Brain Injury Lawyer in Long Island

Put Years of Experience in Your Corner After an Accident

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most serious injuries that can result from an accident. TBIs can cause lifelong consequences, including permanent cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. If you or someone you care about has suffered a TBI because of another party’s negligence, partnering with a knowledgeable brain injury attorney in Long Island can help you seek compensation and justice.

At The Law Office of Gregory A. Goodman, P.C., we recognize the profound impact a traumatic brain injury can have on your life. Based in Jericho, NY, our personal injury lawyers provide comprehensive legal guidance and representation for individuals affected by TBIs. Our mission is to help you secure the compensation and justice you deserve.

Comprehensive Traumatic Brain Injury Legal Advice in Long Island

Our team offers legal advice tailored to the complexities of traumatic brain injury claims in Long Island. We understand the unique challenges of TBI cases and are committed to guiding you through each stage of the legal process. From your initial consultation to the final settlement, we offer personalized support to help you navigate your case. Our attorneys stay current with legal developments and strategies to ensure you receive the strongest representation possible.

We actively research emerging medical treatments for TBIs to inform our legal strategies and advocate for full care for our clients. We work with medical professionals to understand every aspect of your injury, ensuring we cover all impacts when pursuing fair compensation. This comprehensive approach helps us safeguard your legal rights.

When handling TBI claims, we pay special attention to how local laws and court procedures can impact your case. New York State laws govern the time limits for filing a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. In most cases, TBI victims in Long Island have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim, though exceptions can apply. Understanding these rules is essential for building and preserving your claim. We also recognize that juries in Nassau and Suffolk Counties assess damages based on regional costs of medical care and rehabilitation, which can affect outcomes. By staying current on legal requirements and local practices, we help ensure your case aligns with Long Island’s legal standards.

Ready for Justice? Schedule Your Free Consultation with a Brain Injury Lawyer in Long Island Today at (800) 242-3740 or Contact Us Online.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden trauma damages the brain. This injury can result from a blow, jolt, or a penetrating force to the head or neck. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, with symptoms and long-term effects varying widely depending on injury severity and location.

Some of the most common causes of TBIs include motor vehicle accidents, falls, workplace injuries, and violence. The brain can sustain damage in several ways, such as:

• Concussions: A mild TBI caused by a blow to the head, leading to temporary confusion, dizziness, or memory loss.
• Contusions: Bruising on the brain from a direct impact to the head.
• Penetrating Injuries: When an object, such as a bullet, pierces the skull and damages brain tissue.
• Diffuse Axonal Injury: A severe TBI caused by violent shaking or rotation of the brain, resulting in widespread damage to brain cells.

The severity of a traumatic brain injury depends on factors like the type of impact, the force involved, and the location of the injury on the brain. In Long Island, first responders and local hospitals, including North Shore University Hospital and Stony Brook University Hospital, play a crucial role in initial assessments and interventions for TBI victims. Immediate access to advanced imaging and neurosurgical care in the area means that prompt attention can improve outcomes for many individuals. After the acute phase, TBIs often require long-term follow-up through local rehabilitation centers that understand the needs of Suffolk and Nassau County residents.

If you or a loved one sustains a head injury, pay attention to even minor symptoms, as early diagnosis and treatment are essential to limit long-term complications. Always seek professional medical evaluation after any injury involving the head, especially following motor vehicle accidents or falls in public places common throughout Long Island communities.

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Long Island

Traumatic brain injuries can happen under many circumstances. The most common causes include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents – Car crashes, especially high-speed collisions, are leading causes of TBIs. Impact from a crash can cause the brain to move violently within the skull.
• Falls – Slip and fall accidents, especially among older adults, can lead to traumatic brain injuries. Falling from heights or onto hard surfaces can cause significant brain damage.
• Workplace Accidents – Construction sites, factories, and other hazardous work environments have increased risks of head injuries due to heavy machinery, heights, and other dangers.
• Sports Injuries – High-contact sports, such as football, hockey, or boxing, carry higher risks of concussions and other TBIs. Repeated concussions may lead to long-term health issues.
• Violence – Physical assaults, gunshot wounds, and other violent acts can cause TBIs. These injuries often need immediate medical attention or surgery.
• Medical Malpractice – In rare cases, medical malpractice, including surgical errors or missed diagnoses, can result in permanent brain damage.

