San Diego Brain Injury Lawyer

Helping You Reclaim Control After a Traumatic Brain Injury in San Diego

If you or someone you love is coping with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a preventable accident in San Diego, you’re already facing enough hurdles—doctor visits, missed paychecks, and uncertainty about what life looks like next. 

The San Diego Brain Injury Lawyers at Walton Law, APC know that TBIs can steal memories, careers, and independence in the blink of an eye. We’ve seen clients grapple with everything from debilitating headaches to shifts in personality that strain family ties to cognitive challenges that end careers.

While nothing can restore you and your life to the way it was before the injury, the right compensation can provide the resources you need to focus on healing and putting your life back together. Pursuing maximum compensation for our clients is what drives every personal injury case we take on. Because we know how much you have at stake, that’s a responsibility we take to heart. 

Whether you’re dealing with post-concussion symptoms, cognitive difficulties, or the long-term impact of a severe TBI, we can review your case to determine where you stand legally and what your best options for recovery are. Call us today for a free consultation.


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Why Choose Walton Law, APC for Your San Diego Brain Injury Case

Lawyers at Walton Law, A.P.C.

We deliver results. With a track record of million-dollar recoveries and personalized client service, Walton Law, APC has earned a reputation as a go-to firm for personal injury victims throughout Southern California. When your health, livelihood, and future are on the line, you need a legal team that’s fully committed and equipped to take your case all the way.

Here’s what sets Walton Law apart:

  • We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That means we’re ready to fight—and insurance companies know it.
  • We limit our caseload so every case receives attentive, personalized representation.
  • We handle complex injury cases with care and precision, including those involving concussions, brain bleeds, and long-term trauma.
  • We’ve recovered millions for past clients, thanks to our fearless litigation approach and tenacious advocacy.
  • You won’t pay anything unless we win—because justice shouldn’t come with financial risk.

When you choose us, you don’t just get an experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer; you get a dedicated ally who will stand with you through every step of your recovery and legal journey.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Christopher-C.-Walton

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an external force, like a violent blow or jolt to the head, disrupts normal brain function. TBIs can be caused by anything from a rear-end car accident to a fall on a slippery floor. And while the injury might not be visible, the effects can be devastating.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in one recent year, with older adults and men being especially vulnerable. That averages out to over 586 hospitalizations and 190 deaths in the U.S. every day. These numbers don’t include TBIs that go undiagnosed or untreated in emergency rooms, clinics, or homes.

Even so-called “mild” TBIs, like concussions, can have lasting symptoms. The term “mild” refers only to how the injury appeared at the time of diagnosis—it says little about long-term impact. Many people with so-called mild injuries suffer symptoms for months or even years. Memory loss, mood swings, fatigue, and confusion can persist long after the initial trauma.

Most TBIs can’t be seen on imaging scans like CTs or MRIs. Diagnosis often relies on behavioral and cognitive symptoms, which makes it difficult to “prove” the injury without a knowledgeable attorney and a medical expert by your side. Working with a personal injury law firm that understands the nuances of brain injury cases can position your claim for the best possible outcome. 

Common Causes of TBIs Due to Negligence

Yelena Kim

Most brain injuries result from sudden, forceful trauma, and in many cases, they could have been prevented. If your injury happened because someone else acted carelessly, they may be legally responsible for your damages.

Here are some of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries due to negligence:

  • Car accidents — including rear-end crashes, head-on collisions, and rollover accidents
  • Truck accidents — due to large vehicle mass and high-impact collisions
  • Motorcycle accidents, especially when riders are thrown from the bike
  • Bicycle accidents — often involving distracted or reckless drivers
  • Pedestrian accidents — where even a low-speed impact can cause serious head trauma
  • Slip and fall incidents — especially on wet, poorly maintained, or uneven surfaces
  • Assault or physical violence — including shaken baby syndrome or elder abuse
  • Construction site accidents — falls from heights or being struck by objects
  • Sports injuries — including repeated microtraumas that may lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)

Whatever the cause, if someone else’s negligence played a role, you may have a valid brain injury claim.

Do I Have a Traumatic Brain Injury Case?

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To pursue compensation for a brain injury, you need to prove that someone else was legally at fault. This involves establishing four elements of negligence:

  • Duty of care — The at-fault party had a legal responsibility to act in a reasonably safe manner (such as a driver obeying traffic laws).
  • Breach of duty — They failed to meet that standard (by texting while driving, for example).
  • Causation — Their actions directly caused your injury.
  • Damages — You suffered real harm as a result (medical bills, pain, loss of income, etc.).

Why Let Walton Law Handle the Insurance Companies?

Candace T. Lam Trial Attorney

Unfortunately, many people trust insurance companies to do the right thing and compensate them fairly for their injuries, only to find out later that they settled for far less than they needed, let alone deserved. 

Insurance companies will try to pay out as little as possible, no matter how serious your injury is. They might question your symptoms, delay your claim, or make an offer that doesn’t even come close to covering your future medical costs or lost income.

TBIs are expensive, often requiring ongoing rehab, therapy, and support. Without a skilled San Diego TBI lawyer, you may end up footing the bill for someone else’s mistake.

At Walton Law, we know the rules insurance companies operate by, and we won’t follow along. We’re not afraid to stand up to adjusters or corporate defense teams to demand your full and fair compensation. If the at-fault party’s insurer refuses to settle your claim fairly, we are prepared to take them to court. 

Often, it’s our willingness to take your case to trial that prompts insurance companies to offer you a fair settlement.

The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Brain injuries change lives. They don’t just affect the brain; they affect the whole person. Whether your injury happened in a car crash, on a construction site, or during a fall, the aftermath can touch every part of your life.

Below are some of the most common ways a traumatic brain injury affects victims physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially.

