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Brain Injury

Rely on Our 60 Years of Experience with Traumatic Brain Injury Cases in Washington State

Tacoma Brain Injury Lawyers

Tacoma’s Top Legal Authority for Those Seeking Justice from a Traumatic Brain Injury

The blink of an eye is enough time to experience a profound, catastrophic injury. And few injuries have such a profound power to change a life as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In some cases, head injuries can result from an unavoidable accident, such as an unexpected fall. But in other cases, TBI—or even wrongful death—can be a result of someone else’s negligence, such as with motor vehicle accidents or medical malpractice.

If you or your loved one is a traumatic brain injury victim, we offer you a path toward justice. Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC has been getting justice for the wrongfully injured for more than six decades. And we’re ready to go to work for you. Contact us for a free consultation.

 

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

TBI can occur when a person suffers a significant blow or jolt to the head or body; it can also occur when an object penetrates the skull and enters the brain tissue. TBI can be more mild, such as a concussion, or it can be a more serious injury with a wide range of potentially debilitating symptoms.

Basic Categories of TBI:

  • Closed brain injury. This kind of injury occurs when the skull remains unbroken; nothing penetrates the skull in this type of brain injury. The brain is shaken or impacted within the skull, leaving the brain tissue and blood vessels torn or bruised. This type of injury is common in auto accidents or motorcycle accidents, falls, or sports.
  • Penetrating brain injury. If the skull is broken or penetrated in this type of brain injury, it is called a penetrating brain injury. A bullet piercing the skull is an example of this kind of injury.

Basic Symptoms of TBI:

There are many symptoms of TBI, varying widely depending on the age of the injured, the type of injury, and its severity. While we can’t go into all the symptoms, you can read Mayo Clinic’s page on the topic here.

Some of the symptoms, ranging from mild to severe:

  • Physical symptoms
    • Headache
    • Problems with speech
    • Dizziness, loss of balance
    • Loss of consciousness
    • Convulsions or seizures
    • Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears
  • Sensory symptoms
    • Blurred vision
    • Ringing in the ears
    • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • Cognitive, behavioral, or mental symptoms
    • Memory or concentration problems
    • Mood changes
    • Feeling depressed or anxious
    • Profound confusion
    • Slurred speech
    • Coma, or other disorders of consciousness

Children may experience a different set of symptoms:

  • Change in eating or nursing habits
  • Unusual irritability
  • Sad or depressed mood
  • Drowsiness

According to the Mayo Clinic, you should see a doctor if you or your child has received a blow to the head that concerns you or has caused behavioral changes. You should seek emergency medical care if there are any signs or symptoms of traumatic brain injury following a recent blow or other traumatic injury to the head.

For decades and decades, we’ve been proving personal injury cases for our clients—from Olympia to Seattle—and we can do the same for you. If you or a loved one is seeking a traumatic brain injury lawyer, we urge you to contact us for a free case evaluation.

 

Common Causes of Brain Injuries

TBI, from mild to severe, can range from problematic and worrisome to tragic and life-altering. Whether a result of negligence or willful intent, some common causes of TBI are:

  • Falls. One of the most common causes of TBI, falls can happen anywhere—at work, at home, or in public.
  • Car accidents. Car accidents—from motorcycle collisions to truck accidents—are a very common cause of TBI. They can happen both on and off the job, and negligence is frequently a factor.
  • Pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians who are hit by moving vehicles account for a significant amount of personal injury claims.
  • Violence. Tragically, violence—such as gunshot wounds, domestic violence, and even shaken baby syndrome—contributes to the number of injury victims annually.
  • Sports injuries. Especially affecting young people, many TBIs are caused by sports-related injuries, such as football.

 

When to Involve a Personal Injury Lawyer

We recommend contacting a law firm—like RHHK—as soon as possible after a TBI. Personal injury law is complicated, and anyone suffering from a TBI will benefit from the guidance and advocacy of an experienced personal injury attorney.

Many TBI cases may involve a negligent party—whether another driver, an abusive family member, or a negligent employer. A qualified brain injury attorney can help you gather the evidence needed to prove your claim, provide expert counsel, and represent you—should your case go to trial.

 

Why You Deserve Compensation

If another person or entity is responsible for your TBI, you may be entitled to compensation for damages. As the top Tacoma personal injury lawyers, we fight relentlessly for the justice and compensation you deserve, so you can recover what was lost and live better.

Some reasons for compensation include, but are not limited to:

  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of earning potential
  • Lost income
  • Medical bills
  • Pain and suffering

RHHK is stalwartly dedicated to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. To receive a free consultation with one of our team of nine expert lawyers, contact us here.

 

How We Fight for You

We know that personal injury claims can be difficult to navigate, from contacting medical providers and insurance companies to filing a lawsuit. We’re here to handle that for you.

