When your life is suddenly disrupted by a traumatic brain injury (TBI), everything changes. Daily routines become hurdles. Your ability to work, communicate, and enjoy time with your family may be compromised, all because of someone else’s negligence. Your paychecks may stop, but the medical bills keep arriving. You're left trying to hold things together while your body and your future remain uncertain.
If this sounds like your situation, you’re not alone. At The Perecman Firm, our New York City brain injury lawyers understand the devastating impact a TBI can have not only on you but on your loved ones.
We can help you take back control. That begins with listening, exploring your best legal options, and fighting to secure maximum compensation for all you’ve suffered and lost.
Whether you’re dealing with memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or personality changes, we know how much is at stake. And we’re ready to go to battle for your recovery. Call us at (212) 977-7033 or contact us online for a free consultation today.
NO FEES
UNLESS WE WIN YOUR CASE
Why Choose The Perecman Firm for Your New York City Traumatic Brain Injury Case
With over four decades of experience, The Perecman Firm has recovered significant verdicts and settlements for injured New Yorkers. Our trial lawyers build compelling cases and negotiate from a position of strength because insurance companies know our history of taking cases to court.
While third-party organizations like Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and Best Lawyers in America consistently recognize our attorneys, we measure our success by the trust our clients place in us.
You’re never just a case file to us. We know what’s at stake for you, and we bring every legal resource we have to protect your future.
When you hire The Perecman Firm, you get:
- A legal team with a proven record of multi-million-dollar TBI verdicts and settlements
- Experienced trial lawyers who won’t settle for less than you deserve
- A firm that takes the time to understand your unique story and medical needs
- Compassionate advocates who keep you informed at every step
- A relentless commitment to securing maximum compensation for your recovery
Our experienced brain injury lawyers in New York City know how much you have at stake after sustaining a serious head injury. Entrusting us with your case is a responsibility we take to heart. It’s what drives us to fight relentlessly for your full and fair compensation.
Key Takeaways
- Traumatic brain injuries can have long-lasting physical, emotional, cognitive, and financial effects.
- TBIs often result from car crashes, construction and crane accidents, falls, and other negligent incidents.
- Even so-called “mild” TBIs can cause serious and lasting symptoms.
- Insurance companies frequently undervalue brain injury claims to minimize payouts.
- Compensation may include medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
- Financial toxicity is a common and harmful consequence of TBIs, affecting recovery and mental health.
- An experienced New York City brain injury lawyer can handle all legal aspects of your claim and fight for full compensation.
- The Perecman Firm has recovered nearly a billion dollars for injury victims and offers compassionate, trial-tested representation for TBI cases.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain sustains damage due to sudden trauma, typically from a violent blow, jolt, or penetration to the skull. These injuries can disrupt normal brain function and affect everything from memory and speech to mobility and mood.
Every year, TBIs affect nearly 3 million people in the U.S., with healthcare costs exceeding $40 billion. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TBIs accounted for approximately 214,110 hospitalizations and about 69,473 deaths in the U.S. in one recent year. This represents nearly 600 TBI-related hospitalizations and 200 TBI-related deaths per day.
But statistics don’t begin to explain the emotional and physical toll. TBIs are often called “invisible injuries” because they don’t always show up on scans. Doctors rely on symptom observation, not imaging, to diagnose them, meaning many go undiagnosed or are underestimated.
A Note on Medical Terminology
Terms like “mild,” “moderate,” or “severe” are used in medical diagnoses, but they don't predict outcomes. A so-called “mild” TBI (like a concussion) can have lifelong effects. Diagnosis refers only to the injury’s immediate symptoms, not its long-term impact. Never let a label diminish the seriousness of what you’re going through.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries Due to Negligence
Traumatic brain injuries are often the result of sudden, forceful events, many of which are preventable. When someone else's carelessness causes these injuries, the consequences can be devastating. Here are some of the most common causes of TBIs related to negligence:
- Car accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries—often impacting vision—especially in high-speed or rear-end crashes on busy New York City roads. If a car accident affects your vision, it may signal serious underlying damage.
- Truck accidents involving commercial motor vehicles are especially devastating due to their massive weight and size, often resulting in severe head trauma for those in smaller vehicles.
- Motorcycle crashes commonly lead to traumatic brain injuries because riders have minimal protection and are vulnerable to direct impacts to the head during a fall or collision.
