Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are debilitating and will change the course of your life. Each day across the United States, more than 600 people are hospitalized for traumatic brain injuries, and another 170 die as a result of TBI-related causes. However, because many TBIs go unreported, medical experts believe that the actual rate of traumatic brain injuries is much higher. Unfortunately, untreated TBIs can lead to other serious health problems, further impacting victims’ lives.
If you believe that you suffered a traumatic brain injury after a car accident, slip and fall, or any other type of accident, the Blakeley Law Firm can help. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers have decades of experience helping connect accident victims with meaningful compensation designed to make them whole after a life-changing accident. We understand the frustration that naturally follows in the wake of a serious accident and will do everything possible to maximize your compensation while minimizing the stress placed upon you and your family.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?A traumatic brain injury, often called a TBI, is an injury that affects how the brain works. Most TBIs are caused when someone experiences a sudden blow or jolt to the head, causing their brain to collide with the inside of the skull. These are referred to as “blunt TBIs.” The other type of TBI is an open TBI, which involves an object penetrating the skull and entering the brain tissue.
Causes of Traumatic Brain InjuriesTraumatic brain injuries can have a variety of causes; however, most of the TBIs in the United States are the result of the following:
- Motor vehicle accidents,
- Falls,
- Intentional acts of violence, and
- Sports injuries.
One thing that makes traumatic brain injuries so dangerous is that they often do not present what most would consider to be serious symptoms. For example, after an accident, you may expect to have a headache, to be disoriented or confused, or to feel sick to your stomach. However, these can all be signs of a TBI. For this reason, it is essential to go to the doctor as soon as possible after any accident involving even minor trauma to the head.
The symptoms of traumatic brain injuries vary depending on the person and the severity of the damage; however, they may include:
- Headache,
- Nausea and vomiting,
- Difficulty speaking,
- Loss of balance or dizziness,
- Sensitivity to light or sound,
- Difficulty sleeping,
- Memory loss,
- Frequent mood changes,
- Anxiety or depression,
- Loss of coordination, and
- Agitation.
Yes, accident victims may be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the person or people who caused the accident resulting in a TBI. Typically, these cases fall under the umbrella of “negligence” cases, which require an accident victim to prove the following:
- The other party owed the victim a duty of care;
- The other party violated the duty of care owed to the accident victim;
- The other party’s breach of the duty resulted in the victim’s injuries; and
- The victim suffered legally recognizable damages as a result of the other person’s negligence.
Victims who successfully bring a traumatic brain injury lawsuit may be entitled to recover for their economic and non-economic damages, which include:
- Past and future medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Decrease in the ability to earn income in the future,
- Pain and suffering,
- Decrease in quality of life,
- Loss of familial relationships, and
- Emotional distress.
Of course, accident victims who sustained other types of injuries can also pursue financial compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Have You Experienced an Accident-Related TBI?If you or a loved one was recently involved in an accident and suffered a TBI as a result, reach out to the dedicated Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers at the Blakeley Law Firm. At the Blakeley Law Firm, our TBI lawyers have more than 20 years of experience aggressively advocating on behalf of accident victims and their families, connecting them with meaningful compensation for what they’ve been through. To learn more, and to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today, call (800) 602-5000. You can also reach us through our online contact form.