  • It starts with a free consultation. During our initial consultation, we’ll evaluate the strength of your case. We’ll explain the legal process and answer any questions you may have. If we believe you have a strong case, we’ll go to work right away.
  • We’ll gather the evidence. In this stage of the process, we investigate the evidence to support and bolster your claim. We’ll analyze medical records, collect witness statements, and more, so that we can strengthen your claim and give you more than a fighting chance.
  • We’ll negotiate a settlement. Often, a settlement is preferable for all parties. If possible, we’ll keep your claim out of court. Doing so is often in our client’s favor, as the negligent party may wish to avoid any bad publicity or press.
  • We’ll file a lawsuit, if necessary. While we’re skilled negotiators, some cases don’t resolve out of court. As the most respected Tacoma brain injury lawyers, we’re able to represent you both in and out of the courtroom with equal aplomb—and we have the results to back it up.

 

What Makes Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC Different?

We rely on our expertise and experience, hailing from a tradition of six decades of excellence. What makes us effective isn’t just our understanding of the law—any law graduate can explain the letter of the law. We’re effective because we understand the spirit of the law. We’re compassionate, we’re seasoned, and we’re expert storytellers.

But what sets us apart—what truly makes us different—is our unfaltering dedication to your story. Your voice will be heard, not quieted. You will be championed, not ignored. And justice will be delivered, not forgotten.

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At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC we have the skill and experience to take on a wide range of personal injury cases throughout Washington state. From motor vehicle accidents to workplace injuries – our reputation and success rates keep opposing counsel on edge.

Results
Our Results

The Proof

See All Case Results

Winning is when clients get the closure and compensation they deserve. We haven’t settled for less in the last sixty plus years. And we won’t for the next sixty.

$1.05 M
Client was involved in a high speed collision on Interstate 5 when a driver of a Box Truck fell asleep and crossed over several lanes pushing her vehicle over an embankment. Client sustained traumatic brain bleed, fractured shoulder, hip and knees requiring over three months of intensive care and hospital admission
$525,000
Client was involved in a rear end car accident on the freeway. He sustained a traumatic brain injury that significantly interfered with his ability to be employed.
$300,000
Client was visiting homeowners when homeowners allowed a minor to drive an ATV that collided into the plaintiff while on homeowner’s land without properly supervising said guest. Client sustained traumatic brain injury, left clavicle fracture, left rib fractures, left mandibular fracture and left urethral injury.
$250,000
Client was a pedestrian who crossed at an unmarked crosswalk and was hit by a motorist. We pursued a claim against the City of Tacoma for negligent roadway design. Client sustained traumatic brain injury.
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

We have answers to some of the most common Washington personal injury questions. These are resources for injury victims.

I had a concussion from a car accident in which I was not at fault. Can I sue?

How long do I have to file a claim for my TBI?

How much compensation can I expect to win?

Do I really need an attorney if an insurance company is taking care of my injuries?

Impact
Our Impact

3,000+
Success Stories

The change you want to see happens when your story goes beyond the courtroom and makes an impact after the case is closed.

  • Our experience with Dan Kyler and Vern Harkins was excellent from the beginning and we were very satisfied with the end results.
  • Dan Kyler and Mike Fisher were professional and dedicated throughout the entire process. I would recommend this law firm to anyone.
  • Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions.
  • Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case.
  • Michael was outstanding. He was always professional, prepared, available for questions, and on top of my case. I highly recommend him and will always consider him to be my first choice for legal matters I need resolved.
  • Mr. Fisher has helped me in the past and is very trustworthy and sincere. I would recommend Michael and of course anyone else at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler.
  • My father was sick and dying, I needed assistance and I need it fast. With a single call to Mr. Fisher’s office, I was warmly welcomed, swiftly assisted and free of the concerns... I am forever grateful to Mr. Fisher for his exquisite services in my time of need.
  • The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal.
  • I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon the Tacoma auto accident attorneys at RHHK to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels.
  • Mr. Fisher has helped me in the past and is very trustworthy and sincere. I would recommend Michael and of course anyone else at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler.
  • Our experience with Dan Kyler and Vern Harkins was excellent from the beginning and we were very satisfied with the end results.
  • The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal.
  • Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • Michael was outstanding. He was always professional, prepared, available for questions, and on top of my case. I highly recommend him and will always consider him to be my first choice for legal matters I need resolved.
  • Mr. Fisher is an outstanding lawyer. He’s knowledgeable, responsive, and kept me informed at all times. I would definitely recommend him to anyone in need of a good attorney.
  • My father was sick and dying, I needed assistance and I need it fast. With a single call to Mr. Fisher’s office, I was warmly welcomed, swiftly assisted and free of the concerns... I am forever grateful to Mr. Fisher for his exquisite services in my time of need.
  • Mike Fisher is an example of a quality attorney who sets high standards in servicing his clients in the highest regard as an attorney and he is part of a great firm.
  • Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions.
  • I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people.
  • Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free.
  • Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon the Tacoma auto accident attorneys at RHHK to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels.
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We will demand the justice you deserve with relentless pursuit. On your side, is a firm ready and able to win.