How Much Is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Worth?
If you’re dealing with a traumatic brain injury after an accident, here’s what you want to know: There’s no fixed “average,” but settlements in Texas often range from $100,000 to well over $1 million—sometimes much higher in severe cases.
That said, every case is different. Your settlement isn’t based on a formula—it’s based on your injury, your recovery, your future needs, and how strong your case is. That’s why some people walk away with a six-figure check… and others with nothing at all.
In this post, we’ll break down:
- What actually affects how much your case is worth
- Real settlement examples from Texas TBI cases
- Why some “mild” injuries still lead to major payouts
- What to watch out for if the insurance company comes in with a fast offer
It’s a fair question—and it deserves a real answer. At Genthe Law Firm in Dallas, we’ve helped people across North Texas after serious injuries, and while there’s no one-size-fits-all number, we can break down what affects the value of a TBI case, what real settlements look like, and what to watch out for.
How Brain Injury Settlements Are Calculated in Texas
There’s no formula. But there are factors that consistently shape the outcome of a traumatic brain injury claim. The more serious and lasting the injury, the higher the potential settlement—but it’s not just about symptoms. It’s about proving them, documenting the impact, and showing the real cost of what’s been lost.
What actually matters:
- How severe is the injury?
A mild concussion is different from a TBI that causes permanent disability. Your settlement should reflect that difference. - What kind of care is needed—and for how long?
Rehab, therapy, medication, home care, specialists… It adds up fast. A fair settlement covers not just what you’ve already paid, but what you’re likely to need in the future. - Can you still work? Can you go back to the same job?
If your ability to earn income is reduced or gone altogether, that needs to be calculated in. We often bring in vocational experts and economists to help explain the loss in dollars and cents. - Who’s responsible—and can we prove it?
In Texas, your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. That makes evidence and legal strategy essential. - How much insurance coverage is available?
The at-fault party’s policy limits can affect how much you can actually recover. But there may be additional policies in play. We check for all of them.
What’s the Typical Settlement Range for a TBI in Texas?
Here’s what we’ve seen in real cases, and what’s supported by public settlement data:
Mild TBI – Concussion Settlements
- Typical Range: $100,000 – $850,000
- These cases may involve headaches, fatigue, mood swings, or memory issues. Even if the scans are normal, the impact can still be real—and life-altering.
Moderate TBI
- Typical Range: $250,000 – $2,000,000
- Long-term rehab, therapy, job changes, and changes in behavior or cognition often come into play. These cases need expert documentation to show how deeply the injury has affected everyday life.
Severe TBI
- Typical Range: $2,000,000 – $30,000,000+
- When the injury leads to permanent disability, the numbers change. These settlements or verdicts reflect a lifetime of care, lost income, and the emotional toll on both the injured person and their family.
Real Settlement Examples from Texas TBI Cases
Every case is different, but looking at past settlements can give you a real sense of what’s possible—especially when an injury is properly documented, liability is proven, and long-term impact is clear. These examples are based on public records from real Texas cases.
Note: These aren’t guarantees or promises. They’re reference points that show how traumatic brain injury claims can play out based on the facts and the work that goes into building the case.
$4,000,000 Settlement – 18-Wheeler Truck Crash
In one case, a driver was seriously injured after a crash with a commercial semi-truck. The police investigation found the truck driver at fault—but the driver and his legal team pushed back, trying to blame the injured person.
An expert accident reconstructionist was brought in to prove how the crash happened and establish clear negligence on the part of the truck driver. The case settled for $4 million, covering the client’s brain injury treatment, ongoing care, lost income, and pain and suffering.
$252,000–$850,000 Settlement Range – Mild TBI from Car Accidents
Several mild traumatic brain injury cases across Texas settled in this range. One involved a client who suffered a mild TBI and back injuries in a motor vehicle accident. Though the brain injury wasn’t classified as severe, the client still dealt with headaches, cognitive issues, and time away from work.
That case—and others in this category—settled during mediation, once enough medical evidence and personal impact documentation had been developed. These numbers reflect how even “mild” TBIs can lead to meaningful compensation when properly presented.
$30,000,000 Settlement – Child Falls from Apartment Window
One of the most devastating cases involved a young girl who suffered a severe TBI after falling 25 feet from a faulty apartment window. Her family initially received a $10 million offer—but with further legal pressure and expert support, they pushed the case forward.
The result: a $30 million settlement, one of the largest reported in the state for a brain injury. This amount was structured to support the child’s extensive lifelong care, education support, therapy, and the many costs that come with permanent disability.
$10,220,000 Verdict – Mild TBI from Commercial Truck Crash
A woman suffered a mild traumatic brain injury in a collision with a commercial truck. Though the term “mild” was used, the effects weren’t. Her symptoms included memory problems, mood swings, and significant life disruptions.
