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You hit your head. The CT scan came back clear. The ER sent you home. But something is not right. You cannot focus. Light hurts. You forget conversations you had yesterday. You are exhausted all the time. And when you tell people how you feel, they look at you like nothing is wrong because there is no cast, no scar, no visible proof.
Traumatic brain injuries are devastating precisely because they are invisible. They change how you think, how you feel, how you move through the world—and the evidence does not always appear on the first scan or even the first week. That gap between what you know is happening inside your head and what others can see creates a second trauma, especially when the insurance company decides your injury is minor before you have even had time to heal.
At McCormick & Murphy – Personal Injury Lawyers, we have represented clients across Colorado Springs, Briargate, Falcon, Manitou Springs, and every surrounding community who were told their brain injury was not serious enough to matter. We know what TBI does to a life. We know how to prove it. And we know how to hold the responsible party accountable when your injury is anything but minor.
A traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force—a blow, a jolt, a violent shake—disrupts normal brain function. TBI is not one injury. It is a spectrum. On one end, you have a concussion that resolves in a few weeks. On the other, you have catastrophic damage that alters cognitive function permanently.
The medical system categorizes TBI as mild, moderate, or severe based on things like loss of consciousness, Glasgow Coma Scale scores, and imaging results. But the word “mild” is misleading. A so-called mild TBI can leave you unable to work, unable to drive, unable to tolerate noise or manage your emotions. The label does not reflect the impact on your life.
Common causes of TBI in Colorado Springs include:
What matters is not the category. What matters is whether you can function the way you did before the accident. If the answer is no, your injury is serious.
One of the most dangerous misconceptions about brain injuries is that you will know right away if something is wrong. That is not how TBI works. Symptoms can be delayed. They can be subtle. They can emerge gradually as your brain tries to compensate for damage that was not immediately apparent.
You might experience:
These symptoms do not always appear in the emergency room. They appear when you go back to work and realize you cannot keep up. When you try to read to your kids and the words blur. When your spouse asks why you have been so angry lately and you do not have an answer.
Insurance companies use delayed symptoms against you. They argue that if you did not complain immediately, the injury must not be related to the accident. That is not how brain trauma works, and it is not how Colorado law works. What matters is whether a qualified medical professional connects your symptoms to the incident that caused them.
TBI does not always heal cleanly. Some people recover fully. Others do not. The difference is not always predictable, and the timeline is not always short. Post-concussion syndrome can last months or years. Cognitive deficits can be permanent. Emotional regulation can change in ways that affect every relationship you have.
You might lose your job because you cannot focus for eight hours. You might lose income because you had to drop to part-time work. You might need occupational therapy, speech therapy, neuropsychological testing, medications you will take indefinitely. You might need help with tasks you used to do automatically—managing finances, organizing your day, remembering appointments.
The financial impact is real. The emotional toll is real. The way TBI reshapes your future is real. And you deserve compensation that reflects the full scope of what you have lost, not just what showed up on the first scan.
If you hit your head, go to the emergency room or urgent care even if you feel fine. Get evaluated. Get it documented. Tell them exactly what happened. Tell them every symptom, even the ones that seem minor.
Then follow up. If symptoms appear later, see your doctor immediately. Ask for a referral to a neurologist or a concussion specialist. Keep every appointment. Follow every treatment plan. Keep a journal of symptoms—what you feel, when, how it affects your day.
This documentation becomes the foundation of your claim. It establishes the timeline. It connects your symptoms to the accident. It shows that you took your injury seriously and sought appropriate care. Insurance companies will look for gaps in treatment and use them to argue you were not really hurt. Do not give them that opening.
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize TBI claims. They know most people do not understand how serious a concussion can be. They know that if there is no skull fracture or brain bleed on imaging, they can call it minor and offer a lowball settlement before you realize the full extent of your injury.
Common tactics include:
They are betting you will accept their version of your injury because you do not have the resources or knowledge to fight back. That bet stops working when you have a lawyer who knows how TBI claims are built and what your case is actually worth.
Colorado law allows you to recover damages that reflect the true cost of your injury, both economic and non-economic. That includes:
In cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. Every case is different. What you recover depends on the severity of your injury, the strength of your evidence, and the skill of your legal representation.
Not every personal injury case requires an attorney. A fender bender with a few bruises and a quick recovery? You can probably handle that on your own. But traumatic brain injury is different. The stakes are higher. The medical evidence is more complex. The insurance company has more reason to fight. And the gap between what they will offer you on your own and what your case is actually worth can be tens of thousands of dollars or more.
A lawyer who handles TBI cases knows:
We work with neurologists, neuropsychologists, life care planners, vocational experts, and economists to build a complete picture of what your injury has cost you and what it will cost you in the years ahead. We do not guess at your damages. We prove them.
At McCormick & Murphy, we start by listening. We want to know what your life looked like before the accident and what it looks like now. We want to know what you have lost—not just in medical bills, but in daily function, in independence, in the small moments that make life feel normal.
Then we build. We gather every piece of medical evidence. We work with your doctors to understand your prognosis. We document your symptoms over time. We calculate your economic losses down to the dollar. And we prepare your case as if it is going to trial, because that is the only way to get the insurance company to take you seriously.