- Falls from heights are a major source of traumatic brain injuries among construction workers across the five boroughs, particularly when safety equipment fails or is improperly installed.
- Pedestrian accidents in New York City frequently result in head injuries, especially when drivers fail to yield at crosswalks in busy areas like Midtown Manhattan, Queens Boulevard, or Fordham Road in the Bronx.
- Slip and fall accidents can lead to serious brain injuries when property owners neglect hazards like icy sidewalks, broken staircases, or wet floors in places such as grocery stores, apartment buildings, or subway stations.
- Workplace accidents often involve traumatic brain injuries in environments where scaffolding falls, cranes, heavy machinery, or falling objects are part of daily operations—especially on construction sites throughout the city.
- Sports injuries, particularly in contact sports, can result in brain trauma due to repeated blows to the head or a single hard collision during gameplay or practice.
Every TBI case is unique, but they all demand serious legal attention. Our team investigates the cause, identifies responsible parties, and builds a case backed by expert evidence and medical documentation.
Do I Have a Traumatic Brain Injury Case?
To pursue a TBI claim in New York, your lawyer must prove that someone else’s negligence directly caused your injury. Legally, this requires four key elements:
- Duty of care – The defendant had a legal obligation to act safely. For example, drivers must follow traffic laws, and property owners must fix hazards.
- Breach of duty – That obligation was broken. A driver ran a red light, or a store failed to clean up a spill.
- Causation – The breach directly caused your brain injury.
- Damages – You suffered real harm—financial, physical, emotional—that can be documented.
Building a case for negligence requires evidence: police reports, medical records, eyewitness accounts, and expert opinions. At The Perecman Firm, we handle every legal detail of your case so you can focus on your recovery.
Why Should The Perecman Firm Handle the Insurance Companies?
Insurance companies are not in the business of fairness; they're in the business of profits. When it comes to traumatic brain injuries, they often downplay the severity or deny the long-term consequences altogether. Why? Because TBIs are expensive. They require ongoing treatment, therapy, and possibly lifelong care. That’s not a bill insurance companies want to pay.
Adjusters may offer settlements that don’t begin to cover your medical costs or future needs. Some may even suggest that your symptoms aren’t related to the accident. Others might stall the process, hoping financial stress will pressure you into settling for less.
That’s where our experience matters. As seasoned trial lawyers, The Perecman Firm has the leverage to fight back strongly and effectively. Insurance companies know that we won’t hesitate to take your case to court if they refuse to pay fair compensation. That prospect alone often leads to stronger settlement offers early on. Let us do the talking while you focus on your recovery.
The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Living with a brain injury is like living with an unpredictable storm inside your mind. You may look the same on the outside, but everything inside feels different, and nothing is easy.
Physical effects
From chronic headaches and fatigue to motor coordination problems and speech difficulties, the physical toll of a TBI can be severe. Some patients lose their ability to walk, speak, or swallow. Others suffer seizures or require repeated surgeries.
Emotional effects
Depression, anxiety, and mood swings are common after a brain injury. Some TBI victims feel irritable or easily overwhelmed. Family members often notice changes in emotional regulation and personality.
Cognitive effects
Brain injuries often impair concentration, memory, and decision-making. Victims may struggle to hold a job, follow a conversation, or manage everyday tasks. These changes are frustrating and deeply isolating.
Financial effects
Between missed work, rising medical bills, and the need for long-term care, TBIs can destroy financial stability. Families may be forced to dip into savings, refinance their homes, or go into debt.
Social effects
The social impact of a traumatic brain injury can be just as damaging as the physical and emotional symptoms. Many victims find themselves withdrawing from friendships, avoiding social gatherings, or feeling uncomfortable in group settings. Misunderstandings, communication struggles, and personality changes can strain even the closest relationships, leaving the injured person feeling isolated and misunderstood.
Compensation Available to TBI Victims in New York City
No two cases are alike, and the compensation you may be entitled to will depend on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident. In general, TBI victims can seek:
Economic damages
- Current and future medical expenses
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- In-home care or assisted living services
- Lost wages and lost earning potential
- Costs of medical devices and home modifications
Non-economic damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship or intimacy
Wrongful death
The sudden loss of a loved one from a traumatic brain injury leaves families reeling. No amount of money can fill the void left behind, but the law allows certain family members to seek justice on their behalf. Pursuing a wrongful death settlement not only seeks justice but can also ease the financial burden of funeral expenses, loss of future earnings, and emotional suffering.
