Traumatic Brain Injuries After an Accident
Being human is beautiful, but it also means we are fragile vessels who must always be safe to preserve our humanity. The main organ of our body, the brain, is responsible for the essential functions of our body; it is the boss of movement, senses, and ideas. A minor injury to the brain could cause significant damage to the rest of the body, changing how people perceive the world and communicate.
Sustaining a brain injury or caring for someone with one is one of the most demanding situations. A person that must face the consequences of a traumatic brain injury should at least be able to get the peace of mind of being financially secure to get the medical help needed to live a dignified life. From significant hospital bills and the need for treatment or rehabilitation, now and in the future, to the inability to work, an injury of this severity necessitates compensation. A professional traumatic brain injury lawyer will have the experience and knowledge to provide some ease at challenging times.
If you, or someone you love, has been injured in a Miami Lakes accident and you need a brain injury lawyer, you can reach our dedicated team of professionals at The Ward Law Group PL anytime, call us at 855-DOLOR-55, and we will help you along the way.
What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an external force impacts the head, harming the brain. This can happen from a blow, bump, or jolt to the head when an object penetrates the skull or when the brain is forcefully shaken. Not all head impacts lead to TBI, but it is always a risk. One of the most common causes of traumatic brain injury is car crashes due to the complex movements at high speeds caused by a traffic accident.
TBIs (Traumatic Brain Injury) can vary in severity, with some causing temporary difficulties in brain function, such as problems with thinking, movement, communication, or behavior in general. More severe injuries can result in long-lasting disabilities or even death.
There are two main types of head injuries, penetrating or non-penetrating, depending on whether the injury was caused by direct damage to the brain tissue. Recognizing that secondary brain injuries can occur after the initial trauma, either gradually over time or appearing days later is essential.
Seeking medical attention immediately is the most important thing after a traumatic brain injury. If an act of negligence caused the injury sustained, you can trust a TBI lawyer to guide you through claiming compensation and getting the resources needed when dealing with these terrible injuries.
Most Common Causes of TBI
As we mentioned before, car collisions are one of the common causes of traumatic brain injuries, but it is not by far the only cause; multiple situations in life can lead to receiving a severe impact that leads to this type of harm to the brain. We will mention a few of the most common causes of a TBI.
Slip & Falls
A fall, either from great altitude or just caused by a slip, falling is one of the main reasons for brain injuries; falls from bed, ladders, stairs, or in the bath can easily cause a TBI, particularly among older adults and young children who tend to have more fragile skulls.
Vehicle-related collision
Accidents involving cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians are also frequent causes of TBI. The impact of a car crash can have severe repercussions for the driver and the passengers; victims may suffer head blunts caused by the force of the collision. Calling a traumatic brain injury lawyer is advised in case of being hurt in a car accident.
Violence
Sadly, some of the common causes of TBI are violence related. Gunshot wounds, fights, domestic violence, and other assaults can lead to TBIs. Violent shaking of infants can also cause traumatic brain injury.
Sports injuries
Various sports like soccer, skateboarding, hockey, boxing, football, baseball, lacrosse, and high-impact or extreme sports can result in traumatic brain injuries. Young people are more prone to being involved in this type of accident.
Explosive blasts and combat injuries
Active-duty military personnel can risk TBI due to explosive blasts, penetrating wounds, severe blows to the head with shrapnel or debris, and collisions with objects following a shot can also cause a TBI.
Symptoms of TBI
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in various physical, cognitive, communication, behavioral, emotional, and sensory symptoms. These symptoms can vary in severity and duration. Here is a breakdown of some of the significant symptoms associated with TBI:
Seizures
Some individuals may develop seizures after a TBI, either shortly after the injury or years later. If you or some you know starts having a seizure, seek immediate medical attention.
Hydrocephalus
Fluid buildup in the brain can occur, leading to increased pressure and swelling in the brain. This symptom may reflect an increase in the skull size and localized pain in the head.
Headaches
Frequent headaches are also a common symptom of TBI and can persist for weeks or months; if you feel a headache that does not seem alleviated by regular medicine, you should visit a medical professional.
Vertigo
Many people may experience dizziness and a sense of spinning or imbalance after a TBI; this is also a sign that you should see a care professional.
Cranial Nerve Damage
It results in facial muscle paralysis, altered sensation in the face, loss of smell or taste, vision problems, swallowing difficulties, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and hearing loss.
Cognitive Problems
Difficulties with memory, learning, reasoning, judgment, attention, concentration, problem-solving, multitasking, organization, planning, decision-making, and initiating or completing tasks.
Communication Problems
Challenges in understanding speech or writing, speaking or writing, organizing thoughts, participating in conversations, and interpreting nonverbal signals.
Behavioral Changes
Like self-control difficulties, lack of awareness of one’s abilities, engaging in risky behavior, social challenges, verbal or physical outbursts, and emotional changes.