Most cases settle. But they settle because the other side knows we are ready to fight. We serve clients throughout Colorado Springs, Security-Widefield, Woodmen Hills, Rockrimmon, Old Colorado City, Fort Carson, and the surrounding areas. We know the local courts. We know the insurance companies. And we know how to win.
If you were in an accident and you hit your head, take these steps:
The consultation is free. The advice is honest. And if we take your case, you pay nothing unless we win.
One of the hardest parts of living with a traumatic brain injury is the feeling that no one believes you. The doctors see a normal scan and tell you to rest. The insurance adjuster sees a concussion and offers you a few thousand dollars. Your employer wonders why you are not back to normal yet. Even family and friends may not understand why you are not the same person you were before.
You are not imagining this. Your injury is real. The impact on your life is real. And you have the right to compensation that reflects that reality.
Kirk McCormick and Jay Murphy have spent their careers fighting for people whose injuries do not fit neatly into a box. People who were told their case was not worth pursuing. People who were offered settlements that did not come close to covering their losses. People who needed someone to stand up and say: this matters, and we are not backing down.
If that is where you are right now, call us. Let us review your case. Let us explain your options. Let us fight for what you are owed.
McCormick & Murphy – Personal Injury Lawyers
929 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
Phone: 719-389-0400
Website: https://mccormickmurphy.com/
Your brain injury is not minor. Your case is not hopeless. And you do not have to face the insurance company alone.
A traumatic brain injury is any disruption to normal brain function caused by an external force—such as a blow to the head, a violent jolt, or rapid acceleration and deceleration. TBI ranges from concussions and mild injuries to severe brain damage. In Colorado, what qualifies legally is any brain injury caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongful act that results in medical expenses, lost income, pain, or long-term impairment. You do not need to lose consciousness or have a visible wound for your injury to qualify. If your brain function has been affected and another party is at fault, you may have a valid claim.
TBI symptoms can appear immediately, or they can emerge days or even weeks after the accident. It is common for headaches, dizziness, memory problems, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating to show up gradually as the brain tries to compensate for the injury. Some people feel fine at the scene of the accident and only notice symptoms when they return to work or normal activities. Delayed symptoms do not mean your injury is not real or not connected to the accident. They are a recognized feature of traumatic brain injury, and Colorado law allows you to pursue a claim even if your symptoms were not immediate.
Yes. CT scans and MRIs are designed to detect structural damage like skull fractures, bleeding, and swelling. They do not always show the microscopic damage, chemical changes, or functional impairments that cause TBI symptoms. Many legitimate traumatic brain injuries—including concussions and diffuse axonal injuries—do not appear on standard imaging. What matters for your claim is whether a qualified medical professional diagnoses a brain injury based on your symptoms, medical history, and neurological evaluation. Insurance companies often point to a clear scan to deny a claim, but that does not mean you do not have a case.
Yes. CT scans and MRIs are designed to detect structural damage like skull fractures, bleeding, and swelling. They do not always show the microscopic damage, chemical changes, or functional impairments that cause TBI symptoms. Many legitimate traumatic brain injuries—including concussions and diffuse axonal injuries—do not appear on standard imaging. What matters for your claim is whether a qualified medical professional diagnoses a brain injury based on your symptoms, medical history, and neurological evaluation. Insurance companies often point to a clear scan to deny a claim, but that does not mean you do not have a case.
In Colorado, you can recover compensation for all medical expenses related to your TBI—emergency care, hospital stays, neurologist visits, therapy, medications, and future treatment. You can also recover lost wages and loss of earning capacity if your injury prevents you from working or limits your ability to earn income. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent impairment. The amount depends on the severity of your injury, the strength of your evidence, and how well your case is presented. In cases involving extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be available.
Insurance companies minimize TBI claims by pointing to normal imaging and calling the injury minor, arguing that symptoms are psychological rather than physical, claiming you had pre-existing conditions, offering quick settlements before you finish treatment, exploiting gaps in your medical records, and hiring their own experts to dispute your diagnosis. They rely on the fact that brain injuries are invisible and that many people do not understand the long-term consequences of a concussion. The best defense is thorough medical documentation, consistent treatment, and legal representation that knows how to counter these tactics.
You may not need a lawyer if your concussion resolved quickly with no lasting symptoms, no significant medical bills, and no time off work. But if your symptoms persist, if you are dealing with post-concussion syndrome, if you have lost income or cannot return to your job, or if the insurance company is disputing your claim, you need a lawyer. Concussion cases are more complex than they appear. Insurance companies routinely undervalue them. A lawyer who understands TBI can document your injury properly, work with medical experts, calculate your full damages, and fight for a settlement that reflects the true impact on your life. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless you win.
To prove a TBI claim, you need documentation that connects your injury to the accident and shows the extent of your damages. This includes emergency room records, hospital records, neurology evaluations, neuropsychological testing, treatment records from therapists and specialists, prescriptions, and testimony from your treating physicians. You also need evidence of how the injury has affected your life—lost wage statements, employer testimony, a symptom journal, and statements from family members who have observed changes in your function and behavior. The stronger and more complete your medical evidence, the harder it is for the insurance company to deny or minimize your claim. Work with a lawyer who knows which experts to bring in and how to present this evidence effectively.
