Why Choose Attorney Dianne Sawaya?

When you or a loved one suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a car accident, you need a law firm that truly understands what’s at stake. Our team combines compassionate client care with proven results in complex injury claims. We focus on securing full compensation for your medical needs and long-term recovery.

Why clients choose us:

  • Decades of experience handling brain and head injury claims
  • 5-star client satisfaction and personalized legal support
  • Free case evaluations with no upfront fees
  • Proven results in serious injury and wrongful death cases
  • Deep understanding of Colorado’s accident and insurance laws

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a sudden jolt, bump, or blow to the head that disrupts normal brain function. It can also occur when an object pierces the skull or when the brain is deprived of oxygen. TBIs range from mild concussions to life-threatening injuries with permanent effects.

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries in the United States, alongside falls and firearm-related incidents. For children, sports and recreational activities are the most common sources of head trauma.

What Are the Latest Statistics on TBIs from Car Accidents?

Each year, nearly 300,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized for traumatic brain injuries, a rate roughly 20 times higher than that of spinal cord injuries. Since 2006, TBI-related emergency visits, hospitalizations, and deaths have increased by nearly 54 percent.

  • About 90,000 people experience permanent disability from TBI annually.
  • The majority of TBI victims are male, with only 21 percent affecting women.
  • Car crashes remain one of the top causes of both fatal and non-fatal TBIs among adults.

These numbers highlight how devastating auto-related brain injuries can be—both physically and financially—for victims and their families.

Types of Brain and Head Injuries

There are many levels of head injury, relating to the brain, scalp, and skull. The complications associated with a head or brain injury, as well as the treatments for the injury will depend on how the injury is acquired, the level of brain damage inflicted, and the precise location of the injury.

The four primary types of brain injury are:

  • Concussion
  • Contusion
  • Penetrating injury
  • Anoxic brain injury

Concussions

A concussion is relatively minor, often caused by whiplash or other sudden change in movement, an impact to the head, or shaking. Even while considered at the milder end of the spectrum, a concussion can cause:

  • Memory loss
  • Disorientation
  • Concentration problems

Concussions become much more dangerous if more than one concussion is sustained over a period of time, or if a second concussion occurs before the first one has healed.

Penetrating Brain Injury

A penetrating brain injury occurs when the skull is pierced by an object, resulting in the object, skull fragments, skin, or hair coming into contact with the brain, causing injury to the brain. When the brain fails to receive sufficient oxygen, brain cells will begin to die, causing brain injury. This is known as anoxic brain damage. A diffuse axonal injury is similar to a concussion, but much more severe, usually caused when the head moves so violently that there are tears between the brain and the spinal cord connections.

Brain Contusion

A brain contusion is like a bruise on the brain, caused by the breaking of small blood vessels that then leak. Any impact to the head can result in a brain contusion, such as an auto accident when the head strikes a hard surface. While the brain may be damaged directly under the site of the impact, or on the opposite side when the brain slams into the hard skull.

How Serious Can a TBI Be?

TBIs are classified as mild, moderate, or severe:

  • Mild TBI: Brief loss of consciousness or confusion; may cause headaches, dizziness, or fatigue.
  • Moderate TBI: Loss of consciousness lasting hours; confusion and cognitive issues lasting weeks or months.
  • Severe TBI: Often caused by crushing blows or penetrating injuries; may result in coma or permanent disability.

Severe TBIs can be life-altering, affecting a person’s ability to work, communicate, and live independently.

What Are Common Misconceptions About TBIs?

Many myths surround traumatic brain injuries. Understanding the truth can help ensure early diagnosis and proper treatment.

  • Myth: You must lose consciousness to have a TBI.
    • Fact: Many TBIs occur without loss of consciousness.
  • Myth: No bleeding means no brain injury.
    • Fact: Internal brain damage can occur without visible bleeding.
  • Myth: If you look fine, you are fine.
    • Fact: Symptoms of brain injury may be delayed or subtle.
  • Myth: Mild TBIs aren’t serious.
    • Fact: Even mild TBIs can lead to long-term neurological and emotional issues.

If you notice new or worsening symptoms after a head impact, seek medical attention immediately.

How Do TBIs Affect Victims and Their Families?

Traumatic brain injuries can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life. Victims often experience:

  • Memory loss and language difficulties
  • Personality changes or emotional instability
  • Difficulty with concentration and problem-solving
  • Physical limitations that prevent returning to work

Family members must also adapt to these changes, providing emotional and financial support during recovery.

How Our Experienced Colorado TBI and Head Injury Attorney Can Help

If your brain injury was caused by another driver’s negligence, Denver TBI attorney Dianne Sawaya can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Our team can:

  • Handle insurance negotiations and medical documentation
  • Calculate long-term medical and rehabilitation costs
  • Pursue damages for lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs
  • Take your case to court if fair compensation is not offered

Denver Attorney Dianne Sawaya has been helping those with TBIs for more than two decades. Dianne wants to help you and your family get the compensation you are entitled to, making your life and future at least financially better. The Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya can negotiate with the insurance company, or, when necessary, litigate aggressively. Contact the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya today for a comprehensive evaluation of your case.