On This page
    man on the phone with the police while girl is sitting on the curb

    In November 2020, the lives of an entire family were irreversibly changed when an 18-wheeler violently rear-ended a passenger vehicle on I-95. A devoted husband and stepfather, Michael (name changed to protect his identity), was driving his stepdaughter and 18-month-old grandson when the truck crash triggered a devastating chain reaction that left him with life-altering injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. Once the breadwinner, Michael, was left with an area of encephalomalacia that shattered his independence and his family’s sense of normalcy.

    The family turned to Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers for help. Led by attorneys Mark Joye and Melissa Mosier, and supported by a dedicated legal team, we launched a nearly four-year legal battle to hold the trucking company accountable. Our investigation uncovered disturbing safety failures and corporate negligence. Through tireless advocacy, meticulous case building, and genuine compassion, attorneys Joye and Mosier secured a life-changing settlement of $6.25 million that will provide Michael with the lifelong care he needs.

    Stories like Michael’s are why we do what we do. Read the full case study here.

    If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in Columbia or elsewhere in the Midlands, you may be facing overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial challenges. At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we help brain injury victims hold the responsible parties accountable. Since 1968, our law firm has supported clients across South Carolina in their recovery efforts. Whether the head injuries resulted from a car accident, workplace accident, or a fall on someone else’s property, we are here to assist you in filing your brain injury claim.

    Why Choose a Columbia Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney from Joye Law Firm

    Selecting the right legal team can significantly impact your recovery. Joye Law Firm has been serving South Carolina families since 1968, bringing decades of experience to every case we handle. Our attorneys understand how traumatic brain injuries affect a person’s life, and the support needed to move forward.

    When you work with a brain injury lawyer at Joye Law Firm’s Columbia office, you’ll have a dedicated attorney by your side. We handle every case with compassion and attention to detail. You’ll never be left guessing about what’s happening in your case. We keep you informed, explain each step, and always prioritize your needs.

    We know how to gather the proper medical records, interview witnesses, and consult with medical professionals to build a strong brain injury case. Whether you’ve suffered permanent brain damage, severe complications, or are just unsure of your legal options, call us today for a no-obligation consultation. Here are a few favorable results for brain injury cases we have achieved:

    Building a Strong Traumatic Brain Injury Claim

    A successful brain injury claim begins with strong documentation. Your attorney will need to show how the injury occurred, who was at fault, and how the injury has impacted your life. At Joye Law Firm, our attorneys collaborate with medical professionals and investigators to gather the evidence necessary to establish liability.

    Key pieces of evidence include:MRI machine

    In addition to undertaking a thorough investigation into how your accident occurred, your traumatic brain injury lawyer will calculate how much compensation you should receive as a result. This figure will include financial losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, and future earnings, as well as non-economic damages, including pain, emotional suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. At Joye Law Firm, our attorneys meet weekly as a team to collaborate on cases, discussing strategy, sharing insights, and evaluating potential case value. Together, we develop a plan to pursue the best possible outcome for each of our clients.

    Each case is unique, and our legal team at Joye Law Firm approaches every client with care and personal attention.

    What are Traumatic Brain Injuries

    The brain is a complex organ made up of neural networks that control vital functions such as thought, vision, hearing, and muscle movement. While the skull provides protection, a sudden jolt, like the impact of a car accident or a fall at work, can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. This forceful movement can damage delicate neurons and disrupt normal brain function, leading to a traumatic brain injury.

    No two TBIs are alike. Brain injuries vary widely in type, severity, and how they affect a person. Some symptoms may appear immediately, while others take days or even weeks to surface. The effects can range from mild, such as headaches and confusion, to severe cognitive, sensory, or physical impairments, depending on the location and extent of the damage.

    Unfortunately, TBI’s often go undiagnosed in the critical hours after an accident. It’s not uncommon for patients to be discharged from the emergency room without realizing they’ve suffered a serious internal injury. As symptoms worsen over time, the true extent of the trauma becomes clear.

    According to statistics published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 1.7 million people who suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the United States each year. Of these, the CDC reports that more than 1.3 million TBI victims are treated in the emergency room and later released, while about 275,000 must remain in the hospital for extended treatment. Tragically, about 52,000 victims do not survive their brain injuries.

    Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

    Brain injuries can happen in many different ways and can occur due to a direct blow to the head, from a severe jolt of the head, or lack of oxygen, among other causes. Some common incidents that can lead to brain injury include the following:

    Any of the above can result in mild, moderate, or severe TBI. Anyone who has been involved in any of these incidents should undergo a medical evaluation as soon as possible to determine whether any brain injury occurred. Medical professionals have several diagnostic tests they can perform to identify any brain damage and design an appropriate treatment plan. A proper and timely diagnosis can also assist you in any legal claims you may pursue as a result of your injury.

    Effects of a Brain Injury

    TBI can affect each patient differently. Signs and symptoms in a particular victim will depend on the severity of the brain injury, the location of the injury on the brain, and any complications that stem from the brain injury, among other factors. Some of the many effects of a TBI can include:

    • Loss of consciousness — A victim may be unconscious for a few minutes or spend years in a coma with varying degrees of awareness.
    • Cognitive impairments — Victims may have difficulty processing information, following directions, focusing or concentrating, remembering things in the short-term, following conversations, expressing themselves verbally or in writing, and may easily become disoriented and confused.
    • Emotional impairments — A victim may not be able to control their emotions, may lose inhibition or judgment, may have a tendency for angry outbursts or irritability, or may experience depression and/or anxiety.
    • Physical impairments — A brain injury can cause trouble with vision, hearing, other sensory abilities, coordination, and balance, and may cause serious headaches.

    Victims of mild TBI may only experience a few symptoms for a relatively short period of time, while victims of moderate TBI may have multiple symptoms, or their specific symptoms may last much longer, for weeks or months. A severe brain injury can often leave victims with several permanent impairments.

    Brain Injuries Can Lead to Extensive Losses

    Many of the effects of a brain injury can significantly disrupt a person’s life. The inability to concentrate or effectively communicate can limit a TBI victim’s abilities to succeed in school, perform their job duties, or even attend social engagements. Particularly severe brain injuries may require full-time care or transfer to an assisted living facility. Needless to say, brain injury victims can incur significant losses as a result of their injury.

    Some common losses for which TBI victims may be able to recover include:

    • Medical expenses, both for past and future care
    • Lost income from work already missed, as well as estimated earnings losses from future lapses in employment or inability to return to work
    • Physical pain and suffering
    • Emotional distress from both the accident and the challenges of the brain injury
    • Loss of enjoyment of life
    • Permanent disability

    Losses can vary substantially from case to case, as an individual who sustained a concussion may seek recovery for medical bills. In contrast, a TBI victim who has permanent impairments may seek compensation for multiple intangible losses, as well.

    FAQs About Brain Injury Cases in Columbia, SC

    Columbia Brain Injury

    What if I didn’t go to the hospital right after my injury?

    You can still file a claim, but waiting too long to receive medical care can make your case more challenging. Insurance companies may argue your injury isn’t serious or wasn’t caused by the accident. Get a medical evaluation right away—even if you think you’re fine.

    Can a brain injury case settle without going to court?

    Yes. Most brain injury cases settle through negotiation. Your attorney will handle negotiations with the insurance company and work to secure fair compensation. If a settlement isn’t possible, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit and going to trial.

    Do I need a lawyer even if the other party admits fault?

    Yes. Even if someone admits they caused the injury, their insurance company may still fight your claim or offer less than what you deserve. A lawyer helps make sure all your damages are included and that you aren’t left with unpaid bills.

    What if the brain injury symptoms show up later?

    That’s common. Some brain injuries take days or even weeks to appear. You should still seek medical help as soon as symptoms appear and consult a lawyer. Delayed symptoms do not automatically hurt your case.

    Call a Columbia Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney Today

    If you or someone in your family has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to take action. Brain injury cases require clear documentation and timely legal action under South Carolina law. At Joye Law Firm, we’re ready to listen to your story and provide clear, honest legal guidance.

    We handle cases involving car accidents, falls, workplace injuries, and other situations where brain injuries occur. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with a mild concussion or are coping with severe TBIs, we can help you understand your rights. Every case begins with a free consultation and a review of your medical treatment, lost wages, and emotional pain for personal injury claims.

    Our attorneys are committed to helping you seek justice and recover compensation for all damages related to your injury. We handle the legal aspects so you can focus on your recovery. Call (888) 324-3100 now to speak with a Columbia brain injury attorney.

    Contact Us
    Sydney Lynn in Columbia SC office