California Trial Law Group Logo

What to Do After a Serious Head Injury in California: Legal Steps and Medical Care

[Head Injuries]
8 July 2025

What to Do After a Serious Head Injury in California: Legal Steps and Medical Care

A head injury can change a person’s life in a split second. Whether it’s a concussion from a car accident, a traumatic brain injury at work, or a fall on someone else’s property, the physical, emotional, and financial impacts can be overwhelming. If you or someone you love has suffered a head injury in California, understanding your rights and taking the right steps is essential for your recovery. California Trial Law Group, PC is here to guide you every step of the way.

Understanding Head Injuries and Their Impact

Head injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Common causes in California include:

  • Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
  • Falls from heights or on slippery surfaces
  • Construction site incidents
  • Workplace accidents
  • Assaults or violent attacks
  • Sports or recreational injuries

Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, memory loss, confusion, mood changes, and even loss of consciousness. Some effects may not appear immediately, which is why timely medical attention is critical.

Immediate Steps After a Head Injury

If you or a loved one sustains a head injury, act quickly to protect your health and your legal rights:

  1. Seek Medical Care Right Away
    • Even if you feel fine, always get a medical evaluation. Some head injuries are not immediately obvious, and a doctor can provide critical documentation for your recovery and future claim.
  2. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders
    • Comply with all recommended treatments, tests, and follow-up appointments. This not only aids recovery but also strengthens your case.
  3. Document the Incident
    • Write down details of how the injury occurred. Take photographs of the scene, your injuries, and anything that may have contributed to the accident.
  4. Collect Witness Information
    • If anyone saw what happened, get their names and contact information. Witnesses can support your version of events.
  5. Do Not Sign Anything from Insurers or Other Parties
    • Insurance companies may offer quick settlements or ask for statements. Do not agree to anything without speaking to an attorney.
  6. Contact California Trial Law Group, PC
    • The sooner you have legal guidance, the better your chances of protecting your rights and receiving full compensation.

Who May Be Liable for Your Head Injury?

Head injuries can happen in many settings, and several parties may be legally responsible, such as:

  • Negligent drivers in auto accidents
  • Property owners in slip and fall cases
  • Employers or contractors in workplace incidents
  • Manufacturers of defective equipment or vehicles
  • Individuals responsible for assaults or intentional harm

California law allows you to pursue claims against those who contributed to your injury, including businesses, government entities, and individuals.

Compensation Available for Head Injury Victims

A serious head injury can bring significant costs and life changes. Compensation in a personal injury or workers’ compensation case may include:

  • Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications)
  • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Long-term care costs and home modifications
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Compensation for permanent disability

If the injury resulted in death, surviving family members may also have a wrongful death claim for funeral costs, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.

Why Head Injury Cases Require Experienced Legal Help

Head injury cases are often complex. The symptoms and impacts can be subtle or delayed, making proof and fair compensation challenging. California Trial Law Group, PC has experience with:

  • Investigating the cause of injury and identifying all liable parties
  • Working with medical experts to demonstrate the extent of the injury and future care needs
  • Gathering evidence to show the impact on your work, family, and daily life
  • Negotiating with insurance companies and, when needed, taking cases to court

Our team is committed to compassionate, personalized service for every client.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a claim after a head injury in California?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, claims against government entities may have much shorter deadlines.

What if the injury happened at work?
You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Additionally, if someone other than your employer contributed to the accident, you may have a separate personal injury claim.

How can I prove the impact of a head injury?
Medical records, expert testimony, employment records, and personal journals can all help demonstrate how your injury has affected your life.

Contact California Trial Law Group, PC Today

Head injuries can be life-altering, but you don’t have to face the challenges alone. California Trial Law Group, PC is here to help you secure the medical care, support, and compensation you need. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward recovery and justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will my case cost me?

We operate on a Zero Fee Guarantee for personal injury and employment-related cases. This means that you don't pay any attorney's fees unless we recover compensation for you. In other words, if we don't win your case, you don't owe us anything. This is a common practice for plaintiff law firms and ensures that our clients can pursue justice without worrying about upfront costs.

