When a traumatic brain injury changes your life forever, you need an experienced Chicago attorney who understands the devastating impact these injuries can have on victims and their families.
The Chicago brain injury attorneys at Willens & Baez we have successfully represented brain injury victims throughout Illinois, securing millions in compensation for clients who suffered TBIs in car accidents, truck crashes, falls, and other incidents.
Head attorney Matthew Willens has extensive experience handling complex traumatic brain injury cases. As a Top 100 Illinois Super Lawyer and member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Mr. Willens brings the expertise and resources needed to take on insurance companies and fight for maximum compensation.
For a free consultation with an experienced TBI attorney, call Willens & Baez at (312) 957-4166. You won’t have to pay us lawyer fees until we win for you.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain suffers damage from an external force such as a forceful impact, strike, or sudden movement to the head. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that roughly 214,110 people required hospital treatment for TBIs in 2020, while 69,473 individuals lost their lives to these injuries in 2021. This means more than 586 people are hospitalized and 190 people die from brain injuries every day in the United States.
These head injuries range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that can permanently alter a person’s life. Even mild brain injuries can have lasting effects on memory, concentration, and emotional well-being.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Chicago
Vehicle collisions represent one of the primary sources of traumatic brain injuries. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that motor vehicle crashes account for 17% of all TBI-related deaths between 2018 and 2019.
Other common causes include:
- Car and truck accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Falls from heights
- Construction site accidents
- Sports-related injuries
- Violence and assaults.
Types of Brain Injuries We Handle
At Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, our Chicago traumatic brain injury lawyers handle all types of TBI cases, including:
- Mild TBI/concussions: While called “mild,” these injuries can still cause significant problems with thinking, memory, and daily activities.
- Moderate TBI: These injuries often result in hours or days of unconsciousness and can cause lasting cognitive and physical problems.
- Severe TBI: These life-altering injuries can result in extended periods of unconsciousness, permanent disability, or death.
Specific injury types include:
- Contusions (brain bruising)
- Diffuse axonal injury
- Penetrating brain injuries
- Second impact syndrome
- Coup-contrecoup injuries.
The Long-Term Impact of Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries often have effects that last far beyond the initial accident. According to CDC data from the TBI Model Systems National Database, five years after a traumatic brain injury:
- 22% of patients died
- 30% became worse
- 22% stayed the same
- Only 26% improved.
These statistics highlight why brain injury victims need aggressive legal representation to secure compensation for both immediate and long-term care needs.
Common Long-Term Effects
Brain injury survivors often face challenges including:
- Memory problems and confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Personality changes
- Depression and anxiety
- Physical disabilities
- Speech and language problems
- Seizures
- Chronic headaches
- Loss of motor skills.
Why Choose Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers for Your TBI Case
Proven Track Record with Brain Injury Cases
Matthew Willens and the team at Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers have successfully handled numerous traumatic brain injury cases, including securing a $15,808,277 verdict for a 12-year-old girl who suffered a frontal lobe brain injury in a pedestrian accident. This case was recognized as one of the Top 100 Verdicts in the country.
Unique Insurance Industry Experience
What sets our firm apart is our deep understanding of how insurance companies operate. Attorney Matthew Willens previously worked as an insurance company executive, while partner David Baez spent years as a defense attorney representing insurance companies. This insider knowledge helps us anticipate defense strategies and build stronger cases for our clients.
Recognition and Credentials
Matthew Willens has earned recognition as one of Chicago’s top personal injury attorneys:
- Top 100 Illinois Super Lawyer (less than 1% of Illinois lawyers)
- Leading Lawyer designation (less than 5% of lawyers)
- AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell
- Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Member of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel
- Adjunct Professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
What Your TBI Case May Be Worth
Every brain injury case is unique, but compensation may include:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Rehabilitation costs
- Occupational and physical therapy
- Assistive devices and home modifications
- Long-term care expenses.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving particularly reckless behavior, the court may award punitive damages to the victim to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct.
The Legal Process for TBI Cases
Immediate Steps After a Brain Injury
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, take these steps:
- Get medical attention immediately. Even if symptoms seem mild, brain injuries can worsen without treatment.
