In Bellingham, Washington, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, whether on the busy streets of downtown, the winding roads of the Fairhaven Historic District, or the heavily trafficked I-5 corridor. These accidents, particularly those involving motor vehicles, slip and falls, or sports injuries, can lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that have life-altering consequences.
If you or a loved one suffered a TBI in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other damages. Contact a Bellingham TBI lawyer from Walton Law, APC, to discuss your case during a free consultation. We are committed to fighting for your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve.
Bellingham TBI Guide
Why Choose Walton Law for Your Bellingham TBI Case?
When a traumatic brain injury (TBI) strikes due to an accident in Bellingham, the consequences can be life-changing. These accidents, often involving motor vehicles, slip and falls, or sports injuries, can lead to extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, resulting in significant financial strain for victims and their families.
At Walton Law, our results-oriented attorneys are dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve on a contingency-fee basis. You won’t pay any attorneys’ fees or costs unless we achieve a settlement or verdict in your favor.
With our substantial experience and trial reputation, we are well-equipped to handle your personal injury lawsuit, whether it stems from a car accident caused by a negligent driver or medical malpractice by a healthcare provider who failed to meet the professional standard of care.
Our personal injury attorneys in Bellingham will work tirelessly to prove the essential elements of your case, including the defendant’s breach of duty, causation, and the actual damages you’ve suffered. Choose Walton Law for your Bellingham TBI claim, and let our dedicated team fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Types of TBI Cases We Handle
The personal injury lawyers at Walton Law handle a variety of TBI cases.
Most are related to accidents, such as:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Boating accidents
- Construction accidents
- Dog bite attacks
- Slip and fall accidents
Do I Have a Traumatic Brain Injury Case?
In most personal injury cases, including those involving brain injuries, the legal concept of negligence forms the foundation of the claim. Negligence occurs when an individual or entity fails to exercise the level of care that a reasonable person would use under similar circumstances, resulting in harm to another person.
To have a successful TBI case based on negligence, four essential elements must be established:
- Duty of Care: The defendant (the person or entity allegedly responsible for the injury) must have owed the plaintiff (the injured person) a legal duty of care. This means that the defendant had a responsibility to act in a manner that would not cause harm to others. For example, drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws to avoid accidents.
- Breach of Duty: The plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached the duty of care by failing to act as a reasonable person would in a similar situation. In a car accident case, this could involve actions such as speeding, running a red light, or driving while distracted.
- Causation: The plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the TBI. In other words, the plaintiff must show that the injury would not have occurred if it weren’t for the defendant’s negligent actions or omissions. This element can be challenging to prove, especially in cases where the plaintiff had pre-existing medical conditions.
- Damages: The plaintiff must have suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other losses, as a result of the TBI caused by the defendant’s negligence. These damages must be quantifiable and supported by evidence, such as medical records, expert testimony, and financial documentation.
If we establish these four elements of negligence, you may have a strong case for recovering compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
However, work with experienced TBI attorneys who can gather evidence, consult experts, and build a compelling case to demonstrate the defendant’s negligence and the extent of the plaintiff’s damages.
What Damages Are Available in a Brain Injury Claim?
In a brain injury case, the plaintiff may recover damages, depending on the severity of the injury and its impact on the individual’s life. These damages include economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are quantifiable financial losses that result from an injury, such as:
- Medical Expenses: This includes costs related to emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, therapy, and any ongoing medical treatment required due to the brain injury.
- Lost Income: If the plaintiff cannot work or has a reduced earning capacity because of the brain injury, they may recover compensation for lost wages and future loss of income.
- Property Damage: If any personal property, such as a vehicle, was damaged in the accident that caused the brain injury, the plaintiff may recover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to subjective, non-monetary losses that are more difficult to quantify, such as:
- Pain and Suffering: Brain injuries often result in significant physical pain and emotional distress. Plaintiffs may recover compensation for the pain and suffering they have endured and will likely experience.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: A brain injury can greatly impact a person’s ability to participate in activities they once enjoyed, leading to a loss of enjoyment of life. These damages compensate the plaintiff for this loss.
- Emotional Distress: Brain injuries can cause emotional distress, such as depression, anxiety, and mood swings. Plaintiffs may recover damages for the psychological impact of their injury.
- Loss of Consortium: If the brain injury has negatively affected the plaintiff’s relationship with their spouse or family, they may recover damages for loss of consortium, which includes loss of companionship, affection, and support.
The availability and amount of damages will vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case and the strength of the evidence presented. An experienced brain injury attorney can help assess the potential damages in your case and work to secure the compensation you deserve.
How a Lawyer Can Help With Your TBI Claim
A skilled brain injury lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in your pursuit of compensation and justice.
Here are some key ways a lawyer can help with your TBI case:
- Evaluate your claim
- Investigating your accident
- Determine the extent of your damages
- Establish liability
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Advocating for your rights
- Maximize your compensation
- Offer peace of mind
By working with a skilled TBI lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while your attorney handles the legal aspects of your case.
Contact the Bellingham TBI Lawyers at Walton Law Today
Christopher C. Walton, TBI Lawyer in Bellingham
If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence in Bellingham, it is crucial to understand your legal rights and the damages you may be entitled to recover. At Walton Law our experienced attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let someone else’s negligence go unchallenged. Contact Walton Law today for a free consultation to discuss your TBI case. Our skilled attorneys will work tirelessly to investigate your claim, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.
We operate on a contingency-fee basis, which means you won’t pay any attorneys’ fees or costs unless we secure a settlement or verdict in your favor. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery and rebuilding your life. Call us today at (360) 543-1010 or fill out our online contact form to get started.
Walton Law, A.P.C. – Bellingham Office Location
2219 Rimland Dr Suite 301,
Bellingham, WA 98226
Phone: (360) 543-1010