The case went to trial (in another state, though similar to how Texas cases can unfold), and the jury awarded $10.22 million—believed to be the largest personal injury verdict in that jurisdiction at the time. The takeaway here is that “mild” doesn’t always mean minor, especially when a TBI affects quality of life and ability to work.
Confidential Multi-Million Dollar Settlement – Motor Vehicle Accident
In a separate case, a person suffered a severe TBI in a car accident and eventually reached a confidential multi-million dollar settlement. While the exact number wasn’t made public, the payout covered extensive medical care, permanent disability, lost income, and emotional trauma.
Cases like this often involve structured settlements or trusts to manage long-term care needs—especially when future medical costs will be ongoing for decades.
What These Cases Show
Traumatic brain injury settlements in Texas can vary widely—from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars. The difference often comes down to:
- Severity of the injury
- Proof of long-term impact
- Liability evidence and expert support
- Negotiation strategy and legal preparation
These outcomes reflect the kinds of recoveries possible when a case is built with care, backed by medical insight, and pushed for maximum value—not rushed to settle early.
Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Averages Alone
We get it—you’re trying to set expectations. But here’s the thing: the word “average” is misleading. Your case isn’t average. Your injury isn’t average. And your settlement shouldn’t be either.
Too many people settle for less because they see a number online and think that’s all they can get. That’s exactly what insurance companies want.
Let’s look at what really matters:
- How this injury changed your life
- What you’ve lost, what you’ll need, and what it’s going to take to move forward
- How well your case is presented and supported
The best settlements reflect real lives, not ballpark figures.
Why You Shouldn’t Settle Too Soon
Insurance companies often move fast. They might offer you a check within days or weeks—sometimes before you’ve even seen a neurologist. Don’t fall for it.
Here’s why quick settlements can hurt you:
- You don’t know the full extent of your injury yet
- You may still need more treatment
- Once you sign, you give up the right to ask for more—even if your condition gets worse
An early offer might look helpful, but it usually means they’re trying to get out cheap. A TBI case deserves patience, documentation, and real strategy.
FAQ: How Much Is a Brain Injury Worth in Texas?
I got a concussion in a car accident caused by a distracted driver. How much could my case be worth?
For a mild TBI like a concussion, settlements in Texas often range from $100,000 to $850,000, depending on the circumstances. If the distracted driver is clearly at fault (e.g., texting while driving), and you have medical records showing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or memory issues, you might lean toward the higher end—especially if you missed work or needed ongoing therapy. For example, a Texas law firm, Sandoval & James, reports settling mild TBI cases in this range, with one car accident case resolved during mediation for a significant but undisclosed amount within $252,000 to $850,000.
My spouse suffered a severe brain injury in a truck crash and can’t work anymore. What kind of settlement should we expect?
Severe TBIs from truck accidents can result in multi-million-dollar settlements, especially if your spouse’s injury ends their career and requires lifelong care. A case handled by Grossman Law Offices in Texas settled for $4 million after a semi-truck collision caused a serious brain injury, with fault proven through accident reconstruction. If medical costs pile up (e.g., surgeries, rehab) and lost income is substantial, settlements can climb higher—sometimes $10 million or more, like a $10.22 million verdict for a mild-to-moderate TBI in a truck crash case handled by the Brain Injury Law Center.
My child fell at an apartment complex due to a broken railing and now has a permanent brain injury. How much could this be worth?
Premises liability cases involving permanent TBIs, especially for children, can lead to very high settlements because of long-term care needs and emotional impact. Crosley Law in San Antonio secured a $30 million settlement for a girl who suffered a TBI after falling 25 feet due to a faulty apartment window. Your settlement could vary based on the severity of your child’s injury, future medical expenses, and how negligent the property owner was. Awards often exceed $5 million when lifelong disability is involved.
I hit my head at work in a construction accident and have trouble concentrating now. What’s a fair settlement?
Workers’ compensation may limit your claim unless a third party (e.g., equipment manufacturer) is liable, allowing a personal injury lawsuit. For a moderate TBI affecting concentration, settlements might range from $500,000 to $2 million, depending on lost wages and proof of impairment. If you can sue beyond workers’ comp, a case like yours could resemble a confidential multi-million-dollar settlement from Thomas J. Henry Law, where a severe TBI from a vehicle accident covered medical costs and lost income. Your ability to work and documented cognitive decline will heavily influence the amount.
A drunk driver caused my TBI, and I’ve had seizures since. How much could I get?