Physical effects

Physical symptoms of a brain injury vary widely, but they often include:

  • Headaches or migraines
  • Dizziness or balance issues
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Fatigue or chronic pain
  • Sensory changes (light sensitivity, blurred vision, ringing in the ears)
  • Difficulty speaking or swallowing

Many of these symptoms don’t go away quickly. Some people with brain injuries face years of medical treatments, surgeries, or physical therapy. Others must adjust to permanent disabilities. If you've been hurt in an accident, it's critical to seek help from a San Diego brain injury attorney who understands the long-term care you’ll need.

Emotional effects

Brain trauma may affect how you move, and they can change how you feel too. Many survivors experience:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Mood swings or irritability
  • Personality changes
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Feelings of isolation or helplessness

These changes can be frightening for both the person with the injury and their loved ones. A head injury lawyer in San Diego can connect you with professionals and resources to help manage the emotional fallout of your injury while fighting for damages to support that care.

Cognitive effects

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TBIs often interfere with thinking and memory. Even a so-called “mild” brain injury can make it hard to:

  • Concentrate or stay focused
  • Process information
  • Remember recent events
  • Make decisions or solve problems
  • Learn new tasks or retain details

These impairments can disrupt careers, school, and everyday responsibilities. And they often take a heavy toll on self-esteem and independence.

Financial effects

The cost of living with a brain injury is staggering. Between hospital stays, rehab, therapy, lost income, and home modifications, expenses can spiral out of control quickly. Some victims need lifelong care.

A brain injury compensation lawyer in San Diego can help calculate these costs and hold the responsible party accountable for your financial losses.

Compensation Available to TBI Victims in San Diego

No two brain injury cases are the same. But if someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. A skilled San Diego TBI lawyer will carefully evaluate your case and pursue every dollar you're owed.

Attorneys-at-Walton-Law-A.P.C.

Economic damages

These are measurable financial losses, including:

  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Rehabilitation and therapy
  • Lost wages and future earning potential
  • Assistive devices or home modifications
  • In-home nursing care

Non-economic damages

These are more subjective losses, but just as real:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of companionship or consortium
  • Psychological trauma

Wrongful death

If your loved one died from a traumatic brain injury, your family may be entitled to damages for:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of financial support
  • Loss of care, guidance, and companionship

Punitive damages

In rare cases involving extreme recklessness or intentional harm, the court may award additional damages to punish the wrongdoer.

Financial Toxicity After a TBI

Walton Law, A.P.C. Team

Traumatic injuries don’t just hurt your body—they can destroy your finances. The term “financial toxicity” describes the economic fallout many injury victims face after serious accidents and how it affects their ability to recover. In one study, 88% of trauma patients reported financial toxicity within a year of their injury, including job loss, reduced income, and severe financial stress.

That stress doesn’t just affect your bank account. It’s linked to worse physical and emotional outcomes, including depression and anxiety. And it tends to hit younger people, larger families, and the uninsured the hardest.

This is why working with a San Diego brain injury claim assistance lawyer is so important. You need someone who understands what you’re going through and has the legal power to demand fair compensation.

How Can a Lawyer Help with My San Diego Traumatic Brain Injury Claim?

Matthew Burgess- Trial Attorney

Navigating a TBI claim is not something you should do alone. The legal process is complicated, but a traumatic brain injury attorney in San Diego can make it manageable by handling everything from start to finish.

Here’s what you can expect when you work with Walton Law:

  • Free consultation to review your case and answer your questions
  • Thorough investigation to gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and review medical records
  • Accurate valuation of your case to determine all current and future damages
  • Filing your claim and dealing with all legal paperwork
  • Negotiating with insurance companies that want to minimize your claim
  • Representing you at trial if a fair settlement can’t be reached
  • Ongoing support and updates so you’re never left in the dark

We make sure you’re informed and supported at every step. And we only get paid if we win your case.

San Diego Brain Injury Lawyer FAQs

How long do I have to file a traumatic brain injury lawsuit in California?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in California. However, there are exceptions to the statute of limitations that could affect your case, so it’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

What if I can’t afford a lawyer for my TBI case?

Walton Law works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. No hourly rates. No out-of-pocket legal fees.

How much is my traumatic brain injury case worth?

There’s no simple answer. Every case is unique and depends on the severity of your injury, your treatment needs, your lost income, and many other factors. A top-rated brain injury attorney in San Diego can review your case and give you a clearer picture of its value.

What if I’m partially at fault for the accident that caused my TBI?

California follows a comparative fault rule, meaning your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you’re partly to blame, you may still be able to recover damages.

How long will my traumatic brain injury case take to resolve?

Just like the value of your claim depends on several factors, so does the amount of time it will take to resolve. Some cases settle in months. Others may take longer, especially if the insurance company refuses to settle fairly and we have to go to trial. Our team always pushes hard for full, fair compensation, without unnecessary delays.

Contact the San Diego Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers at Walton Law, APC Today

Walton Law A.P.C. Team

While life after a brain injury is rarely simple, the legal process shouldn’t add to your burden. When you work with Walton Law, APC, you gain an experienced advocate who understands the seriousness of what you’re facing and who will stand with you every step of the way.

We’ve helped countless people across Southern California rebuild after serious injuries, and we’re ready to do the same for you. Whether your injury came from a car crash, a fall, or a workplace accident, you deserve compensation that reflects the true cost of your injury.

Call us at (858) 384-3320 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with a San Diego brain injury attorney today.

You focus on healing. We’ll handle the rest.


Schedule a Free Consultation


Walton Law, A.P.C. - San Diego Office

Address: 12555 High Bluff Dr Suite 333
San Diego, CA 92130

Phone: (858) 384-3320