A brain injury can change everything. If you or a loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in California, Ernst Law Group is here to help you seek justice and full compensation.
At Ernst Law Group, our attorneys have represented more than 1,000 brain injury victims and recovered millions for clients facing the long-term effects of TBI. Whether caused by a car crash, fall, or medical error, a brain injury often means a lifetime of medical care, financial strain, and emotional hardship.
We’re here to guide you through it. Call (805) 541-0300 for a free case review.
Why choose Ernst Law Group for your brain injury case?
- Over 1,000 personal injury cases handled
- Millions recovered for TBI victims
- Record-setting verdicts, including $10.23 million for a child with brain damage
- No fees unless we win your case
Our firm brings decades of experience and nationally recognized results. Founding attorney Don Ernst was nominated as California Trial Lawyer of the Year, an honor shared by only a handful of attorneys out of more than 250,000 across the state.
Brain injuries demand focused legal skill. We collaborate with top neurologists, life care planners, and forensic economists to build a case that captures the full impact of your injury. We serve clients across California and are ready to fight for you.
We also bring a compassionate approach to each case. We understand that families dealing with TBIs are managing enormous emotional stress alongside medical and financial concerns. Our legal team helps relieve that burden by handling the insurance negotiations and legal paperwork to file a claim, so you can focus on healing.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
A traumatic brain injury is a disruption in normal brain function caused by a blow, jolt, or penetrating injury. While some symptoms appear immediately, many develop days or weeks later, making diagnosis and recovery difficult.
TBIs can result in:
- Memory loss
- Personality and mood changes
- Physical impairment
- Inability to work
- Permanent cognitive disability
According to the most recent CDC data, there were approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020 and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021, equating to roughly 586 hospitalizations and 190 deaths every day. Many survivors live with lifelong consequences, including:
- Difficulty concentrating or processing information
- Balance and coordination problems
- Ongoing depression or anxiety
- Reduced independence and need for full-time care
See how our brain injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation
If you have suffered a brain injury in California, protect your rights by contacting a California brain injury attorney who has experience with traumatic brain injuries. At Ernst Law Group, our California brain injury lawyers recognize the devastation that such a life-changing event causes you and your family.
That’s why we get our clients maximum compensation. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve for your lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical bills. See our proven track record below.
$4.7million
TBI Case Average: $4.7M in Last 18 Months
Common Causes of Brain Injuries in California
Car Accidents
Over 4,000 Californians die in motor vehicle crashes each year, and thousands more suffer TBIs. These injuries are often caused by:
- High-speed collisions
- Distracted or drunk drivers
- Motorcycle or bicycle crashes
- Commercial truck accidents
In car crashes, TBIs may occur from striking the steering wheel, windshield, or airbag, or from sudden deceleration forces causing the brain to collide with the skull interior (coup-contrecoup injury).
Falls & Premises Liability
Falls are a leading cause of TBI-related ER visits and deaths. Property owners can be held liable for:
- Wet floors or poor lighting in businesses
- Uneven sidewalks or unsecured carpeting
- Lack of handrails or broken steps
This is especially serious for older adults, who are at higher risk for brain bleeds and complications.
Bicycle & Pedestrian Accidents
Collisions with vehicles often result in devastating head injuries for pedestrians and cyclists. Common scenarios include:
- Drivers failing to yield in crosswalks
- Left-hand turn collisions
- Distracted driving in residential areas
Even with helmets or reflective gear, the force of impact can cause skull fractures or long-term cognitive issues.
Sports & Recreation Injuries
10% of brain injuries in the US every year come from sports and recreational activities. Recreational activities, especially high-contact or extreme sports, are a major cause of concussions and closed-head injuries. Risks include:
- Football, soccer, and hockey
- Skateboarding, BMX, or surfing falls
- Improper or missing protective gear
TBIs from sports often go unrecognized at first, which can delay treatment and worsen the outcome.
Workplace Accidents
Traumatic brain injuries frequently happen on the job, especially in high-risk industries. Common causes include:
- Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or rooftops
- Struck-by incidents from falling tools or materials
- Malfunctioning machinery or a lack of safety protocols
- Explosions or toxic exposure events
We help workers pursue both workers’ compensation and third-party negligence brain injury claims in California when applicable.
Assaults
Acts of violence can cause skull fractures, contusions, or penetrating brain injuries. Civil lawsuits may recover damages from:
- Individual assailants
- Property owners or venues with negligent security
- Schools, care facilities, or institutions that failed to prevent foreseeable violence
Medical Malpractice
Some TBIs are the result of medical negligence. Brain damage may be caused by:
- Failure to diagnose or treat a stroke
- Surgical errors or anesthesia mistakes
- Oxygen deprivation during childbirth or surgery
These complex cases require expert testimony. Ernst Law Group has successfully held hospitals and physicians accountable for catastrophic brain injuries.
