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) Attorney — Bronxville Personal Injury

Bronxville TBI Representation

Guide to Traumatic Brain Injury Claims

If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury in Bronxville, you face medical, financial, and emotional challenges that can change daily life. This guide explains the legal steps available to people injured in accidents caused by another party’s negligence, including how to preserve evidence, document symptoms, and work with medical providers to support a claim. Our goal is to provide clear information about timelines, typical damages, and what to expect during a claim so you can make informed decisions about pursuing compensation while focusing on recovery and care.

Traumatic brain injuries range from mild concussions to more serious injuries that cause long-term cognitive or physical impairment. The path to recovery often requires ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and adjustments at home and work. Understanding legal options early can help secure resources for medical care, household support, and lost income. This page covers common causes of TBI in the Bronxville area, the types of compensation commonly sought, and practical steps to protect your rights, including timelines for filing claims and the types of documentation that strengthen a personal injury case.

Why Legal Support Matters for TBI Cases

A traumatic brain injury can create long-term medical needs, income disruption, and complex care requirements that go beyond an initial hospital stay. Legal support helps ensure that insurance companies and other responsible parties are held accountable for the full scope of physical, cognitive, and financial harms you face. With careful documentation and strategic negotiation, a legal claim can secure compensation for medical treatment, rehabilitation, future care, lost wages, and other damages. Properly pursuing a claim also gives families a clearer path to plan for ongoing needs and obtain resources to support recovery and rehabilitation.

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

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC provides personal injury representation for individuals and families in the Hudson Valley and New York, including Bronxville residents who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. has handled a range of injury matters and focuses on guiding clients through the legal process while coordinating with medical providers and other professionals as appropriate. The firm aims to respond promptly to client needs, explain options in plain language, and pursue fair results that reflect each client’s medical and financial realities so families can focus on recovery and rebuilding.

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury Claims

Traumatic brain injury claims involve establishing that another party’s negligence caused an injury that resulted in specific damages. A successful claim typically requires showing duty, breach, causation, and measurable harm. Medical records, witness statements, accident reports, and expert medical opinions are commonly used to show the link between the accident and the injury. Because symptoms can evolve over time, it is important to track changes in cognition, behavior, and physical ability and to obtain timely evaluations that document both initial and ongoing effects of the injury in order to support a full recovery plan and associated claim for compensation.

Insurance companies may try to minimize the severity of a traumatic brain injury or the need for extended care, so careful documentation and communication are essential. Early steps include seeking immediate medical evaluation, following medical advice, and preserving evidence such as photos, videos, and witness contact information. An organized medical record that shows initial treatment, subsequent follow-up, therapy, and any recommended long-term care strengthens claims for both current and future damages. Understanding the legal framework and how damages are calculated helps people make informed decisions about settlement offers or pursuing litigation.

Need More Information?

Key Terms and TBI Glossary

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force causes brain dysfunction, which may stem from a blow, jolt, penetration, or rapid acceleration and deceleration. Symptoms can include loss of consciousness, confusion, headaches, memory problems, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, and physical impairments. TBI severity is often described as mild, moderate, or severe based on clinical findings, imaging results, and functional impact. Accurate medical documentation of symptoms, treatments, and functional limitations is essential to understanding the injury’s scope and pursuing compensation that addresses both immediate and long term needs.

Concussion

A concussion is a form of mild traumatic brain injury that can result from a blow or jolt to the head or body that transmits force to the brain. Symptoms may be subtle and include headaches, dizziness, concentration problems, sensitivity to light, and mood changes. Even when initial imaging is normal, a concussion can cause significant functional impairment and require rest, monitoring, therapy, and gradual return to daily activities. Close attention to symptom progression and documentation of medical care are important when a concussion follows an incident involving potential legal liability.

Cognitive Impairment

Cognitive impairment refers to difficulties with memory, attention, problem solving, language, and executive functioning after a brain injury. These changes can affect the ability to work, manage finances, and perform daily living tasks. Neuropsychological testing and clinical evaluations help identify deficits and guide treatment planning. When cognitive impairment results from an injurious incident caused by another party, demonstrating the functional impact on daily life and future care needs is central to recovering compensation for ongoing therapy, vocational support, and related services.

