Union City Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can change your life in an instant. Whether it results from a car accident on the highway or a fall at a construction site, the consequences can be devastating—physically, emotionally, and financially. Victims often face long-term medical treatment, cognitive impairments, and disruptions to their ability to work and care for themselves or their families.

At Shea & Shea, we understand the gravity of these cases. With decades of experience handling catastrophic injury claims, our Union City brain injury law firm is a trusted resource for individuals in the region who have suffered a TBI due to someone else’s negligence. We know that no two cases are the same, and our severe head injury lawyers take the time to understand your specific needs, medical prognosis, and long-term goals.

TBI cases are among the most complex personal injury matters. They often involve advanced medical evaluations, expert testimony, and long-term life care planning. Insurance companies may try to minimize or dismiss the seriousness of a brain injury—especially in cases of so-called “mild” concussions—but our Union City head injury lawyers know how to present the full scope of damages to secure the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in Union City, CA, you need a legal advocate who understands the stakes. Contact a Union City traumatic brain injury lawyer at Shea & Shea today for a free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and support you need to move forward.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden jolt, blow, or penetrating injury to the head disrupts the brain’s normal function. While most TBIs (>75%) are classified as mild, such as concussions, even these can lead to serious complications if not properly diagnosed and treated.¹ More severe injuries can result in permanent disabilities, profound cognitive deficits, and an altered overall quality of life.

Shea & Shea’s TBI compensation attorneys regularly work with cases involving various types of brain injuries, including:

• Concussions: Often caused by a blow or sudden jolt, concussions can result in headaches, dizziness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Repeated concussions may lead to long-term neurological issues.
• Contusions: A bruise on the brain, often caused by a blow to the head. Contusions can cause swelling and bleeding, potentially requiring surgery.
• Diffuse Axonal Injuries (DAI): These injuries occur when the brain rapidly shifts inside the skull, tearing nerve fibers. Common in high-speed collisions, DAIs are among the most severe forms of TBI.
• Penetrating Brain Injuries: Caused by an object breaking through the skull and damaging brain tissue, these injuries are often life-threatening and may result in irreversible impairments.

At Shea & Shea, your TBI lawyer in Union City will ensure your condition is thoroughly evaluated and supported by expert medical evidence as we build your personal injury case.

Symptoms and Long-Term Effects of a TBI

The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury vary according to the severity and location of the injury. While some individuals may recover quickly, others face life-altering complications that affect their physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being for years—or even for life.

Short-term symptoms of a TBI can include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Confusion or disorientation
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Trouble with concentration and memory

In more serious cases, symptoms may not appear immediately but can worsen over time. This is why seeking immediate medical evaluation is critical—even for what seems like a “mild” head injury.

Long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries may include:

• Memory loss and cognitive deficits: Difficulty retaining new information, poor decision-making, and reduced attention span can interfere with daily life and job performance.
• Speech and communication challenges: Many TBI victims struggle with forming coherent thoughts or articulating words, which may require intensive speech therapy.
• Chronic pain and headaches: Persistent migraines or head pain are common following TBIs and may be resistant to conventional treatment.
• Emotional and psychological issues: Depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after a brain injury.
• Loss of motor skills: Some injuries lead to partial or full paralysis, tremors, or difficulty with coordination and movement.
• Seizures or increased risk of neurological disorders: TBIs can trigger epilepsy or heighten the risk of degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
• Shorter lifespan: The life expectancy of persons who experience a moderate to severe TBI is 9 years shorter than normal.²

In the most severe cases, TBIs result in permanent disability, necessitating around-the-clock care and lifelong medical support.

At Shea & Shea, your Union City brain injury attorney will work closely with medical professionals to document every symptom and project your future care needs. We understand the profound impact a brain injury can have—not just on the victim, but on their entire family—and we fight to secure compensation that reflects the true extent of that impact.

Common Causes of Brain Injuries in Union City

Traumatic brain injuries can occur in a variety of everyday situations, often without warning. Union City, CA is no exception to this rule. In this area, there are multiple risk factors and environments that can contribute to an accident resulting in serious head trauma.

