Free consultation with an injury lawyer. Call 412-802-6666, text 412-855-5511, or send us a message.
A brain injury can change how you think, feel and work, even when you look fine.
Since 1997, the attorneys at Flaherty Fardo Rogel & Amick have represented injured people and their families throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. We work closely as one team. Every case that heads toward trial has the whole team behind it.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when an outside force disrupts how the brain works. A blow to the head is not required. A violent jolt, like the whipping motion in a car crash, can be enough. Brain injuries range from concussions to severe injuries that require surgery and lifelong care.
Signs to Watch For
Symptoms sometimes appear hours or days later. Tell your doctor about any of these:
- Headaches that do not go away or get worse
- Memory problems and trouble concentrating
- Dizziness, balance problems or blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Mood swings, irritability, anxiety or depression
- Trouble sleeping or constant fatigue
- Changes in personality that family members notice
What to Do After a Head Injury
- Get evaluated right away, and go back if symptoms get worse.
- Follow up with the right doctors. A neurologist, neuropsychologist or concussion clinic may be needed.
- Keep a simple journal of symptoms and what you can no longer do the way you used to.
- Ask family, friends and coworkers to note the changes they see. Their observations can be powerful evidence.
- Talk to a lawyer before you talk to an insurance company.
Common Causes
- Car, truck and motorcycle crashes
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Workplace and construction accidents
- Defective products
- Swimming pool accidents
What Makes Brain Injury Cases Different
Brain injuries are often called invisible injuries. A normal CT scan or MRI does not always rule out a brain injury, and insurance companies use that to argue the person is fine. Proving these cases takes careful medical work and testimony from the people who know the injured person well.
The cost can be enormous. Some people need years of therapy. Others can no longer do their old job or live on their own.
Pennsylvania Rules You Should Know
- Deadline. Most injury lawsuits must be filed within two years. Claims against a government agency, such as a city, township, PennDOT or a transit authority, require written notice within six months, and immunity laws limit some claims.
- Injured children. For a child under 18, the two-year clock generally does not start until the child turns 18. Waiting is rarely wise, though. Evidence and witnesses are easier to find early.
- Full tort vs. limited tort. If you chose limited tort on your car insurance, you generally cannot recover for pain and suffering unless you suffered a “serious injury,” which Pennsylvania law defines as death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement, or another exception applies. Why we recommend full tort.
- Shared fault. You can recover if you were 50% or less at fault. Your award is reduced by your share.
- No cap on compensatory damages in cases against private parties, such as drivers, businesses and manufacturers.
How We Build Brain Injury Cases
- Medical specialists. We work with neurologists, neuropsychologists and other physicians to document the injury and its effects.
- Before-and-after witnesses. Family, friends and coworkers can describe the person you were before the injury.
- Future needs. When the injury is lasting, life care planners and economists can measure the cost of future care and lost earnings.
- Trial-ready. Insurance companies know we are prepared to try cases to a jury.
What You Can Recover
- Past and future medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Cost of future care and support
- Pain, suffering and loss of life’s pleasures
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Related Cases We Handle
- Serious injuries
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Failure to diagnose
- Wrongful death
Talk to an Injury Lawyer
Every case starts with a conversation with a lawyer. We will tell you honestly whether you have a case and what it may be worth. Our injury cases are handled by Noah Fardo and Bill Rogel, working with Shawn Flaherty.
Call 412-802-6666 or email Managing Partner Noah Fardo at npf@pghfirm.com. Prefer to text? Use 412-855-5511. More answers: Personal Injury FAQ.
There is no fee unless we obtain a monetary recovery. We advance the case costs and are reimbursed from the client’s share only if we are successful. General information only, not legal advice. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.











