Handling the Traumatic Brain Injury Case

Our office represents victims who sustained a traumatic brain injury in Florida, also known as a TBI. A recent study has revealed that at least 1.4 million people in the US suffer from traumatic brain injury aka intracranial injury which occurs when the brain is traumatically injured by an external force. According to the CDC, an estimated 30% of all traumatic deaths are caused by a TBI. Every day, 138 people in the United States die from injuries that include TBI, according to the CDC.

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

TBI includes a wide range of symptoms and disabilities, and its impact on an individual and his family can be disastrous. It may result from a violent blow to the head. Any object like a wood, a stone a hard floor, or a shattered piece of glass can cause a temporary dysfunction of the brain cells. A serious form of TBI can lead to torn tissues, severe bleeding and other physical injury of the brain which might result in long term complications and even death. Falls are the major cause of TBI in all ages. People between 70 -75 years have the highest rate of TBI related hospitalization and death due to falls.

What to do if Someone Else Caused or Contributed to the Brain Injury?

In many cases, an individual, an office, hotel, or any other public or private entities are directly or indirectly responsible for the fall or accident. In cases like this, it’s suggested that you consult a personal injury attorney who will help the patient with his knowledge and experience of this kind of injury and help him claim compensation from another person whose recklessness or negligence is responsible for the injury.

Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury

Its direct effects which can be permanent might include memory loss, unconsciousness, confusion, trouble in speaking coherently, difficulty in learning and remembering, vision and hearing related problems, unsteadiness and lack of coordination. Certain kinds of TBI might lead to development of the Alzheimer’s disease in later years which is a form of severe dementia. Other symptoms are dizziness, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, headache and changes in sleep patterns.

Traumatic brain injury has generally been classified by doctors into 3 kinds- mild, moderate and severe depending on the duration of the unconscious state and the seriousness of symptoms. A mild TBI also known as concussion generally leaves you unconscious for not more than 30 minutes. Mild TBI symptoms are usually temporary and the patient recovers within hours, though sometimes it might take a week or a month or more. In case of a moderate TBI, the state of unconsciousness lasts for more than 30 minutes. The symptoms are same as that of a concussion but it’s more serious and long lasting. A severe traumatic brain injury can knock you out for more than 24 hours and symptoms are very serious and long lasting.

TBI cases which are not immediately attended by physicians can lead to permanent brain damage and even death. In the US, an average of 50,000 people die of their injuries every year according to a study. In many cases, medical personnel and doctors could be responsible for this when they fail to provide proper treatment on time and fail to recognize the symptoms of the traumatic brain injury.

Compensation for Victims of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Compensation in case of TBI caused by another person’s negligence could include financial compensation to help cover medical bills and loss of wage, rehabilitation bills, attendant care bills and even a compensation for the pain and suffering. An attorney focusing in personal injury law can help fight to get you the compensations you deserve and ensure solutions to your medical and related financial obstacles that one has to face under such circumstances.

What are Some Causes of a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Traumatic brain injuries can be caused in any situation where the head can be struck. This could include:

• Slip and fall where the victim strikes his head on the ground
• Car accident where the head strikes the steering wheel, window or other part of the car
• Accidental shooting where a bullet goes into the victim’s head
• Archery accident where a victim struck in the head with an arrow
• Horseback riding accident with a victim struck by a horse or who fell from a horse
• Elevator accident where a victim strikes his head in the elevator car
• Theme park accident where a sudden jolt causes the victim’s head to strike part of the ride

Things to Consider When Pursuing a Traumatic Brain Injury Case

When pursuing a TBI case, the victim’s long term care should be of great importance. A Guardianship may need to be set up if the victim is not able to make financial or personal decisions for themselves. Experts may need to be retained to assess future care or working ability.

If your loved one sustained a traumatic brain injury after an accident, call us for a free consultation at (800) 337-7755. We handle TBI cases throughout Florida.