Columbus GA Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
Are You in Need of a Proven Columbus Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer?
Suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be devastating. These injuries cause lifelong consequences. If your brain injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation to cover the cost of your medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost income, and other expenses. The Columbus personal injury lawyers at Butler Prather LLP, have been helping clients in Georgia for decades.
A traumatic brain injury can impact every aspect of daily living, from the ability to work to maintaining personal relationships. Insurance companies may try to minimize the long-term costs of these injuries to save money. That’s why you’ll want to find a law firm with a track record of success in high-stakes, catastrophic injury cases.
At Butler Prather LLP, we take on powerful corporations, insurers, and other defendants; and we know how to win. With decades of trial experience and several hundred-million dollar verdicts under our belt, we have the proven ability to pursue the full value of your injury claim.
Why Choose Us Over Other Brain Injury Lawyers in Columbus GA?
At Butler Prather LLP, we have the resources, determination, and trial-tested experience to see your case through to the end.
- Over 35 years of experience handling catastrophic injury cases
- Ten verdicts over $100 million for injured clients
- Recognized by Super Lawyers every year since 2019
- Featured in the Atlanta Bar Association’s Legends of the Bar Series
- Proven success in courts across 30+ states nationwide
Call for a Free Consultation Today
If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury, you don’t have to face it alone. Our attorneys are here to listen to your story, evaluate your claim, and fight for the justice you deserve.
Call (706) 322-1990 to learn more today.
Do You Have a TBI Claim? Legal Criteria and Case Evaluation
To pursue compensation for a traumatic brain injury in Georgia, certain legal criteria must be met:- Duty of Care: The defendant owed you a duty of care. For example, drivers must follow traffic laws; employers must provide a safe working environment.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant acted negligently or recklessly, breaching that duty.
- Causation: Their negligence directly caused your brain injury.
- Damages: You suffered measurable losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden external force, such as a blow, jolt, or penetrating object, disrupts the brain’s normal function. These injuries are often caused by car crashes, falls, workplace accidents, or assaults. Regardless of the cause, TBIs can have life-altering consequences.
Damage from a TBI may be localized to one area or spread across multiple regions of the brain, affecting a person’s physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning. Common symptoms include chronic headaches, dizziness, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, impaired judgment, personality changes, mood swings, depression, seizures, speech problems, and reduced motor coordination.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traumatic brain injuries are a major cause of death and long-term disability in the United States. Each year, millions of Americans suffer TBIs, and many are left with impairments that require ongoing medical attention, physical therapy, and personal care.
For accident victims, a TBI doesn’t just affect their health; it can reshape every aspect of their daily lives, from employment and relationships to their ability to live independently. When another party’s negligence caused the injury, holding them accountable may be the only way to secure the resources needed to manage the long-term impacts.
Call Butler Prather LLP Today
If you suspect your brain injury was caused by another person’s negligence, don’t wait! We are ready to help you fight for justice.
Call (706) 322-1990 for a free case evaluation.
Types of Compensation Available in Brain Injury Lawsuits
Victims of traumatic brain injuries may be eligible for several types of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future care needs.
- Lost Wages: Income lost due to inability to work, plus loss of future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional pain caused by the injury.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in activities once enjoyed.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or reckless conduct.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Columbus, Georgia
Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are one of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These collisions can involve passenger cars, commercial trucks, motorcycles, or other vehicles and often occur at high speeds, increasing the potential for serious head trauma. TBIs may result from striking the dashboard, window, steering wheel, or pavement, or from rapid acceleration and deceleration, which can cause the brain to shift inside the skull.
Motorcyclists face even greater risk due to minimal physical protection. Even when helmets are worn, riders thrown from their bikes may suffer significant brain injuries upon impact with the ground or other vehicles. Large commercial trucks, with their massive size and weight, can also cause devastating multi-vehicle crashes, often leading to catastrophic injuries for those in smaller vehicles.
Falls
Falls are a leading cause of brain injuries, particularly among older adults and people working in construction or other high-risk environments. These incidents can include slip-and-fall accidents on wet or uneven surfaces, falls down stairs, or falls from ladders, rooftops, or scaffolding.
When a person’s head strikes a hard surface such as concrete, tile, or metal, it can result in a concussion, skull fracture, or more serious brain trauma. Property owners and employers have a duty to maintain safe environments, and when they fail to do so, injured individuals may have grounds to pursue legal action.
Workplace Injuries
Work environments, especially construction sites, manufacturing facilities, and warehouses, can be inherently dangerous without proper safety measures in place. Workers may be struck by falling tools, debris, or building materials; become trapped in heavy machinery; or fall from scaffolding or ladders. These types of accidents frequently lead to TBIs.
Employers are required to follow strict safety regulations to protect employees, and when those standards are ignored or violated, the consequences can be life-altering. Third-party claims may be pursued if someone other than your employer committed an act of negligence contributed to the injury. This could include property owners, equipment vendors, subcontractors, or drivers.
Assault
Brain injuries can also result from intentional acts of violence, such as being punched, kicked, or struck with an object. These injuries may occur in domestic violence situations, bar fights, robberies, or other assaults. Survivors of violence do not require criminal prosecution in order to seek compensation through a civil lawsuit.
