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Anderson
Traumatic Brain Injury
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Anderson Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney

Key Takeaways

  • Don’t accept an early settlement offer — TBI symptoms can take weeks or months to fully appear, and signing too soon may permanently waive your right to more compensation.
  • Even if you were partly at fault, you may still recover damages under South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence rule, as long as your share of fault is 50% or less.
  • You have three years to file a TBI lawsuit in South Carolina, but acting early helps preserve the medical records, accident evidence, and witness accounts your case depends on.
  • Always seek medical attention after a head injury, even if you feel fine — delayed symptoms can both endanger your health and give insurers grounds to dispute your claim.

A traumatic brain injury can change everything for you and your family. In an instant, a car accident, truck accident, or fall can cause a life-changing injury. Medical bills pile up, lost wages strain your household, and the future can feel uncertain. Insurance companies may pressure you to settle quickly for far less than your claim is worth, often before the full impact of a traumatic brain injury is known. You need guidance from someone who understands both the legal process and the human cost involved. Our experienced attorneys at Patrick, Lewis & Watts dedicate themselves to safeguarding the future and well-being of injury victims in Anderson, Greenville, and the Upstate. We handle the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.

Why Choose Patrick, Lewis & Watts as Your Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney in Anderson, South Carolina

After a serious brain injury, it helps to have a personal injury law firm that understands both the medical and legal challenges involved. At Patrick, Lewis & Watts, we take on the legal work so you can focus on your health and your family. From the start of your case, you work closely with your attorney. We investigate the facts, consult medical professionals when appropriate, and handle communications with insurance companies while we pursue compensation related to your injuries, lost income, and ongoing care. If we are unable to reach a fair resolution, we are ready to proceed to court when necessary.

What Sets Us Apart

Our law firm brings more than 100 years of combined experience handling serious injury and wrongful death cases throughout the Upstate. We prepare each case with care and attention from the beginning, which helps position it for meaningful resolution.

  • More than 100 years of combined experience. Deep knowledge of South Carolina courts and injury law.
  • Trial-ready approach. We prepare cases with litigation in mind if negotiations do not lead to a fair outcome.
  • Attorney-led legal representation. You work directly with your lawyer, not a case manager.
  • Resources for complex injuries. We have the ability to handle traumatic brain injury cases that require detailed medical and financial review.

Our Client Testimonials

“Austin is amazing! His great advice helped us immensely. He answered all of our questions and called us back even when he didn’t have to. He has a great combination of intelligence, compassion and kindness! I couldn’t be more grateful.” — Carol M.

“Stephen Lewis was my Attorney and he did a fantastic job for me. It was a long drawn-out case because of Covid and other things but he kept persevering and got a win for me.” — Lisa C.

“The law firm they’re excellent to work with, I will recommend this firm to everybody. Thx Mr. Lewis” — Bobby S.

Recent Case Results

The following examples reflect results obtained in past cases. Outcomes depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each matter.

  • $1,200,000 settlement in a case involving a traumatic brain injury.
  • $3,000,000 recovery for a person injured in a tractor-trailer collision.
  • $3,250,000 settlement in a personal injury case.

Do I Need a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer?

Traumatic brain injury claims often involve medical, financial, and legal issues that are difficult to fully assess early on. Symptoms may develop gradually, and the long-term impact on your ability to work or live independently may not be immediately clear. A traumatic brain injury lawyer can help evaluate how the injury may affect you over time and protect your interests as the situation evolves.

In Anderson, insurance companies may reach out quickly after an accident, sometimes before the full scope of a brain injury is understood. Having legal guidance can help level the playing field and allow you to make informed decisions rather than rushed ones.

Speaking with a traumatic brain injury lawyer may be especially helpful if:

  • Your symptoms continue, worsen, or interfere with daily life.
  • There are disputes about fault or the value of your claim.
  • Your injury affects your ability to work or earn income in the future.

How Our Anderson Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers Can Help With Your Case

Traumatic brain injury cases often require careful documentation and long-term planning. Our Anderson attorneys handle the legal work so you can focus on medical care and daily life. Depending on your situation, we may:

  • Investigate how the accident occurred and identify all responsible parties.
  • Gather medical records and work with healthcare providers to document the full scope of your brain injury.
  • Evaluate financial losses, including medical expenses, lost income, and future care needs.
  • Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf and respond to settlement offers.
  • File a lawsuit and prepare the case for trial when a fair resolution cannot be reached through negotiation.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

A traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden blow or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. This can happen in many types of accidents, including car crashes and falls. TBIs range from mild injuries, such as concussions, to severe brain trauma. Even injuries considered mild at first can lead to lasting effects on memory, mood, concentration, and physical ability.

Common Traumatic Brain Injury Cases We Handle

Traumatic brain injuries can happen in many everyday situations, often when a person least expects it. Our Anderson traumatic brain injury lawyers work with people who have suffered TBIs in accidents such as:

  • Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, where sudden impact or violent movement causes the brain to shift inside the skull.
  • Slip and fall accidents caused by unsafe property conditions, including unmarked hazards or poor maintenance.
  • Workplace accidents, including construction incidents and other job-related injuries that involve head trauma.
  • Pedestrian and bicycle collisions, which often result in serious head injuries due to the lack of physical protection.

