Burlington NC Brain Injury Attorney

Common Causes of Brain Injuries in Burlington

Everyday activities can become unexpectedly dangerous when safety is neglected. Across Burlington, residents face a number of hazards that can result in traumatic brain injuries. These incidents often arise without warning—and the consequences can be life-altering.

High-Impact Vehicle Collisions

Car and truck crashes are among the most common sources of traumatic brain injuries in Burlington. High-speed collisions along major roads like I-40, NC-87, and Church Street often lead to violent impacts that cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull. Even with safety features like seat belts and airbags, the force of a crash can result in concussions, contusions, or more severe injuries like diffuse axonal trauma.

Rear-end collisions, rollovers, and T-bone accidents are especially dangerous due to the sudden jolt or rotation of the head. Motorcycle riders and bicyclists are also at elevated risk, particularly when protective gear is absent or defective. Our lawyers are experienced in investigating traffic-related TBIs and work with accident reconstruction experts to pinpoint exactly how the injury occurred.

Dangerous Property Conditions

Slip and fall accidents are another major cause of brain injuries, especially among the elderly and young children. Slippery grocery store floors, uneven pavement, broken handrails, and dim lighting all create unsafe environments. Falls can easily result in head trauma—particularly when a person strikes their head on a hard surface or corner.

These injuries often occur in commercial settings, apartment complexes, stairwells, or public spaces. Our lawyers know how to hold property owners accountable when their failure to maintain safe conditions leads to serious harm.

Industrial and Construction Site Hazards

Job sites are full of risks that can cause brain injuries—falling objects, faulty equipment, or falls from ladders and scaffolding. Workers in construction, manufacturing, and warehousing are particularly vulnerable to head trauma due to the physical nature of the work and the presence of heavy machinery.

Employers have a duty to provide proper safety equipment, training, and supervision. When they fail to meet that standard, serious injuries can occur. We advocate for injured workers and coordinate with workplace safety experts to evaluate the causes of each incident.

Acts of Violence and Assault

Unfortunately, traumatic brain injuries can also stem from physical assaults. Victims may suffer blunt force trauma from being struck, shaken, or thrown. These incidents may occur in homes, parking lots, bars, or workplaces—and they are often compounded by emotional trauma.

Our lawyers approach these cases with sensitivity and precision, building strong claims against individuals or establishments responsible for unsafe conditions or inadequate security.

The Importance of Local Insight

Understanding the geography and patterns of injury in Burlington gives our team a critical edge. From accident-prone intersections to poorly maintained properties, we know where and how these incidents happen. That knowledge allows us to uncover key evidence others might miss and develop a strategy tailored to your unique case.

Long-Term Effects and Life Adjustments After a TBI

Recovery from a brain injury often extends far beyond the hospital stay. Even after the initial healing, survivors may face enduring challenges that affect their ability to live independently.

Cognitive difficulties—such as trouble focusing, short-term memory loss, or difficulty following conversations—can make everyday interactions frustrating. Emotional regulation may also be affected, leading to increased anxiety, depression, or mood swings.

Physical symptoms like chronic pain, coordination problems, or seizures can limit mobility. Some survivors may need long-term rehabilitation, in-home care, or assistive devices.

Our lawyers work closely with medical experts and life care planners to document the full extent of your needs. Your claim should reflect not only what you’ve already lost, but what your future may require.

The Legal Landscape: North Carolina Laws That Affect Brain Injury Claims

Traumatic brain injuries often lead to complex legal battles. In North Carolina, strict legal standards add another layer of difficulty for injured individuals and their families. Understanding the legal framework—and how it applies to your case—is essential to pursuing a successful claim.

The Challenge of Contributory Negligence

North Carolina is one of the few remaining states that adheres to the doctrine of pure contributory negligence. This rule states that if you are found to be even 1% responsible for the incident that caused your injury, you may be entirely barred from receiving any compensation.

This unforgiving standard often works to the benefit of insurance companies and negligent parties. Their defense teams may try to twist the facts or exaggerate your actions to shift blame—even if your involvement was minimal. For example, a simple misstep or perceived distraction on your part can become a focal point in their defense.

Our lawyers at Lanier Law Group know how to dismantle these strategies. We gather comprehensive evidence, rely on expert testimony, and construct a clear timeline of events that places full accountability where it belongs. When your right to compensation is on the line, every detail matters.

