Brain Injuries

San Francisco Brain Injury Attorney

Experienced Legal Advocacy for Brain Injury Victims in San Francisco

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can change your life in an instant. The physical, emotional, and financial toll of such an injury can feel overwhelming. Whether caused by a car accident, medical malpractice, or another act of negligence, the effects of a brain injury often require long-term treatment and can leave victims with permanent challenges. At Peterson Injury Law, we understand the profound impact a brain injury has on your life and are here to ensure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Backed by more than 30 years of experience, founding attorney Erik L. Peterson has successfully represented countless brain injury victims, securing multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements. Our compassionate and aggressive legal team is dedicated to helping you rebuild your future.

Call (415) 630-2913 today or contact us online for a free consultation.

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force causes damage to the brain, often leading to long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments. TBIs can range in severity from mild concussions to severe injuries resulting in permanent disability or even death.

Types of Brain Injuries:

Mild TBI (Concussion): Often caused by a blow to the head, concussions may result in headaches, dizziness, and temporary memory issues.
Moderate TBI: Characterized by loss of consciousness lasting up to six hours, moderate TBIs often require extensive treatment.
Severe TBI: Caused by significant trauma, severe TBIs involve loss of consciousness for more than six hours and can result in permanent brain damage.

While the symptoms of a mild TBI may resolve over time, moderate to severe cases often require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy. These challenges can lead to significant financial and emotional strain.

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries often result from accidents or incidents that could have been prevented. At Peterson Injury Law, we handle cases where another party’s negligence contributed to the injury.

Common Causes of TBIs:

Motor Vehicle Accidents: High-impact collisions involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, or bicycles are a leading cause of brain injuries.
Slip and Fall Accidents: Unsafe property conditions, such as wet floors or broken staircases, can lead to traumatic brain injuries.
Medical Malpractice: Mistakes during surgery, misdiagnosis, or delayed treatment can cause or worsen brain injuries.
Workplace Accidents: Falls from heights, heavy machinery accidents, or other unsafe conditions often result in TBIs.
Violence or Assault: Blunt force trauma from an assault can lead to severe brain damage.

If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to someone else’s negligence, Peterson Injury Law is here to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Symptoms and Long-Term Impact of Brain Injuries

The effects of a brain injury can vary depending on severity but often extend far beyond the initial trauma. Many victims experience symptoms that affect their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social lives.

It is also common for symptoms to evolve over weeks and months, which can make it difficult for families to connect new challenges to the original injury. People may try to return to work in San Francisco’s demanding job market only to find that fatigue, headaches, or difficulty concentrating make it impossible to meet expectations. When we evaluate these cases, we look carefully at how the injury changes daily functioning, relationships, and long-term plans so those losses are fully reflected in any legal claim.

Common Symptoms of a TBI:

Physical Symptoms: Persistent headaches, dizziness, fatigue, seizures, or loss of motor function.
Cognitive Symptoms: Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, confusion, and slower information processing.
Behavioral Changes: Anxiety, depression, mood swings, aggression, or loss of impulse control.
Sensory Symptoms: Blurred vision, hearing loss, sensitivity to light or sound, and impaired sense of taste or smell.

Severe brain injuries may lead to permanent disabilities, loss of independence, and a significantly diminished quality of life. These consequences necessitate a legal team experienced in valuing the full extent of your damages and advocating for maximum compensation.

Why Choose Our Brain Injury Attorneys In San Francisco?

Brain injury cases are complex, requiring a deep understanding of medical and legal issues to ensure the victim receives adequate compensation. Peterson Injury Law stands out for its proven track record, personalized client care, and commitment to delivering successful outcomes.

What Sets Us Apart:

Decades of Experience: Erik Peterson has over 30 years of experience handling high-stakes personal injury cases, including TBIs.
Proven Results: Our firm’s track record includes multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts, such as $21 million for a brain injury from a truck accident.
Comprehensive Strategy: We work with medical experts, neurologists, and life care planners to build a strong case that reflects the long-term impact of your injury.
Compassionate Advocacy: We understand how challenging this time is for you and your family and provide supportive, empathetic legal guidance.
Recognized Excellence: Erik Peterson is consistently honored by prestigious organizations, including Super Lawyers® and The Best Lawyers in America©.

