chevronCases We Handle

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Whether it was caused by a defective drug or a motor vehicle accident on I-70, I-55, or the I-44 corridor near downtown St. Louis, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in impairments that affect a person’s motor skills, personality, thinking ability, and more.

TBIs also frequently occur in high-risk workplaces, including construction sites along Gravois Avenue, industrial facilities in North St. Louis, and heavy equipment or infrastructure projects near the Jefferson Barracks Bridge and surrounding riverfront areas.

These impairments can cause victims to lose their ability to work, make decisions, or even live independently. In many cases, a TBI is considered a catastrophic injury, as it can permanently alter a person’s quality of life and create long-term medical, financial, and personal challenges.

What Our Clients Say

“Cofman Townsley and their staff are like family. They met every need, answered every question, called us after hours, etc. They went above and beyond and made sure that we got our settlement to the fullest amount.” Jill C.

“Cofman Townsley was persistent, professional, and did an excellent job at keeping me informed all the time.”

Ashanti M.

“The Cofman Townsley team was awesome through the entire process.”

Darlana J.

“Cofman Townsley was great at helping me. They were always on time and answered any questions I had. They were very nice and patient with everything.”

ReJeane T.

“The attorneys were very responsive to my needs. Every time I called, someone got right back to me right away. I always knew what was going on because I was kept very informed about my case. I would recommend Cofman Townsley to anyone. I feel that Cofman Townsley did a wonderful job with my case. Everything was done in a professional manner. Everyone is really nice. ”

LaDawn H.

“Cofman Townsley are like family to me. They explain things thoroughly, make sure that I understand, and that I am taken care of. David Nissenholtz and Paula were super to me, and helped me through a long and difficult process where I had years of medical treatment and much stress. They care about people and take time to listen. I would refer my friends and family members to them because I trust they will take good care of them.”

William V.

“Cofman Townsley treats you like family and like you are the only client. They answered all of my questions and took time to make sure I understood. I wouldn’t change to another attorney. They have done a good job for me and I trust them, which is very important. The whole office of people is friendly. They make me feel like I am number one, and they will do the same for you.”

Darlene W.

“Cofman Townsley diligently represented me in my personal injury work comp claim and got me a fair settlement in a timely manner.”

Jeff R.

“It was a great experience. Cofman Townsley handled all the leg work for me. I appreciate all the help.”

Chris S.

“I was very pleased with the way in which my case was handled. I was treated with great respect and care. I have never had to have legal services in my life, so for a first time event this has been very easy. I would like to say that the work ethic and determination of this company was the greatest thing that I will be left with. I thank you all very much!”

Johnny M.

“David did an amazing job with my case and communicating with me. His professionalism and concern with my progress meant a lot to me. I really appreciate everything he and his staff did for me. Thank you all.”

Carey G.

“Cofman Townsley are a great team of lawyers who go out of their way to do the BEST for their clients. They stay on you and get you the largest settlement they can.”

Peggy T.

“I really appreciate what they have done for me. I was treated excellently and if something ever happens again, they would be the first people I would call.”

Amber A.

“They have great attention to detail and [provide] a wonderful level of comfort during tough times.”

Matt C.

“Thank you. You guys were very fast, considerate, and friendly. I really appreciate it.”

Michael S.

What Are Common Causes of TBIs?

A traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden impact, jolt, or penetration disrupts normal brain function. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering injuries, and they often result from preventable accidents caused by negligence.

