San Diego Brain Injury Attorney

Suffering a brain injury is a life-altering event, accompanied by physical, emotional, and financial challenges. In such difficult times, having a knowledgeable and compassionate legal advocate by your side is essential.

As dedicated advocates, we understand the impact that a brain injury can have on every part of life. A brain injury may affect your ability to think, move, drive, work, and maintain the relationships and activities that give your life meaning. 

A lawsuit can help compensate for the losses you’ve experienced and provide access to medical and practical support. At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, our firm is committed to guiding you through the legal process with compassion and determination. 

‍Reach out to us online or by phone at (619) 236-9363 for a free, confidential consultation with a San Diego brain injury lawyer about your legal options.

“The team at Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire took the time to really get to know our family. Their compassion and commitment for justice made a big impact on us and on our outcome. I would highly recommend each and everyone on their team.” 

— Lynn Duncan, Client

Traumatic Brain Injury Statistics in San Diego and Nationwide

Brain injuries remain a major cause of disability in the United States. Each year, an estimated 1.7 to 3.8 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI). About 223,000 are hospitalized and 70,000 die from their injuries.

The impact of brain injuries is long-lasting. The CDC reports that more than half of people with moderate to severe brain injuries are unable to return to work two years later. A 2024 Journal of Neurotrauma study found that the lifetime cost of care can exceed $3 million per person.

Certain groups face the highest risk:

• Children under 4, from falls or unrecognized abuse.
• Teen athletes, especially in contact sports.
• Adults over 65, where falls can have devastating results.
• Construction and manual labor workers, who face risks from falls and heavy equipment.
• Drivers and passengers, particularly in high-speed collisions.
  

Men account for nearly 60% of all brain injury hospitalizations, and one in three people with a diagnosed TBI experience cognitive changes that alter daily life.

In San Diego County, falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, particularly among older adults. Local hospitals, including UC San Diego Health, report hundreds of admissions each year related to head trauma from falls, vehicle crashes, and sports injuries.

Types and Causes of Brain Injuries 

Brain injuries fall into two major categories: traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and acquired brain injuries (ABI).

Traumatic brain injuries are caused by external force, such as:

• Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents;
• Pedestrian, e-scooter, and bicycle crashes;
• Falls from heights or slip-and-fall accidents;
• Sports and recreational injuries;
• Worksite incidents, especially in construction; 
• Industrial accidents, like explosions, equipment malfunctions, or exposure to hazardous materials; 
• Defective products, such as faulty safety gear (like helmets); and
• Violence or assault.
  

Acquired brain injuries result from internal medical events rather than trauma, including:

• Stroke,
• Tumors,
• Infections,
• Oxygen deprivation (anoxia or hypoxia), and
• Medical malpractice, such as errors during childbirth, surgery or anesthesia.
  

Both TBI and ABI can lead to long-term disabilities, requiring medical care, rehabilitation, and legal support when negligence plays a role.

Brain Injury Symptoms Commonly Seen in San Diego Cases

Brain injuries can cause a wide range of problems, some immediate and others that develop over time. Common symptoms include:

• Headaches or dizziness;
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering;
• Mood swings, depression, or anxiety;
• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light;
• Sleep disruption or fatigue; and
• Seizures or loss of coordination.

These changes can interfere with work, relationships, and daily routines. In San Diego brain injury cases, identifying and tracking these symptoms is an important step toward both treatment and pursuing compensation.

Daily Challenges for Survivors and Their Families

A brain injury affects more than the person diagnosed. 

Families in San Diego frequently shoulder the financial, emotional, and logistical burdens that follow. Survivors may need ongoing therapy, adaptive equipment, or in-home care, while loved ones must adjust routines, take time away from work, and manage medical bills.

The emotional impact is equally significant. Families often describe frustration, stress, and grief as they watch their loved one struggle with memory loss, personality changes, or physical limitations. 

Our firm understands these challenges and works to secure compensation that reflects both immediate costs and long-term needs.

