South Carolina Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Lawyer:

Advocacy for Life-Changing Injuries

When a Sudden Impact Rewrites Your Future

A traumatic brain injury can change everything in a fraction of a second. Unlike other physical injuries that may heal visibly, a TBI affects the very essence of who a person is, impacting their memory, personality, and ability to function independently.

At The Law Offices of David L. Hood, we understand the invisible burdens that TBI survivors and their families carry. Whether the injury resulted from a catastrophic car wreck, a fall, or medical negligence, the road to recovery is often long and expensive. With more than 30 years of experience, attorney David L. Hood and his co-counsel legal team provide the sophisticated advocacy required to quantify “invisible” damages and hold negligent parties accountable.

Woman with head injury holding her head in pain indoors.
Understanding

The Classifications of Brain Trauma

a man holding his hands to his ears

Brain injuries are rarely straightforward. They are medically classified based on the mechanism of injury and the severity of the damage. Our firm handles cases involving all forms of head trauma:

Closed Head Injuries

These occur when a violent jolt or blow to the head causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull without breaking the bone.

Concussions:
Often dismissed as "minor," repeated concussions can lead to permanent cognitive decline.
Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI):
One of the most severe TBIs, caused by the brain rotating or shifting quickly inside the skull, tearing long connective nerve fibers (axons).
Coup-Contrecoup:
Damage occurring at the site of impact and the opposite side of the brain as it "bounces" within the skull.
Open (Penetrating) Head Injuries These involve an object
such as debris from an accident or a weapon—piercing the skull and entering brain tissue. These are medical emergencies that typically result in focal (localized) brain damage and carry a high risk of infection.
Brain Damage

The Danger of Secondary Brain Damage

Two doctors examine a skull x-ray together.

The initial impact is often just the beginning. Secondary brain damage refers to physiological processes that occur in the hours or days following the trauma. We work with neurologists to document these complications, which often justify higher compensation:

Intracranial Pressure (ICP):
Swelling or bleeding inside the rigid skull that compresses brain tissue and cuts off oxygen.
Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown:
When the brain’s protective shield fails, allowing toxins to leak into sensitive tissue.
Hemorrhagic Progression:
Small "bruises" on the brain that continue to bleed and expand over time.
A person with a band aid on their forehead holds their head in pain, eyes closed.
Proving

the "Invisible" Disability

Insurance companies often try to minimize TBI claims if a victim looks “fine” on the outside. We combat this by building a comprehensive evidentiary file:

1
Advanced Imaging:
Utilizing MRIs, CT scans, and PET scans to show physical alterations in brain structure.
2
Neuropsychological Testing:
Documenting deficits in memory, executive function, and emotional regulation.
3
Life Care Planning:
Working with experts to calculate the lifetime costs of specialized care, speech therapy, and home modifications.
4
Before-and-After Testimony:
Gathering statements from family and coworkers to illustrate how the victim’s personality and capabilities have changed.

South Carolina TBI Laws and Timelines

In South Carolina, TBI cases may fall under personal injury, workers’ compensation, or medical malpractice law. The general statute of limitations is three years from the date of the injury; however, this can vary if the injury was caused by a government entity or involved a minor. Because brain injuries require extensive medical monitoring to determine the full extent of the damage, it is vital to contact a lawyer early to ensure no deadlines are missed while you focus on healing.

man writing on paper
A doctor's hand points to a brain MRI scan on a lightbox, illustrating medical diagnosis.

Secure the Support Your Family Needs

A TBI is a family-wide crisis. You shouldn’t have to worry about legal deadlines while navigating doctors’ appointments and rehabilitation. From our main office in Murrells Inlet to our locations in Spartanburg, Charleston, and Florence, we are here to fight for your future.

Contact The Law Offices of David L. Hood today or reach out online to schedule your free, confidential consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis; you pay nothing unless we win your case.

The Law Offices of David L. Hood’s principal office is located in Murrells Inlet, SC and that is where Attorney Hood principally performs legal services and practices law. This website constitutes attorney advertising and is designed for general information only. The information presented in this website should not be construed to be formal legal advice or create an attorney client relationship.
© 2026 The Law Offices of David L. Hood All rights reserved.