Auto Accidents

Union City’s location along I-880, Mission Boulevard, and Decoto Road makes it a frequent site of car, truck, and motorcycle accidents. High-speed collisions, rear-end impacts, and rollovers are common, and the force involved can cause the brain to jolt violently within the skull—leading to concussions, contusions, or more severe injuries like diffuse axonal trauma.

An experienced car accident-related brain injury lawyer in Union City can help victims recover compensation for their medical costs, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation needs. Shea & Shea regularly represents clients injured in local motor vehicle accidents.

Workplace Accidents

In industries such as construction, transportation, and manufacturing—common across Alameda County—workers are frequently exposed to hazardous conditions. Falls from scaffolding, being struck by falling objects, or collisions with heavy equipment can result in life-threatening head trauma.

When these incidents occur on the job, victims may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party personal injury lawsuit if another party was responsible. A workplace brain injury attorney at Shea & Shea can help you determine the best course of action.

Slip and Fall Incidents

Property owners in Union City are legally obligated to maintain a safe environment under California’s premises liability law, codified in California Civil Code § 1714(a), which holds individuals responsible for injuries caused by their failure to exercise “ordinary care” in the management of their property. When businesses or municipalities fail to fix broken handrails, clean up spills, or address uneven walkways, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries.

Slip and fall accidents are especially dangerous for the elderly, but anyone can sustain a serious TBI from hitting their head on a hard surface. Shea & Shea’s Union CIty personal injury lawyers for severe brain trauma understand how to investigate and prove these cases.

Sports and Recreational Injuries

From youth football to adult cycling and skateboarding, recreational activities are another common source of TBIs. Inadequate safety measures or faulty equipment can make organizers, coaches, or equipment manufacturers legally responsible.

Whether you were injured in a park or recreational facility, a sports-related brain injury lawyer from Shea & Shea can evaluate your options.

At Shea & Shea, our Union City traumatic brain injury lawyers are prepared to investigate the full scope of your case, no matter the cause, and seek the compensation you need to heal and move forward.

Why You Need the Best Brain Injury Lawyer in Union City

Suffering a brain injury can be overwhelming—not only physically and emotionally, but financially and legally. The road to recovery often includes long hospital stays, rehabilitation, and months (or years) away from work.

Insurance companies may seem helpful at first, but their primary goal is to minimize payouts—not provide what you truly need to recover. That’s one reason why it’s important to have a seasoned traumatic brain injury attorney in Union City on your side from the beginning.

Insurance Companies Don’t Play Fair

After a serious accident, insurers often try to downplay the severity of your injury or claim it was a pre-existing condition. In TBI cases, where symptoms like memory loss or mood disorders may not be visible on an MRI, this tactic is especially common. Without a brain injury lawyer in Union City advocating for you, your claim may be drastically undervalued—or even denied altogether.

At Shea & Shea, we don’t let that happen. Our concussion injury attorneys in Union City work closely with neurologists, neuropsychologists, and life-care planners to fully document your injury and its long-term impact. Then we use that evidence to demand full and fair compensation.

The Financial Burden Is Enormous

The lifetime cost of care for a single TBI victim can be substantial. According to one estimate, the average per-person lifetime cost for a case of moderate TBI is $80,800, while expenses for severe brain injury can exceed $4 million.³ Victims of TBI often must bear a variety of financial burdens, including:

• Ongoing physical, occupational, or cognitive therapy
• Prescription medications
• In-home care or assisted living
• Specialized equipment or home modifications
• Loss of future income due to diminished earning capacity

Shea & Shea’s Union City TBI attorneys are experienced in securing compensation that reflects both current and future needs. We won’t settle for short-term fixes when your long-term health and financial security are at stake.

Proving Liability Is Complex

TBI claims often involve medical evidence, multiple parties, and conflicting accounts of what happened. Whether you were injured in a car crash, on a job site, or in a public space, proving fault requires a deep understanding of California personal injury law—and access to expert resources.

As a Union City, CA traumatic brain injury law firm with decades of experience, Shea & Shea brings the legal insight and litigation skill necessary to stand up to large insurers and corporations. Contact us for brain injury legal help in Union City.

