Concussions and Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (mTBIs) in Denver

Denver Personal Injury Lawyers » Denver Brain Injury Lawyer » Concussions and Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (mTBIs) in Denver

If you’re experiencing memory loss, dizziness, mood swings, or fatigue after a car crash or fall, you might not realize you’re living with a traumatic brain injury. Concussions are often dismissed as “just a bump on the head,” but they are actually classified as mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs), and they can have serious, lasting consequences.

At Fuicelli & Lee Injury Lawyers, we understand the medical, emotional, and legal challenges concussion victims face. Our Denver brain injury lawyers have seen firsthand how even so-called “mild” injuries can disrupt lives. We are committed to helping you pursue full and fair compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.

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Concussions and Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries Guide

• Key Takeaways
• Why Choose Fuicelli & Lee Injury Lawyers?
• Real Results for Brain Injury Survivors
• What Is a Concussion and Why It’s Still a Serious Injury
• “Mild” Doesn’t Mean Minor
• Common Causes of Concussions in Denver
• What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion?
• Why Head Injury Diagnosis Is So Challenging
• Long-Term Effects of Concussions and mTBIs
• Legal Challenges in Concussion and mTBI Claims
• Your Legal Rights After a Brain Injury in Colorado
• How a Denver Concussion Lawyer Can Help You
• Frequently Asked Questions About Concussions and Brain Injuries
• Speak to a Denver Brain Injury Lawyer Today

Key Takeaways

• Concussions are classified as traumatic brain injuries, even if they appear mild.
• Many people don’t realize they’ve suffered a brain injury until symptoms worsen over time.
• Common signs of a concussion include memory problems, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and fatigue.
• Brain imaging, like CT or MRI scans, often does not detect mTBIs.
• Car accidents, falls, and sports injuries are leading causes of concussions in Colorado
• Long-term symptoms can persist for months or years after the initial injury, no matter how mild the initial symptoms
• Proving the severity of an mTBI in legal cases requires careful documentation and expert testimony
• A Denver brain injury lawyer can help you recover compensation and protect your future

Why Choose Fuicelli & Lee Injury Lawyers?

When it comes to brain injuries, the firm you choose can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Fuicelli & Lee is not a high-volume, settlement-focused practice. Instead, we take on a limited number of cases to give each client the personalized support and aggressive legal advocacy they deserve.

Compassion rooted in personal experience

Founding partner Keith Fuicelli made a full recovery after surviving a traumatic brain injury that left him in a coma for two weeks. His journey through that experience, including the uncertainty, rehabilitation, and emotional toll, continues to shape our firm’s dedication to brain injury survivors and their families. He now serves on the board of the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado.

It’s a personal reminder of what our clients face, and it drives our commitment to providing compassionate, informed legal support every step of the way.

Decades of combined trial experience

Our team has decades of real trial experience, and we prepare every case as if it will go before a jury. That level of preparation sends a clear message to insurance companies: we’re not here to settle for less. It means your case is backed by strategy, evidence, and the willingness to fight—because when a trial is on the table, results follow.

Proven results in TBI cases

At Fuicelli & Lee, our Denver brain injury lawyers don’t just talk about results; we deliver them. Our track record includes verdicts and settlements that reflect the real impact that injuries have had on our clients’ lives. Whether the case is resolved in negotiation or taken to trial, we are relentless in pursuing full, fair, and complete compensation. Insurance companies know we come prepared, and they take our cases seriously.

Full-service legal guidance

We handle everything from dealing with insurance adjusters to building compelling medical evidence. Our job is to take that pressure off of you so you can focus on healing.

Real Results for Brain Injury Survivors

Behind every case is a person whose life was changed in an instant. These case results represent accountability, closure, and the resources our clients need to move forward. Here are a few examples of outcomes we’ve secured for individuals living with brain injuries:

• $2.57 million – Passenger injured when an impaired driver pulled in front of a semi-truck, causing a catastrophic TBI.
• $1.85 million – Two crashes in one year led to significant brain injuries. A $34,000 offer was turned into $1.85 million.
• $1.8 million – Client suffered post-concussion syndrome after being rear-ended. Jury awarded $1.8 million after the insurance company’s $100,000 initial offer.
• $1.1 million – Young motorcyclist sustained a head injury and other trauma when a truck cut him off. Full policy limits recovered.
• $925,000 – TBI victim’s insurer denied coverage. We pursued a bad faith claim and secured a strong settlement.

