On this page
Hear from a family who faced a serious injury and big medical bills.
Real Kent Law client family, who gave written permission. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Your family should not have to fight the insurance company alone. Call or text us now. The case review is free.
Read the transcript
Client's daughter: My mom was injured, she broke her tibia and fibula. It was even discussed that she might have to get her leg amputated. But not just that, if it got worse it could end up in death. The medical bills were extremely outrageous. If we had not hired Kent Law for my mother's case, I honestly don't know what would have been.
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
A brain injury can change how you think, work, sleep, and feel. It can change life for the people who love you, too. If you or a family member hit your head in a crash or a fall, this page is for you. Looking for a Phoenix brain injury lawyer? Kent Law represents people with concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI) across Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, and the East Valley. Below, you'll learn what to do after a head injury, which Arizona laws shape your claim, and how we build these cases against the insurance company. Call (480) 359-KENT today for a free case review.
What to do after a head injury in Phoenix
What you do in the first days matters for your health and your claim. These steps are general information, not medical advice. Always follow your doctors' advice.
- Get medical care the same day. Go to an emergency room, an urgent care, or your doctor. Tell them you hit your head or were jolted, even if you feel fine. If the head injury isn't in your first records, an insurer may later argue it never happened.
- Follow up if symptoms appear or get worse. Symptoms of a concussion or other brain injury can be delayed or subtle. Watch for headaches, confusion, memory problems, trouble concentrating, dizziness, sleep changes, mood changes, and sensitivity to light or noise. If something new shows up or gets worse, go back to a doctor.
- Keep a daily symptom journal. Write down how you feel, what was hard that day, and anything you forgot or couldn't finish. A few lines a day is enough. Notes made at the time can carry real weight.
- Ask family, friends, and coworkers to write down changes they notice. People close to you often see changes before you do. They may notice a shorter temper, repeated questions, missed appointments, or trouble with tasks that used to be easy.
- Keep every record and bill. Save medical bills, visit summaries, prescriptions, pay stubs, and notes from work or school. Keep the police or incident report number, plus any photos of the scene and your injuries.
- Call us before you give a recorded statement to any insurer, including your own. Adjusters may ask questions designed to shrink your claim. Your own policy may require you to cooperate, so don't ignore your insurer. Call (480) 359-KENT first, and we'll help you handle it.
Arizona laws that affect your claim
The general deadline. Most Arizona injury lawsuits must generally be filed within 2 years (A.R.S. § 12-542). Brain injury cases take time to build because the full effects may not be clear for months. Don't let that time slip away.
Claims against the government. Different rules apply when a city, a county, or the state is responsible, or when a government employee caused the injury. A notice of claim is generally required within 180 days (A.R.S. § 12-821.01). The lawsuit must generally be filed within 1 year (A.R.S. § 12-821). For example, if a city bus runs a red light and hits your car, you may have only 180 days to file the notice and 1 year to file the lawsuit.
Shared fault. Arizona uses pure comparative fault (A.R.S. § 12-2505). If you were partly at fault, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. In most cases, they are not barred. Insurers often try to shift blame so they can pay less. We push back. There are exceptions, such as A.R.S. § 12-711 for some alcohol- or drug-related situations, so talk to us about your facts.
Insurance limits and UM/UIM coverage. Arizona's minimum auto liability limits are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury (A.R.S. § 28-4009). Those limits often don't cover a serious brain injury. When that happens, your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may matter. Arizona insurers must offer UM and UIM coverage in writing, and drivers can decline it (A.R.S. § 20-259.01). Learn how uninsured and underinsured motorist claims work.
Common types of traumatic brain injury cases
A brain injury can happen in many kinds of accidents. Most of our cases are motor vehicle collisions. Most of those crashes happen on city streets and at intersections, not on the interstates. In 2024, 54,426 people were injured in crashes across Arizona, including 2,503 motorcycle riders and passengers, 1,912 pedestrians, and 1,349 bicyclists (ADOT, 2024 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, Table 1-1). Those figures count all crash injuries, not brain injuries. They show how many people get hurt in the kinds of crashes where head injuries can happen.
- Car crashes. In a collision, a person's head can strike a window, the steering wheel, or the headrest, or be thrown hard by the impact. Learn more on our Phoenix car accident lawyer page.
- Truck crashes. A semi's size and weight can make a crash violent. These cases may involve a driver, a trucking company, and commercial insurance. See our truck accident lawyer page.
- Motorcycle crashes. Riders have little protection when they hit a car or the road, and head injuries can happen even with a helmet. Visit our motorcycle accident lawyer page.
- Pedestrian crashes. A person on foot can strike the hood, the windshield, or the pavement. Read about pedestrian accident claims.
- Bicycle crashes. A rider thrown from a bike can hit the vehicle or the street. See our bicycle accident lawyer page.
- Slip and fall accidents. A fall on a wet floor, a broken stair, or an uneven walkway can cause a serious head injury. Property owners may be responsible. Learn more about slip and fall claims.
Evidence and damages
Brain injury claims are often fought over what no one can see. Our job is to make it visible.
Why a "mild" concussion is not always mild
A concussion may be labeled "mild," and insurers often lean on that word. They may point out that your scans came back normal or that you "seem fine" in conversation. They may argue that normal test results mean no injury. What matters is how you're doing at home, at work, and at school. Other records and testimony can show how the injury affects your daily life, and we gather that proof.
Evidence we gather
We start with the accident itself: police and incident reports, photos, video, and witness statements. When a case needs them, we hire crash reconstruction experts and other expert witnesses.
