Are you looking for legal guidance because your teen suffered a life-altering head injury in the Houston area? You are in the right place. Stephen Goldenzweig understands the profound challenges that come with adolescent brain injuries and is here to help your family secure the support you need.

Is Your Houston Teen Suffering a Brain Injury? We’re Here to Help.

Having a teenager diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can feel overwhelming. Parents often worry about their child’s immediate health, future prospects, and the financial strain of treatment. The Houston adolescent brain injury attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group know that families in this situation need both compassion and targeted legal strategies.

If your child’s brain injury resulted from someone else’s negligence, Stephen Goldenzweig can work to ease your burdens. From dealing with insurance adjusters to navigating legal filings, he will focus on securing the compensation your teen needs for medical bills, therapy, and long-term care. You do not have to fight alone—our team is ready to protect your child’s rights.

“Amazing consultation and a very good explanation about my case. I highly recommend this law firm.” – Jordan Gal

What Challenges Do Adolescents Face After a Brain Injury (and How Is It Different From Adults)?

A brain injury can derail any life, but it is particularly devastating when the victim is a teenager. During adolescence, the brain is still developing crucial cognitive and emotional pathways. Injuries at this stage may impact not just current functioning but also future growth.

Teens might experience a range of difficulties, such as disrupted schooling, memory issues, or intensified emotional changes. Because symptoms like headaches or concentration problems can be subtle, parents sometimes don’t realize how serious the injury is until weeks after the incident. These unique medical challenges underscore why legal claims for adolescent TBIs often require specialized attention. An experienced Houston teen brain injury lawyer at Goldenzweig Law Group will make sure no aspect of your child’s future is overlooked when pursuing compensation.

How Can a Houston Adolescent Brain Injury Lawyer Help My Family?

You might wonder how hiring a lawyer benefits you when your priority is your teen’s recovery. Stephen Goldenzweig aims to relieve you of the legal pressures so you can focus on your child’s healing. Here’s what our Bellaire-based attorneys can do for your family:

  • Investigate and Gather Evidence: We interview witnesses, secure accident reports, and collaborate with experts to pinpoint liability. Clear, detailed evidence is key to proving fault and building a strong claim.
  • Handle Insurance Companies: Insurers often minimize TBI cases. Our legal team negotiates rigorously on your behalf, working to counter low settlement offers and ensure you receive fair compensation for your teen’s medical bills and future needs.
  • Consult With Medical Experts: We partner with pediatric neurologists, rehabilitation specialists, and life care planners to understand the full scope of your child’s injuries. Their expert insights help us pursue compensation that accounts for future treatments, therapies, and assistive devices.
  • Manage All Legal Filings: Our attorneys take care of the procedural work, from drafting motions to submitting court documents. We watch the clock on crucial deadlines so you don’t miss any chance of recovery.
  • Offer Compassionate Support: We recognize this is a stressful, emotional time for you. Our firm keeps you informed at every step and answers your questions promptly, aiming to reduce uncertainty and give you space to care for your child.

What Are Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Houston Teens?

Traumatic brain injuries can occur in a variety of ways. Accidents can happen at home, on Houston’s busy roads, at school, or on local sports fields. Although no two incidents are identical, the Houston adolescent brain injury attorneys at Goldenzweig often see cases stemming from:

  • Car Accidents: Teen drivers and passengers may be involved in collisions on major highways like I-610 or in local neighborhoods. Even minor fender-benders can lead to serious head trauma.
  • Truck and Bus Accidents: A teen might sustain a head injury as a passenger on a school bus or when an 18-wheeler collides with their vehicle.
  • Bicycle and Pedestrian Incidents: Teens walking or biking to school can suffer severe concussions if a negligent driver fails to yield.
  • Sports Injuries: Football, soccer, and other contact sports pose a higher risk of concussions and repeated head trauma. Houston’s intense focus on youth athletics makes these cases especially prevalent.
  • Slip and Fall Accidents: Falls in stores, schools, or local parks can cause catastrophic head injuries. Uneven flooring, poorly lit stairwells, or defective playground equipment often contribute to these falls.
  • Physical Assault or Fights: Sadly, bullying or violent assaults can lead to blunt force trauma. Even a single strike or push may cause lasting damage.
  • Recreational Mishaps: Boating or jet-ski crashes, ATV rollovers, or trampoline park injuries may result in a TBI. Teens who love adventure may be especially vulnerable if safety standards aren’t enforced.

