim and planning for financial implications during recovery.

How long does it typically take to resolve a traumatic brain injury claim?

The timeline to resolve a traumatic brain injury claim varies widely based on the complexity of liability, the severity of injuries, and the need for future care projections. Some cases with clear fault and limited damages may resolve in a matter of months, while claims involving disputed liability, severe injuries, or extensive future care needs can take a year or more to fully evaluate and negotiate. Litigation timelines can extend further if a case proceeds to trial. Medical treatment and stabilization often drive timing decisions because it is important to understand the likely course of recovery before finalizing settlement negotiations. Ongoing communication about treatment progress and timely organization of evidence help move a case forward efficiently while ensuring that any settlement accounts for both present and anticipated future needs tied to the brain injury.

Personal Injury Services in Jericho

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services