Punitive damages
In rare cases involving gross negligence or reckless conduct, additional damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior.
What is Financial Toxicity After a TBI?
Medical costs are only part of the picture. According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 88% of seriously injured patients experienced financial toxicity in the year following their trauma. This includes reduced income, job loss, and overwhelming financial stress.
Worse, the study found that financial toxicity is linked to worse long-term outcomes—more depression, more PTSD, and lower quality of life. That’s why legal representation isn’t just about compensation. It’s about protecting your health and future stability.
At The Perecman Firm, our New York City brain injury attorneys pursue maximum compensation for your damages because we understand what’s really on the line. You can’t afford to accept less than full compensation.
How Can a Lawyer Help With My New York City Traumatic Brain Injury Claim?
A strong legal claim involves more than paperwork. It’s a coordinated effort involving investigation, documentation, strategy, and negotiation. Here’s how we handle the process for you:
- Initial case evaluation – We assess your situation during a free consultation
- Accident investigation – We gather evidence, police reports, and witness statements
- Medical documentation – We consult medical experts to validate the full extent of your injuries
- Claim preparation – We calculate damages and submit a compelling claim
- Negotiation – We handle all communication with insurers to pursue a fair settlement
- Litigation, if needed – If insurers refuse to offer you a fair deal, we file a lawsuit and prepare for trial
- Ongoing support – We keep you updated and fight by your side every step of the way
New York City Brain Injury Lawyer FAQs
How long do I have to file a traumatic brain injury lawsuit in New York?
Under New York law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident and two years for wrongful death. However, exceptions may apply in certain cases. Claims against municipal entities, such as the City of New York, have much shorter deadlines, often requiring a notice of claim within 90 days. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What if I can't afford a lawyer for my TBI case?
Our firm handles TBI cases on a contingency fee basis. This arrangement means you owe no attorney's fees unless we recover compensation for you. We finance the litigation costs, and our fee is a percentage of the recovery we obtain.
How much is my traumatic brain injury case worth?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The value of your case depends on the severity of your injury, your prognosis, lost income, and the impact on your daily life. The Perecman Firm builds each case from the ground up to reflect its true value.
What if I'm partially at fault for the accident that caused my TBI?
New York follows a “comparative negligence” rule. You can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault, but your award will just be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long will my traumatic brain injury case take to resolve?
Some cases settle within months, while others may take a year or more. Brain injury claims tend to take longer due to the need for a thorough medical evaluation and negotiation. That said, our firm has the legal leverage to push for timely, high-value resolutions.
What should I do in the days and weeks after a head injury?
First, prioritize medical attention and follow all your doctor's orders, including recommendations for rest and avoiding certain activities. Keep a detailed journal of your symptoms, noting any headaches, memory issues, mood changes, or difficulties with daily tasks.
Preserve all paperwork related to the incident, including police reports, medical bills, and any correspondence from insurance companies. Avoid speaking to the at-fault party's insurance adjuster before you consult an attorney.
How do you prove the full extent of an "invisible injury" like a TBI?
We build a comprehensive picture of your life before and after the injury. This process involves collecting detailed medical records and, when necessary, working with medical experts like neurologists, neuropsychologists, and life care planners.
These experts help us document the injury's cognitive, emotional, and physical effects. We also use testimony from you, your family, friends, and coworkers to demonstrate how the TBI impacts your daily life, relationships, and ability to work.
Will I have to go to court to resolve my brain injury case?
Many personal injury claims resolve through a settlement before a trial becomes necessary. We handle all negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf.
However, if the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation that accounts for your long-term needs, we prepare to present your case to a jury. We will advise you on the risks and benefits of each path so you can make an informed decision.
Contact the New York City Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers at The Perecman Firm Today
You didn’t ask for this. One moment changed everything, and now you’re left trying to rebuild your life. It’s unfair. It’s painful. And it’s overwhelming. But with the right legal team in your corner, it’s possible to secure a future that reflects what you’ve lost and what you still need.
At The Perecman Firm, we don’t just fight for compensation. We fight for your dignity, your stability, and your future. Our team has recovered nearly a billion dollars for injured New Yorkers, and we’re ready to help you, too.
Call (212) 977-7033 now or contact us online for your free consultation. Let’s talk about your case and how we can help you move forward.