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Injuries to the brain are among the most serious that a person can suffer. After a traumatic brain injury, victims and their families need experienced legal representation to help them through the challenges they will face.
A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, often leaves a person impaired and unable to function as they did prior to the injury. In many cases, a TBI is completely life-changing, leading to chronic pain, reduced function or disability, and a lifetime of difficulties, or loss of life. If you are suffering from the effects of a TBI that was the result of the negligent actions of another party, the Portland Brain Injury Lawyer at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC can help. Call today for a free case evaluation.
The attorneys at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC understand the legal and strategic aspects of brain injury cases. We bring unique capabilities to representing victims of traumatic brain injury, including:
As one of the partners at Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC, John Coletti has years of experience handling complex brain damage cases across the state of Oregon. Mr. Coletti has dedicated his career to fighting on behalf of accident victims who have suffered harm due to the negligent acts of other people or parties. From collecting evidence to negotiating with the other party’s insurance company, clients trust him to handle every aspect of their case with care and attention. Mr. Coletti works closely with the other lawyers at his firm, so every client benefits from the combined perspectives and experience of multiple legal professionals. He has secured numerous favorable trial verdicts and settlements for former clients.
At Paulson Coletti, “liberty and justice for all” is more than just a phrase – it is our mandate. Our team of trial lawyers is driven to pursue justice for the injured, ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable. With a high success rate both in and out of the courtroom, you can trust our Oregon personal injury lawyers to be the legal advocates you need so your voice can be heard.
A brain injury can occur in a wide range of accidents. However, there are certain types of incidents in which they are more common, including:
Whatever the root cause of your injury, we can help. From vehicle accidents to sports injury lawsuits in Portland, our attorneys have the experience and skills necessary to litigate your case. Depending on the type of impact, a TBI can cause substantial and long-lasting harm. Each type of injury can have effects that range from mild to severe.
When we examine information available from the Brain Injury Association of America, we can see that brain injuries are the leading cause of disability and death in children and younger adults across the country. The two age groups at most risk of sustaining a brain injury are those ranging from 0 to 4 and from 15 to 19. Every year, approximately 62,000 children sustain brain injuries that require hospitalization. The main causes of these injuries typically revolve around traumatic incidents, such as motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, falls, physical abuse, and various other causes. Approximately 564,000 children are seen in emergency departments every year for a brain injury and are released before hospitalization.
“Most cases settle, but each of our cases is prepared as if it’s going to trial. The insurance companies know it and so do the defense lawyers defending them. That’s why we get such great results for our clients.”
When we examine the information available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we can see that there were approximately 69,000 traumatic brain injury-related fatalities in the US in 2021, the most recent reporting year of data we have on file. That equates to approximately 190 traumatic brain injury deaths each day across the country. Information available from the Mayo Clinic states that those most at risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury include the following:
Overall, males are more likely to sustain traumatic brain injuries than females, typically due to their level of activity, the sports they play, and the jobs they maintain. However, the fact that males are more likely to sustain traumatic brain injuries should not be taken to mean that females are not at risk at all. They are. Traumatic brain injuries can affect individuals of any age, regardless of sex.
A brain injury can result in a wide range of symptoms that vary based on the severity and the area of the brain affected. Common symptoms include:
These symptoms may be subtle or more pronounced and can appear immediately after the injury or develop over time, making it essential to seek immediate medical attention following a head injury.
Diagnosing a brain injury involves a combination of clinical assessment and imaging techniques:
Each case is unique, and the choice of diagnostic tools depends on the nature and severity of the injury. Accurate diagnosis is critical for developing an effective treatment plan.
The cost of recovering from a brain injury can be substantial and varies widely based on the severity of the injury and the individual’s specific needs. The total cost of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in the United States is approximately $49 billion every year. Hospitalization constitutes around $32 billion of this total. Additional expenses related to TBI fatalities, including funeral expenses, account for the remaining $17 billion. For survivors, the cost of care outside the hospital can range from $600,000 to $1.9 million.