These cases reflect just a portion of what we’ve accomplished for brain injury clients across Colorado. If you’ve suffered a concussion or traumatic brain injury, we’re ready to fight for the outcome you deserve.

What Is a Concussion and Why It’s Still a Serious Injury

You don’t need to be knocked unconscious to suffer a concussion. You may not even hit your head. A concussion occurs when the brain shifts rapidly inside the skull, often due to a sudden jolt or impact. This movement can damage brain cells, disrupt neural pathways, and trigger a range of physical and cognitive symptoms.

“Mild” Doesn’t Mean Minor

Although widely used in medicine, the term “mild” to categorize a traumatic brain injury is misleading. In medical settings, “mild” only describes the initial observable symptoms—not the outcome. A diagnosis of “mild” doesn’t mean the effects will be short-lived or insignificant.

Some people do recover quickly from an mTBI. But many others experience serious and long-lasting symptoms like chronic headaches, memory loss, sensitivity to light and noise, mood swings, and sleep disruptions that persist for months or even years.

Because concussions rarely appear on imaging and often have no visible signs, they’re frequently dismissed or overlooked. Patients may not recognize the symptoms as brain-related. And even medical professionals sometimes underestimate the seriousness of the injury, leaving victims without a diagnosis, treatment, or support.

Common Causes of Concussions in Denver

Concussions often result from preventable accidents in Denver and throughout Colorado. Our firm has seen the most frequent causes include:

Car and truck accidents

Rear-end collisions and high-speed impacts can jolt the brain violently, even if there’s no direct blow to the head. Symptoms may not appear until hours or days after the crash.

Motorcycle and bicycle accidents

Motorcyclists and cyclists are at high risk of TBIs due to limited protection. Helmets reduce the risk of severe injuries but don’t eliminate the risk of a concussion.

Slip and fall incidents

Falls are one of the top causes of brain injuries, especially among older adults. A wet floor, icy sidewalk, or uneven surface can lead to a hard head strike.

Sports injuries

Youth athletes and adults involved in contact sports like football, hockey, and soccer are especially vulnerable. Multiple hits—even without diagnosed concussions—can add up over time.

Assaults or blunt trauma

Any blow to the head, even from a fall or object, can lead to a concussion. Victims of violence may also experience delayed symptoms and long-term impairments.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion?

Many people don’t connect their symptoms to a brain injury, especially if days or weeks have passed since the accident. If you’re feeling “off,” it’s worth investigating.

Common signs of a concussion include:

• Short-term memory loss
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue or sleep disturbances
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Nausea, dizziness, or balance issues
• Headaches or pressure in the head
• Irritability, anxiety, or mood swings
• Slowed response times or confusion

These symptoms may come and go, or worsen with exertion. Some people develop post-concussion syndrome, where symptoms persist for three months or longer.

Long-Term Effects of Concussions and mTBIs

Some people bounce back quickly. Others experience delayed or lingering symptoms that affect their daily routines, relationships, and ability to work. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that mTBIs can increase the risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

More severe or repeated concussions may lead to:

• Post-concussion syndrome 
• Sleep disturbances and chronic fatigue
• Persistent headaches or migraines
• Emotional dysregulation or personality changes
• Sensory processing issues
• Impaired executive function (for example, planning, organizing, multitasking)

Every blow to the head or jolt that rattles the brain presents the risk of cumulative brain damage, even if they don’t result in a concussion. Researchers now believe that repeated subconcussive blows may cause cumulative damage over time, contributing to conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Even people who have never officially been diagnosed with a concussion may still suffer long-term effects.

Legal Challenges in Concussion and mTBI Claims

From a legal standpoint, mTBI claims are some of the most difficult personal injury cases to prove. Insurance companies often question the severity of a concussion, especially when standard imaging tests like MRIs and CT scans come back “normal.”

Invisible injuries require a strong legal strategy. At Fuicelli & Lee, we know how to build mTBI cases from the ground up. That includes gathering detailed medical records, symptom tracking logs, neuropsychological evaluations, expert witness reports, and testimony from family, friends, or coworkers who’ve seen the changes in you firsthand.

