A traumatic brain injury is caused by a physical force acting on the head or body, such as an impact, sudden acceleration or violent movement. These injuries often happen in accidents and can change a person’s ability to think, behave, work and live independently.

Traumatic brain injuries do not always present clearly at first. Some symptoms appear immediately following an accident, while others develop over time, particularly where the brain has been subjected to force rather than a single obvious injury.

If a traumatic brain injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to bring a personal injury claim.

What makes a traumatic brain injury different?

Unlike other types of brain injury, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by an external force. This might involve:

• a blow to the head
• rapid movement of the head or body
• impact with a hard surface or object

Traumatic brain injuries can be described as mild, moderate or severe, but the language used early on does not always reflect the long‑term impact. Even injuries initially labelled “mild” can result in ongoing cognitive, emotional or behavioural difficulties.

Accidents that commonly cause traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injuries are most often linked to accidents involving sudden force or impact, including:

• Road traffic accidents, involving drivers, passengers, cyclists or pedestrians
• Accidents at work, particularly falls from height or being struck by objects
• Slips, trips and falls in public places
• Construction site and industrial accidents
• Assaults or other violent incidents

This page focuses on traumatic brain injuries arising from personal injury accidents. Other causes of brain injury may be dealt with separately.

How a traumatic brain injury can affect daily life

The effects of a traumatic brain injury are often complex and vary from person to person. Common difficulties include:

• Problems with memory, attention and concentration
• Slower processing of information or decision‑making
• Changes in behaviour, personality or emotional regulation
• Fatigue, headaches and sleep disturbance
• Difficulty returning to work, study or previous levels of independence

In many cases, the impact of a traumatic brain injury is also felt by family members who may take on caring or support responsibilities.

Claiming compensation for a traumatic brain injury

If a traumatic brain injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, compensation may be available through a personal injury claim.

Compensation is intended to reflect the full consequences of the injury, not just the immediate effects of the accident. Depending on the circumstances, this can include:

• Rehabilitation and therapeutic treatment
• Care and support needs
• Loss of earnings and reduced future earning capacity
• Specialist equipment, support or housing adaptations
• The wider impact on independence and quality of life

Every traumatic brain injury claim is assessed on its own facts, based on medical evidence and the specific effects of the injury.

How our traumatic brain injury solicitors can help

Our Personal Injury team, led by Alex Wormald, can assess how the injury occurred, gather evidence about the accident, obtain specialist medical reports and consider the long‑term impact of a traumatic brain injury.

We also advise on rehabilitation, care needs, loss of earnings and future support, as well as funding options, including no win no fee arrangements and Legal Expenses Insurance, where available.

We also work alongside and are listed by organisations that support people affected by brain injury.

What happens first?

Your first step is a confidential, no‑obligation conversation with one of our solicitors.

We will listen to what has happened, how the injury has affected you, and explain whether a claim may be possible. We will also talk you through the options available and what the next steps would look like if you decide to proceed.

There is no obligation to move forward, and any discussion can take place at a pace that feels right for you.

Time limits for traumatic brain injury claims

Personal injury claims are subject to time limits. In many cases, a claim must be started within three years of the accident or the date you became aware of the injury.

Different rules can apply depending on age or whether the injury affects mental capacity. Because traumatic brain injury claims can be complex, early advice is often helpful.

Traumatic brain injury – frequently asked questions

Can I make a claim if my traumatic brain injury was described as mild?
Yes. A traumatic brain injury described as mild can still result in long‑term symptoms. What matters is whether the injury has had a lasting impact and whether it was caused by someone else’s negligence.

What if problems only appeared after the accident?
Delayed symptoms are common in traumatic brain injury cases and do not automatically prevent a claim where medical evidence supports a link.

Is a traumatic brain injury the same as other types of brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury is caused by an external force. Other types of brain injury can arise in different circumstances and may be dealt with separately.

Speak to us about a traumatic brain injury claim

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of an accident, we understand how uncertain things can feel.

An initial conversation can help clarify your options and identify the next practical steps, with no obligation to proceed.

Contact our Personal Injury team to discuss a traumatic brain injury claim in confidence.