The Advantage of Local Experience

Navigating state law requires more than general legal knowledge. Personal injury statutes, civil procedures, and even local court tendencies can influence the success of your claim. With decades of experience handling cases throughout North Carolina, our lawyers understand the nuances that can make or break a brain injury case.

We are familiar with the expectations of judges and juries in Alamance County and surrounding areas. This allows us to tailor your case to align with local standards while maximizing the strength of your legal argument.

Our deep roots in the community mean we don’t just know the law—we know how it’s applied in real-world scenarios, and we use that knowledge to your advantage.

Compensation Available in Brain Injury Cases

When you’re living with the effects of a traumatic brain injury, the toll is rarely just physical. Every aspect of your life can be affected—financially, emotionally, and socially. The legal system allows injured individuals to pursue compensation that reflects both the visible and hidden consequences of their injuries. Our lawyers build every claim with this full picture in mind, making sure your compensation reflects the total impact.

Economic Damages: Accounting for Financial Setbacks

Brain injuries can lead to overwhelming medical expenses that begin immediately after the incident and continue for years. From ambulance transport and emergency room care to surgeries, diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation, and medications, the costs accumulate quickly. In severe cases, victims may require assistive devices or lifelong care.

Many brain injury survivors are also forced to miss work or stop working entirely. Compensation can include not only the wages you’ve already lost but also future income if your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job or career path. If you’re permanently disabled or need to shift to a lower-paying role, these losses deserve recognition.

Additional damages may include the cost of in-home caregivers, home modifications for accessibility, or transportation services.

Non-Economic Damages: Recognizing Life-Altering Harm

Not all losses can be tallied on a bill—but that doesn’t make them less important. A brain injury can rob you of the joy and stability you once knew. Non-economic damages address the personal suffering that arises from your condition.

These damages often include pain and discomfort, emotional suffering, anxiety, depression, and loss of independence. If your injury has altered your personality, strained family relationships, or made it impossible to enjoy hobbies or activities that once brought you happiness, these intangible losses can—and should—be considered.

Our lawyers work closely with both medical and psychological experts to present a complete view of how the injury has affected your life beyond the numbers.

Punitive Damages: When Negligence Crosses the Line

In rare but serious cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. These are not designed to compensate you directly, but rather to penalize the wrongdoer for extreme misconduct and deter similar behavior in the future. If a property owner, driver, or employer acted with deliberate disregard for safety—or ignored known hazards over time—this form of accountability may apply.

Our legal team can help determine whether your case involves the level of negligence necessary to seek punitive damages. We review all documentation and testimony to uncover any patterns of reckless conduct that could elevate your claim.

What To Do If You or a Loved One Has Suffered a Brain Injury

Responding quickly after a brain injury can be the difference between a successful claim and missed opportunities. These early steps not only safeguard your health but also strengthen the foundation of your legal case.

Prioritize Medical Care

The first and most important action is to get medical attention right away. Even if you feel stable, symptoms of a brain injury can be delayed or subtle. A medical professional can identify internal injuries that may not be visible and start the treatment process early. This also creates medical documentation that ties your injuries directly to the incident—something insurers often challenge.

Keep all follow-up appointments and adhere to prescribed treatment plans. This consistency not only promotes recovery but also reinforces the legitimacy of your claim.

Report and Document Everything

Where the injury occurred can impact your case. If it happened at a business, construction site, or someone else’s property, notify a manager or property owner immediately. Request that an official report be filed and get a copy for your records.

Take photographs of the accident scene from multiple angles. Capture any hazardous conditions—wet floors, broken stairs, poor lighting—as well as your injuries. If others saw what happened, collect their names and contact information. Their testimonies may become critical later.

Also, write down your own account as soon as possible. Include the date, time, weather, and details about what led up to the injury. These notes can help clarify your memory and strengthen your legal position.

Contact Lanier Law Group

Time is a major factor. Surveillance footage may be deleted, physical hazards repaired, and witnesses harder to locate. Reaching out to our legal team early allows us to move quickly and secure key evidence.

Our lawyers know how to handle communication with insurance companies and build strong, evidence-backed cases. We coordinate expert evaluations and work with investigators to uncover every detail that supports your claim.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out to us today for a free consultation. Our team is here to support you from the first step forward.