Then we document the changes in your life:
- Your symptom journal, which shows your day-to-day struggles in your own words.
- Statements from people who know you, such as family, friends, and coworkers who have seen the changes.
- Work performance records, such as reviews, missed days, or reduced duties.
- Medical evaluations from the doctors treating you.
When a case needs them, we may develop records and testimony from:
- Your treating doctors
- Evaluations by other doctors, such as neurologists
- Neuropsychological testing
- Life care planners, who map out future care needs
- Vocational and economic experts, who look at lost work and income
Future care and earning capacity
A brain injury can affect your ability to work, finish school, drive, or live on your own. A claim may include future medical care, therapy, and lost earning capacity. Lost earning capacity is the income you may not be able to earn in the future because of the injury. We look at the whole picture, not just the bills you have today.
Damages you may be able to recover
Depending on the facts, you may be able to recover:
- Medical bills for emergency care, hospital stays, doctor visits, and medication
- Future care and therapy, including rehabilitation and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages for time missed from work
- Lost earning capacity if the injury limits the work you can do
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life when you can't do the things you used to love
- Property damage, such as your vehicle, bike, or other belongings
How Kent Law handles traumatic brain injury cases
The insurance company has adjusters and lawyers working to pay you as little as possible. We work just as hard for you. Kent Law focuses on personal injury, and we handle the adjusters so you can focus on healing. We don't back down, we're ready to take your case to court, and we fight for every penny of compensation you deserve.
Your legal team. Adam C. Kent founded Kent Law in 2011. He has practiced law in Arizona since 2006 and started his career as a prosecutor with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Jonathan Henry, our Managing Attorney, brings extensive trial experience to the cases we take to court. Andrew Shaver, an attorney with the firm, works alongside them for our clients.
Where your case is filed. It depends on court rules and the facts, such as where the injury happened and where the parties live. Phoenix-area and East Valley cases are usually filed in Maricopa County Superior Court. We regularly file in Pima and Pinal counties too.
How we meet with you. A brain injury can make travel, phone calls, and paperwork hard. We usually meet at our office. If you can't get here, we can come to you at the hospital or at home, or meet by phone or video. We serve Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, and Mesa from our Phoenix office. If you searched for a Tempe brain injury attorney, we're ready to talk with you.
When a family member calls. A spouse, parent, or adult child often notices the changes first. The injured person may not be able to make the call. We talk with families too, and we'll walk you through the next steps.
Results. Kent Law recovers millions of dollars for injured clients every year, and we have handled thousands of injury cases. We handle negotiated settlements, mediation, arbitration and trial. We take on denied and stalled claims, including cases already at the litigation stage. Some insurance adjusters and defense attorneys have hired Kent Law for their own injury cases. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
What it costs
We handle brain injury cases on a contingency fee. No fee unless we win. Your case review is free. Before you sign anything, we explain the written fee agreement in plain language.
Talk with a Phoenix traumatic brain injury lawyer
A brain injury is hard enough without fighting an insurance company on your own. Call (480) 359-KENT to talk with our team about what happened and what comes next. We usually meet at our office. If you can't get here, we can come to you at the hospital or at home, or meet by phone or video. Free case review. No fee unless we win.
Se habla español. Interpretation is always available.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer for a brain injury claim?
Not every claim needs a lawyer. Brain injury claims, though, are often hard to prove and hard to value. Insurers may argue that a concussion was minor or that normal test results mean no injury. A lawyer can gather the records and testimony that show how the injury affects your life and your future. A lawyer can also deal with the insurance company for you. Call (480) 359-KENT for a free case review.
How much does a brain injury lawyer at Kent Law cost?
Kent Law works on a contingency fee. No fee unless we win. Your case review is free. If you decide to hire us, we explain the written fee agreement in plain language before you sign, and we answer your questions about it. Call (480) 359-KENT to set up your free case review.
How long do I have to file a brain injury lawsuit in Arizona?
Most Arizona injury lawsuits must generally be filed within 2 years (A.R.S. § 12-542). Claims against a city, county, or the state move faster. A notice of claim is generally required within 180 days (A.R.S. § 12-821.01), and the lawsuit must generally be filed within 1 year (A.R.S. § 12-821). For example, if a city truck hit you, those shorter deadlines may apply. Call us early so we can protect your deadlines.
My scans were normal. Can I still have a concussion claim?
You may. Insurers may argue that normal test results mean there was no injury, or that you seem fine. Other evidence can show how a concussion affects your daily life. That evidence includes your doctors' records, your symptom journal, statements from family and coworkers, and work records. When a case needs it, neuropsychological testing can also help. We gather that proof and push back on the insurer.
Can a family member call Kent Law for me?
Yes. After a brain injury, a spouse, parent, or adult child often notices the changes first. The injured person may not be able to make the call. We talk with families too. We explain the process, answer questions, and set up a time to meet. We usually meet at our office. If your loved one can't get here, we can come to the hospital or your home, or meet by phone or video.
What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
You may still have a claim. Arizona follows pure comparative fault (A.R.S. § 12-2505). Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault, but in most cases they are not barred. For example, if you were found 20 percent at fault, your damages would be reduced by 20 percent. Insurers often try to push more of the blame onto you so they can pay less. We push back with evidence.
Do you handle brain injury cases in Tempe and Chandler?
Yes. We serve Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, and Mesa from our office in the Ahwatukee area of Phoenix. We don't have offices in those cities. We usually meet at our office. If you can't get here, we can come to you at the hospital or at home, or meet by phone or video. Spanish-speaking staff are available, and interpretation is always available.
Sources
This page is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different.