Traumatic Brain Injury Claims in Florida
Traumatic Brain Injury Claims in Florida
According to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1.9 million Americans suffer serious head injuries each year. All head injuries must be taken seriously. In particular, the most severe form of head injury, a traumatic brain injury (TBI), can have life-altering effects on the victim. These negative effects include both physical and psychological damages as well as significant financial costs. If you have suffered a brain injury due to the negligence of another party, that party should be held accountable. An experienced Tampa catastrophic injury attorney can help you hold them fully accountable so that you can recover the fair compensation that you rightfully deserve.
How to Spot a Traumatic Brain Injury
Brain injuries require immediate medical attention. It is critical that these injuries are diagnosed as quickly as possible. In the event that you or a loved one has suffered a blow to the head, you need to watch out for the following symptoms:
- Loss of consciousness;
- Short-term memory loss;
- Confusion;
- Feelings of nausea or dizziness;
- Vomiting;
- Intense headaches:
- Unusual sleepiness or fatigue; and
- Blurred vision.
Compensation Available for Brain Injury Victims
In Florida, brain injury victims are entitled to seek financial recovery that accounts for the full extent of their losses. Specifically, this can include compensation for:
- Emergency room costs, including ambulance fees;
- Medical bills for any ongoing treatment;
- Costs associated with anticipated future medical bills;
- Rehabilitation expenses;
- The costs of medicine and medical equipment;
- Lost current and futures wages;
- Loss of long-term earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Disability; and
- Loss of life enjoyment.
Unique Challenges in Catastrophic Injury Cases
It is also important to recognize that catastrophic injury cases, including TBI cases, involve some unique challenges. Victims of very serious injuries often have a hard time recovering the full compensation that they deserve. This happens because these type of injuries come with damages that are very difficult to quantify. While it is easy to determine the legal value of a $5,000 hospital bill, it is far more challenging to determine the precise value of future damages or noneconomic damages. Of course, traumatic brain injury victims usually suffer both of these types of damages. Unfortunately, because these damages are so difficult to quantify, insurance companies attempt to undervalue them. This is completely unacceptable. It is imperative the brain injury victims are represented by an attorney with deep experience handling Catastrophic injury cases. Your attorney will be able to help ensure that your future and noneconomic damages are fully and fairly accounted for in any settlement offer or personal injury verdict.
How TBIs Can Affect the Spine
In a car accident involving a traumatic brain injury (TBI), the spinal cord can be affected due to the intense forces exerted on the body. Here’s how:
- Whiplash and Hyperextension:
The sudden back-and-forth motion of the head can damage both the brain and the cervical spine, leading to spinal cord injury.
- Direct Impact or Compression:
If the accident causes a strong blow to the head, the force may transfer down the spine, leading to fractures, herniated discs, or spinal cord compression.
- Swelling and Inflammation:
A severe TBI can lead to brain swelling, which increases intracranial pressure and affects the central nervous system, including the spinal cord.
- Nerve Damage:
The spinal cord carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. If the TBI results in swelling, hemorrhage, or nerve damage, it can disrupt these signals, leading to paralysis or loss of sensation below the injury site.
- Coup-Contrecoup Injuries:
These occur when the brain strikes the inside of the skull due to sudden deceleration, potentially causing spinal misalignment or vertebral damage.
If you’re dealing with a case involving both TBI and spinal cord injuries, it’s crucial to consult medical and legal professionals, as these injuries often lead to long-term disabilities requiring specialized care.
Contact Our Office Today
At The Pawlowski//Mastrilli Law Group, our Florida personal injury lawyers have helped protect the rights of many brain injury victims. If you or a family member has suffered a serious head injury, please call our team today at 813-242-4404. We will review your claim for free, with no additional obligations on your part. Our firm represents victims throughout the Tampa region, including in Lithia, Durant, Balm and Sun City Center.
Resource:
cdc.gov/headsup/