Washington, DC Brain Injury Lawyer

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) shatters lives without warning, leaving victims and families struggling with devastating physical, emotional, and financial burdens. The mounting costs of medical care, lost wages, and rehabilitation can feel overwhelming, and insurance companies are not on your side. You need attorneys who have handled cases like yours before and won.
Regan Zambri Long is recognized as a Tier 1 firm for personal injury litigation in Washington, DC by U.S. News & World Report. All three founding partners are board-certified trial advocates by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and the firm holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. In traumatic brain injury cases specifically, we have secured recoveries of $20 million, $16 million, and $10.6 million. We front all case costs, retain leading medical and forensic experts, and apply the full resources of our firm to every case, backed by more than 100 five-star Google reviews from past clients.

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to negligence, contact Regan Zambri Long today. One of our DC brain injury attorneys will personally call you back. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there’s no fee unless we win your case.

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Why You Need a Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney After an Accident in Washington, DC

It is always in your best interest to hire a Washington, DC, brain injury lawyer when you’ve been diagnosed with a TBI. Your TBI attorney will take charge of your legal case while you focus on recovery. Personal injury claims can be complicated, more so when you are suffering the cognitive effects of a TBI.

A TBI victim may have difficulties speaking or comprehending language. Depending on the affected area of the brain and the extent of the damage, cognitive problems and mobility issues may also result. Victims need fair compensation to ensure they can continue the recovery process without worrying about any ongoing costs associated with their medical care.

The traumatic brain injury lawyers at Regan Zambri Long have spent more than three decades fighting for the rights of people who have suffered catastrophic injuries after an accident. In one notable case, we secured a $6.2 million verdict for a man who suffered a traumatic brain injury while skiing on a poorly designed ski slope.

Contact our Washington, DC, personal injury lawyers today if you or a loved one has been injured. During your free consultation, we will answer your questions, explain the legal process, and begin to evaluate the full extent of your claim.

How Can a Washington, DC Brain Injury Lawyer Help With Your Accident Case?

A TBI case can be overwhelming. When you don’t know where to start, start with a case evaluation with Regan Zambri Long’s DC brain injury lawyers.

 

A DC brain injury lawyer will help you by:

Answering Questions

Following any kind of brain injury, you are going to have questions. What is the role of the insurance company? Should you agree to the terms of the settlement presented to you? What should you do if the individual who caused the injury tells you that you can “work it out” without involving the insurance companies?

To allow you to focus on healing, a Washington, DC, brain injury lawyer will respond to all your questions and handle any interactions with insurance companies on your behalf. A TBI is difficult and emotionally draining. You and your family shouldn’t have to navigate the aftermath alone.

Collecting Evidence

After suffering a traumatic brain injury, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. A brain injury attorney will assist you with every facet of your claim. Our DC brain injury lawyers will collect evidence to prove who is responsible. We collaborate closely with investigators, expert witnesses, and medical professionals to ensure you receive fair compensation for all your injuries and losses.

Proving Negligence and Liability

To collect compensation, we must prove causation by demonstrating that the responsible party was negligent. Legal negligence is defined as:

  • Someone had a duty of care to behave in a certain way
  • They breached the duty of care via an action or inaction
  • The breach directly caused the accident
  • You were injured because of the breach of duty

The evidence your DC brain injury lawyer collects will prove that the responsible party was negligent and is, therefore, liable for your TBI.

Conducting Settlement Negotiations

Once we have established your claim, our lawyers will draft a demand letter. Involving a lawyer in the negotiation process early ensures your interests are represented. Your lawyer will informally present your case to the liable party and insurance adjuster, proving negligence and demanding a fair settlement. Early advocacy can help you get the relief you need quickly.

Litigating on Your Behalf

If our experienced brain injury attorneys can’t get you the results you need through aggressive early advocacy, we will take the case to court on your behalf. Your brain injury lawyer at Regan Zambri Long is prepared to see your case through to its conclusion, regardless of the opponent.

Chris Regan and Pat Regan meeting with TBI victim at conference table

What Compensation Is Available in a Washington, DC Traumatic Brain Injury Lawsuit?

The value of a TBI claim depends entirely on the facts of the case. Hospital bills, rehabilitation services, home modifications, and expensive medical equipment can push the financial costs of a TBI into millions of dollars over a lifetime. Additionally, a severe TBI can prevent you from returning to work.

Even a mild concussion can result in multiple trips to the doctor and continuing care long after the accident. The lifetime treatment costs for a TBI patient may go as high as $4 million.

