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Your 2026 Guide to Wilkes-Barre Brain Injury Lawyer
A brain injury can change a life in an instant. In Wilkes-Barre, traumatic brain injuries often occur after car accidents, slip and falls, workplace incidents, and other sudden events caused by negligence. What may initially seem like a mild head injury can develop into long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges that affect every part of daily life.
At MWKE, our focus is helping individuals and families in Wilkes-Barre and throughout Luzerne County understand their legal rights after a brain injury. This page explains how brain injuries happen, common symptoms, where these accidents occur locally, what to do after a head injury, and how a brain injury lawyer can help pursue compensation under Pennsylvania law.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when a sudden impact, jolt, or penetration disrupts normal brain function. TBIs range from mild concussions to severe injuries causing permanent disability. Even serious injuries may not be immediately obvious after an accident, which is why prompt medical evaluation is critical.
Brain injuries often affect:
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Memory and concentration
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Speech and communication
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Balance and coordination
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Mood, personality, and behavior
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Sleep patterns and energy levels
For many victims, recovery is not linear. Symptoms may worsen days or weeks after the initial trauma.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries in Wilkes-Barre
Brain injuries occur in a wide range of accidents across Wilkes-Barre, particularly in high-traffic and high-risk areas.
Car Accidents
Motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of TBIs. Head injuries often occur even when seatbelts are worn. Accidents frequently happen on roads such as River Street, Market Street, North Main Street, South Main Street, Hazle Street, and along Route 309, I-81, and PA Route 115.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Falls are a major cause of brain injuries, especially among older adults. Wet floors, icy sidewalks, uneven pavement, broken stairs, and poor lighting can all lead to serious head trauma.
Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Large trucks traveling through Wilkes-Barre create higher risk of severe brain injuries due to their size and weight, particularly on highways and industrial routes.
Workplace Accidents
Construction sites, warehouses, and industrial facilities around Wilkes-Barre present fall and impact hazards that frequently lead to TBIs.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians struck by vehicles in Downtown Wilkes-Barre, near Public Square, shopping centers, or school zones often suffer catastrophic head injuries.
Signs and Symptoms of a Brain Injury
Brain injury symptoms can appear immediately or develop over time. Seeking medical care quickly is essential.
Common symptoms include:
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Persistent headaches or migraines
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Dizziness or loss of balance
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Confusion or disorientation
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Memory loss
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Sensitivity to light or noise
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Nausea or vomiting
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Changes in mood, personality, or behavior
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Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
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Slurred speech or difficulty finding words
Severe brain injuries may result in seizures, loss of consciousness, or long-term cognitive impairment.
Local Medical Treatment for Brain Injuries
Many individuals injured in Wilkes-Barre are treated at nearby medical facilities such as Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. These hospitals provide emergency care, neurological evaluations, imaging studies, and follow-up treatment essential for diagnosing and managing TBIs.
Medical documentation from these facilities plays a crucial role in establishing the severity and long-term impact of a brain injury.
What to Do After a Head Injury in Wilkes-Barre
Taking the right steps after a brain injury can protect both your health and your legal rights.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Never ignore head trauma. Even mild symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Follow All Medical Instructions
Ongoing care, therapy, and follow-up appointments help support recovery and document the injury.
Report the Accident
Whether the injury occurred in a car crash, on someone else’s property, or at work, ensure the incident is properly reported.
Document Everything
Keep records of medical visits, missed work, symptoms, and how the injury affects daily life.
Speak With a Brain Injury Lawyer
Legal guidance can help determine whether negligence played a role and what compensation may be available.
How Liability Works in Pennsylvania Brain Injury Cases
Brain injury claims are often based on negligence. To recover compensation, it must generally be shown that:
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Another party owed a duty of care
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That duty was breached
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The breach caused the brain injury
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Damages resulted from the injury
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:
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Compensation may be available if you are less than 51% at fault
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Any recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault
Insurance companies often try to minimize brain injury claims by arguing symptoms are exaggerated or unrelated. Strong medical and factual evidence is essential.
Compensation Available for Brain Injury Victims
A brain injury can result in significant financial and personal losses. Compensation may include:
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Emergency medical treatment
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Hospital stays and rehabilitation
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Ongoing neurological care
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Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
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Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Permanent disability or loss of independence
Each case is unique, and long-term needs must be carefully evaluated.
Why Brain Injury Cases Are Complex
Brain injury cases are among the most complex personal injury claims due to:
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Delayed symptom onset
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Disputes over severity
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Long-term or permanent effects
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Need for expert medical testimony
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Significant future care costs
Insurance companies often push for quick settlements before the full impact of the injury is known.
Brain Injuries and Daily Life
Even a moderate brain injury can affect a person’s ability to work, drive, manage finances, or maintain relationships. Family members may also take on caregiving roles, adding emotional and financial strain.
Legal claims must account for how the injury affects not just the victim, but the household as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Injuries in Wilkes-Barre
How long do I have to file a brain injury claim in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury.
Can I file a claim for a concussion?
Yes. Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury and may justify compensation depending on circumstances.
What if symptoms appeared weeks later?
Delayed symptoms are common in brain injury cases and do not automatically prevent a claim.
Will my case go to court?
Many cases resolve through settlement, but preparation for trial is often necessary.
Acting Quickly Matters in Brain Injury Cases
Evidence can disappear, witnesses may be lost, and insurance companies begin building defenses immediately. Acting early helps preserve:
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Medical records
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Accident reports
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Surveillance or traffic camera footage
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Witness statements
Early legal involvement can make a significant difference.
Serving Wilkes-Barre and Surrounding Communities
MWKE represents brain injury victims throughout Wilkes-Barre and nearby areas including Kingston, Plains Township, Dallas, Pittston, and across Luzerne County.
Speak With a MWKE Wilkes-Barre Brain Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, understanding your options is an important step. Brain injuries often require long-term care and careful legal planning.
MWKE offers free consultations for individuals and families affected by brain injuries in Wilkes-Barre. There is no obligation—just clear information and guidance during a difficult time.
Contact MWKE today to speak with a Wilkes-Barre brain injury lawyer and learn how legal support can help protect your future.