Motorcycle Accidents
Even helmeted riders face a significant risk of head injury in a crash. Common causes include:
- Drivers failing to see or yield to motorcyclists
- Left-turn or lane-change collisions
- Rear-end impacts at traffic lights
Motorcycle-related TBIs often result in long-term disability or permanent cognitive loss.
Drownings & Near-Drownings
Lack of oxygen (anoxia) during a near-drowning can lead to severe brain injury, particularly in children. These incidents may occur in:
- Unsecured residential pools
- Public pools without lifeguards
- Boating accidents or improper supervision
Legal action may be warranted when a drowning is caused by negligence or unsafe property conditions.
Traumatic Brain Injury Symptoms
Closed head injury
Closed brain injuries are the most common type of traumatic brain injury. It occurs when an external force damages the skull but does not penetrate it.
This causes damage due to the impact of the external object on the skull. The symptoms depend on which area of the brain is affected, but can include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and loss of memory.
Common types of closed brain injuries include:
- Concussions
- Cerebral contusions
- Diffuse axonal injury (DAI)
- Epidural hematoma
- Coup-contrecoup injury
- Skull fracture
Penetrating (open) head injury
A penetrating brain injury occurs when there is a break in the skull, causing damage to the brain itself. Penetrating head injuries are often the result of violence (especially firearms) and severe car accidents.
If left untreated, this type of traumatic brain injury can lead to infections such as meningitis, which can be fatal if not treated right away.
Statistically speaking, this type of injury is relatively rare compared to closed-brain injuries. However, it is important to note that penetrating brain injuries are more severe than closed ones because they can damage vital parts of the brain, such as the frontal lobe.
Learn more from our blog:
How our California brain injury lawyers help
When you hire Ernst Law Group, you get an experienced team of attorneys that:
- Conducts scene investigations and interviews witnesses
- Works with neurologists, neurosurgeons, and rehab experts
- Calculates lifetime medical and home care costs
- Documents lost earning potential and vocational impact
- Handles all insurance negotiations and claim denials
- Prepares your case for settlement or trial
We advocate for maximum compensation to cover your needs today and well into the future. Our attorneys regularly consult with neuropsychologists to assess cognitive and emotional injuries that insurance adjusters may try to downplay.
Our brain injury case results
- $10.5 million – Recovery for client with life-altering brain damage after freeway truck crash
- $10.23 million – Jury verdict for a child hit by a car near Los Osos
- $4.7 million – Average TBI result in the past 18 months
We have successfully handled cases against large corporations, insurance companies, municipalities, and hospitals. From start to finish, your case stays in the hands of an experienced traumatic brain injury attorney.
Statute of Limitations warning
Under California law, you typically have only 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim. Claims against government agencies may have deadlines as short as 6 months.
Don’t wait. Every day you delay could risk your ability to recover the compensation you deserve.
Serving clients across California
Ernst Law Group proudly represents brain injury victims throughout California:
- Los Angeles County
- Orange County
- San Diego County
- San Bernardino County
- Riverside County
Client Testimonial
“I could not be more satisfied with Ernst Law Group. Over the course of my case, my lawyer, Matthew Taylor Ernst, was nothing but kind and friendly. When you’re in a situation where you need a lawyer, it can be a very stressful time in your life. Ernst Law Group made me feel like everything was going to be okay, and I knew giving them my case was the right thing to do. These lawyers genuinely care about their clients and don’t just see you as a case file. They are in constant contact with you so that you are in the know. My case could not have turned out better, and I owe everything to this law group for their devotion to their jobs and clients. I have the highest regard for this Ernst Law Group, and would recommend them to anyone.”
– Samantha
Frequently asked questions
Does traumatic brain injury qualify for disability?
Yes. Many TBIs qualify for SSDI or long-term disability benefits. Our firm can help you apply for or appeal a denial.
How much is a brain injury case worth in California?
TBI case values depend on severity, liability, treatment costs, and long-term needs. Settlements typically range from $100,000 to several million dollars.
Will my brain injury case go to trial?
Many cases settle out of court. However, we prepare every case for trial to maximize your result.
Can someone recover from a TBI?
Some patients improve significantly. Others may suffer permanent impairments. Legal claims help cover ongoing care and life changes.
What should I do if my loved one shows TBI symptoms?
Seek medical attention immediately, then call our office. Early legal action preserves evidence and protects your rights.
Contact a California brain injury lawyer today
If you’re searching for an experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer California residents trust, Ernst Law Group is ready to fight for your recovery. You don’t have to go through this alone. Let us fight for your recovery and your future.
Call (805) 779-3630 or contact us online for a free consultation.