In Long Island, dense traffic along major roadways like the Long Island Expressway and Northern State Parkway frequently contributes to high rates of motor vehicle collisions, increasing the risk of traumatic brain injuries. Slippery winter weather and poorly maintained sidewalks can also cause slip and fall injuries, particularly in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Construction in towns such as Huntington and Hempstead further adds to the potential for work-related brain injuries. Public awareness campaigns and local safety initiatives help reduce some risks, but accidents still frequently occur. Understanding the unique factors that contribute to traumatic brain injuries in Long Island helps you recognize where and when these injuries most often happen, and why legal advice is so vital for those affected.

How the Brain Injury Legal Process Works in Long Island

If you choose to pursue a brain injury claim in Long Island, you’ll follow a structured process that begins with a thorough investigation of the incident. Legal counsel will collect evidence related to how the injury occurred, including medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. Early documentation creates a clear record to support liability and damages as your case moves forward.

After preparing the initial claim, your brain injury attorney in Long Island may seek input from local medical providers, such as neurologists at regional hospitals. Their opinions help establish the full scope of your injury, its effects on your daily life, and what future care you may require. This evidence is critical in negotiations with insurance adjusters or when presenting your case in Nassau or Suffolk County courts.

Long Island’s legal system enforces specific deadlines for filing claims—generally three years from the date of injury, with exceptions in unique circumstances. If your case reaches court, your attorney will present testimony, medical records, and economic assessments to support your request for damages. Courts in the region often weigh both medical evidence from local hospitals and testimony from family members to assess the true impact of the injury.

This process is designed to provide injury victims and their families a fair opportunity to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and ongoing care. While each case is unique, knowing what to expect at each stage in the Long Island legal process prepares you to make informed decisions about your claim.

Types of Compensation Available for TBI Victims in Long Island

Recovering fair compensation for a traumatic brain injury includes more than just reimbursement for medical costs. In Long Island, TBI victims and their families may pursue damages to cover a wide range of current and future needs related to the injury. Economic damages often reflect expenses such as emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and continuing therapies from rehabilitation professionals across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Victims can also seek compensation for lost wages if their injuries prevent them from returning to work, as well as lost earning capacity if disabilities make future employment difficult or impossible. For those living with ongoing disabilities, compensation may include training for new job skills, adaptive devices, or future home care expenses. Non-economic damages—such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life—are especially important when a TBI has a substantial effect on daily routines. These awards often reflect both the lasting impact of the injury and the standards set by Long Island courts and juries.

In some situations, courts may award punitive damages if the injury resulted from egregious or reckless behavior. While not common, these additional damages aim to discourage wrongful behavior and reinforce accountability for serious negligence. Retaining a brain injury lawyer in Long Island who understands the expectations of local courts helps ensure your claim addresses all available categories so you receive a comprehensive evaluation of your losses.

Understanding New York & Long Island Laws That Affect TBI Cases

Brain injury litigation in Long Island follows New York State’s legal framework. State laws regulate personal injury claims, including the statute of limitations, comparative negligence rules, and insurance requirements. In most cases, a person injured by someone else’s negligence has three years from the accident date to begin a lawsuit, but shorter deadlines may apply if a local government entity is involved. These timelines matter, especially if an injury happened on public property or with a government-operated vehicle.

New York applies a pure comparative negligence system, so a TBI victim’s recovery decreases by their percentage of fault. If a jury finds you 20% responsible, your total award drops by that amount. Brain injury attorneys serving Long Island review all aspects of fault and legal defenses to help maximize your recovery.

State law requires drivers in Long Island to maintain minimum liability insurance coverage, impacting available compensation after vehicle accidents. For catastrophic injuries, additional uninsured or underinsured motorist policies or other coverage may play a critical role. Understanding the nuances of state and local law helps you make smart decisions about when to file a claim, who to pursue, and how to best safeguard your interests as your case moves through Nassau or Suffolk County courts.

Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injuries: A Growing Concern on Long Island

On Long Island, the rate of pediatric traumatic brain injuries is disturbingly high. Children face increased risk of TBIs through active play and participation in sports and recreational activities. Local health reports show rising rates of sports-related TBIs among children, pointing to the importance of awareness by parents, coaches, and educators. Brain injuries in children may cause developmental setbacks and often require ongoing medical care and therapies to achieve optimal recovery.

Parents can help reduce risks by making sure children use helmets while playing sports and by advocating for improved playground safety. The Law Office of Gregory A. Goodman, P.C. supports families navigating the complexities of pediatric TBI claims, recognizing the unique medical and educational needs children face after a serious injury. Our attorneys work with medical professionals to assess the long-term implications for a child's development and to ensure that future care is considered in any settlement or legal action.

