*The results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
The Schmidt & Salita Law Firm’s Concussion/TBI Team is Minnesota’s Top Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation firm in representing the victims of traumatic brain injury and concussion.
Douglas Schmidt, one of the senior trial lawyers at the Schmidt & Salita Law Team is recognized as one of the top authorities in the Minnesota legal world on the subject of concussion injuries and traumatic brain injuries. Schmidt has a long history of working to help recognize concussion injuries in youth sports. Nearly 20 years ago, Schmidt served as president of District 6 youth hockey, surveying youth hockey organizations in Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Edina, Bloomington, Richfield, Burnsville, and Apple Valley. In that capacity, he worked with Dr. Mark Stuart at the Mayo Clinic to develop procedures for sideline recognition of concussion injuries in youth hockey.
Schmidt has carried that special knowledge and experience through to the representation of his clients who have sustained concussion injuries and traumatic brain injuries in car accidents. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team very carefully evaluates the victims of car accidents that come to them to determine whether they have sustained a concussion or traumatic brain injury that has been overlooked by the medical community. They have found that approximately 60% of the victims of car accident injuries, trucking accident injuries, and motorcycle accident injuries have actually sustained a concussion or traumatic brain injury that has been overlooked. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team is dedicated to helping its clients receive proper medical care for these concussion and traumatic brain injuries.
Schmidt has been recognized as an authority on early recognition of concussion injuries. He has lectured frequently to Doctors of Chiropractic about the important role that they play in the recognition of concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
A concussion is the same as a traumatic brain injury. That fact is universally accepted in the medical community.
Mayo Clinic’s online medical information states:
“A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that alters the way your brain functions.”
*The results are conditioned to the unique circumstances of each case. These results do not guarantee your case will result in the same compensation.
“Post-concussion syndrome” is defined as a complex disorder in which various symptoms of a concussion, such as headaches and dizziness, last longer than just weeks or months immediately following the injury call that caused the concussion. Post-concussion syndrome is a collection of symptoms of a concussion that doesn’t go away in the weeks or months immediately following the injury.
The symptoms of a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury are as follows:
The Mayo Clinic says that car accidents are a common cause of concussions and traumatic brain injuries:
Sudden acceleration-deceleration of the head, resulting from certain events such as a car crash or being violently shaken, also can cause brain injury.
The Schmidt & Salita Law Team has found that 60% of the victims of car accidents, trucking accidents, and motorcycle accidents have experienced a concussion or traumatic brain injury. You can always contact our Minneapolis brain injury lawyer for more information on your injuries.
The Mayo Clinic says the majority of concussions do not involve a loss of consciousness.
A “loss of consciousness” can be total or partial. Loss of consciousness is medically defined as a “coma.” Partial loss of consciousness is medically defined as either “stupor” or “lethargy.” “Stupor” is defined as a condition of significant or severe responsiveness. “Lethargy” is defined as a condition of lesser reduced responsiveness.
The online publication of the Mayo Clinic recognizes that car accidents are a frequent cause of concussions and many brain injuries.
The statistics compiled by the Schmidt & Salita Law Team indicate that 60% of the people who have been involved in a motor vehicle collision, whether a car accident, trucking accident, or motorcycle accident that results in moderate to severe property damage have also sustained a concussion or traumatic brain injury.
Recently, the author of an article that was published in the Journal of Emergency Medicine recognized that emergency room doctors cannot reliably assess a concussion or traumatic brain injury. The author recognized that patients who have suffered a traumatic brain injury often appear normal in the acute clinical presentation.
Further, the author stated that emergency room doctors have no valid way of predicting at the time of injury which patients will subsequently develop a post-concussion syndrome. Research reported in that article indicated that 38% of patients who later develop post-concussion syndrome were discharged from the emergency department without recommendations for any follow-up care and that 80% of mild traumatic brain injury patients will end up suffering persistent neuropsychological symptoms.
I understand how overwhelming this can be. Let me handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery and getting back to normal.
Even though there has been considerable public focus on the severity of concussion and traumatic brain injuries, there remains considerable reluctance on the part of medical doctors, insurance adjusters, insurance company lawyers, and juries to accept and recognize those consequences. For that reason, it is important that the victims of concussion and traumatic brain injuries have the support of personal injury and worker’s compensation lawyers who are skilled and experienced in the recognition of these injuries and know how to properly present evidence that will support fair compensation to the victims.
Our Minneapolis Brain Injury Lawyer at the Schmidt & Salita Law Team are 5 star-rated by their clients for their legal skills and for the care and attention that they bring to the representation of the victims of Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, and Wrongful Death, especially the victims of concussions and traumatic brain injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation today!
Dean Salita is a seasoned Personal Injury lawyer with over 30 years of experience, specializing in workplace injuries and occupational diseases like asbestos-related illnesses. He’s the chair of the Minnesota Association for Justice Workers’ Compensation section and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer with an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Dean is dedicated to providing personal, compassionate legal support to his clients, guiding them through trials and the legal process.
When you schedule your free consultation with a personal injury attorney in Minnesota, you should come prepared with specific questions for us to address. Some of the common questions clients ask us are:
Yes, in almost all cases, having an attorney is crucial to protect your rights and secure the settlement you deserve. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team is here to guide you through the entire process, from collecting evidence to handling medical bills and lost wages. We’ll help you gather medical records and reports to support your claim, determine the value of your case, and negotiate a fair settlement. If needed, we’re prepared to file suit and take your case to court to ensure the best possible outcome.
It’s very important to start collecting evidence right away to support your case. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team will help obtain accident reports, interview witnesses, and work with treating doctors to ensure you get the proper medical care. We’ll also handle communication with insurance adjusters. Delaying the decision to hire an attorney can lead to lost time and missed opportunities. We’re here to guide you through the process from the start, ensuring you have the best chance for a successful outcome.
Many people worry about the cost of legal fees, but with Schmidt & Salita Law Team, your first consultation is free. We handle most Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation cases on a contingent fee basis, meaning you won’t pay attorney fees unless there’s a settlement. If we win, you’ll only pay a percentage of the settlement for fees and costs, ensuring you never end up “in the hole.” This system is often called “No fees until you recover” and works like a real estate agent’s commission—paid only when you win.
It’s crucial to hire an attorney with experience in Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, and Wrongful Death claims. The Schmidt & Salita Law Team brings over 160 years of combined experience, handling thousands of cases, including auto accidents, construction injuries, medical malpractice, and more. Our team is dedicated to providing personal service and treating you like more than just a case number. We believe in a team approach to ensure the best possible outcome and your satisfaction every step of the way.
Most Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation cases typically take at least a year or more to settle, and some can take even longer. This is mainly due to medical reasons, as it takes time to determine the permanent nature of an injury. Doctors or Chiropractors are often better equipped to assess the permanency of your injury. Once we have medical evidence, we compile all necessary documents and submit a settlement demand to the insurance company. The negotiation process can take several months, and if an agreement isn’t reached, we may need to file a lawsuit.
The value of a Personal Injury or Workers’ Compensation case depends on several factors. These include the degree of fault of the responsible party, the severity of your injuries, pain, and permanent disability, as well as medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. The financial ability of the at-fault party, often determined by insurance coverage, also plays a role. Schmidt & Salita Law Team, with over 160 years of combined experience, is here to help you evaluate the worth of your case and guide you through the process.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Dean M. Salita, with more than 30 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
1600 Hopkins Crossroad
Minnetonka, MN 55305
Phone (952) 473-4530
Toll Free 1-800-656-8450
Fax (952) 544-1308