Table of Contents
Traumatic Brain Injury
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Car, truck, motorcycle, fall, workplace, and sports accidents are common causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in Virginia.
- Brain injury victims may experience symptoms such as memory loss, mood swings, loss of consciousness, or long-term impairments requiring ongoing medical attention.
- A Virginia traumatic brain injury lawyer investigates the cause, works with medical professionals, and negotiates with insurance companies to pursue fair compensation.
- Under Virginia law, most personal injury claims, including TBI cases, must be filed within two years of the injury date (Virginia Code § 8.01-243).
- Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban provides FREE case evaluations to help brain injury victims and their families understand their rights and legal options.
A traumatic brain injury in Virginia can change your life instantly. A head injury from a vehicle accident, fall, or sports incident may leave you or a loved one coping with medical bills, lost income, and lasting impairments. These injuries often affect not only the victim but also family members who must adjust to new challenges in daily life around Virginia
Insurance companies may dispute brain injury claims or attempt to reduce compensation, leaving victims without the resources needed for recovery. Virginia law also imposes a strict two-year statute of limitations on most personal injury claims, including TBIs. Waiting too long to take action could affect your ability to pursue compensation.
At Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban, our Virginia traumatic brain injury lawyers are committed to protecting your rights. We provide free consultations to explain your options so you can focus on healing while our legal team manages the legal process.
“Can’t say enough great things about the team of people that assisted me with my case. Every single person I worked with was extremely helpful and seriously made the whole process as easy as possible for me. They maintained constant communication and worked hard to get the outcome I was hoping for. Highly recommend!” — Nicholas S.
Types of Accidents Our Virginia Brain Injury Lawyers Handle
Brain injuries may occur in many different personal injury cases. Our Virginia TBI attorneys represent clients injured in:
- Motor vehicle accidents, including car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian crashes.
- Falls, such as slip-and-fall incidents, falls in the workplace, or falls from heights.
- Sports and recreational activities, including head and spine trauma from contact sports and boating accidents.
- Acts of violence, including assaults and domestic violence.
- Workplace accidents, including construction site injuries, defective equipment, and industrial incidents. Some work-related brain injuries may fall under workers’ compensation rules, but in certain cases, a separate claim may still be possible if someone outside your employer was responsible.
Our team reviews the circumstances of each injury, identifies potential causes, and evaluates whether you may have a valid personal injury claim under Virginia law.
How Can Our Virginia TBI Lawyers Help With Your Case?

A traumatic brain injury claim often requires more than just medical records — it involves building a case that clearly shows how the injury occurred and how it affects daily life. Hiring an attorney can be critical because insurance companies frequently dispute these claims or attempt to reduce the amount paid.
At Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban, our Virginia traumatic brain injury lawyers assist clients by:
- Investigating the cause of the injury and identifying responsible parties.
- Gathering medical records, accident reports, and other important evidence.
- Consulting with medical professionals to document brain damage, memory loss, and long-term impairments.
- Calculating damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic losses.
- Negotiating with insurance companies to pursue fair compensation.
By working with a lawyer, you gain support in navigating complex legal rules, meeting deadlines, and protecting your rights under Virginia law.
Why It’s Important to Hire a Virginia Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Traumatic brain injury cases are among the most complex personal injury claims in Virginia. Victims must show both how the injury occurred and the lasting effects. Many of these effects, such as memory loss or mood changes, are not immediately visible. This often makes it easier for insurance companies to dispute or undervalue claims.
An attorney can help by presenting medical evidence, meeting strict legal deadlines, and pursuing full compensation under Virginia law. Virginia follows a strict “contributory negligence” rule, meaning if you’re found even slightly at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. With legal support, you and your family can focus on recovery while your lawyer manages the legal process and works to protect your claim.
Why Choose Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban
Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban has been serving clients across Virginia for decades, focusing on personal injury cases, including brain injury claims. Our attorneys represent individuals and families coping with the life-changing effects of head trauma, wrongful death, and catastrophic injuries.
