Fort Lauderdale Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most common types of severe injuries suffered in vehicle collisions, falls and other accidents. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describe a TBI as “a major cause of death and disability in the United States,” and note that while anyone can suffer a traumatic brain injury, TBIs are more common among – and present greater risks for – certain segments of the population. Due to the risk for long-term health and financial consequences, anyone who is experiencing symptoms of a traumatic brain injury should consult with a Fort Lauderdale TBI attorney promptly.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a concussion or other TBI, you probably have lots of questions. Our Fort Lauderdale traumatic brain injury lawyer can help you answer questions such as:
- Is there a difference between a personal injury attorney and a TBI attorney?
- Where should you go for diagnosis and treatment of a TBI in Fort Lauderdale?
- Does health insurance cover TBI from accidents? What about other types of insurance?
- What should you do if you or your spouse will be unable to work due to a TBI?
- When can you recover financial compensation for a TBI from an accident?
Seeking Financial Compensation for TBI Based on Negligence
In most cases, seeking financial compensation for a traumatic brain injury requires proof of negligence. While personal injury protection (PIP) insurance provides “no-fault” coverage for auto accidents, PIP will not cover all of the costs of a serious TBI. As a result, after any type of accident, one of the first steps that must be taken is to determine who (or what company) is legally responsible.
Negligence can take many different forms. Distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, and running red lights and stop signs are all forms of negligence. So are mistakes such as failing to fix known property hazards and failing to adequately protect athletes on the field of play. When you hire a Fort Lauderdale TBI attorney at Maus Law Firm, your attorney will oversee a comprehensive investigation focused on gathering all available evidence of liability.
While negligence is the most common cause of accidents resulting in TBI, there are other potential causes as well. For example, product defects and unsafe work conditions will also be to blame for individuals’ traumatic brain injuries in some cases. In addition to looking for evidence of negligence, our Fort Lauderdale traumatic brain injury lawyer will examine all other possible causes and all other possible sources of financial recovery.
Early Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries
If you have concerns about a possible traumatic brain injury, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. We can refer you to a specialist in Fort Lauderdale, and we encourage you to contact us immediately if you have not seen a doctor already. Some of the most common early symptoms of TBI include:
- Anxiety
- Blurred vision
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty maintaining balance or walking
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Lethargy (lack of energy)
- Mood swings (becoming easily upset or angered)
- Sadness and depression
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Trouble sleeping
Types of Brain Injuries
After a blow to the head or other trauma, the impact causes the brain to smash back and forth inside the skull. This action causes damage, and further damage results when the brain tissue swells, leading to additional bleeding as well as reduced blood circulation to parts of the brain, cutting off oxygen and causing cell death. Doctors use the Glasgow Coma Scale to classify the severity of a traumatic brain injury, with the least severe injury rated as a Mild TBI, followed by Moderate Disability, Severe Disability, and the most severe, a Persistent Vegetative State.
Within these types, doctors describe traumatic brain injuries as:
- Concussions, which range from mild to severe
- Contusions or bruising on the brain with mild bleeding
- Brain hemorrhages or uncontrolled bleeding
- Intracranial hematomas involving collections of blood
- Coup-contrecoup brain injuries involving a strong initial impact and rebound impacts
- Diffuse axonal injuries when twisting of the brain tissue causes axon fibers to tear
- Penetrating brain injuries when an object penetrates the skull
- Second impact syndrome when a victim suffers a second injury before an initial injury has healed
When a TBI does not break the skull, it is referred to as a closed injury, while TBIs where the skull breaks or suffers penetration are known as open injuries.
Financial and Non-Financial Costs of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Whether a traumatic brain injury lasts for weeks, months, or years, its catastrophic effects can lead to significant financial and non-financial costs. If negligence, a product defect, or unsafe work conditions are to blame for your (or your loved one’s) brain injury, a Fort Lauderdale TBI attorney may be able to help you recover costs including:
- Medical treatment costs (including psychological treatment)
- Rehabilitation and long-term care costs
- Lost wages and future income
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Negative impacts on your relationship with your spouse, children, and others
How a Fort Lauderdale TBI Attorney Can Help
Whether you or a loved one has suffered a TBI in a car accident, fall, or other accident, there are many ways a Fort Lauderdale traumatic brain injury attorney can help. When you hire an attorney at Maus Law Firm to represent you, your attorney will:
- Oversee a thorough investigation to determine liability
- File all available claims on your behalf
- Accurately calculate your short-term and long-term losses
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- Fight for just compensation in court if necessary
Request a Free Consultation with a Fort Lauderdale TBI Attorney
If you would like to know more about seeking financial compensation for a traumatic brain injury in Florida, we encourage you to get in touch with our personal injury law firm. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a Florida TBI attorney at Maus Law Firm, call 855-476-5926 or tell us how we can reach you online today.
FAQs About Traumatic Brain Injuries
Is there a difference between a personal injury attorney and a TBI attorney?
A TBI attorney understands the unique challenges involved in diagnosing TBIs and the devastating effects these injuries have on victims and their families. They are prepared to help them recover the full compensation they need to cover a range of future needs and losses. A personal injury attorney without that knowledge might not be equipped to help victims and their families recover the necessary compensation.
Where should you go for diagnosis and treatment of a TBI in Fort Lauderdale?
Several medical facilities in Fort Lauderdale have treatment centers that specialize in the care and rehabilitation of traumatic brain injuries. We can help you find an appropriate facility to provide the best services for your situation.
Does health insurance cover TBIs from accidents?
Your health insurance should cover a portion of the cost of medical care for a TBI once you have met your deductible and other obligations. However, health insurance is not likely to cover all medical expenses, and it will not cover additional losses such as lost wages, modifications to your home or vehicle, and pain, suffering and emotional anguish.
What should you do if you or your spouse will be unable to work due to a TBI?
If the TBI was caused by an injury at work, workers’ compensation insurance should provide medical treatment and some wage benefits to compensate for lost income due to the inability to work. If a doctor rates a disability as permanent, you could receive additional compensation. If the TBI was caused by irresponsible conduct of another person outside of work or by a third party not affiliated with your employer, then a personal injury claim could provide compensation to make up for your losses and cover future needs.
When can you recover financial compensation for a TBI from an accident?
Financial compensation is available when an accident that causes a TBI is the result of a workplace injury or the accident was caused by the negligence, recklessness, or deliberate wrongdoing of another. For instance, if a drunk driver caused the accident, that driver or their insurance company could be required to pay for tangible and intangible losses including pain and emotional anguish.