Springfield MA Brain Injury Lawyer
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion can change your work, your memory, and your family life, even when a scan comes back normal. Attorney Daniel A. Pava has represented injured people in Springfield, Chicopee, Holyoke, and across Western Massachusetts since 1981. No fees unless we win.
- ★ Rating 100+ five-star Google reviews
- $350,000 Recovery in a truck crash case involving a TBI
- 40+ Years Of legal experience
- Bilingual English & Español
Free Brain Injury Case Review
Tell us what happened. We'll respond within one business day.
Your information is confidential. No obligation. Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Why Brain Injury Cases Are Different
Brain injuries are some of the most serious injuries we see, and some of the easiest for an insurance company to downplay.
An Injury You Can't See
Concussions and many traumatic brain injuries don't show up on a CT scan. You may look fine while struggling with memory, headaches, or mood. Insurers use that to argue nothing is wrong.
Symptoms Can Show Up Late
Brain injury symptoms sometimes appear hours or days after a crash and can last for months. A case settled too early can miss what the injury really costs.
The Real Cost Is Long Term
Lost work, reduced earning ability, therapy, and changes to daily life add up over years. A fair claim has to account for the future, not just the first round of bills.
Signs of a Brain Injury After an Accident
You don't have to lose consciousness or even hit your head to have a brain injury. A hard jolt in a crash can be enough. Watch for:
- Headaches that won't quitEspecially headaches that get worse or keep coming back in the days after the crash.
- Memory and focus problemsForgetting conversations, losing your train of thought, trouble at work or school.
- Dizziness or balance troubleFeeling off, unsteady, or lightheaded, especially when you stand or turn quickly.
- Sensitivity to light or noiseScreens, bright lights, or busy rooms that suddenly feel overwhelming.
- Sleep changesSleeping much more or much less than usual, or feeling exhausted all the time.
- Mood or personality changesIrritability, anxiety, or feeling down. Family members often notice these first.
If any of this sounds familiar, see a doctor and tell them about the crash. More on this in could it be a concussion?
Brain Injury Results
Real recoveries for Western Massachusetts clients whose injuries included brain trauma.
A male passenger in a tractor trailer was rear-ended by another tractor trailer, suffering a fractured right elbow, herniated cervical discs at several levels, and a traumatic brain injury.
Highway accident in which the client was operating a tractor trailer in the course of employment and was struck on the rear driver's side. He sustained post-concussive syndrome, loss of three upper teeth, and right sacroiliac joint dysfunction requiring injections.
See more results on our recent settlements page, or read about truck accident cases. Each case is unique. The settlements shown above were obtained for specific clients in specific circumstances; your case may have different facts and result in a different outcome.
How We Build a Brain Injury Case
Because brain injuries are often invisible on scans, the case is built on careful documentation.
- Your medical recordsEmergency care, your primary doctor, and specialists like neurologists, all tied to the date of the crash.
- Neuropsychological testingTesting that measures memory, attention, and processing speed, often the clearest evidence of a mild TBI.
- Before and afterHow you lived before the crash compared to now, from work records to the people who know you best.
- Your symptom historyA record of headaches, sleep, memory, and mood over time. A simple daily log helps more than people expect.
- The right expertsWhen a case calls for it, medical and vocational experts who can explain future care and lost earning ability.
- TimingWe don't push to settle before the full picture of your injury is clear.
Other Serious Injuries We Handle
Brain injuries often come with other serious injuries. We handle the whole case.
- Herniated Discs & Spinal InjuriesNeck and back injuries that may need injections or surgery. See how surgery affects a case.
- Broken BonesFractures, including femur and other breaks that need surgery. See broken bones and your claim.
- Shoulder & Hip TearsLabral and rotator cuff tears. See labral tear settlements.
- Amputation & Permanent InjuryLife-changing injuries where future care and lost earning ability are central to the case.