We provide free consultations and case evaluations so you can understand your rights before deciding on legal action.
How Our Contingency Fee Works
Many families worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer after a brain injury. At Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay legal fees upfront. Instead, our fee is collected only if we recover compensation for you. This arrangement allows you to focus on recovery without the burden of additional expenses during an already difficult time.
Our Recent Settlement Case Results
- $2.5 million settlement in a truck accident case involving a severe traumatic brain injury.
- $1.2 million recovery in a motorcycle accident case that resulted in permanent impairments.
- $850,000 settlement in a workplace fall case involving long-term cognitive and physical deficits.
Testimonials
“Great Law Firm who cares about people. Provided step by step information throughout the claim process. Highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of advice or assistance. Truly a “Five Star” Firm.” — Marion
“I can’t thank your law office enough for everything you did for me! After my car was totaled back in May 2024, you immediately stepped in and made sure I was taken care of every step of the way. You connected me with an amazing physical therapist who helped me get back on track physically, and your constant communication gave me so much peace of mind—I never had to stress or wonder if things were moving forward. You truly went above and beyond to make sure everything was handled fairly, and I’m so grateful. I’ll happily recommend your office to anyone I know who ever finds themselves in a situation like mine!” — Maikel
Meet Our Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys
What Is a Brain Injury?
A brain injury occurs when normal brain function is disrupted, often leading to significant medical, emotional, and financial challenges. These injuries generally fall into two categories:
- Acquired brain injuries are caused by internal events such as stroke, lack of oxygen, or other medical conditions.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) result from an external force, such as a blow to the head, a motor vehicle crash, a fall, or an accident in the workplace.
For victims, the impact of a brain injury can extend far beyond immediate medical care. You may face long recovery periods, changes in memory or behavior, and lost income if you cannot return to work. Families are often left managing both the emotional toll and the financial strain of these injuries.
At Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban, our attorneys help brain injury victims and their loved ones navigate these challenges. We investigate the cause of the injury, gather medical evidence, and pursue fair compensation so clients can focus on treatment and recovery.
What Are the Different Levels of Brain Injury?

Brain injuries can range in severity, and even the mildest cases may have lasting effects. The levels generally include:
- Mild TBI: Often referred to as a concussion. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, confusion, or brief loss of consciousness.
- Moderate TBI: May involve longer periods of unconsciousness, memory loss, and ongoing cognitive or behavioral changes.
- Severe TBI: Often involves an extended coma, significant impairments, or permanent disability that requires long-term care.
Even a mild traumatic brain injury should be taken seriously. Victims may not immediately recognize the full extent of their symptoms, which is why prompt medical evaluation is essential. An attorney can also help protect your rights if the injury was caused by another party’s negligence.
What Types of Traumatic Brain Injury Cases Do We Handle?
Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban represents clients facing many forms of traumatic brain injury, including:
- Concussions: Mild TBIs that can be overlooked but may cause lasting complications.
- Contusions: Bruising of brain tissue caused by direct head trauma.
- Diffuse axonal injuries: Widespread damage resulting from rapid shaking or rotational force.
- Penetrating injuries: Caused when an object breaks through the skull and impacts brain tissue.
- Coup-contrecoup injuries: Damage that occurs at the site of impact and on the opposite side of the brain.
Each type of injury requires careful medical documentation and strong legal support. Our attorneys work with medical professionals to build cases that reflect both the immediate and long-term impact of these injuries.
What Causes Traumatic Brain Injuries in Virginia?
Traumatic brain injuries can occur in many different situations. Some of the most common causes include:
- Motor vehicle crashes, including car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents
- Falls, especially in the workplace or on construction sites
- Recreational and sports-related accidents
- Workplace incidents involving defective or unsafe equipment
- Blast injuries and explosions
- Acts of violence or assault
- Medical negligence, such as surgical errors or oxygen deprivation
When a brain injury is caused by another party’s negligence, victims may have the right to pursue compensation. At Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban, our attorneys help clients identify the cause of the injury, gather supporting evidence, and build a case under Virginia law.