When you work with Peterson Injury Law, you can trust that your case is in experienced and capable hands.

Compensation for Brain Injury Cases

A traumatic brain injury often results in extensive financial and emotional burdens. At Peterson Injury Law, our goal is to secure compensation that reflects the full scope of your losses, ensuring you have the resources to move forward.

What Can You Recover?

Medical Expenses: Covers hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and future treatments.
Lost Income: Compensation for wages lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity due to permanent disability.
Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
Assistive Care: Costs for home care, mobility aids, or therapy to regain independence.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Expenses for home modifications, such as ramps or stairlifts, to accommodate new physical needs.

We tailor our legal strategies to ensure you and your family receive the resources necessary for both immediate recovery and long-term stability.

How Peterson Injury Law Builds Your Case

Traumatic brain injury cases require meticulous investigation and preparation to establish liability and quantify damages. At Peterson Injury Law, we handle every aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on recovery.

Our Process:

Free Consultation: We evaluate the details of your case and explain your legal options.
Thorough Investigation: We gather evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and expert witness testimony.
Valuing Your Claim: We assess both economic and non-economic damages to ensure you receive fair and comprehensive compensation.
Negotiation: We engage insurers and opposing parties in pursuing a settlement that reflects your needs.
Trial-Readiness: If necessary, we are fully prepared to take your case to court to advocate for your rights.

Filing A Brain Injury Claim In San Francisco

After a serious brain injury, many families are unsure how the legal process works or where to begin. In California, most personal injury lawsuits arising from accidents in San Francisco are filed in the San Francisco County Superior Court, and cases involving medical malpractice follow additional procedural rules. Understanding which deadlines apply, what paperwork must be filed, and how evidence will be presented can help you decide whether to move forward and what kind of support you may need along the way.

For injuries caused by general negligence, California law typically gives you two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit, but shorter timelines may apply if a public entity is involved or if the case arises from medical malpractice. Claims against government agencies, such as those stemming from incidents on public transportation or in city-owned buildings, often require a government claim within six months. Medical malpractice matters generally involve pre-suit requirements and strict notice provisions. Because these rules can be confusing, we review the circumstances carefully and calendar all applicable deadlines from day one so your right to pursue recovery is preserved.

Once a brain injury claim is filed, the case moves through several stages, including discovery, where the parties exchange information, take depositions, and work with experts. Many matters in San Francisco are also sent to mediation or a settlement conference before trial, giving both sides a chance to explore resolution. Throughout this process, clear communication with your legal team is crucial so you know what to expect, when you may need to attend hearings at the courthouse on McAllister Street, and how to prepare for key milestones. Our goal is to guide you through each step in plain language so you can make informed choices about your case.

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Erik and his team were incredibly helpful.
“Erik and his team were incredibly helpful. They consistently helped me through the unfamiliar and uncertain legal processes, which were all new to me. I trusted Erik always had my best interests in mind and was fighting on my behalf. I deeply appreciate all they did for me and my family.”

- Peter M.
I truly appreciate everything they did for us.
“Erik and his paralegal, Kate, were incredible throughout our case. Erik is an amazing attorney, he was open with us from the very beginning, attentive, and always made sure we understood every step of the process. His honesty and professionalism gave us so”

- Joyce D.
We cannot recommend Erik and his team highly enough.
“Working with Erik Peterson was an exceptional experience during one of the most difficult times in our lives. As we faced shock and a maze of medical decisions, Erik seamlessly took on our medical malpractice case with professionalism, compassion, and deep expertise. From our very first conversation, it was clear that Erik had both the knowledge and the sensitivity to guide us through the process with integrity. Erik ultimately secured a settlement that protected our financial future and gave us peace of mind to focus our energy on healing and recovery. We are profoundly grateful for his guidance and advocacy, and we cannot recommend Erik and his team highly enough.”

- Jennifer B.
I am so very grateful to my lawyer, Erik
“I am so very grateful to my lawyer, Erik and his team for his unwavering support, dedication and commitment. Thank you for all your hard work leading us to a victorious outcome in court!”