- Facial Injuries & ScarringIncluding dental injuries and permanent disfigurement.
- Injuries From Truck CrashesBrain injuries are common in crashes with large trucks. See our truck accident lawyer page.
Serving Springfield, Chicopee, Holyoke and All of Western Mass
Our office is in downtown Springfield, minutes from Chicopee and Holyoke. We represent brain injury clients throughout Hampden County.
Not sure if you have a case? Answer a few quick questions, free and confidential.
How It Works
Three simple steps from first call to compensation.
Free Case Review
Call us or fill out the form. We'll listen to what happened, answer your questions, and tell you honestly whether you have a case. No cost, no pressure, no obligation.
We Document Everything
We gather medical records and testing, deal with every insurance company involved, and build your case while you focus on recovering.
You Get Paid
We push for the maximum settlement possible. If the insurer won't be fair, we're prepared to go to trial. You pay us nothing unless we win money for you.
What Our Clients Say
Real reviews from real clients. See all 100+ five-star Google reviews.
"The work team of Daniel Pava — Jamie, Sandra and the staff — did an excellent job. They found a way to get the most in my case until the last moment. I recommend them."
"I promise you you will not regret being under this tremendous lawyer and his staff. Very good treatment and the end of the cases is the best."
"I recommend Pava Law to anyone that needs an attorney! They're very professional people and friendly. Jamie is always on top of what needs to be done with the case. Super helpful."
Brain Injury Questions
Straight answers to what people ask us most about brain injuries after an accident.
My CT scan was normal. Can I still have a brain injury?
Yes. Concussions and many mild traumatic brain injuries don't show up on CT scans or standard MRIs. Doctors diagnose them based on your symptoms and examination. A normal scan doesn't mean you're not hurt, and it doesn't mean you don't have a claim.
What's the difference between a concussion and a TBI?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, usually called a mild TBI. Mild doesn't mean minor: symptoms can last for weeks or months, and some people develop post-concussive syndrome. More severe TBIs can involve bleeding or bruising on the brain and longer-lasting effects.
How much is a brain injury case worth?
Every case is different, and no honest lawyer can promise a number up front. Value usually depends on how severe the injury is, how long symptoms last, the treatment you need, how it affects your work and daily life, how clear the fault is, and how much insurance is available. Our results above are examples, but past results don't guarantee a future outcome. See also should I settle while I'm still in treatment?
Can I get pain and suffering for a brain injury in Massachusetts?
Usually, yes. Massachusetts allows pain and suffering claims when medical bills pass $2,000 or certain serious injuries are involved, and brain injury treatment typically crosses that line. Details in can I get pain and suffering in Massachusetts?
I had a concussion before. Does that hurt my case?
Not necessarily. Massachusetts law lets you recover when an accident makes an earlier condition worse (more on pre-existing injuries). Be honest with your doctors about your history; a clear before-and-after picture helps your case.
How long do I have to file a brain injury claim in Massachusetts?
In most cases, three years from the date of the accident. Claims involving a city, town, or state vehicle have special notice rules with earlier deadlines. Don't wait: medical records and witness memories are easier to gather early.
Should I settle quickly so I can move on?
Usually not. Brain injury symptoms can change over months, and once you sign a settlement you can't reopen it. It's generally better to wait until your doctors understand the long-term picture.
Related Questions About Injuries & Claims
About Attorney Daniel A. Pava
Daniel A. Pava was born, raised, and educated in Springfield, Massachusetts. After graduating from Classical High School, he attended American International College and earned his B.A. with High Honors before going on to law school.
For more than 40 years, Daniel has represented injured people across Western Massachusetts, including clients living with brain injuries after car and truck crashes. He personally handles every case from start to finish.
A Brain Injury Deserves a Careful Case.
Insurance companies move fast and often underestimate injuries they can't see. Talk to a lawyer before you give a statement or accept an offer. The call is free, and you owe nothing unless we win.