Some of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries include:

  • Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents are among the leading causes of TBIs. High-speed collisions, rollovers, and ejections can cause the brain to strike the skull with significant force, even when seat belts or helmets are used.
  • Falls: Slip-and-fall accidents are a major cause of traumatic brain injuries for both adults and children. Falls from heights, stairways, ladders, or unsafe walking surfaces can lead to serious head trauma.
  • Workplace Accidents: Employees in construction, manufacturing, transportation, and industrial jobs face increased risk of TBIs due to falling objects, machinery accidents, scaffolding failures, and other hazardous conditions.
  • Defective Products and Equipment: Faulty safety equipment, defective helmets, malfunctioning machinery, or dangerous consumer products can fail to protect users and instead cause or worsen a brain injury.
  • Sports and Recreational Injuries: Contact sports, recreational activities, and organized athletics can result in traumatic brain injuries due to collisions, falls, or repeated impacts to the head.
  • Violent Acts or Assaults: Physical assaults, gunshot wounds, and other intentional acts of violence can cause severe traumatic brain injuries with permanent consequences.

Because traumatic brain injuries often involve complex medical diagnoses and long-term effects, identifying the cause of the injury is a critical first step in pursuing compensation from the responsible parties.

What Steps Should I Take After Suffering a Traumatic Brain Injury?

After a traumatic brain injury, taking the right steps as early as possible can protect both your health and your legal rights. Even if symptoms seem mild at first, TBIs often worsen over time and should never be ignored.

Key steps to take after a suspected traumatic brain injury include:

  • Seek medical attention immediately. Head injuries require prompt evaluation, even if you did not lose consciousness. Delaying treatment can lead to serious complications.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Brain injuries often require rest, follow-up imaging, therapy, and activity restrictions. Skipping care can slow recovery and be used against you in a legal claim.
  • Document symptoms and changes. Keep track of any headaches, dizziness, memory issues, mood changes, or difficulty concentrating you experience. These details can be critical later.
  • Avoid giving recorded statements or accepting settlement offers. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize the severity of a brain injury early on or offer a lowball settlement. It’s important to understand the full scope of your injury before you discuss how it’s affecting you or make any major decisions.
  • Speak with an experienced St. Louis traumatic brain injury attorney. TBIs are complex injuries that often require long-term care. Legal guidance can help ensure you are pursuing compensation that reflects the true impact of your injury.

Where Should I Get Treatment for a TBI in St. Louis?

St. Louis is home to several respected hospitals and rehabilitation centers with experience diagnosing and treating traumatic brain injuries. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment may involve emergency care, neurological specialists, imaging, and long-term rehabilitation.

Common providers for TBI treatment in the St. Louis area include:

  • Barnes-Jewish Hospital provides comprehensive trauma and neurological care for traumatic brain injury patients, including emergency stabilization, advanced imaging, neurosurgical intervention, and coordinated follow-up care with brain injury specialists and rehabilitation providers.
  • SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital offers advanced diagnostic services and neurological treatment for traumatic brain injuries, with physicians experienced in managing both the immediate effects of head trauma and the long-term cognitive and functional challenges that can follow.
  • Mercy Hospital St. Louis treats traumatic brain injuries through its emergency and trauma services, providing prompt evaluation, imaging, and ongoing medical care to address complications such as brain swelling, bleeding, and post-concussive symptoms.
  • The Rehabilitation Institute of St. Louis specializes in post-acute rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury survivors, offering individualized physical, occupational, speech, and cognitive therapy programs designed to help patients regain function, independence, and quality of life.

Ongoing care for traumatic brain injuries may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and mental health support.

What Support Groups Are Available for TBI Survivors in St. Louis?

Recovery from a traumatic brain injury is not only physical; it’s highly emotional, psychological, and social. Support groups can be a valuable resource for survivors and their families, providing education, encouragement, and connection with others facing similar challenges.

Support resources available for TBI survivors in the St. Louis area include:

  • Brain Injury Association of Missouri: This organization offers education, advocacy, and support programs for TBI survivors and caregivers throughout Missouri, including the St. Louis region.
  • Circle of Care St. Louis: This personal care service provides support for people and families who need specialized TBI care in the St. Louis area, including assistance with daily activities, meal prep and cooking, patient transfer, and more.

