After a serious brain injury, insurance companies and defendants may minimize your pain, question your symptoms, or try to settle your case quickly for far less than what you need to rebuild your future. But the true costs of a TBI extend far beyond a single hospital stay. Ongoing therapies, medical equipment, in-home care, lost earning capacity, and emotional support are all critical elements of recovery that deserve full and fair compensation. Our team is committed to standing by your side, making sure your voice is heard, your injuries are recognized, and your future needs are fully protected.

Choosing Michelle Gershen Law means choosing an advocate who will treat you with dignity, compassion, and relentless determination. Michelle personally handles every brain injury case we accept, working closely with top medical experts and rehabilitation specialists to build the strongest claim possible. We know what’s at stake for you and your family—and we won’t stop fighting until we’ve secured the justice and financial security you need to move forward. You deserve not just legal representation—you deserve someone who truly cares about your recovery, your rights, and your future.

The Law Office of Michelle Gershen – A Trusted San Diego Traumatic Brain Injury Law Firm

At The Law Office of Michelle Gershen, we have dedicated our practice to representing victims of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) throughout San Diego. We understand that a brain injury is unlike any other—it doesn’t just impact the victim physically but can completely alter their ability to think, work, interact, and live independently. With years of experience in serious injury litigation, we are committed to securing justice, financial security, and a better future for TBI survivors and their families.

Brain injuries are unfortunately common in incidents like vehicle crashes, slip and falls, workplace accidents, and violent assaults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TBIs contribute to about 30% of all injury deaths in the U.S. In San Diego, busy streets, active tourism, and dense neighborhoods make brain injuries a tragic but frequent occurrence.

When you choose Michelle Gershen Law, you gain a team that genuinely cares about your future. From managing the complexities of medical evidence to holding negligent parties accountable, we are here to fight for the financial and emotional recovery you deserve after a life-changing injury.

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries Our Attorneys Handle

Traumatic brain injuries happen in an instant but can have consequences that ripple through a victim’s entire life. Whether it’s a high-speed crash on a busy freeway or a sudden fall at a local business, TBIs often strike without warning and demand extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and legal intervention. Our San Diego traumatic brain injury attorneys have extensive experience handling cases involving many types of incidents—and we know how important it is to act swiftly to preserve evidence, build a strong claim, and protect your future.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle collisions are among the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries in San Diego. Whether it’s a car accident on Interstate 5, a motorcycle crash on the winding roads of Highway 94, or a bicycle accident in Pacific Beach, the violent forces involved in crashes often result in severe head trauma. In high-impact crashes, the sudden jolt can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull even without an external blow—leading to concussions, contusions, hemorrhages, or more severe closed-head injuries.

Busy areas such as the intersection of University Avenue and 30th Street in North Park or rush-hour traffic snarls near Mission Valley are common hotspots for serious accidents. Distracted driving, speeding, reckless lane changes, and impaired driving are all factors that regularly contribute to TBI-causing collisions throughout San Diego County. Victims often require immediate hospitalization, neurological evaluations, and long-term cognitive therapy to recover—or to adapt to permanent changes in function.

• Distracted driving and speeding are frequent causes of severe TBI crashes.
  
  
• Victims may suffer concussions, brain bleeding, or permanent cognitive impairment.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents remain the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, especially among children and older adults. In San Diego, these falls can happen anywhere—from slipping on a wet floor at Fashion Valley Mall to tripping over an uneven sidewalk in Gaslamp Quarter. Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises, yet hazards like uncleaned spills, poor lighting, loose carpets, and broken stairways are shockingly common.

In areas like Hillcrest’s bustling shopping district or busy tourist zones like Seaport Village, slip and falls can quickly escalate into emergency situations if the victim strikes their head. Immediate evaluation after a fall is critical because symptoms of a brain injury are not always immediately apparent. Without early detection and intervention, even “mild” concussions can lead to prolonged cognitive and emotional difficulties.

• Wet floors, broken stairs, and poor lighting can quickly cause dangerous falls.
  
