New York City Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers

A Manhattan accountant was walking along the pedestrian promenade in Battery Park after work when she was violently struck by a speeding police motor scooter. The impact launched her more than thirty feet, leaving her with multiple skull fractures, intracranial bleeding, and swelling of the brain. She suffered permanent cognitive deficits, including memory loss, reduced IQ, and impairment of executive functioning—the abilities responsible for planning, organizing, and multi-tasking. Her most debilitating ongoing symptom is chronic, permanent vertigo that prevents her from lying flat without severe dizziness and nausea.

Legal strategy: We established that the police officer failed to operate the scooter with the degree of care required under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law and NYPD departmental rules. Accident reconstruction evidence demonstrated excessive speed and violation of pedestrian-right-of-way standards. Our medical experts—including neurologists and neuropsychologists—presented objective evidence of traumatic brain injury through diagnostic imaging, neurocognitive test batteries, and functional impairment assessments. Treating physicians testified that the vertigo and cognitive losses were permanent and life-altering.

At trial, the jury awarded $6.3 million for pain and suffering and future medical needs. The City appealed twice and lost. Because of the appellate delay, we ultimately secured a total recovery of $7.8 million, including statutory interest—compensating our client for lifelong neurological impairment and lost quality of life.