Emotional Changes
These may involve depression, anxiety, mood swings, irritability, lack of empathy, anger, and insomnia.
Sensory Problems
Sensory issues associated with TBI can include persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus), difficulty recognizing objects, altered taste or smell, tingling, pain or itching in the skin, and balance problems or dizziness.
TBI Statistics in Florida
According to the National Institute of Health, the leading causes of TBI in the U.S. are as follows:
Falls are responsible for approximately 40.5% of TBIs. This is particularly relevant for children; falling from stairs and bicycles accounts for about half of brain injuries in this age group.
Car accidents contribute to about 14.3% of TBIs. They are also the primary cause of TBI-related deaths in children under age 5.
Includes incidents like being hit in the head with an object such as a baseball or soccer ball, which accounts for approximately 15.5% of TBIs. Intentional acts of violence, such as assaults, contribute to around 10.7% of TBIs, and about 19% have an unknown cause.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 2.5 million people in the United States sustain a TBI each year. While brain injuries can affect individuals of any age, they are most common in men between 15 and 24. Children under five and older adults over 75 also have a higher incidence of brain injury.
In Florida, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) have been a concern, with rates of hospitalization and deaths related to TBIs. According to available data, the hospitalization rate for TBIs in Florida was 19.2 per 100,000 in 2009, which increased slightly to 19.7 per 100,000 in 2014. Similarly, the death rate related to TBIs in Florida was 94.8 per 100,000 in 2009, and it rose to 101.5 per 100,000 in 2014.
Among the different age groups, adults 55 and older had the highest rate of fatal TBIs in Florida. In 2014, were 3,852 deaths attributed to TBIs in this age group. Additionally, there were 19,851 non-fatal hospitalizations related to TBIs in Florida during the same period.
This means that almost 20,000 people in those years sustained a brain injury, which required medical attention and other care. Mostly, the ones who trusted a traumatic brain injury lawyer got compensation for all the damage inflicted.
What are the Consequences of a TBI?
Traumatic brain injuries can have various consequences, especially when the damage is moderate to severe, consequences that can significantly impact a person’s life dramatically. However, the results of TBI can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury and the rehabilitation process available. Here are some critical implications of TBI:
Coma
A coma is a state of complete unconsciousness, where a person is unaware and unresponsive to stimuli. Comas result from extensive damage to the brain. Some individuals may emerge from a coma or transition to a different state with time.
Vegetative State
Brain damage can result in a vegetative state. In this state, individuals are unaware of their surroundings but may exhibit certain reflexes, make sounds, or open their eyes. Although a vegetative state can become permanent, some individuals progress to a minimally conscious state.
Minimally Conscious State
A minimally conscious state is characterized by severe alterations in consciousness but with some signs of self-awareness or awareness of the environment. It may be a transitional phase between a coma or vegetative state and a more significant recovery.
Brain Death
When there is no detectable brain activity, including in the brainstem, it is considered brain death. In cases of brain death, removing life support will lead to the cessation of breathing and eventual heart failure. Brain death is considered irreversible.
How can I claim compensation for my TBI after an accident?
Compensation for a TBI may include covering all medical expenses, present and future, getting compensation for lost wages, and others indicated by the law; in the case of death, families can claim other related damages.
Gathering information is crucial after a traumatic brain injury accident. It is recommended to take photos of the accident scene, including any property damage and injuries sustained. These photos can serve as valuable evidence later.
In addition to capturing visual evidence, it is essential to gather contact information from the driver involved in the accident. This includes their name, phone number, address, and insurance information. Keep medical records, bills, and insurance claims related to your TBI accident. These documents may be necessary for your brain injury lawyer to support your case and advocate.
By gathering information such as photos, contact details, and important documents, you can provide valuable evidence to your TBI lawyer. This information will assist them in building a compelling case to help you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Contact a Brain Injury Lawyer for Help
Seeking the assistance of an experienced traumatic brain injury lawyer is highly recommended. A knowledgeable traumatic brain injury lawyer in Miami can guide the process. They can handle the legal intricacies and help you navigate the complexities associated with TBI cases.
Contacting a specialized TBI lawyer is essential as they possess the expertise to gather evidence, determine liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
If you require the assistance of a reputable brain injury lawyer in Miami Lakes, The Ward Law Group is available to help. Our attorneys specialize in handling cases involving traumatic brain injuries. We prioritize justice and offer support during this challenging time. By having one of our TBI lawyers by your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that an advocate is dedicated to protecting your interests.
We handle all aspects of the legal process, allowing our clients to recover with peace of mind, knowing they are treated with care and attention. Our goal is to be the voice for our clients, representing them before the law and ensuring their rights are upheld. To receive the best legal advice from compassionate attorneys, call us at 855-DOLOR-55.