Can I still pursue a claim if my brain injury symptoms in Lakewood appeared weeks after my accident?
Yes, you can still pursue a claim for a traumatic brain injury even if symptoms develop days or weeks after an incident in Lakewood. It is common for brain injury symptoms to have a delayed onset, making early medical evaluation and consistent follow-up crucial.
Because the full extent of a brain injury may not be immediately obvious, waiting to seek medical attention or legal advice can complicate your case. Many people initially dismiss symptoms like headaches or confusion, only to realize later they are signs of a more serious condition.
Where do you file a traumatic brain injury lawsuit in Los Angeles County?
A personal injury lawsuit originating from an incident in Lakewood is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, South District. Specifically, cases are assigned to the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse located at 275 Magnolia Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802.
In Los Angeles County, a personal injury case is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred and is then assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024). This ensures your case is handled within the appropriate local court system for Lakewood.
How long do you have to file a brain injury claim in California?
Most personal injury claims in California, including those for traumatic brain injuries, must be filed within two years from the date of the injury (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). However, if your claim involves a city, county, or other public agency, you must present a written claim to that entity within six months of the injury (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2).
The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352). However, that pause does not apply to claims against public entities under the Government Claims Act, meaning the six-month deadline still applies for minors when a public entity is involved.
California law allows for recovery of economic damages, such as medical costs, lost earnings, and future lost earning capacity. It also permits recovery for non-economic harm, which includes pain, suffering, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. For survival actions filed on or after January 1, 2026, recovery for the decedent's pre-death pain and suffering is not permitted under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 377.34.
What steps should you take after a brain injury in Lakewood?
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if you feel fine, symptoms of a brain injury can be delayed. A doctor can diagnose your condition and start a treatment plan.
- Follow Medical Advice: Adhere strictly to your doctor's recommendations, attend all appointments, and complete any prescribed therapies. This creates an important record of your injury and treatment.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your medical appointments, treatments, medications, and any out-of-pocket expenses. Note how your injury affects your daily life.
- Avoid Discussing Your Case: Do not speak with insurance adjusters or sign any documents without consulting an attorney. They represent the insurance company's interests, not yours.
- Consult with a Brain Injury Attorney: A lawyer focusing on brain injury cases can help you understand your rights, investigate the incident, and handle communications with insurers and other parties. Traumatic brain injury cases require careful handling and often involve significant medical and legal complexities.
What kinds of brain injury cases do we handle in Lakewood?
We handle a variety of brain injury cases in Lakewood that result from another party's negligence. Our focus is on helping individuals who have suffered head trauma due to incidents like car accidents, motorcycle collisions, slip and falls, pedestrian accidents, or truck accidents.
Many brain injuries result from motor vehicle incidents in and around Lakewood. For example, a sudden impact can cause a brain to shift inside the skull, leading to concussions, contusions, or more severe diffuse axonal injuries. We also assist those with brain injuries sustained in slip and fall incidents on commercial or private property, or in pedestrian accidents. For more information on related personal injury claims in the area, you can visit our Lakewood personal injury page.
We also serve neighboring communities; for example, you can learn about our services for Covina brain injury claims or Culver City brain injury cases. Our goal is to pursue the full compensation available under California law for your medical care, lost income, and other damages.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
Working with Casa Legal Los Angeles means we handle the legal complexities of your brain injury claim so you can focus on your recovery. Our practice is limited to personal injury and employment law. When you contact us, we'll start with a free case evaluation to understand your situation and determine the best path forward.
We investigate the incident, gather evidence, consult with medical experts, and manage all communications with insurance companies. We aim to secure compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages. We are here to guide you through every step of the legal process and pursue justice on your behalf. Our representation for brain injury claims is part of our broader personal injury law services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. This can result from a direct blow to the head, a sudden jolt, or an object penetrating the skull. TBIs range from mild (like a concussion) to severe, leading to long-term physical, cognitive, and psychological effects. Common causes include car accidents, falls, and sports injuries in cities like Lakewood.
Can a minor in Lakewood file a brain injury claim?
Yes, a minor in Lakewood can file a brain injury claim, but it must be done through a parent or legal guardian. While the general deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352), it's crucial to remember that this pause does not apply to claims against public entities. If a city or county agency is responsible, the six-month government claim deadline (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2) still applies regardless of the injured person's age.
How long does a brain injury lawsuit typically take to resolve in Lakewood?
The time it takes to resolve a brain injury lawsuit in Lakewood varies significantly depending on the severity of the injury, the complexity of the case, and whether it settles out of court or goes to trial. Simpler cases might resolve in months, while complex cases involving severe brain injuries can take several years, especially if long-term prognosis and care needs are still being assessed. The location of filing in Los Angeles County, specifically the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, does not inherently speed up or slow down the process, but court schedules can play a role.
What is the minimum car insurance bodily injury coverage in California?
As of policies issued or renewed from January 1, 2025, the minimum car insurance bodily injury liability coverage in California is $30,000 per person and $60,000 per incident (California Vehicle Code § 16056). This coverage is for injuries you cause to others in an accident. If you are injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your own policy's UM/UIM coverage would apply, if you purchased it.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury in Lakewood, call Casa Legal Los Angeles today for a free consultation at 888-585-2529. No attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.