Rehabilitation and Therapy

Rehabilitation encompasses physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation designed to restore function and adapt to lasting limitations after a brain injury. The type and duration of therapy depend on the injury’s severity and the individual’s recovery trajectory. Documentation from therapists that outlines progress, ongoing challenges, and recommended future care helps quantify medical damages. Rehabilitation plans and estimated future therapy costs are often critical components of a full claim for compensation following a traumatic brain injury.

PRO TIPS

Document Symptoms and Treatment Carefully

Keep a detailed journal of symptoms, treatments, and how daily activities are affected following a traumatic brain injury. Record dates of appointments, names of treating clinicians, and notes about any changes in memory, mood, sleep, or cognition that follow the incident. This ongoing log complements medical records and helps show the progression of impairments and the need for continued care when pursuing a claim or negotiating with insurers.

Preserve Evidence From the Accident

Collect and preserve any physical evidence, photos, and documentation from the incident scene, including damaged property and visible injuries. Obtain contact information for witnesses and request copies of police or incident reports as soon as possible. Early preservation of evidence supports the causal link between the incident and injury and helps establish the context for any claim for compensation.

Follow Medical Advice and Maintain Records

Attend all recommended medical appointments and keep records of treatments, prescriptions, and therapy sessions to ensure continuity of care. Insurance adjusters and other parties often review medical compliance when evaluating a claim, and consistent treatment records support claims for current and future medical needs. If symptoms change or new issues arise, continue to document those developments and ensure they are reflected in clinical notes.

Comparing Legal Approaches for TBI Claims

When Comprehensive Representation Helps:

Complex Medical Needs and Long-Term Care

Comprehensive representation is valuable when a traumatic brain injury leads to ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and potential need for future services that are difficult to quantify at the outset. A detailed approach helps assess current costs and estimate future care, including therapy, assistive devices, and in-home support. Thorough documentation and coordination with medical professionals improve the ability to secure compensation that addresses both present and anticipated needs.

Disputed Liability or Multiple Parties

When liability is contested or multiple parties may share responsibility for an injury, a comprehensive approach assists with investigation, evidence gathering, and strategic claims to establish fault. Identifying all potentially responsible parties and supporting causation through medical and factual records increases the chance of obtaining full compensation. Coordinated legal action can also facilitate resolving complex insurance coverage and contribution issues that arise in multi-party incidents.

When a Targeted Approach May Be Appropriate:

Clearly Documented Minor Injuries

A focused or limited representation might be appropriate when a brain injury is mild, well-documented, and the responsible party accepts liability promptly. In such cases, a streamlined claim can address immediate medical expenses and limited lost wages efficiently. Even in straightforward matters, maintaining complete medical records and clear billing documentation is important to ensure fair compensation.

Short Timeline and Simple Liability

When liability is undisputed, injuries are short-term, and damages are limited, a more targeted legal approach can produce timely resolution without extensive investigation. This can reduce legal fees and speed recovery of benefits for medical bills and brief income loss. Clear communication and focused documentation help conclude the claim without unnecessary delay while ensuring that medical needs are covered.

Common Circumstances That Lead to TBI Claims

Motor Vehicle Collisions

Car, truck, and motorcycle collisions are frequent causes of traumatic brain injuries because sudden impacts can jolt the brain inside the skull. Even when a head impact is not obvious, the force of a crash can produce cognitive and neurological symptoms that require ongoing evaluation and treatment.

Slip and Fall Incidents

Falls on uneven surfaces, wet floors, or stairways can result in head trauma and subsequent brain injuries. Property owners may be held responsible if unsafe conditions or lack of proper maintenance contributed to a serious fall and injury.

Workplace and Sporting Injuries

Job site accidents and recreational or contact sports can produce injuries that lead to long-term brain impairment. Determining whether employer negligence, inadequate safety measures, or negligence by others contributed helps identify potential avenues for compensation.