- Quia K.
He was always truthful and honest but also caring.
“My wife and I are forever grateful to Erik and his team for putting the effort and care for our son and his needs. We chose Erik over another lawyer because they took the time to FaceTime with us and speak to us on a personal level which made us feel safe and heard. Throughout the process Erik was very communicative and detailed in explaining how all the legal things worked and how long things took. He was always truthful and honest but also caring. At the end Erik and his team were able to help us and now our son will have his needs met and a more comfortable life. Thank you.”

- Adrian B.
Erik, I'm incredibly grateful that [husband stroke victim] continues to improve - long after it was thought to be possible.
“He couldn't have managed independence to this extent, his current level of physical activity, or the complexity of his recent social interactions 6 months ago. None of it would have happened without ongoing therapeutic support - which has only been possible with the financial settlement.”

- Former Client
Thank you Erik for winning our case!
“Thank you Erik for winning our case! Erik and his team are superb. If you are in need of his attorney services, it is likely, like myself, that you are experiencing one of the most traumatic and painful times of your life. Of course you want an excellent lawyer - and he is it. The bonus: he is also a genuinely real and kind human being. I am so grateful to him and his team.”

- Margaret C.
Erik Peterson handled my case with care and compassion.
“His knowledge and attention to detail was stellar, making me feel secure during a difficult case. Unlike most people in life, he was always upfront with me and kept me updated every step of the way, which is truly not what I was expecting from a lawyer. Although it was determined my case could take several years, especially during a pandemic, due to his dedication it was over in only 2yrs and made the process as easy for me as possible. I would absolutely recommend this firm and use him again if I ever need to, although I hope I don't.”

- Kristy N.
This whole experience can be overwhelming but Erik kept me in the loop on everything.
“My husband passed due to medical malpractice and I didn't know what to do or who to call. All I knew was I needed to get him justice. I researched and found Erik Peterson on google and reviewed various reviews on various sites. He was very patient and fought for me and my late husband. Erik told me what to expect ahead of time so I could prepare myself mentally. All in all, I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who may need legal assistance in personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death. They are excellent and I can't say enough good things about them.”

- Kiki A.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If I Have A Valid Brain Injury Claim?

A valid brain injury claim generally requires proof that another person or entity acted unreasonably and that this conduct caused your injury and resulting losses. Medical records, accident reports, and witness statements often play an important role in evaluating whether those elements can be shown. A consultation with a lawyer can help you understand how the law may apply to your situation.

How Long Do Brain Injury Cases Usually Take?

The timeline for a brain injury case can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury, the number of parties involved, and how disputed the facts are. Some claims resolve through settlement within a year, while others that require extensive expert work or a trial may take several years. Along the way, there are predictable stages such as investigation, discovery, negotiations, and, if necessary, trial preparation.

Do I Have To Go To Court If I File A Brain Injury Claim?

Many brain injury claims are resolved through settlement without a trial, often after both sides have exchanged information and participated in mediation or settlement conferences. However, there is always a possibility that a case will go to court if the parties cannot agree on liability or the value of the claim. Understanding this possibility can help you prepare emotionally and practically for the process.

What Should I Bring To An Initial Consultation?

For an initial consultation, it is helpful to bring any medical records you have, discharge paperwork from the hospital, accident or incident reports, photographs, and information about your insurance coverage. Notes about your symptoms, time missed from work, and changes in daily life can also assist in giving a clearer picture of how the injury has affected you. These materials help a lawyer provide more specific feedback about your options.

Act Now to Protect Your Rights

California law imposes strict deadlines on filing personal injury claims. For brain injury cases, victims typically have two years from the date of the incident to take legal action. Acting promptly not only preserves your right to compensation but also allows us to gather crucial evidence before it’s lost.

WE'RE HERE FOR YOU

Contact Peterson Injury Law Today

Your path to recovery starts here. Trust Peterson Injury Law to guide you through this challenging time and fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to negligence, you deserve dedicated legal support to help you secure the future you need. At Peterson Injury Law, we fight tirelessly to make sure our clients receive fair compensation and justice for the harm they’ve endured.

Call us today at (415) 630-2913 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

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