$100,000 Settlement in Chicago TBI Case
When most people think about dementia, they think about aging or genetics. What they do not realize, however, is that traumatic brain injuries can also play a significant role in cognitive decline, especially in older adults. A recent case we handled highlights just how serious the long-term effects of a car accident can be.
In April 2026, we secured a $100,000 settlement for an 88-year-old client who suffered a traumatic brain injury after a serious side-impact collision in Chicago. The case involved years of litigation, competing medical opinions, and the challenge of proving that the accident contributed to the client’s rapid cognitive decline.
A Serious Side-Impact Collision
The accident occurred in August 2022 when another driver exited a car wash and mistakenly pressed the gas pedal instead of the brake. The large SUV struck the passenger side of the couple’s vehicle with significant force.
The elderly passenger’s head slammed into the side window, shattering the glass and causing facial fractures, along with other injuries that required medical treatment. While liability for the crash itself was never seriously disputed, the contested issue centered on what happened in the months afterward.
According to her family and longtime treating physician, the woman showed no signs of dementia before the collision. After the accident, however, her condition changed dramatically. Family members began noticing memory problems, confusion, disorientation, and personality changes. Over time, her cognitive decline became severe.
The Challenge of Proving Brain Injury Claims
Cases involving traumatic brain injuries and dementia are often heavily disputed by insurance companies and defense attorneys. In this case, the defense argued that the woman’s age and pre-existing medical conditions, including diabetes and vascular concerns, were responsible for her dementia rather than the collision itself.
To support their position, the defense hired a medical expert who testified that the cognitive decline was unrelated to the crash.
What became critical evidence was the client’s longtime physician's testimony. Having treated her for years before the collision, he confirmed she showed no signs of dementia prior to the accident and concluded that the traumatic brain injury caused her rapid decline.
Understanding the Link Between TBI and Dementia
Medical research continues to show a connection between traumatic brain injuries and an increased risk of dementia. Even a single significant head injury can have lasting neurological consequences, particularly for older adults whose brains may already be more vulnerable to trauma.
While every case is different, accidents involving head injuries should never be dismissed on account of symptoms developing gradually. Memory problems, confusion, mood changes, and cognitive difficulties can sometimes appear weeks or months after a crash.
That is why early medical evaluation and thorough legal investigation are so important in serious injury cases.
Resolving the Case Before Trial
By the time the case approached trial, both sides had invested years into litigation, depositions, and expert testimony. Although the defense continued to dispute causation, the evidence supporting the client’s claim ultimately led to a settlement shortly before trial was scheduled to begin.
For the client and her family, resolving the matter without requiring her to endure the stress of trial was an important outcome. The case settled for $100,000 in April 2026.
Advocating for Chicago’s Polish Community
Thomas J. Gabryszewski is proud to serve Chicago’s Polish-speaking community with compassionate, personalized legal representation. As a bilingual Polish and English-speaking attorney, he understands the importance of clear communication and trusted advocacy during difficult times.
His practice focuses on helping injury victims navigate complex personal injury claims involving car accidents, workplace injuries, truck accidents, premises liability, and wrongful death cases.
When serious injuries involve disputed medical conditions or long-term complications, having an attorney willing to thoroughly investigate the facts and advocate for you can be the difference between a denied claim and a successful recovery.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries after an accident, speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney as early as possible can help protect your rights and ensure your case is properly evaluated. To discuss your case, call 312-856-1099 or text 708-320-0753.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