Many Long Island school districts, from Great Neck to Patchogue-Medford, follow enhanced concussion protocols and ongoing safety training based on recommendations from state and local authorities. Families navigating pediatric TBI can also find resources through services in Suffolk and Nassau Counties that help children transition back to school and daily activities. By accessing local rehabilitation, early intervention programs, and educational support, Long Island parents can better manage the long-term effects of childhood brain injuries. Consulting a brain injury lawyer in Long Island provides guidance on securing compensation needed for care, therapy, and education after a pediatric TBI.

The Role of Long Island Courts in TBI Legal Claims

Long Island courts play a significant role in resolving TBI legal claims, giving victims an opportunity to pursue justice and compensation. Local courts consider the complex nature of brain injuries by reviewing both immediate and long-term needs. Judges and juries in Long Island often have substantial experience with personal injury cases, which helps support fair and thorough compensation awards for TBI victims.

The Law Office of Gregory A. Goodman, P.C. uses the legal landscape in Long Island to benefit clients by stressing the importance of strong evidence showing the full impact of an injury. By working with local medical experts and using advanced technology in the courtroom, our team builds persuasive arguments that may influence settlement talks and jury decisions.

Each county within Long Island—such as Nassau and Suffolk—has its own procedural rules, court schedules, and approaches that may affect the timeline and outcome of a TBI case. Court venues like the Nassau County Supreme Court in Mineola and the Suffolk County Supreme Court in Riverhead regularly hear personal injury cases, often relying on detailed reports from regional neurologists, economists, and rehabilitation providers. The local experience of these courts with complex injury claims can affect every part of the process, from motion hearings to settlement negotiations and verdicts. Understanding these details helps brain injury lawyers guide clients through the expectations and best approaches for presenting damages and long-term needs before local courts and juries.

Get started today! Schedule your free consultation with a brain injury lawyer in Long Island today at (800) 242-3740 or contact us online.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traumatic Brain Injuries

How Can I Tell if Someone Has a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Identifying a TBI can be difficult, especially when symptoms are subtle or delayed. Immediate signs may include confusion, headache, dizziness, or loss of consciousness. Symptoms can develop over time, including memory loss, trouble focusing, mood changes, or sensory sensitivities days or weeks after the incident.

A medical evaluation is crucial, even if injuries seem minor. Imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs help diagnose the injury’s severity. Monitor for changes in behavior or thinking, and get medical help right away if conditions worsen.

What Should I Do If I Suspect My Child Has a TBI?

If you believe your child has suffered a TBI, seek medical care quickly for accurate diagnosis and treatment. In children, TBIs may cause persistent headaches, changes in school performance, sleep problems, or behavior changes. Early intervention is important to prevent prolonged developmental issues, since children’s brains are still growing.

Inform your child’s school about the injury to allow for necessary accommodations. Keep a detailed record of symptoms, doctor visits, and ongoing challenges—these details are helpful when dealing with insurance and legal claims, especially regarding the injury’s long-term effects.

What Legal Steps Should Be Taken After a TBI?

After a TBI, consult a brain injury attorney in Long Island as soon as possible. Begin by gathering evidence like accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and photos of injuries or the scene. This documentation builds a strong legal claim and shows the injury’s impact.

Working with an attorney at The Law Office of Gregory A. Goodman, P.C. ensures all legal options are considered, from starting a claim to negotiating a settlement. An attorney can also guide you when communicating with insurance companies, helping to avoid mistakes that might hurt your claim.

How Does Long Island Handle TBI Settlements?

In Long Island, TBI settlements typically account for immediate medical costs as well as long-term effects. These can include rehabilitation expenses, lost income, and reduced quality of life. Courts review detailed medical reports and future care estimates to form a clear picture of lifelong impacts.

Our firm strives to secure settlements that address every aspect of a TBI, using expert opinions to strengthen claims. We work to obtain compensation that provides financial stability, meeting both current and future needs.

What Resources Are Available for TBI Victims in Long Island?

Long Island offers various resources for TBI victims, including specialized rehabilitation centers and support groups. The Long Island Brain Injury Association delivers important support and counseling services. Suffolk County also hosts several community programs to help TBI survivors and their families adapt to new daily needs.

The Law Office of Gregory A. Goodman, P.C. connects clients with these local resources, ensuring access to complete care and rehabilitation. Our approach supports both medical and emotional recovery, helping clients return to daily life after a traumatic brain injury.