Houston mild traumatic brain injury cases deserve careful legal attention. A mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) might not always look severe, but any blow or jolt to the head can have serious and lasting consequences. Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig has dedicated his practice at Goldenzweig to advocating for individuals coping with these hidden but life-altering injuries.
Many people underestimate the term “mild” when they hear about concussions or short-term loss of consciousness. Yet mild TBIs can lead to ongoing headaches, memory problems, mood changes, and more. This page provides essential information about your rights under Texas law, the steps to take after an mTBI, and how the Houston mild traumatic brain injury attorneys at Goldenzweig can help. For a free consultation, call (713) 561-5003 to discuss your case.
Understanding Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries
Mild traumatic brain injuries often occur due to sudden impact, violent shaking, or whiplash that causes the brain to move within the skull. The word “mild” refers to the initial clinical severity—often measured by a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13 to 15 or a brief period of unconsciousness. It does not mean there is no potential for life-changing symptoms.
Most mTBIs show no visible damage on standard scans, and 80% of brain injuries nationwide fall under this category. In Texas alone, over 144,000 people sustain some form of traumatic brain injury each year, and many are classified as mild. Symptoms can include persistent headaches, trouble concentrating, fatigue, irritability, depression, or dizziness. These issues sometimes develop days or weeks after an accident, leaving victims confused about whether they even need medical care. The Houston mild TBI attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group know that these injuries can disrupt jobs, family life, and overall well-being just as severely as more obvious brain trauma.
Legal Rights and Options
Texas law recognizes your right to seek compensation for mild traumatic brain injuries caused by another party’s negligence. The state follows a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which means you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. There can be narrow exceptions for minors or specific circumstances, but in most situations, waiting beyond two years can permanently bar your claim.
Comparative negligence rules also matter in Texas. If you are partly responsible for your injury—say, if you were not wearing a seatbelt in a car crash—your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, as long as you are no more than 50% at fault, you can still recover a portion of your damages. This system underscores why a detailed examination of the facts is so critical. Houston mild traumatic brain injury lawyer Stephen Goldenzweig examines every aspect of your case to reduce any unwarranted blame and to maximize compensation.
Building a Strong mTBI Case
Gathering solid proof is the key to any successful mild TBI claim. Medical documentation is often the cornerstone, because mTBIs do not always appear on initial scans, and the symptoms may fluctuate. It is crucial to keep copies of emergency room reports, follow-up examinations, and any specialists’ evaluations from neurologists or neuropsychologists. These help show the full extent of your injury and how it affects your daily life.
Witness statements, incident reports, and photographic or video evidence also support your claim. If your mTBI arose from a slip and fall, for example, documenting the hazard (like a wet floor without warnings) is essential. If the injury stemmed from a car accident on a busy Houston freeway, collecting evidence such as dashcam footage or traffic camera recordings strengthens the link between the crash and your concussion or whiplash. Additionally, the attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group often collaborate with medical experts who can testify about the subtle but significant impact of a mild traumatic brain injury. Working with these professionals helps present a clear picture of your experience to insurance companies or in court.
Compensation and Damages
Texas law allows injured victims to recover economic and non-economic damages if they prove another party’s negligence caused their mild traumatic brain injury. Economic damages often include costs like hospital bills, diagnostic tests, prescription medication, lost wages, rehabilitation expenses, or future therapy sessions. Because mTBI symptoms can linger and sometimes worsen, it is vital to project future medical expenses accurately.
Non-economic damages address pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. If you can no longer participate in favorite hobbies or struggle with everyday tasks due to memory lapses or constant headaches, these intangible losses deserve attention. In rare cases where a responsible party acted with gross negligence—such as driving under the influence—punitive damages may be awarded to punish and deter such conduct. Houston lawyer Stephen Goldenzweig works meticulously to identify every loss you have faced so no category of compensation is overlooked.
Choosing the Right Attorney
Selecting an experienced lawyer who specializes in mild TBI cases can be the difference between a minimal settlement and a full, fair recovery. Goldenzweig Law Group understands that even a concussion can result in considerable financial burdens, extended medical care, and personal upheaval. An attorney well-versed in TBI litigation knows how to address insurance adjusters who might downplay or dismiss your injury as insignificant.
Experience alone is not enough. It also matters that you feel respected, heard, and supported throughout the legal process. Attorney Stephen Goldenzweig believes in direct communication, personal attention, and relentless advocacy.
When you walk into 6575 West Loop South, Suite 420, Bellaire, TX 77401, you are treated as a person, not just a case file. By combining compassionate representation with an aggressive legal approach, the Goldenzweig Law Group strives to obtain the best possible outcome so you can focus on your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)?
A mild TBI typically involves a brief disruption of normal brain function, possibly from a direct blow or severe shaking. It might involve a short loss of consciousness or none at all, and symptoms can range from headaches to lingering cognitive difficulties.
How is an mTBI diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis often relies on physical exams, patient history, and imaging tests. Treatment usually includes rest, pain management, and cognitive therapy if needed. Because symptoms might emerge later, ongoing evaluations are important.
What are the long-term effects of an mTBI?
Some people recover quickly, while others experience memory issues, mood swings, or chronic headaches for months or years. Monitoring symptoms over time is essential, and additional medical interventions may be required if new problems arise.
How can an attorney assist with my mild TBI case?
An experienced lawyer investigates the accident, gathers evidence, works with medical experts, and negotiates with insurance companies. An experienced attorney streamlines this process and pursues full compensation on your behalf.
What compensation is available for mTBI victims?
Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. In some cases, punitive damages apply if extreme recklessness caused the injury.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Texas?
The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the injury date. Failing to file before that deadline can result in losing the right to seek compensation, so acting promptly is vital.
How do I prove negligence in an mTBI case?
You must show the liable party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries as a result. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records helps demonstrate fault and link your injuries to the accident.
What evidence is most important in mTBI claims?
Medical documentation is critical, especially for mild TBIs that are not obvious on scans. Expert testimonies, journal entries about your symptoms, and proof of any loss in earnings also strengthen your case.
Contact and Consultation
Taking legal action soon after sustaining a mild TBI is crucial. Prompt investigation helps preserve evidence, secure reliable witness statements, and ensure your case is filed within Texas’s two-year limit. Attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group believe that every client deserves personal attention and a tailored legal strategy.
If you or a loved one suspect a mild TBI, call (713) 561-5003 or visit 6575 West Loop South, Suite 420, Bellaire, TX 77401 for a free consultation. You will have the opportunity to discuss your accident, ask questions, and learn about the next steps without any obligation. Goldenzweig Law Group will stand by your side, working to secure the compensation you deserve and guiding you through each phase of recovery. You do not have to face the aftermath of a mild traumatic brain injury alone—professional, compassionate help is available right here in Houston.