  
• Immediate medical attention after a fall is essential to detect and treat TBIs.
  
  

Workplace Accidents

Construction zones and industrial sites throughout San Diego present some of the highest risks for serious brain injuries. Areas like the ongoing developments in East Village or major roadwork projects along El Cajon Boulevard see workers exposed to significant hazards daily. Falls from scaffolding, being struck by falling tools or building materials, or accidents involving heavy machinery are common causes of TBIs in these environments.

Even in seemingly “safe” office settings downtown or in places like UTC (University Towne Center), slip and falls, falling objects, and other accidents can result in debilitating head trauma. Employers are legally required to follow strict Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, but when they cut corners or fail to maintain safe worksites, the consequences can be catastrophic.

• Construction workers face daily risks of TBIs from falls, machinery accidents, and falling objects.
  
  
• Third-party claims against negligent contractors or property owners may provide additional compensation beyond workers’ compensation.
  
  

Acts of Violence

Sadly, traumatic brain injuries also occur as a result of violence. In urban areas like downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter, and parts of City Heights, assaults leading to blunt force trauma are a tragic but real threat. TBIs resulting from violent attacks—whether by being struck with an object, punched, or otherwise assaulted—can cause hematomas, brain swelling, and life-threatening complications.

Victims of violence often face not only the physical consequences of brain injury but also profound emotional trauma. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and permanent cognitive changes are common. Through civil lawsuits, victims have the right to pursue damages from attackers—and sometimes from negligent businesses (such as bars or apartment complexes) that failed to provide adequate security to prevent foreseeable violence.

• Violent assaults often result in serious TBIs including skull fractures and brain swelling.
  
  
• Victims may recover damages not only for medical care but for emotional trauma and security failures.

Notable Traumatic Brain Injury Lawsuits in San Diego

Traumatic brain injuries can have profound and lasting effects on individuals and their families. In San Diego, several high-profile cases have underscored not just the devastating personal consequences of TBIs, but also the importance of accountability and legal representation. These lawsuits show that when negligence or misconduct leads to brain injuries, victims have powerful legal options for seeking justice and financial recovery.

$10 Million Settlement: La Mesa Woman Blinded During 2020 Protest

In a major settlement that drew national attention, the City of La Mesa agreed to pay $10 million to Leslie Furcron, a grandmother who was shot in the head with a beanbag round during a protest in 2020. Furcron was placed in a medically induced coma and ultimately lost vision in one eye. The lawsuit alleged that officers used excessive force during the demonstration, and the significant settlement reflects the severity of the injuries and the lasting impact on Furcron’s life. This case highlights how traumatic brain injuries can result from not only accidents but also civil rights violations—and the critical need for victims to have strong legal advocates.

$5.3 Million Settlement: Convention Center Development Dispute

While not a personal injury case, a $5.3 million settlement between the City of San Diego and Fifth Avenue Landing serves as an important reminder of the substantial stakes involved when legal disputes arise over negligence, broken agreements, or misconduct. Although this case involved development rights related to the Convention Center expansion, it underscores that when legal standards are ignored—whether in a construction zone, at a property site, or involving contractual duties—the resulting damages can be enormous. For TBI victims, holding negligent property owners, employers, or drivers accountable often follows a similarly high-stakes legal path.

These cases demonstrate the very real consequences of negligence, carelessness, or misconduct—and the powerful role legal action can play in securing justice for victims. If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to unsafe conditions, violent acts, or reckless behavior, The Law Office of Michelle Gershen is ready to fight for the full compensation you deserve. Brain injuries are life-changing; your legal representation should be too.

Types of Compensation Available for San Diego Traumatic Brain Injury Victims

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can change every part of a person’s life in a moment. When someone’s negligence causes a TBI, California law gives survivors the right to pursue comprehensive compensation—not just for immediate hospital bills, but for the lifetime of costs and emotional losses that often follow. At The Law Office of Michelle Gershen, we are committed to making sure no future cost or suffering is overlooked. Our team fights for maximum recovery, with careful attention to the real-world impacts our clients face every day.

