A serious head injury changes everything in an instant. Whether caused by a car accident, a fall, or someone else’s negligence, the aftermath demands immediate medical attention and experienced legal representation.
At The Pabst Law Firm, we understand what is at stake in these cases. Frank and Nicky Pabst built this firm to give injured victims the focused advocacy they deserve. When you call us, you talk directly to your attorney, not an intake coordinator, not a paralegal. That is why our clients trust us with the most serious cases they face.
Call us at (512) 642-2676 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. We will listen to your story and help you understand your legal options.
Why These Cases Require a Different Legal Approach
Head trauma claims are not like other personal injury cases. The long-term consequences can take months or even years to fully reveal themselves. Insurance companies know this, and they push for a fast settlement before the true scope of harm becomes clear.
We refuse to rush. Our legal team works with medical professionals to build a full picture of your condition and prognosis before we sit down at the negotiation table. This treatment-first approach protects our clients from accepting settlements that fail to account for future needs.
Not all injuries show up on a standard CT scan or MRI. Symptoms from a concussion or mild TBI can be dismissed by emergency room physicians, but the impact on daily life can be devastating. We know how to connect the medical evidence to the compensation you actually need.
Types of Cases We Handle
The type of injury you suffered directly affects your care plan, your prognosis, and the value of your claim.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A TBI occurs when an external force disrupts normal brain function. Car accidents, falls, and blunt force trauma are the most common causes. These injuries range from mild concussions to life-threatening conditions. Even a mild TBI can cause lasting cognitive impairment, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating.
Severe cases involve bleeding, swelling, or bruising of brain tissue. The injured person may lose consciousness for days. Injuries at this level frequently lead to permanent disability.
Closed Head Injuries
Closed head injuries occur when the brain is damaged without the skull being penetrated. These are among the most common injuries in car accidents and falls. The brain moves inside the skull from the force of impact, causing tissue damage and swelling.
These injuries can be deceptive. A victim may feel fine initially, only to develop serious symptoms days later. We always tell our clients to seek medical treatment immediately after any blow to the head, no matter how minor it seems.
Diffuse Axonal Injuries
Diffuse axonal injuries happen when the brain shifts and rotates inside the skull, tearing nerve fibers called axons. Rapid acceleration or deceleration in high-speed crashes on I-35, MoPac, or Highway 183 in Austin can trigger these injuries.
The result is widespread disruption to brain function, sometimes leading to coma or death. These are among the most catastrophic cases we handle, and the medical expenses are often staggering.
Secondary Injuries
Secondary injuries develop in the hours and days after the initial trauma. While the primary damage occurs at the moment of impact, secondary injuries result from swelling, reduced blood flow, and chemical changes in brain cells.
A comprehensive medical evaluation immediately after an accident can prevent further damage and preserve critical evidence for your claim.
Penetrating injuries occur when an object breaks through the skull and enters brain tissue. These can result from gunshot wounds, construction accidents, or sharp debris. Penetrating injuries almost always require emergency surgery.
Common Causes in Austin
Austin is a fast-growing city, and that growth brings increased risks. Heavy traffic on I-35, active construction zones, and crowded areas around Zilker Park and Lady Bird Lake all create conditions where serious injuries happen.
Car Accidents and Motor Vehicle Crashes
Car accidents remain the leading cause of traumatic head injuries in Texas. A crash at even moderate speeds can generate enough force to cause serious harm. Rear-end collisions on MoPac, T-bone crashes at Austin intersections, and highway pileups on I-35 all result in claims like these every year.
If you suffered head trauma in a motor vehicle collision, you need an attorney who will investigate every angle.
Falls and Workplace Accidents
Falls from heights on construction sites and workplace injuries are significant causes of head trauma in Austin. A fall can cause a TBI just as easily as a high-speed collision. Negligent property owners and employers may be held liable.
Sports Injuries and Recreational Accidents
Cycling accidents on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail and contact sports contribute to TBI cases in the Austin area. Shaken baby syndrome is another devastating cause of injury in young children.
Medical Malpractice and Birth Injuries
These injuries can also result from medical malpractice. Surgical errors and failures during childbirth can deprive the brain of oxygen. When negligence at an Austin hospital leads to this kind of harm, victims have a right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.
Recognizing the Symptoms
After any accident involving blunt force trauma or a blow to the head, watch for these warning signs:
- Severe headache that does not go away
- Confusion, memory loss, or difficulty thinking
- Nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
- Mood swings, irritability, or emotional changes
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light
Physical symptoms like fatigue and balance problems can also signal a serious injury. Seek a comprehensive medical evaluation at Dell Seton or Ascension Seton in Austin as soon as possible. Your medical records become essential evidence if you pursue a claim.
The Long-Term Consequences
A TBI does not heal like a broken bone. Survivors often face permanent disability, chronic pain, emotional distress, and the inability to return to work.
Physical therapy and ongoing care are common. Medical costs add up quickly. Lost wages from missed work compound the financial pressure. The emotional toll of watching a loved one struggle affects the entire family.
We account for every one of these long-term consequences when we build your case.
Who Can Be Held Liable
These claims can involve multiple liable parties. We investigate every potential source of responsibility:
- At-fault drivers in car accidents
- Property owners who failed to address hazards
- Employers who ignored workplace safety standards
- Medical professionals who committed malpractice
- Manufacturers of defective products
When someone else’s negligence caused your injury, we pursue every dollar. In cases with multiple parties, fault is allocated under Texas law based on each party’s percentage of responsibility.
Compensation Available in These Claims
Victims of serious head trauma deserve fair compensation. The value of your case depends on the severity of the injury, the cost of medical treatment, and the impact on your life.
Economic Damages
These are the financial losses tied directly to your injury:
- Medical expenses, including ER visits, surgery, and hospital stays
- Future medical costs for ongoing care and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Prescription medication and assistive devices
Non-Economic Damages
The harm goes beyond finances. Non-economic damages account for:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Personality changes and their effect on relationships
When someone else’s negligence caused the harm, the at-fault party should pay for all of it.
Texas Laws That Affect Your Case
Understanding the legal rules in Texas is essential after a serious injury. Two statutes shape how these cases proceed.
Statute of Limitations
Texas gives you two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline means losing your right to seek compensation. In TBI cases, this deadline can be difficult because symptoms sometimes take months to appear. Contact an attorney as early as possible.
Comparative Negligence in Texas
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you share some fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of blame. If you are found more than 50 percent at fault, you lose the right to recover damages. Insurance adjusters will look for any way to shift blame. Our attorneys know these tactics and fight back.
How We Build Your Case
The legal process starts the moment you call our office. Here is what to expect.
First, we offer a free case evaluation where we review the details of your accident and your diagnosis. We listen and give honest answers.
Next, we investigate. We gather medical records, accident reports, and witness statements that support your claim. We consult with medical professionals who can testify about the severity of your injuries and your long-term prognosis.
Then we fight. Whether through aggressive negotiation or taking your case to trial, we do not back down. Throughout the entire process, you have direct access to your attorney.
Why Families Choose The Pabst Law Firm
We are a family-run firm. Frank and Nicky Pabst believe victims of serious injuries deserve more than a case number at a volume practice. We intentionally limit our caseload so every case gets the attention it demands.
Our firm provides bilingual services in English and Spanish. We are an Austin firm that takes a personal interest in every client we represent.
Finding attorneys who will answer your call and fight like your case is the only one on the desk; that is what sets us apart.
(512) 641-2676