We Fight for Maximum Compensation

Shea & Shea’s brain trauma lawyers in Union City pursue every avenue of recovery, including:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages (in cases of severe negligence)

When you work with a trusted Union City brain injury attorney at Shea & Shea, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re gaining a legal advocate committed to helping you rebuild your life.

Proving Liability in a Brain Injury Case

One of the most critical components of any successful traumatic brain injury claim is establishing legal liability. In California, personal injury claims are governed by negligence law, meaning the injured party must show that another person or entity failed to act with reasonable care and that this failure caused the injury.

For victims, this often means proving fault in car accidents, workplace incidents, slip and falls, or another traumatic event. This is another area where a qualified concussion injury attorney in Union City can provide indispensable assistance.

At Shea & Shea, our Union City head injury lawyers have the experience and resources needed to build strong cases from the ground up.

The Four Key Elements of a Brain Injury Claim

To recover compensation, your traumatic brain injury attorney in Union City must prove these four essential elements:

1. Duty of Care – The defendant had a legal responsibility to act with reasonable caution. For example, a driver must follow traffic laws, and a business must maintain safe premises for visitors.
2. Breach of Duty – The defendant failed to uphold their duty. This could mean texting while driving, failing to fix a known hazard, or violating safety protocols in the workplace.
3. Causation – There must be a clear link between the defendant’s actions (or inaction) and the injury. Medical records, expert testimony, and accident reconstruction are often used to show this connection.
4. Damages – Finally, you must demonstrate that the injury resulted in measurable losses—such as medical bills, lost income, or diminished quality of life.

The Role of Evidence

Because TBIs can be complex and sometimes invisible to the naked eye, thorough documentation is vital. The legal team of severe head injury lawyers at Shea & Shea will gather:

• Medical records and neurological evaluations
• Accident reports and witness statements
• Expert opinions from neuropsychologists, neurologists, and life-care planners
• Surveillance footage or photos from the scene
• Employment and wage documentation to calculate income loss

Our legal advocates for brain injury victims also work with accident reconstruction specialists when necessary—especially in auto or workplace incidents where liability may be disputed.

California’s Comparative Negligence Rule

Under California law, even if you were partially at fault for your accident, you may still be eligible for compensation. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. This makes it all the more important to work with a brain injury lawsuit attorney who can minimize your exposure to blame and maximize your potential recovery.

At Shea & Shea, our TBI accident lawyers in Union City understand what it takes to hold negligent parties accountable—and we won’t stop until we’ve built the strongest case possible on your behalf.

Steps to Take After a Traumatic Brain Injury

In the aftermath of an accident that causes a traumatic brain injury, knowing what to do can make a major difference in your recovery and your ability to pursue compensation. TBIs aren’t always immediately obvious—symptoms can appear gradually, and delaying action could harm both your health and your legal rights. At Shea & Shea, our TBI lawyers in Union City recommend taking the following steps as soon as possible:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if you feel okay, it’s essential to get evaluated by a medical professional. Concussions, internal bleeding, and swelling in the brain can go unnoticed but may cause severe complications if left untreated. Your medical records will also serve as evidence for your brain injury claim.

2. Document the Incident

If you are able, gather as much information as possible at the scene:

• Take photographs of the location, vehicle damage, or hazards.
• Get names and contact information for witnesses.
• Write down what happened while the memory is still fresh.

This documentation will help your brain injury lawyer in Union City build a compelling case.

3. Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies may contact you quickly after the accident and ask you to provide a statement. Be aware that they often look for ways to minimize or deny your personal injury claim. Do not speak with them without first consulting a qualified traumatic brain injury attorney in Union City.

4. Contact a Brain Injury Claim Lawyer

The sooner you contact Shea & Shea, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights. Our legal team of catastrophic injury attorneys in Union City will handle the communication, gather evidence, and work to ensure you get the treatment and compensation you need.

If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI, reach out for a free consultation with a trusted Union City brain injury attorney at Shea & Shea. We have years of experience offering brain damage legal help in the region, and we’re here to help you take the right steps forward.

How Shea & Shea Can Help You

At Shea & Shea, our brain injury claim lawyers understand that a TBI doesn’t just impact the individual—it affects family members, careers, and futures. Our mission is to provide unwavering legal support to victims who are facing the overwhelming aftermath of a brain injury. With decades of experience and a focus on catastrophic injury litigation, we provide customized brain injury legal help in Union City for those going through this difficult ordeal.