TYPES OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES

TBIs are classified into three levels of severity:

  • Mild TBI: Mild TBIs—also known as concussions—may cause brief unconsciousness, confusion, and memory problems. Most people recover from the effects of concussions within hours or days.
  • Moderate TBI: Moderate TBIs can cause unconsciousness that lasts for a few minutes to a few hours. Confusion may last several days or weeks, and physical or cognitive impairments are often permanent.
  • Severe TBI: Severe TBIs cause extensive damage to the brain, which can lead to prolonged periods of unconsciousness that last for months, years, or even indefinitely. Common conditions caused by severe TBIs include vegetative state, coma, and even death.

Moderate and severe TBIs require high-quality medical care and treatment. Our Missouri and Southern Illinois traumatic brain injury lawyers will work with your loved one to make sure he or she gets the required medical attention for the injury while also preparing the case for trial.

The Long-Term Consequences of a Traumatic Brain Injury

TBIs can have profound effects on a person’s life — often lasting far beyond the initial period of recovery. The long-term consequences can have a devastating impact on a victim’s finances and quality of life. Some of these ongoing consequences include:

Economic Consequences:

  • Loss of employment or reduced ability to earn a living
  • Ongoing medical expenses
  • Costs for home modifications and assistive devices
  • Need for long-term personal care

Quality of Life Impacts:

  • Cognitive impairments like memory loss and challenges with concentration and decision-making
  • Physical disabilities, including motor function and coordination issues
  • Emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues that include depression, anxiety, and other neurological and mental health disorders
  • Difficulties in being social or maintaining personal relationships
  • Loss of independence in daily activities

These long-term consequences harm the individual, their family, and everyone who loves them.

Seeking Damages in a TBI Case

The severe and life-altering nature of a TBI can mean that victims and their families can seek the following types of compensation in an injury claim:

  1. Medical Expenses: This includes past, current, and future medical costs for ongoing treatment, therapy, and any complications.
  2. Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Compensation for income already lost due to the injury and reduced future earning potential if the TBI impact prevents the victim from working.
  3. Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages to compensate for physical and emotional pain caused by the injury.
  4. Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the victim’s reduced ability to participate in and enjoy daily activities, hobbies, time with family, and other personal relationships.
  5. Cost of Care: Expenses related to in-home care, assistive devices, or necessary home modifications.
  6. Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on the victim’s relationship with their spouse or partner.
  7. Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious negligence that go to trial, victims and their families may be awarded additional compensation by jury verdict to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior.

Your brain injury attorney will work to quantify these damages, often collaborating with various experts to accurately project the long-term financial impact of the TBI.

How a TBI Lawyer Can Help with Your Case

A skilled TBI lawyer plays a critical role in helping victims through the complex legal process. Here’s what you can expect from our TBI lawyers here at Cofman Townsley:

  • Case Evaluation: Thoroughly assessing the circumstances of your injury and determining the strength of your case.
  • Evidence Gathering: Collecting and preserving crucial evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements.
  • Collaboration with Experts: Working with medical professionals, rehabilitation specialists, and other experts to better understand the long-term implications of your injury.
  • Negotiation: Skillfully negotiating with insurance companies and opposing counsel to secure a settlement that will fully cover your current and future needs.
  • Litigation Preparation/Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to fight on your behalf in court.
  • Emotional Support: Providing compassionate support, protecting you from the stress of an often-overwhelming legal process.
  • Financial Protection: Working on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Having one of our experienced TBI lawyers on your side lets you concentrate on your health and well-being. You can count on us to fight for the maximum compensation for your current and future needs.

WHY GET COFMAN TOWNSLEY?

The legal team at Cofman Townsley is dedicated to helping families across Missouri and Southern Illinois who are dealing with the impact of a catastrophic injury. We give all clients equal attention and the respect they deserve—no matter their case type. 

It’s our goal to take the stress of the injury off your shoulders while you focus on being there for your loved one. Dial (314) 499-1190 or fill out a free contact form.