Medical Expenses

The cost of medical treatment after a brain injury can quickly become overwhelming, often continuing for years after the initial accident. Full compensation must account for every stage of care, from emergency response to long-term rehabilitation and specialized therapies.

Past Medical Costs

Past expenses include the immediate treatments following your injury—such as ambulance transport, ER visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and early imaging tests like CT scans and MRIs. These costs form the foundation of any brain injury claim.

Ongoing and Future Costs

Many TBI victims require months or even years of treatment. Ongoing costs can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychiatric treatment, and prescription medications. Future expenses must be projected accurately to ensure you aren’t left paying out of pocket down the road.

Specialized Facilities

In the most serious TBI cases, victims may need to live in specialized long-term care facilities. These centers provide 24/7 support for basic needs, neurological therapy, and structured cognitive rehabilitation.

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

Traumatic brain injuries often rob victims of their ability to work—sometimes temporarily, other times permanently. Compensation for lost earnings ensures victims aren’t financially destroyed by an injury they didn’t cause.

Short-Term Wage Losses

During the initial weeks or months after a TBI, many victims miss work due to hospitalization, surgeries, and recovery. This immediate wage loss is directly compensable.

Long-Term Earning Reductions

When a brain injury permanently impairs cognitive function or physical ability, victims may never return to their prior career. Compensation for future earnings covers the income victims will lose for the rest of their lives.

Professional Opportunity Losses

Beyond salary, brain injury victims often lose out on promotions, retirement contributions, bonuses, and networking opportunities—future career paths that are abruptly closed off by injury.

Pain and Suffering

Physical injuries heal—but emotional and psychological wounds often linger. Pain and suffering compensation recognizes the invisible yet devastating impact TBIs have on everyday life.

Physical Pain

Brain injuries often cause chronic headaches, migraines, nerve pain, and mobility challenges. These symptoms can persist for months or even years after the initial accident.

Emotional Trauma

Emotional challenges like depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood swings, and irritability are common after a TBI. These issues often strain family relationships and deeply impact quality of life.

Loss of Enjoyment

Many TBI survivors can no longer engage in hobbies, travel, sports, or even simple social activities they once loved. Compensation helps acknowledge the profound loss of enjoyment that often follows brain injuries.

Cognitive Struggles

Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, language difficulties, and personality changes are common. These issues make ordinary life activities—from managing finances to parenting—overwhelming and exhausting.

Life Care Costs

Serious brain injuries often mean needing specialized lifelong assistance with basic tasks—known as life care. Compensation must account for these significant, ongoing costs.

Home Modifications

Many TBI survivors need their homes retrofitted with wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, roll-in showers, and other accessibility upgrades to continue living independently.

Personal Care Attendants

When brain injuries limit a person’s ability to eat, dress, or bathe, compensation covers the cost of hiring home health aides or personal care assistants to ensure dignity and safety.

Specialized Equipment

Adaptive technology—such as communication devices, power wheelchairs, or modified transportation vehicles—can dramatically improve independence for TBI survivors but comes at high cost.

Contact The Law Office of Michelle Gershen Today for Dedicated Brain Injury Support

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, you already know that the road to recovery can be overwhelming. The physical pain, emotional struggles, and financial burdens often feel endless—and it’s easy to feel isolated and unsure of where to turn. At The Law Office of Michelle Gershen, we are here to remind you that you are not alone. You deserve a fierce advocate who understands the long-term impacts of brain injuries and will fight tirelessly to protect your future.

Our team is committed to providing compassionate, personalized support to every TBI survivor and their family. Michelle Gershen personally oversees each case with care, respect, and determination, working to ensure that no medical need, no lost opportunity, and no pain is left unaccounted for. We believe you deserve full justice—not just for what you’ve already endured, but for the life you are still fighting to rebuild.

📞 Call us today at (619) 492-5526 for a free, no-obligation consultation, or
 📅 Visit our Contact Page to schedule your appointment online. Let Michelle Gershen Law stand beside you as you take the next steps toward healing, hope, and a secure future.