When a drunk driver struck Azzura’e Wilson’s car, the Bronx woman’s life was turned upside-down. Instead of going about her daily routine, Azzura’e was suddenly left to handle a complex situation without clear guidance. “You’ve got to navigate everything on your own,” said Eileen Reardon, Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of NYS, who has advocated in Albany to establish better resources for survivors and families. “From insurance companies, to potentially legal, to potentially Medicaid. It becomes extremely overwhelming.” If you or a loved one is in a similar position, a seasoned brain injury attorney can dispel any confusion about the next steps.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most misunderstood medical conditions. Misconceptions about their causes, symptoms, and seriousness often delay treatment and interfere with legal claims, shaping how insurers, employers, and even some doctors respond after an accident. That’s why it’s so important to know the facts when building your case.
Understanding How TBIs Occur With a Brain Injury Attorney
A common misconception is that a TBI only happens after a direct blow to the head. In truth, TBIs can result from sudden acceleration or deceleration forces, such as whiplash in a car accident, where the brain moves violently inside the skull without any direct impact. This is particularly relevant in motor vehicle collisions, which are a leading cause of TBIs in Long Island.
Additionally, many believe that loss of consciousness is necessary to sustain a concussion or brain injury. However, most concussions happen without loss of consciousness. Symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, or memory problems may indicate a brain injury even if the person remained awake. These indicators can also be subtle or have a delayed effect.
The Invisible Nature of Brain Injuries
Another widespread misunderstanding is that TBIs always appear on CT or MRI scans. Many brain injuries, especially those involving microscopic damage to brain fibers, do not show up on standard imaging. This absence of a visible injury on scans does not mean the brain is unharmed.
Unfortunately, this misconception may lead some insurance companies or victims to minimize the seriousness of the injury.
Similarly, because TBI symptoms are often invisible, people may assume that if someone “looks fine,” they have fully recovered. Yet victims frequently experience cognitive, emotional, or behavioral impairments that are not apparent physically. These hidden effects can be as debilitating as visible injuries.
Misjudging the Seriousness and Scope of TBIs
Concussions are often dismissed as minor injuries, but they can have lasting consequences if untreated or repeated. They are classified as mild TBIs but should be taken seriously, with appropriate medical care and legal attention if someone else’s negligence caused the injury.
There is also a misconception that only athletes suffer concussions. In reality, anyone can sustain a TBI through car accidents, falls, assaults, or domestic violence. Understanding that TBIs affect a wide population helps ensure victims receive proper recognition and support. When these facts are ignored, victims may refuse care, insurers may downplay claims, and juries may undervalue damages. A well-versed brain injury attorney presents medical literature, witness testimony, and expert analysis to establish a robust case.
How a Brain Injury Attorney Handles Misconceptions in Your Case
These misunderstandings don’t just affect public awareness. They also impact the treatment and legal outcomes for TBI survivors. Victims may delay medical evaluation or fail to seek legal advice, risking the loss of valuable compensation. In addition, victims with serious injuries may need to pursue additional claims within strict time limits.
An experienced brain injury attorney ensures your injuries are taken seriously, even if they aren’t immediately visible or detectable on a scan. At Matera & Manley, LLP, we pride ourselves on our authoritative knowledge of TBIs and transparency when handling brain injury cases.
Our brain injury attorneys help clients by:
- Determining liability and identifying all responsible parties
- Calculating long-term care and medical needs
- Consulting medical and vocational experts
- Filing all legal documents on time
- Fighting for full compensation at trial or through settlement negotiations
As lifelong residents of Long Island, we understand the local courts, the medical providers, and the communities they serve. Matera & Manley, LLP, is happy to visit clients at their homes or in the hospital when travel is difficult, and we litigate brain injury claims with no upfront cost.
Seeking the Right Brain Injury Attorney Matters After a TBI
Like Azzura’e Wilson and others who have advocated for TBI survivors, our attorneys are dedicated to protecting victims of TBIs while pushing for more reliable resources and effective treatment programs. Do not let common myths—or the insurers who reinforce them—control your future. If you live in Hauppauge or the surrounding areas and have suffered a TBI, it is essential to separate fact from fiction to safeguard your health and legal rights.
Attorneys Michaelangelo Matera and Jonathan B. Manley bring decades of combined experience as former prosecutors and civil litigators in Suffolk and Nassau counties. Their local roots and trial expertise enable them to anticipate defense strategies and build strong claims tailored to each client’s unique injury.
Our firm is ready to thoroughly evaluate your case, guide you through the legal process, and fight for full compensation. Schedule a free consultation today to take the first step toward securing your future.
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