Personalized Representation for Complex Injuries

Every TBI case is different. That’s why we take the time to understand not only the circumstances of your accident but also how your brain injury has changed your daily life. Our Union City head injury lawyers work closely with clients and their families to build a case strategy that reflects the full scope of your injuries and future needs.

From the initial consultation through resolution—whether by settlement or trial—you’ll receive personalized attention from our dedicated legal team of Union City TBI attorneys. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We’re here to fight for what you need.

Skilled Negotiation—and Trial Readiness

Many brain injury cases are resolved through negotiation. Our Union City personal injury lawyers are skilled in dealing with insurance adjusters and defense counsel who may try to diminish your claim. We push back hard against lowball offers and will never recommend a settlement unless it fully reflects your present and future needs.

If the opposing side refuses to offer fair compensation, the brain injury trial lawyers at Shea & Shea are always ready to take your case to trial. Our courtroom experience and track record of successful verdicts make our traumatic brain injury law firm a formidable force for clients.

Local Advocacy You Can Count On

As an experienced Union City brain injury law firm, we understand the local courts, medical providers, and legal landscape. Our reputation in the Bay Area is built on compassionate service and powerful advocacy.

Let our Union City brain injury settlement lawyers stand by your side—and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Call Shea & Shea for a Free Union City Brain Injury Consultation

A traumatic brain injury can turn your world upside down—physically, emotionally, and financially. When the stakes are this high, you need more than just a general personal injury attorney. You need a team with an understanding of complex brain injury claims. Shea & Shea is an experienced legal advocate for brain injury victims in this region.

Our Union City traumatic brain injury lawyers are committed to helping victims and their families recover the compensation they need to move forward. Whether you or your loved one suffered a concussion in a car accident or sustained a life-altering injury on the job, our team of TBI compensation attorneys will treat your case with the care and urgency it deserves.

From investigating the cause of your injury and working with top neurologists to negotiating with insurance companies and litigating in court—our traumatic brain injury law firm is here for you every step of the way. Our clients benefit not only from our legal knowledge but from our compassion, clear communication, and deep understanding of what brain injury victims truly face.

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in or near Union City, CA, don’t wait to get the help you need. Legal help for a brain injury is just a phone call away. Contact Shea & Shea today at (408) 292-2434 or fill out our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation with a brain trauma lawyer in Union City. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and guide you toward the best possible outcome.

Let a trusted Union City brain injury attorney fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.

FAQs

How much compensation can I get for a brain injury claim?

The value of a brain injury claim depends on the severity of the injury, the extent of medical treatment required, and how the injury affects your life long-term. Compensation often includes current and future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress. In severe cases, settlements may also cover in-home care or home modifications.

A brain injury lawsuit attorney from Shea & Shea can evaluate your case and fight for the full value of your damages.

How long do I have to file a TBI lawsuit in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit—including TBI claims—is generally two years from the date of injury. However, certain exceptions apply, such as cases involving government entities or delayed symptoms. To avoid missing deadlines, it’s crucial to speak with a traumatic brain injury attorney in Union City as soon as possible.

Do I need a brain injury claim lawyer for a mild concussion case?

Yes. Even a so-called “mild” concussion can result in long-term cognitive issues, memory problems, or mood disorders. Insurance companies may downplay the seriousness of a concussion, so having a TBI lawyer in Union City ensures your rights are protected and that your medical care needs are fully accounted for.

Will my case go to trial?

Most brain injury cases are resolved through settlement, but Shea & Shea always prepares each case as if it will go to trial. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your brain injury trial lawyer will be ready to present a compelling case in court.

How much does it cost to hire a severe head injury lawyer?

Our Union City brain injury law firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. Our fee comes only if we win your case. This ensures access to high-quality legal help for a brain injury without added financial stress.

For more answers, contact Shea & Shea to schedule your free Union City brain injury consultation today.

Sources

1. Cleveland Clinic. Traumatic Brain Injury.
2. CDC. Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury is a Lifelong Condition.
3. NETT. ProTECT Background Information.