What to Do After a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A Legal and Medical Guide for Central Valley Residents
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most serious injuries a person can suffer—and often one of the most misunderstood. Whether caused by a car accident, bicycle crash, fall, or workplace incident, TBIs can have lasting effects on your health, finances, and ability to live a normal life.
If you or someone you love has experienced a TBI in Tulare County, Kings County, or anywhere in California’s Central Valley, it’s critical to take the right steps. At Nelson, Rozier & Christenson, we are committed to helping injured individuals and families in Visalia, Porterville, Hanford, and surrounding towns protect their legal rights and access the care they deserve.
This guide will help you understand what to do after a traumatic brain injury—medically, legally, and financially.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a traumatic brain injury is brain dysfunction caused by an outside force—usually a violent blow to the head. TBIs range from mild (such as a concussion) to severe, with symptoms that can include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory loss or confusion
- Headaches
- Mood swings or personality changes
- Difficulty speaking or understanding
- Seizures
- Vision or hearing problems
Immediate treatment and follow-up care are critical to minimizing long-term damage.
Immediate Steps to Take After a TBI
1. Seek Emergency Medical Attention
If there’s any chance you’ve suffered a TBI—whether from a car crash in Exeter or a fall in Tulare—call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. TBIs are often invisible to the eye, and symptoms can worsen quickly if left untreated.
2. Get a Thorough Diagnosis
Medical providers may order a CT scan or MRI to evaluate the injury. Some TBIs may require hospitalization, medication, or even surgery. Follow all medical advice and attend every follow-up appointment—especially if you live in rural areas like Terra Bella, Pixley, or Tipton, where specialty care may require travel.
3. Monitor Symptoms and Recovery
Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, emotional changes, pain levels, and treatment. Family members in towns like Lindsay, Woodlake, or Strathmore may notice changes before the patient does. This documentation can be crucial for both medical and legal reasons.
Protecting Your Legal Rights After a TBI
If your injury occurred due to someone else’s negligence—such as a reckless driver, unsafe premises, or a work-related accident—you may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and long-term disability.
The attorneys at Nelson, Rozier & Christenson have extensive experience representing traumatic brain injury victims throughout California’s Central Valley, including Kings County towns like Lemoore, Armona, Laton, Stratford, and Corcoran.
Here’s what to do:
4. Preserve All Evidence
- Save medical records and bills
- Photograph the accident scene if applicable
- Keep a journal of emotional and physical changes
- Save correspondence with insurers
5. Don’t Speak to Insurance Companies Without Counsel
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Before making any recorded statements or signing documents, consult with an attorney—especially if you're located in areas like Reedley, Orosi, Ivanhoe, or Goshen where insurance reps may act quickly in rural jurisdictions.
6. Consult a Trusted Injury Attorney
A skilled personal injury attorney can:
- Determine fault
- Evaluate the full extent of your damages
- Connect you with neurological or cognitive specialists
- Negotiate with insurers or represent you in court
At Nelson, Rozier & Christenson, we provide complimentary consultations and work on a contingency-fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win or settle your case. Our team proudly serves clients in communities across the San Joaquin Valley, from Selma and Fowler to Riverdale, Caruthers, Connell, and Raisin City.
Why Early Legal Help Matters in Central California
Living in rural or agricultural towns like Farmersville, Sunland, or Poplar may limit access to medical specialists, rehabilitation therapists, or legal counsel. We understand the challenges of recovering from a TBI in these communities and are here to help.
Whether your injury occurred on a rural road near Lucerne, in a workplace in Kingsburg, or in a vehicle accident in Dinuba, our attorneys will fight to ensure your needs are fully addressed—both today and for the long term.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you or someone you love is dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury in Tulare County, Kings County, or anywhere in California’s Central Valley, Nelson, Rozier & Christenson Attorneys at Law are here for you.
We’ll evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you secure the care and compensation you deserve.
📞 Call us today at (559) 713-0159 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation. Let our experienced legal team guide your recovery—so you can focus on healing.