TBI Settlements in Columbus, Ohio: What Brain Injury Victims Need to Know

In Columbus, Ohio, brain injury settlements aren’t just about covering medical bills—they’re about making sure you have the resources to deal with memory loss, mood changes, and the long-term impact on your ability to work and live normally.

But because TBIs don’t always show up clearly on scans or get taken seriously right away, getting the compensation you deserve can be an uphill battle. That’s why understanding how settlements work—and having the right legal team on your side—matters more than ever.

What Causes Traumatic Brain Injuries

Brain injuries come in all shapes and sizes – from mild concussions where you’re back to normal in a few weeks, to life-changing injuries that affect how you think, feel, and function every day.

These injuries typically happen because of:

• Car crashes
• Falls caused by dangerous and hidden property conditions
• Getting hurt at work
• Recreational injuries

Your injury’s severity directly impacts how much money you might receive. The tricky part? Brain injuries often don’t show up clearly on scans or X-rays like a broken bone would.

That’s why having a lawyer who understands brain injuries can make all the difference in your case.

What Might a TBI Settlement Look Like in Columbus?

Every brain injury case is different, and anyone who gives you exact numbers without knowing your specific situation isn’t being straight with you. That said, here are some general factors that affect settlement amounts:

For Milder Brain Injuries

When symptoms improve within months and you can return to normal activities, settlements tend to be lower but should still cover your medical bills, lost income, and compensation for what you went through.

For Moderate Brain Injuries

When symptoms last longer and might leave some lasting effects, settlements need to account for ongoing treatment, longer work absences, and more significant life disruptions.

For Severe Brain Injuries

When the injury causes permanent changes to your abilities, personality, or independence, settlements must consider lifetime care needs, inability to work, and profound changes to your quality of life.

What Really Drives the Value of Your TBI Settlement

Several key factors will affect how much money you might receive for your brain injury case in Columbus:

1. How Severe Is Your Injury and How Long Will It Last?

The lasting effects of your brain injury play a huge role in your settlement. These might include:

• Trouble thinking clearly or solving problems
• Forgetting things or getting confused
• Changes in your personality or emotions
• Problems speaking or understanding others
• Difficulty with physical coordination
• Needing help with daily activities

The more these issues affect your daily life, the stronger your case for substantial compensation.

2. Your Medical Bills – Past and Future

Your settlement should pay for all your injury-related medical costs, including:

• Emergency room and hospital stays
• Brain surgeries or other procedures
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Prescription medications
• Special equipment you might need
• Any care you’ll need down the road

Medical bills for brain injuries add up fast. Your lawyer should account for both what you’ve already paid and what you’ll likely need in the years ahead.

3. Lost Paychecks and Future Earnings

If your brain injury has kept you from working or affected your ability to do your job, your settlement should include:

• The income you’ve already lost while recovering
• Money you’ll lose if you can’t work as much or at the same level
• Compensation if you have to switch to a lower-paying job
• Lost retirement contributions and benefits
• Career advancement opportunities you’ve missed

This is especially important if you’re a high earner or have specialized skills that your injury now prevents you from using.

4. Pain and Suffering

Ohio law recognizes that brain injuries cause real physical pain and emotional distress. While it’s harder to put a dollar figure on these damages than on medical bills, they’re just as real and often make up a significant part of TBI settlements.

5. Your Evidence and Documentation

What you can prove makes all the difference in your case. This includes:

• Medical records that connect the accident to your brain injury
• Doctors who can explain your injury to a jury if needed
• Brain function tests showing how the injury affected you
• Brain scans and other medical imaging
• Daily journals, before/after comparisons, and testimony about how your life has changed

Ohio Laws That Affect Your TBI Case

When you’re seeking compensation for a brain injury in Columbus, there are some specific Ohio rules you need to know about:

The Clock Is Ticking

In Ohio, you only have two years from when you were hurt to file a lawsuit (Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10). Miss this deadline, and you’re likely out of luck – no matter how strong your case might be.

Shared Fault Rules

What if you were partly at fault for the accident? Ohio follows what’s called “modified comparative negligence.” Here’s how it works:

• If you’re more than 50% responsible, you can’t collect anything
• If you’re up to 50% responsible, your compensation gets reduced by your share of fault

For instance, if your case is worth $100,000 but you were 20% at fault, you’d receive $80,000.

Limits on Pain and Suffering Compensation

Ohio law caps how much you can receive for pain and suffering in most cases:

• $250,000 or three times your economic damages (up to $350,000), whichever is larger
• Maximum of $500,000 per incident

The good news? These caps don’t apply to catastrophic injuries, which can include serious brain injuries that cause permanent disabilities or substantial impairments.

Getting the Most for Your TBI Claim in Columbus

To give yourself the best shot at fair compensation:

• Get medical help right away – even if you think it’s “just a concussion”
• Do what your doctors tell you – skipping appointments or ignoring medical advice hurts your case
• Write everything down – keep a journal of symptoms, limitations, and how you feel each day
• Save every receipt – medical bills, medications, transportation to appointments, and anything else related to your injury
• Stay off social media – insurance companies love to use your posts against you
• Talk to a brain injury lawyer before accepting any offer – the first offer is almost always too low

How The Jones Firm Fights For Brain Injury Victims

At The Jones Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how a brain injury can turn your world upside down. Our Columbus personal injury lawyers will:

• Guide you through each step of the legal process in plain English
• Find and work with the right doctors to document your injury thoroughly
• Bring in brain specialists who can explain your injury in terms a jury will understand
• Figure out what your case is really worth, including future needs you might not have considered
• Stand up to insurance companies that try to minimize your injury
• Take your case to trial if the insurance company won’t play fair

Don’t Let Insurance Companies Shortchange You

Brain injuries are often invisible injuries. You look “fine” on the outside, but you’re struggling with headaches, memory problems, mood changes, and fatigue that others can’t see. Insurance companies love to use this against you, claiming you’re exaggerating or even making up your symptoms.

At The Jones Firm, we’ve helped many Columbus families get fair payment for brain injuries. We know the science behind TBIs, and we know how to show others the real impact these injuries have on your daily life.

When someone else’s carelessness causes a brain injury, you shouldn’t have to fight for fair treatment alone. Call The Jones Firm today for a free, no-pressure conversation about your situation. Our team is ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you figure out your next steps while you focus on getting better.