Otten Law Offices

Call For A Free Initial Consultation: 952-303-0702

Otten Law Offices

952-303-0702

Your Advocate For Justice After A Serious Accident Or Injury

W. Paul Otten and staff

Burnsville Head And Brain Injury Lawyer

Last updated on November 18, 2025

Suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or head injury can lead to serious symptoms that affect many parts of your life. You may be unable to work or care for yourself and your family. Tasks that were once simple may be hard or impossible to do. Some people with a TBI need around-the-clock care and may need to be in a long-term care facility. 

At Otten Law Offices, we understand that suffering a TBI or living with a family member who has one can be difficult. In either situation, your life may be radically different from what it was prior to the injury. To compensate for your financial and physical losses, you will need considerable damages from the negligent party. Let us help you with the process of filing a claim with the insurance company. For a free consultation, call us in Burnsville at 952-303-0702 today.

The Most Frequent Causes Of TBI And Head Injuries

The CDC estimates that nearly 2.8 million people in the U.S. suffer brain injuries every year. Of these cases, around 69,000 people die from their injuries. 

There are many ways people can suffer a TBI or head injury, including:

Let us know if you do not see the cause of your injury listed, and we’ll discuss your case.

Damages You May Be Entitled To Recover

If your injury was the result of another party’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for your economic and noneconomic losses. These can vary based on the specifics of the injury but may cover:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Long-term facilities or daily caregivers
  • Past and future lost income and benefits
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Modifications to your home and vehicles
  • Loss of contributions to the household

In the event of a wrongful death, the family may recover damages for the funeral and burial costs, any conscious pain and suffering the person experienced prior to death, and the loss of counsel, which includes personal losses and the loss of noneconomic contributions to the household.

TBI And Head Injury FAQ

What are the signs of a traumatic brain injury?

Symptoms of a TBI or head injury are often initially overlooked by the injury victim, their family and even doctors. It is important to know that you do not have to hit your head on anything to suffer a TBI or concussion. Just a hard blow to the body is enough to bounce the brain off your skull and cause an injury.

Signs of a TBI can include:

  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Difficulty walking
  • Forgetfulness
  • Mood swings
  • Personality changes
  • Drowsiness
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Loss of dexterity 

You may have additional symptoms that are not mentioned here. In the most serious cases, a TBI results in permanent disability, coma or death.

How can a lawyer help with a catastrophic injury case?

An experienced catastrophic injury attorney is invaluable in these cases. They will explain your rights and options given the circumstances of your case. If you have a viable case, they will investigate the cause of your injury or the death of your loved one to determine who is liable for your losses.

One of the most important things a lawyer will do for you is to value your losses and calculate the past, present and future compensation you will need. We are very involved in our clients’ cases, which allows us to understand what they need today and in the years ahead. This critical step must be taken, or else it is unlikely that your family will have the resources it needs in the future.

What is the deadline for filing a brain injury lawsuit in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, you typically have six years from the date of the accident to file a brain injury lawsuit. This timeline is strictly enforced by courts and applies to most personal injury claims. However, different deadlines apply in certain situations:

  • If a brain injury resulted in death, families have only three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim
  • For injuries caused by government entities or employees, you may need to file a notice of claim within just 180 days

Brain injury cases can be complex because symptoms sometimes develop or worsen over time. In limited situations, the “discovery rule” might apply, which means the countdown could start when you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) your injury rather than on the accident date.

Missing these deadlines almost always means losing your right to compensation permanently. It’s important to consult an attorney after any accident involving head trauma to protect your legal rights.

Understanding Concussions And Their Impact

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs when your brain moves or twists inside your skull after a sudden impact or jolt to your body. Concussions can result from slip-and-fall accidents, car accidents, motorcycle crashes, falling objects or any incident that causes your head, neck, or body to be suddenly jerked or shaken.

It is crucial to understand that concussion symptoms do not always appear immediately after an injury. Some people may not experience symptoms for hours or even days following the incident. Additionally, early symptoms can be subtle and easily overlooked by both the injury victim and their family members. This delayed onset makes it essential to seek professional medical examination as soon as possible after any accident involving physical trauma to the head, even if you feel fine initially.

An official medical examination creates an important record that helps track your condition if symptoms develop or progress over time. This documentation allows for more timely medical treatment and serves as valuable evidence should legal action become necessary for your accident case.

Short-term concussion symptoms may include:

  • Headaches or pressure in the head
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Dizziness and balance problems
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Confusion and memory problems
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Mood changes and irritability
  • Drowsiness or sleep disturbances

Potential long-term complications can involve:

  • Post-concussion syndrome with prolonged symptoms
  • Increased risk of depression and anxiety
  • Memory loss and cognitive difficulties
  • Higher susceptibility to future brain injuries

If you have experienced any type of head trauma from an accident, do not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking medical attention. Early evaluation and proper documentation protect both your health and your legal rights. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand how medical documentation supports your personal injury claim.

Head Trauma Claims Are Complex, But We Can Help

Contact our compassionate Minnesota brain injury lawyer today at 952-303-0702 or online through our website. Your consultation is free, and you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.