TBI Compensation Beyond Medical Bills Lost Wages and Future Earnings

If you or someone you love has experienced a traumatic brain injury, we understand how overwhelming this time can be. You might be feeling confused, worried, and unsure about what the future holds. At Serrano Law, we are here to help you navigate this challenging situation with care and experience. We are committed to providing compassionate support while working tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve.

Many people focus on medical bills after a traumatic brain injury, but that is only part of the financial impact. The loss of income, both in the present and future, can weigh heavily on victims and their families. If you are struggling to understand how to recover compensation for your lost wages or potential future earnings, this guide is for you. 

Understanding the Financial Toll of a Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury can disrupt every aspect of your life. Medical expenses alone can be staggering, but the financial impact does not stop there. You may be unable to work for weeks, months, or even years. In severe cases, you might never return to the career you once had.

For many families, the loss of income is one of the most difficult challenges to overcome. It is not just about missing a paycheck. It is about the strain that comes from trying to make ends meet while coping with life-altering changes. When you add the uncertainty of future earning potential, it is easy to feel overwhelmed.

That is where we come in. At Serrano Law, we specialize in helping people like you fight for fair compensation that addresses all the financial damages caused by a traumatic brain injury.

Michael Serrano

Founding Attorney

Candace “Cea” Hartley

Associate Attorney

Why Lost Wages Matter in a TBI Case

When a traumatic brain injury prevents you from working, it directly affects your ability to support yourself and your family. Lost wages include the income you missed out on while recovering from the injury. Even if you were able to use sick leave or vacation days, those benefits are valuable and should be included in your compensation claim.

Lost wages are not limited to hourly or salaried income. They also include bonuses, commissions, and other earnings you might have received had you been able to work. Calculating these losses can be complex, especially if you were self-employed or worked on a commission basis. That is why having an experienced attorney by your side is essential.

We work closely with financial specialists and other professionals to document your lost income accurately. Our goal is to ensure no detail is overlooked when calculating the true financial impact of your injury.

Mike Serrano’s law office was everything I needed after a very traumatic accident. He was always super up front and honest with me. I never got the feeling he was trying to sell me on something or to do something that I wasn’t comfortable with. He listened to my concerns and when it tough moments came that I needed to stand my ground. He backed me and made me feel 100% secure. He got me exactly what I needed in a settlement and I would never consider using anyone else. His office staff is also phenomenal.”

- Mary

Mike Serrano was a great attorney for my case!! He was very flexible with phone calls/ Zoom meetings. His staff are always friendly, whether it be on the phone or emails. They keep you updated during your entire case! They don’t leave you silent for months. if you call, they always call back with updates! Highly recommend!"

- Kylie Collier Border

I’ve never had to deal with a lawyer before but Mike has set the bar HIGH. He was always available to communicate my concerns and explain each step of the way. I know no other lawyer would have been able to achieve the same results because he jumped on an opportunity that was a little out of the ordinary and it paid off. He really fought for my case and over delivered. I really hope I never have another accident but if I do I’m running to Mike for help."

- Sandy Carter

The Impact of a TBI on Future Earning Potential

One of the most significant challenges for traumatic brain injury victims is the potential loss of future earning capacity. Even after you recover from the initial injury, you may not be able to return to the same job or work at the same level as before.

Some traumatic brain injuries cause cognitive impairments, memory loss, or difficulty concentrating, which can limit your ability to perform certain tasks. Others lead to physical disabilities that make manual labor or other physically demanding jobs impossible. These changes can force you to take a lower-paying job or leave the workforce entirely.

Compensation for future earnings is about more than replacing lost income. It is about addressing the long-term financial challenges you face as a result of your injury. Proving these damages requires analysis, including testimony from economists, vocational specialists, and medical professionals. At Serrano Law, we have the experience and resources to build a strong case that reflects the true impact of your injury on your future.

How We Prove Lost Wages and Future Earnings

Successfully recovering compensation for lost wages and future earnings requires thorough preparation and strong evidence. This process starts with collecting detailed documentation of your employment history, earnings, and job responsibilities. We work with specialists to create a clear picture of how your injury has affected your ability to work.

For future earnings, we consider factors like your age, education, work experience, and career trajectory before the injury. We also evaluate how the injury has limited your potential for promotions, career advancements, and other opportunities. This evidence helps us calculate the full extent of your financial losses and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.