Injury victims are entitled to economic and non-economic damages after an accident. These include:

  • Current and future medical bills
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Lost income and lost future wages
  • Loss of earning potential
  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment in daily activities
  • Loss of companionship

Each brain injury case is different, and it’s difficult to say exactly how much your TBI case is worth without first speaking with a DC brain injury lawyer. Regan Zambri Long’s traumatic brain injury lawyers can discuss a fair estimate during your free consultation.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury in Washington, DC?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were an estimated 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020 and over 69,000 TBI-related deaths in 2021. More recent national estimates suggest that TBI-related deaths have remained at a similar level, with 68,665 deaths in the United States attributed to traumatic brain injury in 2023. The causes of traumatic brain injury are often due to an accident resulting from the negligent actions of another party.

 

The most common causes of traumatic brain injury are slip and fall accidents and motor vehicle crashes. The CDC reports that falls account for almost half of all TBI-related hospitalizations, illustrating how frequently everyday incidents can lead to serious brain trauma. In car crash accidents, brain trauma often results from the blunt force trauma of the collision or airbag deployment. In both crashes and falls, the jarring impact can cause whiplash and lead to a concussion.

 

Beyond hospitalizations, traumatic brain injuries affect millions of people each year. The Brain Injury Association of America reports that there are approximately 2.9 million TBI-related emergency department visits annually in the United States. A 2025 study also found that nearly 10 million Americans reported sustaining a traumatic brain injury in the past year, including 3.3% of all adults and 2.2% of all children.

Other common causes of traumatic brain injury include:

 

  • Medical malpractice. Surgical errors and medication mistakes may cause brain injuries from trauma or oxygen deprivation. Newborn babies can also suffer significant brain damage from physical trauma, oxygen deprivation (hypoxia), and/or reduced blood flow to the brain during delivery.
  • Motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists have little to no protection compared to car passengers. And with many bikers not wearing helmets, all it takes is one motorcycle accident to cause a severe brain injury.
  • Sports injuries. Concussions have been a hot topic in sports for the past few years. A concussion can result in shaking the brain, and if it’s severe enough, it can cause injuries to nerve fibers and neurons in the brain. Coaches and organizations must actively ensure all players receive proper medical attention following any injury that could affect the brain. The same 2025 study found that among children who sustained a traumatic brain injury in the past year, 55.5% were injured during a sport or recreational activity.

Seeking medical attention after any possible brain injury is the most important thing. Even if the victim says they feel fine, the effects may take time to manifest. Additionally, many brain injuries do not show physical symptoms such as bleeding or loss of consciousness. Immediate medical care creates a link between the accident and the injury, allowing the victim to seek compensation.

 

If you have been diagnosed with a TBI after an accident, call Regan Zambri Long for a free consultation. A Washington, DC, brain injury lawyer will discuss your case’s facts and provide sound legal advice.

The Different Types of Brain Injuries

Brain injuries are broken into three general categories:

  • A closed-head brain injury occurs when the brain is violently rocked back and forth inside the skull, such as a coup-contrecoup injury.
  • An open-head brain injury, also known as a penetrating brain injury, happens when the skull is either penetrated or fractured. The most common example of this would be a gunshot wound.
  • A blast injury occurs when the brain cells are affected by the shockwaves of a nearby explosion.

Every brain injury is different. However, the universal fact is that victims deserve compensation for their losses. Regan Zambri Long’s DC brain injury attorneys can help you make sure you receive what you are owed.

What Laws Affect Traumatic Brain Injury Claims in Washington, DC?

Washington, DC, has two laws that are key to any personal injury claim.

The first is the statute of limitations. Under §12–301 of the DC Code, victims must file a claim three years from the accident date (or awareness of the injury in medical malpractice cases). Your lawyer will know this time limit and work with you and other professionals to build your case and understand its value in filing your claim on time.

The second is DC’s contributory negligence standard. This standard says that anyone who contributed to an accident cannot claim compensation. Unfortunately, many insurance companies may try to say that the victim shared responsibility and isn’t entitled to any compensation. Your attorney will ensure no one can pin false liability on you.

Personal injury law can be complicated, especially when working through the challenges of a TBI. Regan Zambri Long’s brain injury lawyers can make the process easier. Call us today to discuss how we can be your allies for justice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traumatic Brain Injuries in DC

How Is the Severity of a TBI Classified?

The CDC has three classifications for TBI severity:

  • A mild brain injury usually leaves the accident victim feeling disoriented. They may lose consciousness for a very brief time.
  • A moderate brain injury can result in a loss of consciousness anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Complications from a moderate brain injury can last for months and may even be permanent. The accident victim will be facing several medical treatments to address the issues.
  • A severe brain injury is usually life-threatening, and it is improbable that the victim will fully recover to their previous state of health.

