Brain Injury Attorney in Manhattan, KS

Steps to Take After Sustaining a Head Injury in an Accident

All serious head injuries—whether from a railroad crossing crash, truck accident, or fall accident—require prompt medical care. Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are complex medical conditions. The severity and symptoms of a brain injury depend on many factors, including the force of the impact and the specific part of the brain that was affected. Follow these three steps if you suffered a head injury:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health takes top priority. A brain injury can have a delayed onset. You may feel far worse 24, 48, or 72 hours after an accident. Make sure to see a doctor right away. 
2. Document the Accident: You will need evidence of liability to bring a successful personal injury claim. Document your accident and injuries as proactively as possible. Evidence is key. 
3. Consult with a Lawyer Before an Insurer: Most personal injury claims—including brain injury claims—are handled by insurance companies. Before you provide a statement to an insurance adjuster, consult with a top-tier brain injury attorney. 

Because brain injuries can develop or worsen over time, Manhattan-area medical providers—including Ascension Via Christi Hospital and nearby clinics—offer diagnostic resources and ongoing care. Saving copies of all records, hospital visits, and photographs can support your legal claim and treatment plans. If your accident happened in a public area like Aggieville, gather contact details of witnesses and secure any video footage promptly.

Traumatic Brain Injuries Can Cause Long-Term Physical & Mental Trauma

• Brain injuries can cause physical, cognitive, social, and vocational changes. Recovery is often a lifelong process involving adjustments and accommodations for the injured individual and their family. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines a traumatic brain injury as an injury that occurs when a sudden physical assault on the head causes damage to the brain.
• Traumatic brain injuries can result from many accidents, including those involving trains, cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The team at Pottroff & Karlin works with victims of railroad-related accidents, where brain injuries are sometimes involved. While not all brain injuries are traumatic—some can result from oxygen deprivation—all brain injuries require serious attention. They often require extensive caregiving that significantly alters the lives of victims and their families.

Even mild TBIs, like concussions, can disrupt cognitive function, mood, and memory, making return to work or everyday routines a challenge. For families in Manhattan, long-term care options may include local rehabilitation centers or outpatient therapy services. Brain injury can affect every part of your life—not just physical health, but also finances, relationships, and future opportunities. Victims may need ongoing help with daily tasks or job retraining if their injury limits previous work options.

Common Signs & Symptoms of Brain Injuries

Recognizing brain injuries early can improve recovery outcomes and support your legal process. Symptoms may not appear right away or could worsen in the days after an accident. Physical symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, and balance problems. Cognitive or mental symptoms may involve memory loss, confusion, mood swings, and trouble concentrating. In some cases, behavioral or mood changes such as irritability, depression, or withdrawal from social situations may develop. Severe brain injuries can lead to loss of consciousness, seizures, or clear fluid drainage from the ears or nose.

Promptly reporting all symptoms to a healthcare provider is crucial for medical treatment and legal claims. In Manhattan, emergency rooms like those at Ascension Via Christi Hospital can quickly evaluate traumatic brain injuries. Medical records provide important support for any claim you may pursue with a brain injury attorney in Manhattan, KS.

Navigating Kansas Brain Injury Laws & Local Resources

Brain injury claims in Kansas follow state personal injury law, which includes strict statutes of limitations and comparative fault rules. Kansas law generally gives injured people two years to file a personal injury case, but specific situations may vary. If you suspect negligence, acting promptly protects your claim. Kansas applies a modified comparative fault rule—if you are less than 50% at fault for your accident, you may recover damages proportionate to your level of responsibility. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.

Victims and families in Manhattan can access a range of regional support, including community rehabilitation facilities and organizations that connect brain injury survivors. Our team helps clients understand how regional differences in medical care, insurance, or court practice can affect a claim. If your case involves a railroad accident, railroads in Kansas operate under both state and federal rules, which may add complexity. We walk you through each step so you understand how local and state procedures could affect your ability to pursue support and compensation.

What to Expect When Working with a Brain Injury Attorney in Manhattan, KS

Hiring a brain injury attorney involves several key steps, starting with your initial, no-obligation consultation. During your first meeting, we listen to your story, answer your questions, and gather details about your injury and accident. Our team then reviews your medical records, accident reports, and any evidence you can provide. We may recommend further assessments or help organize your paperwork in preparation for potential claims or insurance negotiations.

Throughout your case, we keep you informed and explain developments in clear language. If needed, we help you understand settlement offers or what to expect if a case proceeds to litigation. Local experience benefits you because we know Manhattan’s courts and how Riley County judges handle personal injury cases. This regional awareness, combined with our national legal experience, helps us deliver clear advice and support your claim and your recovery.