Additionally, the cost of a consultation is free for personal injury and employment-related matters. You should feel confident contacting our firm to learn more about your case and how we can help you seek compensation for your injuries or employment issues.

Most of the attorney fees and litigation costs, when the case is successful, are typically covered by the money recovered from your case. However, it's important to note that if a client decides to terminate our services before a resolution is reached, they may be responsible for any attorney fees and litigation costs incurred up to that point. No recovery, no charge is our standard practice, and we are committed to providing you with the best legal representation without financial risk.

How do I choose the right attorney?

When selecting a legal professional to represent your case, it is important to find someone with high credentials, worthy memberships, and a proven record of obtaining success for clients. These are indicators of an attorney's dedication and skills. At California Trial Law Group, we hold membership on the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association, Consumer Attorneys of California, the Alameda County Bar Association, California Employment Lawyers Association, and various other organizations dedicated to representing injured individuals and employees. Our lawyers have received high marks by clients and peers on Superlawyers and AVVO.

How long do I have to file a claim or lawsuit?

Lawsuits are subject to California's statute of limitations; a set of laws that limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. Below are some common deadlines to watch for:

You must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident or the date you discovered the injury. If you are filing suit against a government entity for personal injury, you only have six months.

Aggrieved ex-employees who have been wrongfully terminated must file their claims within two years of termination. Even though California is an at-will state, employers cannot fire their employees for an illegal reason, such as their ethnicity, age, or gender.

Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) discrimination claims are a two-step process because claimants have one year to file administrative complaints under the FEHA, and then an additional year to file a lawsuit after they receive a right-to-sue letter.

California Family Rights Act (CFRA) Retaliation Claims: Similar to FEHA, a person loses the right to file a lawsuit one year after the CFRA agency sends a right-to-sue letter.

Most unpaid wage claims are subject to a three-year statute of limitations. Under the Unfair Competition Law (UCL), the time period is extended to four years for unpaid wage claims under the Unfair Competition Law, while wage statement claims must be brought within one year.

How do I know if I have a claim?

If you were injured in a preventable accident or in connection with your employment, then you likely have reasonable cause for a claim. By contacting our firm, we can help you make this determination.

When should I contact an attorney?

Speak with a lawyer immediately after you seek medical help for your injury. Get the medical attention that you need, then contact an attorney about your legal rights and options. Your health is the most important thing, but your future, finances, and rights are important too.

How much is my case worth?

The value of a personal injury claim or lawsuit depends on a multitude of factors: the extent of your injuries, your medical expenses, your emotional damages, and more. If you missed work because of an injury, you can seek additional compensation for lost wages. Schedule a consultation with our firm to learn more about your legal opportunities after an accident.

How long will my case last?

The duration of any case is subject the particular circumstances of that case. We will be better able to answer this question after reviewing your case and determining how to best move forward. You can call our firm today for a free consultation.

Our firm is dedicated to your case and will take the time necessary to ensure that you receive all that you deserve, even if it does take years. We will take care of as much of the process as possible, so you don't have to lose valuable time and can focus on your medical treatment and recovering.

How do insurance companies calculate settlement offers?

Many insurance companies have a base equation that they use to calculate settlement offers. Unfortunately, this initial amount is usually insufficient because insurance adjustors usually try to save the insurance companies money . Thus, victims should not seek to close their case too quickly, but consult a personal injury lawyer to receive a fair offer. California Trial Law Group ensure that the insurance companies treat our client's fairly, that they not undervalue your case, and that you will ultimately receive a favorable settlement.

What types of compensation am I entitled to as a result of my injury?

You may receive compensation for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of earnings, property damage, and for other expenses you incurred. In the case of wrongful death, the family may receive an amount to cover the loss of future income as well as loss of companionship. As part of our service, we will discuss in detail an amount of compensation that you deserve and that we will fight for to obtain.

Do all lawsuits have to go to court?

No. Many cases are settled out of court. Our firm, however, is well prepared to take a defendant to court if they do not give our client the amount that we feel our client is entitled to.

What makes California Trial Law Group different from other firms?

We are a firm dedicated to serving the needs of our clients and your best interest come first and foremost. When you are looking for reliable, unyielding legal representation there is no better firm to turn to than California Trial Law Group.