The lifetime expenses for a TBI patient’s treatment can range from $85,000 to $3 million. These costs encompass emergency room services, MRIs, follow-up brain scans, medical treatment, clinician or neurologist bills, prescription medications, physical therapy, vocational rehabilitation or training, nursing home or assisted living costs, and expenses for home-care nurses or caregivers.
In addition to the direct medical costs, there are significant indirect costs such as the loss of earning capacity and employment. The unemployment rate for adults with a brain injury two years after diagnosis is about 60%, significantly higher than the national average. This high unemployment rate, along with the high treatment costs, can lead to a cycle of dependency on federal and state programs, supplemental security income, and potentially even homelessness.
Given these substantial costs, the financial burden of a brain injury can be overwhelming not only for the individual but also for their families and society. This underscores the importance of brain injury victims (and their families) recovering full and just compensation to cover the required treatment and related financial costs.
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Liability for a traumatic brain injury is complicated, and these incidents require extensive investigations. These investigations can take place by law enforcement officials, depending on how the injury occurred, and should always include investigations by attorneys involved with the case. The goal of these cases is to determine the negligence of the at-fault party. For a traumatic brain injury, some of the possible liable parties include:
Determining liability will be different depending on how the traumatic brain injury occurred. For example, investigating a vehicle accident is a different process from investigating a slip and fall incident at a grocery store. When you work with a skilled Portland Brain Injury Lawyer, you will have an advocate with the resources needed to conduct an investigation into the incident, speak to any eyewitnesses, and handle all communication with other parties. Every case must be professionally investigated to identify all liable parties, and Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys PC can help.
It is important for traumatic brain injury victims to file their claims in a timely manner. When we examine Oregon law, we can see that a traumatic brain injury case must be filed within two years from the date the injury occurred, per the state’s personal injury statute of limitations. This means brain injury victims have a two-year window with which to file a personal injury lawsuit, or they will not be able to recover the compensation they are entitled to. We do want to issue a word of caution about insurance carriers because they have deadlines as well. We encourage you to file your claim with any insurance carriers involved in the case as quickly as possible to avoid a denial or delay of the case.
Your Portland Brain Injury Lawyer is your advocate for these claims. The process of filing and winning a brain injury case is challenging and begins with your attorney getting involved and conducting a complete investigation into the incident. Most individuals lack the necessary resources to handle these cases themselves, but an attorney will thoroughly review the facts of the case, speak with eyewitnesses, and even consult outside expert witnesses if necessary. Your lawyer will also ensure you are evaluated by trusted medical and economic professionals, and they will handle any negotiations with the insurance carriers to reach a fair settlement. In the event the other side refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney will file a civil personal injury lawsuit in court and begin the discovery process. If the case makes it to trial, your lawyer will represent you in the courtroom.
There may be various types of compensation available for brain injury victims in the Portland area if their claim is successful. Our goal is to ensure clients recover compensation for their economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages after a Portland brain injury include the calculable expenses victims will likely endure. By gathering receipts, invoices, and bills that come in after the incident occurs, an attorney can paint a picture of the calculable types of losses you endure. This typically includes:
Non-economic damages after a brain injury include the more immeasurable and subjective losses individuals are likely to incur. These types of injuries can have a profound impact on a person’s day-to-day life and long-term viability. Non-economic damages seek to provide compensation for a victim’s physical and emotional pain and suffering, as well as any loss of quality of life they endure. There is no set amount of economic or non-economic compensation available for these claims. The total amount will vary depending on factors related to each specific case, along with the insurance carrier and jury calculations. In rare instances, punitive damages may be awarded. These types of damages are reserved for situations where the actions of the defendant were found to be grossly negligent or intentional.