Bronxville Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney Services

Why Work With Ahearne Law Firm for TBI Cases

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC focuses on providing clear guidance and active representation to people who have sustained traumatic brain injuries in Bronxville and the surrounding Hudson Valley region. The firm assists clients with preserving medical records, coordinating with treating clinicians, and pursuing claims that reflect both current medical needs and future care projections. That practical, client-centered approach aims to reduce stress for families and help secure resources necessary for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery planning while handling communications with insurance carriers and opposing parties.

When injuries involve complex medical or liability questions, the firm works with medical providers, therapists, and evaluators to document the injury’s impact and projected care needs. Attention to timely investigation, evidence preservation, and clear presentation of damages supports negotiations or litigation when necessary. The goal is to seek fair compensation that allows clients and families to focus on health, recovery, and adapting to life after an injury while the firm manages legal details and procedural tasks on their behalf.

Contact Ahearne Law Firm to Discuss Your TBI Claim

People Also Search For

Bronxville TBI attorney

traumatic brain injury lawyer Bronxville

TBI claim Hudson Valley

brain injury compensation New York

personal injury TBI Bronxville

Ahearne Law Firm traumatic brain injury

Allan J. Ahearne Jr. TBI

Bronxville injury attorney phone

FAQS

What are common symptoms of a traumatic brain injury to watch for after an accident?

Common symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can be physical, cognitive, and emotional. Physical symptoms often include headaches, dizziness, nausea, balance problems, and sensitivity to light or noise. Cognitive changes can involve memory loss, difficulty concentrating, slowed thinking, or confusion. Emotional and behavioral shifts may include irritability, mood swings, depression, or anxiety. Because symptoms can vary and sometimes develop over time, keeping a detailed record of changes following an incident helps medical providers diagnose and treat the injury effectively. If you notice worsening symptoms or new problems after an injury, seek medical evaluation promptly. Even when initial imaging is normal, clinical assessment and follow-up testing can reveal important functional deficits. Timely documentation of symptoms and treatment also supports any legal claim by linking the injury to the incident and demonstrating the need for ongoing care and accommodations.

How soon should I get medical attention after a head injury?

You should seek medical attention as soon as possible after sustaining a head injury or any incident that could have affected your brain. Immediate evaluation helps rule out life-threatening conditions, establishes a medical record linking the event to symptoms, and guides early treatment that can reduce the risk of complications. Emergency departments and urgent care centers can perform initial assessments and imaging when indicated, while follow-up with primary care or neurologic specialists may be necessary to manage ongoing symptoms. Delaying medical care can make it harder to document the causal relationship between the incident and later symptoms, which may affect insurance claims and legal options. If symptoms appear or worsen in the days or weeks following an accident, obtain medical evaluation without delay and ensure the treating clinicians note the timing and progression of symptoms in your records to support both treatment planning and any subsequent claim for compensation.

Can I pursue compensation if symptoms appear days or weeks after the accident?

Yes, you can pursue compensation if symptoms of a traumatic brain injury appear days or weeks after an accident. Some types of brain injury present delayed or evolving symptoms that are not immediately apparent. It is important to seek medical evaluation as soon as symptoms are recognized and to document the timing and progression in clinical records, which helps establish a link between the incident and the later manifestations of injury. When symptoms develop later, a careful medical history and any available contemporaneous evidence—such as photos from the scene, witness statements, and earlier medical notes—can support a claim. Promptly obtaining care and ensuring all new symptoms are recorded will strengthen the medical record and provide evidence necessary for pursuing compensation for both immediate and delayed effects of the injury.

What types of damages can be recovered in a TBI claim?

Damages in a traumatic brain injury claim typically include medical expenses, both past and projected future costs associated with treatment, rehabilitation, and assistive devices. A claim may also seek compensation for lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and the cost of home modifications or in-home care if needed. Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress are also commonly pursued where a brain injury has significantly affected daily living and quality of life. Accurately calculating damages often requires coordinating medical opinions, therapy records, vocational assessments, and financial documentation. Establishing the scope of future care and projected losses is an important part of recovering full compensation. Clear documentation of all medical care, work impacts, and daily limitations will support a fair assessment of recoverable damages under applicable law.