- Document everything. Keep detailed records of all medical treatment and expenses.
- Preserve evidence. Don’t let the insurance company rush you into settling.
- Contact an experienced TBI lawyer. Early legal intervention can make a significant difference in your case.
How We Build Strong TBI Cases
Our Chicago brain injury attorneys use a comprehensive approach:
- Medical expert testimony: We work with neurologists, neuropsychologists, and other medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries.
- Life care planning: We calculate the total cost of your future medical needs and care requirements.
- Economic analysis: Our economists determine the impact on your earning capacity and financial future.
- Accident reconstruction: When necessary, we use accident reconstruction experts to prove how the injury occurred.
Challenges in TBI Cases
Brain injury cases present unique challenges that require experienced legal representation:
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies often try to minimize brain injury claims by:
- Arguing the injury was pre-existing
- Claiming symptoms are exaggerated
- Pushing for quick, low-ball settlements
- Using their own medical experts to dispute diagnoses.
Proving Invisible Injuries
Many brain injury symptoms are not visible on medical scans, making them harder to prove. Our attorneys know how to work with medical experts to document these “invisible” injuries through neuropsychological testing and detailed medical evaluations.
Illinois Laws Affecting TBI Cases
Statute of Limitations
Illinois law typically provides a two-year window from the injury date to initiate a personal injury case. However, there are exceptions that may extend or shorten this deadline, which is why it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Comparative Negligence
Illinois uses a modified comparative fault approach. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as you were less than 51% responsible.
Damage Caps
Illinois does not cap economic or non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, allowing injured victims to seek full compensation for their losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do TBI cases take to resolve?
A: Brain injury cases can take several years to resolve, especially if the full extent of injuries is not immediately known. We don’t rush to settle until we understand the complete picture of your damages.
Q: What if the insurance company says my injury isn’t that serious?
A: Insurance companies routinely minimize brain injuries. We work with medical experts who specialize in TBI to document the true extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
Q: Can I still file a claim if I didn’t lose consciousness?
A: Absolutely. Numerous serious brain injuries happen even when someone remains conscious throughout the incident. Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and personality changes can indicate a serious brain injury.
Q: What if my loved one died from a brain injury?
A: You could have grounds to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. We have successfully handled numerous wrongful death cases, including securing a $3,000,000 settlement for a family whose loved one died in a car accident.
Don’t Face This Alone. We’re Here to Help.
Dealing with a traumatic brain injury is overwhelming. You’re facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and an uncertain future. Battling insurance companies shouldn’t add to your stress.
At Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle all the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on recovery. Our firm operates on a contingency fee structure, which means you owe us no legal fees until we successfully resolve your case.
Contact Chicago’s Top-Rated Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you during this difficult time. The experienced Chicago traumatic brain injury attorneys at Willens & Baez Personal Injury Lawyers have a proven track record of success, including our record-breaking $15,808,277 recovery for a traumatic brain injury victim.
Our $15,808,277 TBI Victory: A Nationally Recognized Achievement
We successfully represented a 12-year-old student who suffered a devastating frontal lobe brain injury when a Chicago YMCA van struck her while she crossed the street in Harvey, Illinois. The defense team aggressively fought the case, claiming the child was at fault and offering a mere $250,000 to settle. We rejected their lowball offer and took the case to trial.
Despite the defense bringing in their own medical experts to minimize our client’s injuries, our legal team presented compelling testimony from treating doctors, rehabilitation specialists, neuropsychologists, and economic experts. After an intense two-week trial, the jury delivered a verdict of over $22 million, ultimately resulting in a $15,808,277 recovery that was recognized as one of the Top 100 Verdicts nationwide that year.
Contact us at (312) 957-4166 for your complimentary consultation right now.
Our team is accessible around the clock, and we can meet you at your location if traveling to our office isn’t possible. With over $500 million recovered for our clients and recognition as some of Chicago’s top personal injury lawyers, we have the experience and resources to get you the compensation you deserve.
Time is critical in brain injury cases. Evidence can disappear, witness memories fade, and Illinois law limits how long you have to file a claim. Don’t wait. Contact us today to protect your rights and secure your family’s future.