No matter the severity of your injury, a TBI will throw a wrench into your daily routine. When someone else’s negligence is the cause of your TBI, Regan Zambri Long can help you hold them accountable. Schedule your free case evaluation today.

What Are the Possible Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury?

The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury vary depending on the location and severity of the trauma. Sometimes, the symptoms may last only a short while or improve over time. However, in many cases involving severe brain trauma, the effects are permanent and often seriously disabling.

Common TBI symptoms can include:

  • Aphasia: Aphasia is a language disorder that creates difficulties in speaking and understanding language. People with aphasia may be unable to find the correct words to express themselves or struggle with pronunciation. In other cases, victims may have difficulty understanding written and spoken language.
  • Cognitive impairment: People with brain trauma may develop mental problems such as loss of memory, concentration, planning, and impulse control. According to the CDC, cognitive impairment symptoms can make it difficult for individuals with TBIs to conduct daily tasks and personal care without assistance.
  • Personality changes: Brain injuries may cause personality changes and may increase depression, irritability, and anxiety.
  • Impaired vision: TBIs may cause blurred vision, double vision, or decreased peripheral vision. Sometimes, these impairments may subside as the brain heals and adapts. However, complete and permanent vision loss in one or both eyes may occur in severe cases.
  • Cerebral palsy: Newborns who suffer TBIs during delivery may develop cerebral palsy, a condition that causes problems with muscle coordination and movement. Cerebral palsy may also cause learning difficulties or impaired communication. Depending on the extent of the birth injury, these impairments may range from mild to severe.
  • Motor problems: Difficulties with balance, reflexes, or movement are common symptoms of traumatic brain injuries.

If you have been involved in an accident and are experiencing any of these symptoms, you must seek medical attention immediately. Once your physical needs are addressed, schedule a free case evaluation with our DC injury lawyers to discuss claiming compensation for your injury.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Brain Injury Claim in Washington, DC?

Under §12–301 of the DC Code, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a brain injury claim. In medical malpractice cases, the three-year window begins from the date you became aware of the injury. Missing this deadline typically means losing the right to pursue compensation entirely.

Because building a strong TBI case takes time, gathering medical records, consulting specialists, and calculating the full scope of your damages, it’s important not to wait. Contact Regan Zambri Long today so our DC brain injury lawyers can begin working on your case well within the filing deadline.

How Does DC's Contributory Negligence Rule Affect a Brain Injury Case?

Washington, DC, follows a contributory negligence standard, one of the strictest in the country. Under this rule, if you are found to have contributed to the accident in any way, even minimally, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.

Insurance companies frequently use this rule as a weapon, arguing that the victim shared responsibility in order to deny the claim entirely. A brain injury attorney at Regan Zambri Long will protect you against false liability claims and build a case that keeps the focus on the responsible party’s negligence.

Why Choose Regan Zambri Long for Your Washington, DC Brain Injury Case?

After a brain injury accident, the last thing you need is the legal burden of a personal injury claim. Regan Zambri Long’s DC brain injury lawyers can help.

With decades of experience representing victims like you, our legal team knows how to handle your case with compassion and dedication. We have recovered millions of dollars for TBI victims and can do the same for you.

These include:

  • $20 million verdict in a case involving brain injury and paralysis of a teenager who was struck by a Smithsonian Institution bus
  • $16 million settlement for a young professional who suffered traumatic brain damage as a result of a dangerous condition on a property
  • $10.6 million settlement for an automobile collision resulting in traumatic brain injury and paraplegia
  • $6.2 million verdict for a skier who suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident at a Virginia ski resort
  • $5.3 million verdict for a delayed diagnosis of a brain injury
  • $5 million verdict for a teenager who fell off a high diving board and sustained a traumatic brain injury

Legal organizations and peers consistently recognize Regan Zambri Long as one of the top plaintiff firms in Washington, DC, and that recognition is built on the same trial experience behind our eight-figure TBI recoveries.

  • Best Lawyers has repeatedly named Regan Zambri Long one of the Best Law Firms in America.
  • Best Lawyers selected our attorneys as Lawyer of the Year on multiple occasions, including for excellence in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Litigation.
  • All six partners have been named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in America list, placing them among fewer than 0.4% of personal injury lawyers nationwide.

Entrusting your case to us is setting yourself up for success.

Contact a Regan Zambri Long DC Brain Injury Lawyer Today

Whether you were injured in a car accident, because of medical malpractice, or by another act of negligence, we can help. Schedule a free consultation with our DC brain injury lawyers today by calling 202-946-5322.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.

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