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

The timeline for resolving a traumatic brain injury claim varies widely depending on the severity of the injury, the complexity of liability, and whether the case settles or proceeds to trial. Some cases resolve in months if liability is clear and damages are well documented, while more complex matters involving disputed fault, long-term care needs, or litigation can take a year or longer. Allowing time for medical stabilization and evaluation of future care needs is often necessary before accepting a final settlement offer. Because the full scope of a brain injury may not be immediately clear, patience and careful planning are important. Early investigation, timely medical follow-up, and thorough documentation of evolving needs help clients pursue resolutions that meaningfully address both current and future consequences. Ongoing communication with treating clinicians and financial advisors can streamline the valuation of long-term damages when negotiations or trial become necessary.

Will my medical records be enough evidence to prove my TBI claim?

Medical records are a central component of evidence in a TBI claim, as they document diagnosis, treatment, and the functional impact of the injury. Records that include emergency evaluations, imaging tests, follow-up appointments, therapy notes, and specialist assessments strengthen the causal link between the incident and the injury. Comprehensive records that show consistent complaints and treatment over time are particularly persuasive when claiming ongoing or future medical needs. However, medical records alone may not fully establish liability or the full extent of non-economic damages. Witness statements, accident reports, employer records, and documentation of daily limitations and rehabilitation progress also play important roles. Combining medical documentation with supporting evidence offers the most complete picture of the injury’s cause and impact for purposes of negotiating a fair resolution or presenting a case at trial.

What should I do if the insurance company offers a quick settlement?

If an insurance company offers a quick settlement after a traumatic brain injury, it is important to consider whether the offer fairly accounts for both current medical costs and anticipated future needs. Immediate offers may be attractive, but accepting a settlement before a full medical recovery or before understanding long-term care needs can leave you without sufficient resources for future treatment or rehabilitation. Carefully reviewing medical projections and possible future expenses helps determine if an offer is reasonable. Consulting with counsel and medical providers before accepting any offer can provide perspective on the offer’s adequacy. A well-documented assessment of future care, lost earning capacity, and non-economic harms will inform negotiations and help avoid accepting an early offer that fails to address long-term consequences of a brain injury.

How does comparative fault affect a TBI claim in New York?

New York follows comparative fault rules, which means that recovery may be reduced if the injured person is found partly responsible for the accident. If a plaintiff is assigned a percentage of fault, that percentage reduces the total amount of recoverable damages. Understanding how comparative fault might apply in a traumatic brain injury case is important when evaluating settlement offers and litigation risks. Even when comparative fault is an issue, there may still be a path to substantial recovery, particularly with clear documentation of the injury’s impact and efforts to mitigate harm. Presenting strong evidence of negligence by other parties and demonstrating the nature and extent of damages can influence fault assessments and support a fair allocation of responsibility in negotiations or at trial.

Can family members recover damages for caring for a person with TBI?

Family members who provide care, supervision, or incur out-of-pocket expenses related to caring for a person with a traumatic brain injury may be able to recover certain damages, such as reimbursement for caregiving expenses or loss of household services. Claims often document the time family members spend assisting with daily tasks and the associated financial impact. Courts and insurers consider these losses when evaluating the full scope of damages associated with the injury. To support such claims, keep records of caregiving activities, lost wages due to caregiving responsibilities, and receipts for any out-of-pocket costs related to care. Detailed documentation from treating clinicians that explains the necessity of family assistance strengthens the case for compensating those who have been directly affected by the injured person’s increased care needs.

How can I schedule a consultation to discuss my traumatic brain injury case?

To schedule a consultation about a traumatic brain injury case, contact Ahearne Law Firm PLLC by phone at (845) 986-2777 or through the contact options on the firm’s website. During an initial discussion, provide basic information about the incident, medical treatment received so far, and any documentation you have such as medical records, police reports, or witness information. This helps the firm understand the situation quickly and advise on next steps for preserving evidence and seeking compensation. Bring or send relevant medical records and documentation to the consultation, and be prepared to describe how symptoms have affected daily life and work. A preliminary review can clarify potential legal options, timelines, and documentation that will be useful in pursuing a claim, allowing you to make informed decisions about moving forward while focusing on recovery and care.

Personal Injury Services in Bronxville

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services