No matter how your teen got hurt, the key is to identify negligence and hold the responsible party accountable. The Houston teen brain injury attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group are well-versed in these scenarios and will tailor a legal strategy to your case.

Can Brain Injuries Happen in Unusual Ways?

Absolutely. While vehicle accidents and sports are often cited, brain injuries can also result from less typical incidents:

  • Near-Drowning or Oxygen Deprivation: Pool accidents or other water-related events can deprive the brain of oxygen, leading to severe harm.
  • Toxic Exposure: Leaks or poisonings (like carbon monoxide) might damage a teen’s brain before anyone notices symptoms.
  • Medical Malpractice: Errors in anesthesia or improper care after a concussion can worsen an injury.
  • Electrocution: Contact with exposed wires or a power line can cause neurological damage.
  • Violent Crime or Abuse: Gunshot wounds, domestic violence, or other intentional harm may produce significant brain trauma.

If your teen’s case doesn’t fit a “common” scenario, do not assume you’re out of options. Stephen Goldenzweig has experience with complex legal issues and collaborates with a network of specialists to prove liability in even the most unusual claims.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Brain Injury in a Child or Teen?

Recognizing a brain injury in adolescents can be tricky. Teens may not always communicate their symptoms, or they might shrug off certain issues as “no big deal.” Keep an eye out for:

  • Loss of consciousness, even for a moment
  • Memory gaps about recent events
  • Ongoing headaches or pressure in the head
  • Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
  • Changes in balance or coordination
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Irritability, mood swings, or sudden personality changes
  • Difficulty focusing, slurred speech, or mental “fog”
  • Excessive drowsiness or trouble waking up
  • Seizures in more serious cases

If your child displays any combination of these after a collision, fall, or blow to the head, seek medical treatment right away. Quick action can prevent further damage and confirm the injury’s severity. Once you’ve addressed their immediate care, talk to Stephen Goldenzweig about your legal options if someone else’s negligence contributed to the incident.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of an Adolescent Brain Injury?

Teenagers can sometimes bounce back from mild TBIs with rest and rehabilitation, but more severe injuries may alter the course of a young person’s entire life. The Houston adolescent brain injury attorneys at Goldenzweig frequently see the following long-term challenges:

  • Cognitive Issues: Memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and slower information processing. These issues can interfere with academics or learning new skills.
  • Emotional or Behavioral Changes: Depression, anxiety, aggressive outbursts, or problems with impulse control may appear or intensify.
  • Physical Limitations: Chronic headaches, loss of coordination, and possible seizures could limit everyday activities.
  • Dependency on Care: A teen who suffers a major TBI might need ongoing support for basic tasks, special education services, or a supervised environment.
  • Reduced Earning Capacity: If your teen can’t develop certain job skills or needs extended rehabilitation, future income opportunities can be harmed.

While the idea of permanent harm is frightening, adolescent brains also have notable plasticity, meaning they can sometimes heal or rewire better than adult brains. Even so, a severe injury can create significant barriers. Legally, we factor in all potential long-term costs—like therapy, ongoing medical care, or lost future earnings—to ensure any settlement or verdict meets your child’s needs.

Who Can Be Held Liable for My Child’s Brain Injury (and What Compensation Can We Recover)?

If someone else’s negligent act, carelessness, or wrongful behavior caused your teen’s injury, you may have a right to seek financial recovery. Determining liability typically requires showing that someone had a duty of care and failed to meet it. Possible defendants can include:

  • Negligent drivers who caused a crash
  • Property owners who failed to address hazardous condition
  • Coaches or organizations that ignored proper safety rules
  • Product manufacturers if defective equipment contributed to the injury
  • Institutions or individuals responsible for a violent assault

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If your child is found less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages. However, the compensation might be reduced in proportion to your teen’s share of liability. Our firm gathers all available evidence to counter any unfair blame.