We also understand the stigma that comes with these injuries. Clients are sometimes told they’re exaggerating or simply “need to toughen up.” But we know better. We’ve handled concussion cases where clients’ lives were completely derailed physically, mentally, and emotionally, even though they appeared outwardly well.

Your Legal Rights After a Brain Injury in Colorado

If someone else’s negligence caused your concussion, you may have a legal right to pursue compensation. This applies whether your injury resulted from a car crash, a fall on dangerous property, a collision while cycling, or another preventable incident. But legal rights come with strict deadlines, and brain injury cases are often more complex than they appear.

In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases generally allows you two years to take legal action. If your brain injury occurred in a motor vehicle accident, the window extends to three years. Missing the deadline can bar you from seeking any compensation, no matter how strong your case is. That’s why it’s essential to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to recover compensation for a wide range of losses. These can include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages or reduced earning potential, pain and suffering, emotional distress, lifestyle adjustments, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving long-term impairment, compensation may also cover ongoing care, vocational therapy, or in-home assistance.

While some cases resolve through negotiation, others require a trial. If that happens, your attorney must present detailed, credible evidence that shows how your injury has affected your life. 

How a Denver Concussion Lawyer Can Help You

You may be facing months of medical appointments, paperwork, and uncertainty. A Denver brain injury lawyer can take that weight off your shoulders.

Here are some of the ways that Fuicelli & Lee helps mTBI victims:

We conduct a detailed case assessment

We begin by listening. What happened, what symptoms are you experiencing, and how has your life changed? This gives us a foundation to determine liability and evaluate your legal options.

We connect you with qualified medical providers

Many clients come to us without a diagnosis or with an unhelpful one. We help them access trusted specialists, including neurologists, vestibular therapists, and cognitive rehabilitation experts, who can better evaluate and treat their injuries.

We handle insurance company negotiations

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize or deny claims, especially in concussion cases. We push back with facts, expert evidence, and an unwavering commitment to full justice.

We build leverage through preparation

Insurance companies pay attention when a law firm has a track record of taking cases to court—and winning. From the moment we take your case, we gather the evidence, expert support, and legal strategy needed to position you for the best possible result. Whether your case settles or goes to trial, you’re backed by a team that’s ready for either outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions About Concussions and Brain Injuries

What if I didn’t hit my head? Can I still have a concussion?

Yes. Sudden acceleration or deceleration, as in a car crash, for instance, can cause your brain to move inside your skull, resulting in a concussion even without a direct blow to the head.

How do I prove I have a brain injury if my scans look normal?

Most concussions don’t show up on CT or MRI scans. Diagnosis relies heavily on symptoms, neuropsychological testing, and the impact on your daily life. We work with experts who know how to document these injuries effectively.

What if I’m partly at fault for the accident?

Colorado uses a modified comparative fault rule. If you are found to be less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages, though your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How much does it cost to hire Fuicelli & Lee?

We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything up front, and we only get paid if we win your case. If your case is unsuccessful, you owe us nothing (except any potential third-party fees incurred).

Speak to a Denver Brain Injury Lawyer Today

A concussion may be invisible, but the effects on your life are real, and they can last far longer than you expect. Whether you’re struggling with work, dealing with emotional changes, or just trying to make sense of what’s happening, you deserve answers. You also deserve accountability from the party that caused your injury.

Fuicelli & Lee Injury Lawyers has helped clients recover millions of dollars in concussion and brain injury claims. Our experienced Denver personal injury lawyer team has the trial experience, the medical understanding, and the compassion to see your case through—wherever it leads.

Our founding partner knows firsthand what brain injury recovery feels like, and our firm is proud to support organizations like the Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado to advocate for survivors every day.

We offer free consultations, legal support 24/7, and virtual case management for clients outside of Denver or unable to meet in person. Don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen before you call. The sooner you act, the more options you may have. Call (303)444-4444 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. 

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Fuicelli & Lee Injury Lawyers, PC – Denver Office

Address: 1731 Gilpin Street Denver, CO 80218
Contact No: (303)444-4444