What Are the Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Traumatic brain injury symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Some people notice changes right away, while others begin experiencing symptoms over time. Common signs of a brain injury include:

  • Headaches, dizziness, nausea, or sensitivity to light or noise.
  • Memory problems, confusion, or difficulty focusing.
  • Mood changes such as irritability, anxiety, or depression.

Because brain injuries are not always immediately obvious, seeking medical care after any head trauma is critical, even if symptoms seem mild at first.

Recoverable Damages in Brain Injury Claims

A traumatic brain injury can affect nearly every part of a person’s life, not just in the weeks after an accident, but for years to come. South Carolina law allows people injured by negligence to seek compensation for losses related to a brain injury.

  • Economic damages may include medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and the cost of future care.
  • Non-economic damages encompass physical pain, emotional distress, cognitive changes, and the loss of enjoyment of daily life.

In rare cases involving willful or reckless conduct, punitive damages may be available. South Carolina law places limits on these awards, and higher amounts are only allowed in specific situations based on the facts of the case.

What Should I Do After a Traumatic Brain Injury Accident?

The steps you take after a head injury can affect both your health and your legal options. After any accident involving a possible brain injury, it is important to:

  • Seek medical care right away, even if symptoms seem mild at first.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all recommended appointments.
  • Keep track of symptoms, changes in mood, memory issues, or difficulties with daily tasks.
  • Save accident reports, medical records, and bills related to your injury.
  • Be cautious when speaking with insurance companies, as early statements may be used to limit a claim.

It can be especially helpful to consult a traumatic brain injury lawyer early in the process. A personal injury lawyer can explain your options, help protect your rights, and step in to handle insurance communications while your medical condition becomes clearer.

Can You Sue for Brain Injury?

In South Carolina, a traumatic brain injury caused by someone else’s negligence may give rise to a personal injury claim. This can involve situations such as careless driving, unsafe property conditions, or other failures to act responsibly.

Many brain injury claims begin as insurance matters, but a lawsuit may be necessary when liability is disputed or a fair resolution cannot be reached. An attorney can help evaluate whether legal action is appropriate based on the facts of the accident and the impact of the injury.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Liability in a traumatic brain injury case depends on how and where the injury occurred. In Anderson and throughout South Carolina, the responsible party may include:

  • A driver whose careless or reckless actions caused a motor vehicle crash.
  • A property owner who failed to address unsafe conditions that led to a fall.
  • An employer, through a workers’ compensation claim, when a brain injury happens on the job.
  • A nursing home or care facility when neglect or abuse results in head trauma.

Identifying who may be legally responsible is not always straightforward, especially in brain injury cases. A personal injury attorney at Patrick, Lewis & Watts can review the facts and help determine where a claim may be pursued.

How Long Do I Have to File a TBI Lawsuit in South Carolina?

Person signing a legal document with a judge present

In South Carolina, most personal injury claims, including traumatic brain injury cases, must be filed within three years from the date of the injury. This legal deadline is known as the statute of limitations.

Because brain injury symptoms and long-term effects are not always clear right away, speaking with a lawyer sooner rather than later can help preserve evidence and protect your ability to pursue a claim before important deadlines pass.

What Should I Look For When Choosing a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer in Anderson, SC?

Choosing the right lawyer after a traumatic brain injury is an important decision. Because these cases often involve long-term medical and financial considerations, it helps to look for an attorney who can provide steady guidance throughout the process. When evaluating a traumatic brain injury lawyer in Anderson, consider whether they offer:

  • Experience handling brain injury claims, including cases with delayed or evolving symptoms.
  • The ability to work with medical professionals and other specialists when needed.
  • Clear, consistent communication so you understand what is happening with your case.
  • Direct access to your attorney rather than being passed between staff members.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Talk to the Insurance Company After a Severe Injury?

You are usually not required to give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company after a serious injury. Insurance adjusters often reach out early and may ask questions before the full impact of a brain injury is known. Speaking with a lawyer first can help you understand your options and avoid statements that could be used to reduce the value of your claim.

Can Someone Fully Recover From a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Recovery from a traumatic brain injury varies from person to person. Some individuals improve significantly over time, especially with early treatment and rehabilitation, while others experience lasting effects. Outcomes depend on factors such as the severity of the injury and the type of care received.

Is a Traumatic Brain Injury Always a Long-Term Disability?

A traumatic brain injury is not always permanent, but moderate to severe injuries can result in long-term limitations. Some people are able to return to work and daily activities, while others may need ongoing care or accommodations.

What Is the Negligence Rule in South Carolina?

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. An injured person may recover damages if they are found to be 50% or less at fault for an accident. Any recovery may be reduced by their share of fault. If a person is more than 50% responsible, they cannot recover damages.

Talk With an Anderson Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer About Your Legal Options

A traumatic brain injury can change daily life in lasting ways. Navigating insurance claims and legal requirements while trying to heal can feel overwhelming, especially when someone else’s carelessness caused the injury.

The traumatic brain injury attorneys at Patrick, Lewis & Watts work with individuals and families in Anderson and throughout the Upstate to explain their options and handle the legal process with care and attention.

Speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to clarify your next steps if you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury. Call our law office at 864-240-5500 or use our online contact form to request your initial consultation.

Rusty Patrick

Written By Rusty Patrick

Car Accident Attorney

Rusty is licensed to provide that service in South Carolina courts and in the federal District Court for the District of South Carolina. He is a member of the South Carolina Bar Association, the Greenville County Bar, and the American Bar Association.