McCormick & Murphy has more than 60 years of combined legal experience in handling traumatic brain injury cases. If you’ve suffered a TBI after an accident in Colorado Springs, our experienced legal team is ready to help. As a trusted Colorado Springs traumatic brain injuries law firm, we specialize in pursuing fair settlements for injury victims. Our attorneys are available 24/7.
TBIs can result from various incidents including car accidents, motorcycle crashes, slip and falls, workplace accidents, and sports injuries. The effects of traumatic brain injuries can be permanent or long-lasting, affecting your quality of life, ability to work, and financial stability. Victims should seek immediate medical attention from neurology specialists and consult with a reputable Colorado Springs traumatic brain injury lawyer to protect their legal rights.
For a free consultation, call 719-389-0400 or reach us online today.
A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs when an external force causes brain dysfunction through a blow, penetration, or violent movement of the head. These injuries range from mild concussions to severe brain damage with long-term consequences.
TBI severity spans from mild cases causing temporary changes in consciousness to severe injuries resulting in extended periods of unconsciousness, memory loss, or even coma. The symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, memory problems, mood changes, and cognitive difficulties.
While anyone can sustain a traumatic brain injury, children and older adults face higher risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TBIs account for approximately one-third of all injury-related deaths nationwide. In Colorado specifically, around 500,000 adults live with TBI-related disabilities, making these injuries one of the leading causes of permanent disability annually.
If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI, it’s crucial to consult both medical specialists and experienced legal representation. Brain injury cases require attorneys with specific knowledge of neuropsychology, medical diagnostics, and the long-term impacts of brain trauma.
You should seek immediate medical evaluation from physicians specializing in traumatic brain injuries, as proper diagnosis and treatment documentation are essential for both your health and potential legal claims.
Brain injuries can have devastating consequences on your life, including:
McCormick & Murphy can help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and diminished quality of life. Our attorneys understand both the medical and legal complexities of brain injury cases.
Liability in TBI cases may fall on multiple parties, either directly or indirectly involved in the accident. Determining fault requires proving negligence – establishing that the responsible party had a duty of care, failed to uphold that duty, and that their failure directly caused your traumatic brain injury.
For example, in construction site accidents, liability might extend to property owners, contractors, equipment manufacturers, or maintenance companies who failed to maintain proper safety protocols. In motor vehicle accidents, negligent drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or government entities responsible for road maintenance could be held liable.
In slip and fall incidents, property owners or managers may be responsible for unsafe conditions. For workplace injuries, employers or third-party contractors might bear responsibility.
If you or a loved one suffered a TBI due to someone else’s negligence, our Colorado Springs brain injury attorneys can evaluate your claim during a free consultation and identify all potentially liable parties to maximize your compensation.
TBI symptoms may appear immediately following an injury or develop gradually. The specific effects depend on the brain regions damaged and the injury’s severity.
Common TBI symptoms include:
A qualified physician should thoroughly evaluate your condition and provide guidance on when it’s safe to resume normal activities requiring good reflexes, memory, and concentration.
Mental health treatment is equally important as physical recovery. Many TBI patients benefit from working with neuropsychologists, cognitive therapists, and mental health professionals to address the emotional and psychological impacts of their injury.
If you’re uncertain about your legal rights after a TBI, contact the experienced Colorado Springs traumatic brain injury attorneys at McCormick & Murphy P.C. for guidance on medical treatment options and legal remedies available.
McCormick & Murphy’s specialized TBI attorneys can provide crucial legal support by:
For personalized assistance with your TBI case, contact McCormick & Murphy today at 719-389-0400 to schedule a consultation. Our professional and experienced attorneys will help you navigate the complex legal process. If mobility is a concern, we’re happy to come to you.
When selecting a brain injury attorney in Denver or Colorado Springs, prioritize lawyers with specific experience handling TBI cases, knowledge of neurological injuries, relationships with medical experts, and a proven track record of successful settlements and verdicts. Look for attorneys who understand both the medical complexities and the significant life impacts of brain injuries. At McCormick & Murphy, our team offers expertise in these specialized cases throughout Colorado.
Traumatic brain injuries result from various incidents including car accidents, motorcycle crashes, falls, sports injuries, workplace accidents, physical assaults, and medical malpractice. Our team at McCormick & Murphy specializes in identifying the cause of your injury, establishing liability, and pursuing compensation from all responsible parties. We serve clients throughout Colorado Springs, Denver, and Pueblo with comprehensive legal representation for all types of TBI cases.
Absolutely. Our attorneys will walk you through every step of your brain injury claim, from initial investigation through settlement negotiations or trial. We understand Colorado’s legal framework for personal injury and brain trauma cases, and will work diligently to build a strong case while you focus on recovery. Our team handles all aspects of your claim, including gathering medical evidence, consulting with experts, calculating damages, and advocating for maximum compensation. Contact us for personalized assistance with your Denver, Colorado Springs, or Pueblo brain injury case.
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