Drunk driving cases often lead to higher settlements due to punitive damages, which punish the driver’s reckless behavior. If your TBI causes seizures, settlements could range from $1 million to $5 million or more, depending on medical evidence and life impact. While no exact Texas drunk driving TBI case matches your description here, the $4 million semi-truck settlement from Grossman Law suggests a baseline for serious injuries, and punitive damages could push it higher. Your lawyer would need to prove the seizures stem from the crash to maximize the award.
I slipped in a store, hit my head, and now have migraines. What’s my injury worth?
Slip-and-fall TBI cases often settle for $100,000 to $1 million, depending on the store’s negligence and your symptoms’ severity. Migraines alone might keep you closer to the lower end, but if they disrupt your life or work, you could push toward $500,000 or more. No exact Texas case mirrors this, but it aligns with milder TBI settlements like those from Sandoval & James ($252,000–$850,000 range). Clear evidence (e.g., security footage of a wet floor) strengthens your claim.
My elderly parent got a brain injury in a nursing home fall. How much could we claim?
Nursing home negligence cases with TBIs can settle for $1 million to $5 million or higher, especially if the injury worsens an elderly person’s health or leads to death. Permanent damage or extensive care needs drive up the value. While not a perfect match, the $30 million premises liability case from Crosley Law shows how negligence in maintaining safety can yield massive awards. Your settlement depends on proving the nursing home’s fault (e.g., understaffing, ignored hazards) and your parent’s medical prognosis.
I had a mild TBI in a rear-end collision, but I’m mostly fine now. What’s a realistic settlement?
If you’ve largely recovered from a mild TBI, settlements might range from $50,000 to $250,000, covering medical bills, pain, and any short-term lost wages. The lower end reflects minimal lasting impact. A case from Sandoval & James settled in the $252,000–$850,000 range, but that included back injuries and mediation, so yours might be less if symptoms are resolved. Fault and insurance limits also cap the amount.
Key Factors That Affect Your Brain Injury Settlement
- Severity: Mild TBIs (e.g., concussions) typically settle lower than severe, permanent ones.
- Fault: Clear negligence (e.g., drunk driving, unsafe premises) boosts value.
- Damages: Medical costs, lost income, and pain/suffering are calculated.
- Evidence: Expert testimony (e.g., neurologists, accident reconstructionists) can increase payouts.
- Insurance: Policy limits may cap settlements unless punitive damages apply.
These figures are based on real Texas cases and trends, but your outcome depends on specifics. Consulting a lawyer with your case details—medical records, accident reports, and financial losses—is the best way to get a tailored estimate. Want me to refine this further with more details from you?
Let Genthe Law Firm Help You Understand What Your Case Is Worth
At Genthe Law Firm in Dallas, we don’t deal in averages. We deal in real stories, real families, and real recovery. If you or someone you love has suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident—whether from a crash, a fall, or a work incident—you deserve answers and options, not pressure and lowball offers.
We’ll help you:
- Understand the full scope of your case
- Get connected with trusted doctors and specialists
- Handle all the legal and insurance issues
- Fight for compensation that reflects the full impact of your injury—now and down the line
📞 Call us today at (214) 957-0898
💬 Or schedule a free consultation to talk with a real person about your situation.
Want to learn more about how we handle these cases?
👉 Check out our Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney page for in-depth answers, examples, and next steps.
Page Contents
- How Much Is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Worth?
- How Brain Injury Settlements Are Calculated in Texas
- What’s the Typical Settlement Range for a TBI in Texas?
- Real Settlement Examples from Texas TBI Cases
- $4,000,000 Settlement – 18-Wheeler Truck Crash
- $252,000–$850,000 Settlement Range – Mild TBI from Car Accidents
- $30,000,000 Settlement – Child Falls from Apartment Window
- $10,220,000 Verdict – Mild TBI from Commercial Truck Crash
- Confidential Multi-Million Dollar Settlement – Motor Vehicle Accident
- What These Cases Show
- Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Averages Alone
- Why You Shouldn’t Settle Too Soon
- FAQ: How Much Is a Brain Injury Worth in Texas?
- I got a concussion in a car accident caused by a distracted driver. How much could my case be worth?
- My spouse suffered a severe brain injury in a truck crash and can’t work anymore. What kind of settlement should we expect?
- My child fell at an apartment complex due to a broken railing and now has a permanent brain injury. How much could this be worth?
- I hit my head at work in a construction accident and have trouble concentrating now. What’s a fair settlement?
- A drunk driver caused my TBI, and I’ve had seizures since. How much could I get?
- I slipped in a store, hit my head, and now have migraines. What’s my injury worth?
- My elderly parent got a brain injury in a nursing home fall. How much could we claim?
- I had a mild TBI in a rear-end collision, but I’m mostly fine now. What’s a realistic settlement?
- Key Factors That Affect Your Brain Injury Settlement
- Let Genthe Law Firm Help You Understand What Your Case Is Worth