Symptoms and Long-Term Impact of a Brain Injury
Physical Effects
- Headaches, dizziness, or seizures
- Loss of coordination or balance
- Vision or hearing problems
- Sensitivity to light or sound
Cognitive Effects
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble processing information
- Impaired decision-making skills
Emotional Effects
- Depression and anxiety
- Mood swings
- Irritability or aggression
- Personality changes
When to Seek Immediate Medical and Legal Help
After any head injury, immediate medical evaluation is critical. Symptoms of a TBI may not appear right away but can worsen over time. Seeking treatment quickly not only protects your health but also provides vital documentation for your legal claim.
Once you receive medical care, contacting a qualified Columbus traumatic brain injury lawyer should be your next step. Evidence fades, witnesses’ memories fade, and deadlines approach quickly.
Don’t Wait! Georgia Statute of Limitations for Brain Injuries
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the injury. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Our legal team at Butler Prather LLP is prepared to begin investigating your case immediately.
What Clients Are Saying About Us
“A truly compassionate team” -Daniel Merck (5-Star Google Review)
From start to finish, my experience with [Butler Prather LLP] has been nothing short of exceptional. The staff is truly amazing—every individual I encountered was professional, courteous, and incredibly hard working. It's rare to find a team so dedicated to not only achieving the best possible outcomes but also making their clients feel genuinely supported throughout the entire process.
What stood out most to me was their unwavering professionalism. Every detail was handled with care, and communication was always timely and clear. It gave me peace of mind knowing that I had such a knowledgeable and responsive team in my corner.
More than just their legal expertise, it was the people that made the experience so memorable. They listened, showed empathy, and went above and beyond to ensure I felt confident and informed at every step.
If you’re looking for a law firm that combines skill, professionalism, and a truly compassionate team, look no further. I highly recommend them without hesitation.
“I highly recommend this firm” -Joe Jones (5-Star Google Review)
Butler Prather LLP made our experience so easy after a car accident. They have handled obtaining all records needed for our case, and they have kept us updated on where we are. I highly recommend this firm in your time of need. They truly care about their clients.
Case Study
Commercial Vehicle Accident
Kayla Kummala and Madison Fortier v. Downey Trees, Inc. and Jeremy Ryan Stephens. On July 14, 2015, Ms. Kummala was the driver, and Ms. Fortier was the backseat passenger of a car stopped at a red light in Forsyth County. A Downey Trees employee, driving a Downey Trees truck, failed to stop at the red light and hit the back of Ms. Kummala’s car, going 67 miles per hour. Ms. Kummala suffered a serious brain injury and spent four days in the intensive care unit. Ms. Fortier was also knocked unconscious and suffered severe physical injuries including the partial amputation of her thumb and multiple facial fractures. Ms. Fortier underwent three surgeries and spent two weeks in Grady Hospital. The striking driver had an extensive bad driving record and was hired in violation of Downey Trees’ company policies. The case settled just prior to trial, with Ms. Kummala and Ms. Fortier recovering the remaining policy limits of Downey Trees’ primary and umbrella insurance policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a traumatic brain injury?
Any disruption in brain function caused by an external force, ranging from concussions to severe brain damage.
How do I know if I have a legal claim?
If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongful act, you may be entitled to pursue a claim. The best way to find out for sure is by contacting our office at (706) 322-1990.
What if I don’t notice symptoms right away?
Many TBIs have delayed symptoms. That’s why it’s essential to seek medical help immediately if you have suffered a blow to the head or upper body.
Do I need to go to trial?
Not always. Many cases settle out of court, but our attorneys are always prepared to fight for you in court.
Will I have to pay upfront fees?
No. We handle brain injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Call Butler Prather LLP Today
If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury in Columbus, Georgia, the stakes are too high to trust just any law firm. You need proven advocates with decades of experience in catastrophic injury litigation.
Call Butler Prather LLP today at (706) 322-1990 for a free consultation.
We’re ready to listen, advise, and fight for the justice you deserve.
About Our Attorneys
James E. Butler Jr.
State Bar of Georgia License: 099625
James E. Butler Jr. is a nationally recognized trial attorney and founding partner at Butler Prather LLP. With a legal career spanning over 35 years, Mr. Butler has built a reputation for taking on powerful interests and securing major victories on behalf of individuals and families. He has served as lead counsel in numerous groundbreaking cases, including ten verdicts that each exceeded $100 million. A formidable advocate in courtrooms across the country, Butler was honored in the Atlanta Bar Association’s Legends of the Bar Series for his lifetime of outstanding legal work.
Ramsey B. Prather
State Bar of Georgia License: 588880
Ramsey B. Prather is a partner at Butler Prather LLP, where he focuses on representing clients in high-stakes personal injury and wrongful death cases. Known for his strategic mindset and unwavering determination, Mr. Prather works tirelessly to help clients pursue justice and full compensation. His advocacy has contributed to significant results in complex litigation against major corporations, including class action cases that led to hundreds of millions in compensation for plaintiffs.
Columbus Office:
105 13th Street
Columbus, GA 31901
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 2766
Columbus, GA 31902