Highway winding toward snow-capped Alaska mountains

Anchorage Brain Injury Lawyers

A brain injury can change how a person thinks, works, and relates to family, even when scans look normal. We help people document those changes and recover for them.

Quick answer

A brain injury can be real even when a CT scan or MRI is normal. See a doctor about headaches, memory problems, or trouble concentrating after a crash or fall, and say how you were hurt. Most Alaska injury claims must be filed within two years (AS 09.10.070). We prove the injury with medical records, testing, and the observations of family and coworkers.

Brain injuries are often missed

Some brain injuries are obvious. Others are not. A person may walk away from a crash and only later notice headaches, memory problems, or trouble concentrating.

A concussion or other "mild" traumatic brain injury may not show up on a CT scan or MRI. The effects can still be real and lasting. Family members and coworkers are often the first to notice that something has changed.

Patient entering an MRI scanner with a technician

What are the symptoms of a brain injury?

Thinking

  • Memory problems.
  • Trouble concentrating.
  • Slower thinking.
  • Difficulty finding words.

Physical

  • Headaches.
  • Dizziness and balance problems.
  • Sensitivity to light or noise.
  • Sleep changes and fatigue.

Mood and behavior

  • Irritability.
  • Anxiety or depression.
  • Personality changes.
  • Trouble with work or relationships.

If you notice these symptoms after a crash or fall, see a doctor and tell them about the injury.

Common causes

  • Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes.
  • Falls on ice, stairs, and unsafe property.
  • Snowmachine, ATV, and boating accidents.
  • Pedestrian and bicycle crashes.
  • Assaults and defective products.
Doctor reviewing a scan on a tablet

How is a brain injury proven?

Insurers often argue that a brain injury is minor or unrelated to the accident. Building the case takes careful work:

  • Gathering medical records from the first emergency visit forward.
  • Neuropsychological testing to measure changes in memory and thinking.
  • Advanced imaging where it may help.
  • Statements from family, friends, and coworkers about the changes they have seen.
  • Life-care planners and economists to measure future care and lost earning capacity.

The long view

A brain injury can affect a person for decades. A settlement that covers only today's medical bills can leave a family without resources later. We take the time to understand the full effect of the injury before a case is resolved.

Which Alaska rules affect an injury claim?

  • Filing deadline. Most Alaska injury claims must be filed within two years (AS 09.10.070). Some claims follow different rules, so call early.
  • Shared fault. If you share some of the fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage. Partial fault does not bar the claim (AS 09.17.060).
  • Damages caps. Alaska limits non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, in most injury cases. The statute does not limit medical bills or lost earnings (AS 09.17.010).
  • Fee shifting. The winning party in an Alaska lawsuit can usually recover part of its attorney's fees from the losing party (Alaska Civil Rule 82).

We handle most injury cases on a contingency fee. No attorney's fee unless we recover for you. Clients may be responsible for case costs, and under Alaska law a losing party may be ordered to pay part of the other side's attorney's fees and costs. See how our fees work and our guide to Alaska injury law basics.

Frequently asked questions

What does a consultation cost?

Nothing. The first consultation is free, and talking with us does not obligate you to hire the firm.

Is there a deadline to bring a claim?

Yes. Alaska law sets deadlines for filing claims, and some are short. If you miss one, you may lose the right to recover. Call us early so we can protect your claim.

My scans were normal. Can I still have a brain injury claim?

Possibly. Many concussions do not appear on standard scans. Testing and the observations of people who know you can help show the injury. Talk with a lawyer about your situation.

Is there a limit on damages in Alaska?

Alaska caps non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, in most injury cases. The cap is higher for severe permanent physical impairment or severe disfigurement (AS 09.17.010). Medical bills and lost earnings are not capped by that statute.

Sources

This page gives general information, not legal advice for your situation.