Signs and Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries can affect victims in different ways, and symptoms are not always immediate. Common signs include:
- Physical: Headaches, blurred vision, nausea, dizziness, or loss of consciousness.
- Cognitive: Memory problems, slowed thinking, or difficulty concentrating.
- Emotional: Mood swings, anxiety, depression, or irritability.
Because symptoms may appear hours or even days after the injury, prompt medical care is essential. Documenting these effects is also critical in a personal injury case, since they can demonstrate the full impact of the injury and support a claim for fair compensation.
Long-Term Psychological Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury
For many victims, the effects of a traumatic brain injury go beyond physical symptoms. Long-term challenges may include:
- Depression or anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Mood swings or personality changes
- Difficulty maintaining relationships or employment
These psychological effects can be as disruptive as physical impairments and often require ongoing therapy, counseling, or specialized care. When pursuing compensation, it is important to account for these long-term impacts, since they affect both quality of life and future financial stability.
What to Do After a Brain Injury in Virginia
If you or a loved one suffers a brain injury, taking the right steps early can protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Get medical care immediately and follow all treatment instructions.
- Keep a record of symptoms, medical expenses, and daily challenges.
- Save evidence such as accident reports, photographs, and messages.
- Avoid speaking with insurance companies before consulting an attorney.
Legal guidance can be especially important after a traumatic brain injury, since insurers often dispute or minimize these claims. At Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban, our attorneys help clients document their injuries, protect their rights, and pursue compensation so they can focus on recovery.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Virginia Brain Injury Case?
Victims of traumatic brain injuries may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages, depending on the circumstances of the case:
- Economic damages: Medical bills, future medical treatment, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, rehabilitation, in-home care, and assistive devices.
- Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, diminished quality of life, and loss of enjoyment of life.
When pursuing compensation, it is important to present medical evidence and documentation that fully reflects both the financial costs and the personal impact of the injury. An attorney can help gather and present this evidence to support your claim.
Statute of Limitations for Traumatic Brain Injury Cases in Virginia
Virginia law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits, including traumatic brain injury claims. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit (Virginia Code § 8.01-243). Limited exceptions may apply, such as for minors or individuals who are legally incapacitated.
Missing this deadline can result in losing the right to pursue compensation. This is one reason why consulting with an attorney soon after an injury can be so important. The team at Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban helps clients evaluate their timelines and take action before critical deadlines pass.
How Much Compensation Can You Seek for a Traumatic Brain Injury in Virginia?

Virginia generally doesn’t limit how much you can recover in personal injury cases, including brain injury claims caused by negligence. However, cases involving medical malpractice have a statewide cap that changes yearly. Also, if you’re suing a government agency, there may be special limits on how much you can recover. The amount that may be recovered depends on several factors, such as:
- The cost of medical care, including future treatment needs.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- The severity and permanence of physical or cognitive impairments.
- The impact on daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Because every brain injury case is different, only a full case evaluation can provide a clearer picture of potential cost. At Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban, our attorneys review medical evidence, financial records, and the long-term effects of the injury to pursue fair compensation.
Free Case Evaluation for Virginia Brain Injury Claims
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury in Virginia, you should not have to manage the medical, financial, and legal challenges on your own. Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban is here to guide you through the process and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and the impact on your quality of life.
We offer free consultations and case evaluations so you can understand your options before taking legal action. Call us at 855-435-7247 or reach out through our contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers.
Written By Donald Marcari
Don is the Senior Managing Partner at Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban. He gained national attention when his exploits as a defense attorney with the U.S. Navy JAG Corps became the basis for “A Few Good Men.”
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