"Brain injuries change everything for a family. The person they knew and loved is still there, but different. These families deserve answers about what happened and the support they need to move forward."

— Vincent J. Bartolotta, Jr. | Founding Partner at Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire.

Compensation a San Diego Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Can Pursue

A San Diego brain injury attorney can assist you in securing various forms of compensation. They can help ensure that you receive the financial support you deserve for the losses from a serious or catastrophic injury. 

Some forms of compensation we can help you secure include funds for:

• Medical expenses: Compensation for past, present, and future medical treatment related to your traumatic brain injury. This may include hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, therapy, and medication costs.
  
• Lost wages and future earnings: Reimbursement for wages lost due to time taken off work during recovery. It may also cover compensation for any diminished earning capacity or inability to work in the future due to the brain injury.
  
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma experienced as a result of the traumatic brain injury.
  
• Disability and impairment: Financial compensation for any permanent disabilities, impairments, or disfigurements resulting from the brain injury. These may impact your quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.
  
• Wrongful death damages: If the traumatic brain injury results in the death of a loved one, compensation may be sought for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional toll of losing a family member.

The lifetime costs of a patient’s treatment for a traumatic brain injury are estimated to run from $85,000 to $3 million. This is just the medical cost and does not factor in losses like reduced earning capacity. 

There are also other losses like the opportunities missed due to your injury—pursuits like traveling, starting a business, or providing for a family. 

‍Contact Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire at (619) 236-9363 for a comprehensive assessment of your true losses, and how best to pursue fair compensation.

What Does a San Diego TBI Attorney Do for Your Case? 

Our San Diego brain injury lawyers work to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve after a serious injury.

Here are some of the steps we take on behalf of our clients:

• Investigation: We carefully review the incident that caused your injury, gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert opinions.
  
• Negotiation: We handle discussions with insurance companies and defense attorneys, seeking a fair settlement that reflects the true extent of your losses.
  
• Litigation: When a fair settlement is not possible, we are fully prepared to take your case to court and present your claim to a judge or jury.

Victims who hire a lawyer are more likely to recover full compensation. According to a Martindale-Nolo survey, people who had legal representation received nearly three times more than those who filed claims on their own.
Our own case results reflect this reality. In San Diego, our team has helped clients secure meaningful recoveries, including:

• $2.8 million verdict for a newborn who suffered brain damage after a delayed C-section at a military hospital.
  
• $2.6 million settlement when a La Jolla hospital ignored signs of fetal distress and discharged a patient without an emergency C-section.
  
• $3.1 million settlement for a physician who collapsed during a marathon when organizers failed to provide adequate water and electrolyte stations.
  
• $1.2 million settlement for a patient whose stroke was misdiagnosed in a San Diego ER, leading to permanent brain damage.

Emerging Treatments and Research for Brain Injuries

Advances in neuroscience and rehabilitation continue to improve outcomes for brain injury patients. Recent studies have highlighted the benefits of:

• Neuroplasticity-focused therapies: Programs that retrain the brain to form new pathways after injury.
  
• Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT): Used in some cases to increase oxygen supply to injured brain tissue.
  
• Stem cell research: Showing promise for regenerating damaged neural connections.
  
• Wearable technology and AI-driven therapy: Providing real-time feedback to support recovery in mobility and speech.
  

San Diego hospitals and research centers, including UC San Diego Health, participate in clinical trials exploring these and other treatments. While these approaches may not reverse all brain injuries, they offer hope for improved recovery and quality of life.

Why Choose Our Brain Injury Law Firm?

At Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire, we understand how deeply a brain injury can affect your health, your work, and your family. That’s why we provide both compassionate support and aggressive legal representation tailored to your needs.

With decades of experience handling complex brain injury cases in San Diego, our San Diego brain injury lawyers have the resources to investigate your case thoroughly, work with medical experts, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Call (619) 236-9363 today for a free case review with a San Diego traumatic brain injury attorney and take the first step toward recovery with a team that stands firmly on your side.

Proudly Representing San Diego Residents