Guide to Traumatic Brain Injury Claims in California (2025)
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be a devastating and catastrophic injury to endure. Even when victims survive a TBI, they can still suffer permanent damage, including problems with their memory, difficulty with cognition, and in the case of repeated concussions, degenerative brain conditions.
Unfortunately, brain injuries are often invisible injuries. The victim can be suffering from impaired cognition, memory issues, and other symptoms of a brain injury but can appear outwardly normal.
This makes it vital that an experienced attorney fully investigates the claim—including interviewing medical professionals—to determine how extensive the damage is and whether the results will have a long-term impact. Often, that long-term impact affects the victim’s ability to work, making them financially vulnerable.
Attorneys at Cutter Law have fought for clients in California and nationwide, helping them recover millions of dollars in their brain injury lawsuits.
Example TBI Case
In 2018, Celine Cutter represented a bicyclist who suffered a mild traumatic brain injury when her bike hit a deep pothole.
After a three-week trial and one day of deliberation, the jury awarded the plaintiff $1.895 million in her brain injury lawsuit, finding that Sonoma County allowed a dangerous condition of the public property to exist by not fixing the pothole.
I simply would like you to know how honored I was to be represented by Cutter Law. I believe my TBI case to be a high challenge—my injury is mostly invisible and I don’t slow down for much. Please know that Celine Cutter slayed it in the courtroom and brought home a bigger victory than anyone was expecting (especially the defense).
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Featured Personal Injury Attorney
Attorneys Brooks Cutter and Margot Cutter obtained a $10 million settlement during jury selection for a trip and fall accident that resulted in major injuries.
Margot and her team went above and beyond to assist me, their communication and professionalism far exceeded my expectations.
Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Common causes of TBIs include high-impact sports, car accidents, major falls, and assaults.
Any situation that results in a serious enough injury to the brain can result in a traumatic brain injury. Many TBIs are caused when a portion of the brain collides with the skull, causing bruising and/or bleeding on the brain. Often, patients who suffer a TBI also suffer a concussion and/or whiplash. Other brain injuries include contusions, penetrative injuries, and shaking brain injuries.
Consequences of a Brain Injury
Depending on the severity of the brain injury, the consequences can vary. For some victims, recovery is long and requires months or years of therapy. Those patients may not be able to hold a job that places intellectual demands on them and may have difficulty carrying out their day-to-day functions. Patients may also experience psychological effects, including emotional outbursts and difficulty with impulse control.
There can also be long-term physical effects, including impaired movement or lack of strength. Patients who suffer a brain injury may require a wheelchair or other physical aid to assist with movement.
Common Expenses And Damages Associated With TBI Cases
During typical traumatic brain injury cases, there are three types of damages often associated. Those different types of damages and expenses include:
- Lost wages
- Extensive medical bills
- General pain and suffering experienced
Besides the three general damages listed above, there are several other potential damages and expenses our attorneys could argue in a court of law. However, most other types of damages are exceptionally case-specific.
Symptoms of a TBI
If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury-even a seemingly minor injury-and develop the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
- A headache that does not go away
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Vomiting or nausea
- Difficulty with coordination
- Convulsions or seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Several Types Of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Since brain injuries vary in scope and level of impairment, medical professionals typically place TBIs into one of the following categories:
- Contusions – The term “contusion” is nothing more than the medical terminology for a bruise. Contusions of the brain often lead to swelling, clots, and hematomas.
- Concussions – Concussions happen when the brain bounces off the inside of the skull. Symptoms include confusion, headache, nausea, vomiting, disorientation, and loss of consciousness.
- Diffuse Axonal – These injuries involve the tearing of nerve tissues within the brain. Symptoms vary depending on the area of the brain injured.
- Coup-Countrecoup – Multiple contusions (bruises) at the site of impact (the coup) and where the brain bounced off the opposite side of the skull (the contrecoup). Symptoms are similar to those for concussions and contusions as listed above.
- Penetration – These TBIs occur whenever a foreign object (or even the patient’s own skull) penetrate one or more areas of the brain. As with diffuse axonal injuries, symptoms vary depending on the area of the brain affected.
Traumatic Brain Injury Lawsuit
If your traumatic brain injury was caused by another person or organization (including being the result of a defective product), you could be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against those responsible for your injury to recover any financial damages you suffer related to your brain injury. Such financial damages can include loss of future earnings, pain, and suffering, and the cost of any treatment for your injury.
Cutter Law has helped clients in California receive the compensation they were entitled to as a result of their traumatic brain injury. Our attorneys have extensive experience in traumatic brain injury litigation and will advocate on your behalf to ensure your rights are protected.
401 Watt Avenue Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95864
1901 Harrison Street Suite 910 Oakland CA 94612
51 E St Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Contact the California Brain Injury Attorneys at Cutter Law P.C.
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, please contact us today. Cutter Law will provide you with a free case review to evaluate your TBI claim.
Our attorneys take a personal interest in the welfare of our clients and their families and will advocate on your behalf. We are available to discuss your legal options with you and will ensure you and your loved ones understand all your rights.
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Start with a free consultation. We listen to what happened, how it’s affected your life, and what you need to move forward.
You’ll have a direct line to our attorneys. We keep communication open and ensure you always know what’s happening with your case.
From day one, we go all in—gathering evidence, negotiating with insurers, and preparing for trial if needed. You pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.
The process for filing an insurance claim boils down to getting the information that your insurance company will need to pay your benefits.
Economic damages are the losses you can measure with dollars and cents, such as your lost wages, your past medical bills, and your future medical bills.
If medical bills exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits, you can pursue compensation through other sources, such as underinsured motorist coverage.
As a family run California law firm we pride ourselves in providing every client personal attention and representation. The outstanding results we have gotten for our fire clients are a direct result of our commitment to understanding and presenting all aspects of their case.
Hear from our previous clients about the relationships we build together.
Margot Cutter practices the full spectrum of her profession. I have benefited from her kind support and sound counsel regarding a traumatic injury I sustained due the negligence of others and the subsequent unbearable pursuit for justice. Cutter Law is the one to call for sound legal advice and the firm to rely upon for solid support. Thank you, Margot.
I believe my TBI case to be a high challenge—my injury is mostly invisible and I don’t slow down for much. Please know Celine slayed it in the courtroom and brought home a bigger victory than anyone was expecting (especially the defense).
Brooks has a long-established, respected reputation as a skilled trial attorney and a record of proven success.