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Damages Guide
Brain Injury Compensation: Factors That Affect Claim Value
Traumatic brain injuries range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering damage—and claim values vary enormously based on many factors. Raffi Naljian works with brain injury victims and their families to ensure all aspects of these complex injuries are properly documented and valued. This guide explains what factors genuinely impact TBI claim compensation.
Dealing with a brain injury?
Raffi Naljian
California Personal Injury, Litigation & Criminal Defense Attorney
Raffi Garabed Naljian is an active California attorney listed under State Bar #238919. The State Bar profile lists personal injury, litigation, criminal law, and business law among his self-reported practice areas, and Naljian Law Offices describes a Glendale practice handling criminal defense and civil litigation, including personal injury matters.
View Full ProfileIs This the Right Attorney for Your Case?
Brain injury cases require understanding both the medical complexity and the lifelong impacts these injuries cause. Raffi Naljian handles TBI cases and works with medical experts to fully document cognitive, emotional, and physical effects. When evaluating attorneys for a brain injury case, look for experience with neurological injuries. Also searched as: Rafi Nanaljian, Raffi Nalian, Rafi Naljian.
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What to Do Next
- 1Seek immediate medical attention after any head trauma
- 2Follow up with a neurologist or brain injury specialist
- 3Get neuropsychological testing if recommended
- 4Document all cognitive and behavioral changes
- 5Have family members track symptoms they observe
- 6Follow all treatment recommendations
- 7Don't return to normal activities too quickly
Evidence Checklist
- Emergency room records documenting head trauma
- CT scan and MRI imaging
- Neurologist evaluation and reports
- Neuropsychological testing results
- Family observations of cognitive/behavioral changes
- School or work performance records (before and after)
- Occupational therapy assessments
- Speech therapy records if applicable
- Documentation of daily living impacts
Not sure how to document TBI impacts?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Dismissing a "mild" concussion as unimportant
- Returning to work or activities too soon
- Not following up after emergency room visit
- Skipping neuropsychological testing
- Not documenting subtle cognitive changes
- Comparing your injury to others' published settlements
- Ignoring emotional and personality changes
How the Process Typically Works
1
Emergency Care
Initial treatment and imaging
2
Specialist Evaluation
Neurologist and neuropsychologist assessments
3
Treatment
Rehabilitation, therapy, and recovery
4
Long-Term Assessment
Determine permanent impacts
5
Life Care Planning
Project future needs and costs
6
Case Presentation
Comprehensive claim with expert support
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
- •Emergency and acute medical care
- •Neurological treatment and rehabilitation
- •Neuropsychological therapy
- •Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- •Pain and suffering
- •Cognitive impairment impacts
- •Emotional and behavioral changes
- •Future medical care and life care costs
- •Home modifications if needed
- •Caregiver costs
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors most affect brain injury claim value?
Severity of injury, permanent cognitive deficits, impact on ability to work, need for future care, imaging findings, neuropsychological test results, age of victim, and pre-injury earning capacity.
Can "mild" TBI cases have significant value?
Yes. Even "mild" TBIs can cause persistent symptoms, cognitive difficulties, and quality of life impacts. The term "mild" refers to initial presentation, not long-term effects. Document all ongoing symptoms.
Why is neuropsychological testing important?
Neuropsych testing objectively measures cognitive deficits—memory, concentration, processing speed, executive function. These results provide concrete evidence of brain dysfunction that supports your claim.
How are future needs calculated in TBI cases?
Life care planners project future medical care, therapy, medications, home assistance, and other needs over your lifetime. Economists may calculate lost earning capacity. These expert opinions support significant damages.
What if my symptoms seem to improve then worsen?
This pattern is common with brain injuries. Document all fluctuations. Don't assume improvement is permanent. Discuss any changes with your medical team and attorney.
How long does it take to know the full impact?
Brain injuries may take months or years to fully manifest. Don't settle until you understand the long-term prognosis. Some cases require extensive time before true impact is known.
Brain injuries deserve comprehensive representation.
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Important Disclosures
Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed as formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this website or submitting a contact form. Results vary based on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.