In terms of compensation, a claim may include:

  • Medical Bills: Hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation
  • Long-Term Care Expenses: Occupational therapy, psychological counseling, assistive devices
  • Future Earning Capacity: Accounting for the child’s lost opportunities to pursue certain jobs or fields
  • Pain and Suffering: Recognizing the physical pain and emotional strain associated with brain injuries
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the inability to participate in sports, hobbies, or activities once enjoyed

In some cases, punitive damages might apply if the at-fault party’s actions were egregious (like driving under the influence). The ultimate goal is to secure enough compensation so your family isn’t forced to cover the expenses caused by someone else’s negligence.

When Should I Contact a Lawyer and What Is the Time Limit to File a Claim in Texas?

It’s wise to consult a Houston adolescent brain injury attorney right away. Prompt legal representation increases the chances of capturing fresh evidence and witness statements before they fade. Early involvement also helps you better understand what to expect with insurance negotiations or a potential lawsuit.

In Texas, the standard statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years. But for minors, that deadline is paused until the child turns 18. Even though the clock technically extends, it’s risky to wait. Important details can be lost over time, and many legal processes—like insurance claims or filing notices with government entities—happen long before your teen turns 18.

Special rules can also apply if a government entity, such as a public school or city-run facility, is involved. These may require claim notices within months of the incident, not years. Getting an attorney’s guidance as soon as possible can ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines or financial support.

Why Choose the Goldenzweig Law Group to Represent Your Child’s Brain Injury Case?

Selecting the right lawyer can make a life-changing difference for a young TBI survivor. Stephen Goldenzweig brings the right blend of legal knowledge and heartfelt compassion to every case. Here is why families trust him:

  • Extensive Experience in Adolescent TBI Cases: Having represented numerous young clients with severe head injuries, he understands the unique dynamics of a developing brain and the special legal considerations for minors.
  • Personalized Attention: We are not a volume-based practice. You’ll communicate directly with Stephen Goldenzweig and benefit from his focused approach. Your child’s well-being remains our highest priority.
  • Empathy and Understanding: As a parent himself, Stephen treats every injured teen like he would his own child. Families often mention how supported they feel throughout the process.
  • Contingency Fee Basis: You pay nothing up front. We only collect a fee if we win compensation for your family. This structure levels the playing field and ensures that every family—regardless of resources—can access top legal help.

We believe our client-focused model is what sets us apart in the Houston area. When your child’s future is at stake, working with someone who deeply cares and knows how to advocate effectively can provide both relief and results.

FAQ

How do I file a lawsuit on behalf of my minor child in Texas?

Parents or guardians generally file a lawsuit as the “next friend” of the minor. If a settlement or verdict is reached, courts often require that funds be placed in a trust or structured account for the child’s benefit. An attorney will walk you through these steps to protect your teen’s interests.

Will my child have to testify in court?

In many cases, it’s possible to resolve the claim without putting a minor on the stand. If trial testimony is necessary, courts often take measures to reduce stress on children, such as allowing remote testimony or limiting exposure to the courtroom.

What if my teenager was partly at fault for the accident?

Under Texas’ modified comparative negligence rule, your child can still recover damages if they are under 51% at fault. However, the total amount of compensation is reduced by the percentage of your child’s share in causing the accident. Our team works to refute unfair blame from insurance companies.

What is a fair settlement for a child’s brain injury?

It depends on the severity of the injury, medical expenses, ongoing care needs, and the impact on future earning capacity. Settlements for severe TBIs can reach well into six or seven figures. Each case is unique, so it’s best to consult with the Goldenzweig Law Group who will evaluate every cost your family faces.

Can a settlement for a minor be used however we want?

Generally, courts oversee settlements for minors. Funds are often placed in a protected account, or “structured settlement,” to ensure the money goes toward the child’s medical care, education, and well-being. This arrangement safeguards the child’s financial future.

Where Can We Learn More or Get Help for Our Child’s Brain Injury in Houston?

If you have questions or want to discuss your teen’s brain injury, the Houston adolescent brain injury attorneys at Goldenzweig Law Group invite you to reach out for a free consultation. We understand the urgency and are ready to assist families anywhere in the Greater Houston region, including Bellaire, Sugar Land, and beyond.

Call (713) 561-5003 or visit our office at 6575 West Loop South, Suite 420, Bellaire, TX 77401. We can also arrange virtual or hospital visits if your child’s injuries make travel difficult. Our focus is on guiding you through this stressful time and helping secure the financial support necessary for your teen’s recovery. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your child’s healing.