New Orleans Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when an external force damages the brain and disrupts its normal function. These injuries can range from concussions to severe trauma leading to lifelong disability.
Unfortunately, New Orleans residents face unique risks for TBIs. Whether from car crashes on I-10 or Claiborne Avenue, falls in the French Quarter’s crowded sidewalks, bicycle and pedestrian accidents along Canal Street, or injuries at local New Orleans sports fields, there are many ways residents can suffer these injuries while simply living their lives.
At Douglas & London, we understand that the consequences of a TBI go far beyond the initial injury. Victims often require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and daily support. The emotional, physical, and financial toll can be overwhelming for both victims and their families. Our New Orleans TBI lawyers are here to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation needed for recovery.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries
Not all TBIs are the same, and they can vary depending on how profoundly they affect victims’ lives. The levels of severity of TBIs include:
- Mild TBI (Concussion): Often caused by falls or sports injuries, concussions may lead to headaches, dizziness, and temporary cognitive issues.
- Moderate TBI: Characterized by longer periods of unconsciousness or confusion, often leaving lasting cognitive and physical challenges.
- Severe TBI: Can cause extended unconsciousness, permanent brain damage, paralysis, or profound changes in behavior and personality.
Types of TBIs include concussions, contusions (bruising of the brain), diffuse axonal injuries (caused by rapid head movement, often in car crashes), and penetrating injuries (from objects piercing the skull).
Common Causes of TBIs in New Orleans
- Car and Truck Accidents: Collisions on I-10, Pontchartrain Expressway, and busy intersections like Canal & Rampart frequently result in serious head injuries.
- Falls: Slips and falls in crowded areas like Bourbon Street or local workplaces remain a leading cause of TBIs, especially among older adults.
- Sports and Recreation: Football, soccer, cycling along the Lafitte Greenway, or boating on Lake Pontchartrain can result in concussions and other TBIs.
- Workplace Accidents: Construction sites, port facilities, and industrial work near the river often expose workers to high fall and impact risks.
Symptoms and Complications of TBIs
Symptoms vary widely and may appear immediately or develop over time. They can include:
- Physical: Headaches, dizziness, seizures, fatigue, loss of coordination, and sensory issues
- Cognitive: Difficulty concentrating, memory loss, confusion, and impaired decision-making
- Emotional/Behavioral: Mood swings, depression, anxiety, irritability, and sudden outbursts
Long-term complications may include chronic pain, paralysis, cognitive decline, and loss of independence, requiring lifelong care.
What to Do After a Traumatic Brain Injury
If you or a loved one suffers a head injury in New Orleans:
- Seek emergency care immediately. Go to the ER at University Medical Center New Orleans (Level I Trauma Center), Ochsner Medical Center, or another local hospital. Prompt care can save your life.
- Follow medical advice. Attend follow-up appointments and comply with prescribed treatment and therapy.
- Document the injury. Keep medical records, hospital bills, and notes about how the injury affects daily life.
- Avoid dealing with insurers alone. Insurance companies may minimize your injury. Speak with an experienced TBI attorney first.
- Request a copy of the accident report. If your TBI was the result of an accident that resulted in police presence, you may be able to obtain a copy of the accident report by requesting a NOLA police report online.
- Contact Douglas & London. Our attorneys can investigate, consult experts, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Local Hospitals and Treatment Centers
Victims of TBIs in New Orleans often receive care at:
- University Medical Center New Orleans: The only Level I Trauma Center in the region
- Ochsner Medical Center: Comprehensive neurological care and rehabilitation programs
- East Jefferson General Hospital: Specialized neurology and neurosurgery departments
- Touro LCMC Health: Rehabilitation services for long-term recovery
Support Resources for Brain Injury Survivors in New Orleans
Recovery often requires more than medical care. Local resources include:
- Brain Injury Association of Louisiana (BIALA): Offers peer support, caregiver resources, and connections to rehabilitation services
- Tulane Behavioral Health Services: Provides counseling and therapy for emotional and cognitive challenges after TBIs
Compensation Available for TBI Victims
With the help of Douglas & London, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses, including rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
- Long-term care, assistive devices, and home modifications
Why Hire Douglas & London?
TBI cases are complex. They require expert testimony, detailed medical evidence, and strong advocacy to prove the full impact of the injury. Our attorneys:
- Work with neurologists and rehabilitation specialists to build strong cases
- Investigate accidents thoroughly and gather key evidence
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers
- Prepare every case for trial to ensure maximum compensation
Contact Our New Orleans Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, Douglas & London is here to help. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win.
Contact our firm today to connect with a New Orleans traumatic brain injury lawyer and begin your path toward justice and recovery.