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At Paulson Coletti, a local firm based in Oregon, justice is our mission. As experienced trial attorneys, we fight for injury victims across Oregon and Washington, holding negligent parties accountable. With a proven track record in and out of the courtroom, we are dedicated to securing fair compensation for our clients. We take a client-centered approach, focusing on cases we believe in and delivering results that matter. No fees unless we win-because justice should never come with financial risk.
Client Reviews
John and Lisa were extremely helpful with my family as we navigated damages sustained in a tragic car accident. They were very knowledgeable throughout the entire process. Their communication and empathy to our situation was greatly appreciated.
I can’t imagine working our way through the tragedy without them by our side. I would highly recommend Paulson and Coletti!
Working with John was an excellent experience from start to finish. He fought long and hard to secure a fair and just settlement in our case, and his dedication never wavered. John and his staff were consistently considerate, helpful, and communicative throughout the entire process, always taking the time to answer our questions and keep us informed. Given the complicated and sensitive nature of our case, I’m truly grateful we had John in our corner. Thanks to his hard work and expertise, we achieved a better outcome than we could have hoped for.
I had an excellent experience working with Jane and her team on my accident case. From start to finish, their team was professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about getting the best possible outcome for me.
I highly recommend Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys to anyone who needs legal representation. They made a stressful situation much easier to navigate, and I’m extremely grateful for everything they did for me.
I recently engaged John Coletti to represent me in a challenging legal matter, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. From our initial consultation, it was evident that John possessed an exceptional depth of knowledge, strategic acumen, and unwavering dedication to his clients. He took the time to thoroughly understand the nuances of our case, explaining complex legal concepts in clear, accessible terms while always keeping me informed and involved throughout the process.
John not only delivered outstanding results but also provided compassionate support during what could have been an overwhelming stressful time.
If you’re seeking an attorney who combines professionalism, integrity, and proven success, look no further than John Coletti.
My family is profoundly grateful for his representation.
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Yes, brain injury symptoms can appear immediately after impact or develop over time. Common delayed signs include headaches, cognitive difficulties, and mood changes, making prompt medical attention essential. Oregon law gives TBI victims two years from the date of the injury to file a claim, so consulting an attorney as soon as symptoms surface is important.
Medical evaluations, expert witness testimony, and a thorough investigation of the facts form the core of a TBI case. An attorney will review all available evidence, interview eyewitnesses, and work with trusted medical and economic professionals to document the full extent of your injuries and losses.
Oregon law governs how fault is assigned and how it affects the compensation available to an injured party. Even if you share some responsibility for the accident, you may still have legal options. An attorney can review the specific circumstances of your case, advise on your eligibility, and outline the best path forward.
There is no set amount of compensation available for TBI claims, as the total depends on the specific facts of each case. Economic damages cover medical bills, medications, lost wages, and related expenses. Non-economic damages address pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life. In rare cases, punitive damages may also apply.
Not necessarily. An attorney will first negotiate with insurance carriers to reach a fair settlement. If the other side refuses a reasonable offer, your lawyer will file a civil lawsuit and guide you through the discovery process. If the case reaches trial, your attorney will represent you in court.
Seek medical attention immediately, even if symptoms appear minor. Brain injury symptoms can develop over time, and early evaluation is critical. Filing insurance claims promptly is also important to avoid denials or delays. Contacting an attorney early and avoiding recorded statements to insurance carriers helps protect your legal rights from the start.
Brain injury victims and their families often need experienced legal representation, particularly when the injury causes lasting disability or results in death. When a TBI leads to the loss of life, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a claim. Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys works with both victims and families throughout this process.
Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys offers free case evaluations and works on a no-fee basis unless your case is won. A Portland brain injury lawyer from our team can review your situation at no upfront cost, so you can pursue accountability and compensation without financial risk.
This page has been written, edited, and fact-checked by our team of legal writers in accordance with our editorial guidelines. It has been approved by partners Jane Paulson and John Coletti—respected trial attorneys with decades of experience representing personal injury victims.
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