We know how to present this information in a way that resonates with insurance companies, judges, and juries. Our team has a proven track record of helping clients secure fair settlements and verdicts that account for both immediate and long-term losses.

Related Videos

Why Legal Representation is Essential for a TBI Case

Traumatic brain injury cases are some of the most complex personal injury claims. Insurance companies often try to downplay the impact of a TBI, focusing only on immediate medical costs and ignoring the broader financial consequences. Without a skilled attorney, it can be difficult to secure the full compensation you deserve.

At Serrano Law, we are passionate about standing up for TBI victims. We know how to handle the tactics insurance companies use to minimize claims, and we will not back down when fighting for your rights. Our team takes a personalized approach to every case, ensuring your unique needs and concerns are addressed.

When you choose us to represent you, you are not just getting legal experience. You are getting a team that genuinely cares about your well-being. We will guide you through every step of the process, from filing your claim to negotiating a settlement or taking your case to court.

Beyond Compensation The Support You Deserve

At Serrano Law, we understand that compensation is only part of the recovery process. While financial stability is critical, your emotional and physical well-being matters just as much. Navigating life after a traumatic brain injury can be exhausting, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead often adds to the stress. That is why we take a holistic approach to your case, ensuring you not only recover the financial damages you deserve but also gain the support and guidance needed to move forward with confidence.

When you partner with us, you gain an advocate who is committed to your long-term success. We do more than represent you in court or negotiations—we stand by your side throughout your journey. From explaining complex legal processes to connecting you with medical and rehabilitation resources, we aim to ease your burden and empower you to focus on healing.

Case Results

Car Accident

This client was injured in an auto accident with a driver who improperly merged into her lane. Her vehicle was totaled. She sustained an aggravation of her pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and new disc herniations in her lower back. We obtained the full limits of both the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and our client’s underinsured motorist coverage, which were significant. The settlement was achieved without a law suit and within four months after the client finished treating.

Rear End Collision

This particular client was injured in an accident in late 2015 when she was rear-ended. She sustained an aggravation of pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and a new disc herniation which ultimately required a surgical fusion. By the time of trial, her medical bills exceeded $180,000.00. The Defendants’ offer pre-suit was $20,000.00. We were able to obtain a jury verdict of $441,000.00, plus attorneys’ fees.

Car Accident

A client was injured in a rear-end collision where he sustained an aggravation of a pre-existing disc bulge that developed into a herniation in his lower back. We obtained a jury verdict which was over 6 times what had been offered prior to trial.

Car Accident

In this case, our client injured her shoulder after being struck by a vehicle while she was performing volunteer services. The driver was traveling at such a high rate of speed entering a parking lot that he clipped another vehicle, hit a parking barrier and was launched into a tree. After the client attempted to negotiate with the insurance company prior to hiring us, we were able to obtain an amount that was over double the prior offer.

Intentional Torts

Our client was injured from an assault by a patron of a party while working security. His shoulder required multiple surgeries. He hired our office to pursue a claim to recoup his medical bills, which exceeded $130,000.00. After his assailant offered him $10,000.00 to resolve his case, we took the case to a jury to decide. The jury awarded our client all of his medical bills and tripled his award for pain and suffering.

Car Accident

This client came to us about a car wreck that occurred in 2014 where she sustained injuries. She approached our firm just one week before the statute of limitations was set to expire after being turned away by several other law firms. We filed a lawsuit and were able to obtain the limits of the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and an additional settlement from the client’s insurance carrier.

Truck Crash

This couple was injured in an automobile accident after they were rear-ended in a seven-car pileup caused by a semi-trailer. Of the 15 people who made claims on the same insurance policy, our clients each received the second and third highest offers, which covered all of their past and future medical bills and their attorney’s fees.

Truck Crash

In this case, our client was injured from a rear-end collision with an eighteen-wheeler. Her original lawyer procured a settlement offer of $7,000.00 to settle her case. Because the offer did not approach the amount of bills she incurred from accident related treatment, she came to our firm for a consultation. She decided to hire us. We promptly filed suit and obtained a settlement for her.

View More Results

Moving Forward with Confidence

A traumatic brain injury can feel like it has turned your life upside down, but you do not have to face this journey alone. At Serrano Law, we are here to help you regain control and secure the financial support you need to rebuild your life.

Our team understands the challenges you are facing, and we are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Whether it is lost wages, future earning potential, or other damages, we will work tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome.

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, contact Serrano Law today. Let us help you take the first step toward a brighter future.