Tallahassee Brain Injury Lawyer

What Is a TBI?

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the term used to describe damage to the brain suffered as a result of a sudden physical force. The human brain consists of billions of microscopic fibers, suspended in cerebrospinal fluid. While the exterior skull is smooth, the inner surface contains ribbing and pronounced bony structures.

Impact with these inner surfaces of the skull causes tearing and bruising that results in brain damage. A brain injury is often called an invisible injury. It’s a difficult and complex injury to diagnose and treat, and recovery is not indicative of how a person looks or acts. Someone may not even spend a lot of time in the hospital after a TBI.

Work with our Tallahassee brain injury lawyer at Shapiro Law Firm, P.A. - contact us today by calling (850) 629-7226!

What Causes Traumatic Brain Injuries?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur for many different reasons. Every TBI is different, which is something that your lawyer must consider when talking to physicians and juries. It takes more than just legal knowledge to present a compelling case concerning a TBI.

Injuries occur when the momentum of the brain causes it to collide against a skull that has been decelerated. Typically, TBI is caused by the impact of the head with an object, such as hitting a windshield or the dashboard of a car.

In such cases, the injury is considered a closed head injury. Closed head injuries may also occur when the brain undergoes severe forward or backward shaking, such as with infants who are mishandled or in cases involving whiplash suffered during an automobile accident.

TBI can also be caused by a penetrating head injury, where an object, such as a bullet, penetrates through the skull and into the brain. Closed head injuries present unique challenges in litigation since they often demonstrate no obvious external symptoms of injury, even though the damage to the brain can be severe.

TBIs do not refer to brain injuries or defects that are:

• Hereditary
• Congenital
• Degenerative
• Induced by birth trauma
• Toxic substances
• Disease-producing organisms

There are several common symptoms of a TBI, such as:

• Persistent head or neck pain
• Difficulty concentrating
• Light-headedness or dizziness
• Nausea
• Ringing in ears
• Loss of sense of taste or smell

A Lawyer Who Understands the Medicine

An attorney familiar with TBI needs to understand the legal information concerning your injury. A brain injury is not a typical personal injury case and could involve many more issues than you ever imagined.

Find the right professional who understands the difficulties of your fragile injury and complex case. If you or a loved one is dealing with a traumatic brain injury, you need an attorney with the experience to speak to your doctors and witnesses, then translate that into obtaining a resolution for you.

To schedule an appointment for a free case consultation with a brain injury attorney from the Shapiro Law Firm, P.A., call (850) 629-7226 today.

Minimizing the Long-Term Effects of a TBI

The brain is an amazing organ. When it is injured, however, the victim's life can be dramatically and permanently altered. With the violent impact of a serious car accident in which a head hits a dashboard, a traumatic brain injury can result. In a typical motor vehicle collision, the trauma is threefold.

For example, the vehicle hits another object, the passenger's head hits the dashboard, and then the brain hits the front of the skull. The long-term effects of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, may be far more damaging than is apparent at first.

Addressing TBIs swiftly can help mitigate subsequent challenges. Rehabilitation programs are crucial and can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive therapy, tailored to the individual needs of the patient. Early intervention not only aids in recovery but can also diminish the likelihood of long-term disabilities, allowing individuals to continue living productive lives.

Identifying Post-Accident Symptoms of a Brain Injury

At the scene of an accident, a person may feel pain, there may be confusion, and there may even be a loss of consciousness.

In the long term, other less obvious symptoms may crop up, including the following:

• Loss of memory
• Mental confusion or “fogginess”
• Difficulty with concentration
• Onset of seizures
• Volatile mood swings

Understanding Medical Complications & Financial Consequences of Brain Injuries

A brain injury can affect a person’s speech and learning ability in the long term. If the injury is serious enough, a person may end up incapacitated and have to have other people care for them for the rest of their lives.

Brain injuries may also require surgery to address lingering issues and can eventually lead to death in some situations. One of the long-term effects of brain injury is not directly related to a person’s health.

The medical complications resulting from an injury of this magnitude can have serious financial consequences for an individual. If a family is finding it difficult to get coverage for all a brain injury victim's medical expenses, the bills can begin to pile up and bring additional stress to an already difficult situation.

Engage Medical Professionals for Brain Injury Documentation

Injuries inside the head are difficult to prove in court, because sometimes the injury is not readily apparent to the casual observer. That’s why it is important to get medical experts involved to document symptoms, especially when there is litigation involved.

Experts to involve at different points of the legal and rehabilitation process might include the following:

• A psychiatrist
• A neurologist
• An occupational therapist
• Cognitive therapist
• Physical therapist

Legal Support for Brain Injury Victims in Tallahassee

When the effects of a brain injury are overwhelming, an experienced attorney can step in and help a person manage their case. It may be a good idea for a person who has experienced a brain injury of any kind to contact an attorney right away in order to get help negotiating with insurance companies for reimbursement of medical expenses associated with the injury.

The long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury can be devastating. The sooner a traumatic brain injury case is initiated, the sooner the patient can focus on rehabilitation.

If a case cannot be resolved and must be brought before a court of law, a skilled lawyer will engage medical experts to testify, aiding in the mitigation of financial impacts for the injured party. Legal assistance can truly transform a victim's ability to deal with the consequences of a brain injury, providing paths toward recovery, both physically and financially.

For more information about the long-term effects of a brain injury, call (850) 629-7226 now for a free consultation with our brain injury attorney in Tallahassee.

Essential Resources for Brain Injury Recovery in Tallahassee

A brain injury may not reveal itself until sometime after an accident. Signs that a problem exists can include:

• Painful headaches
• Dizziness
• And other symptoms

It is important to have a head injury checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible in order to uncover a potential problem before it causes additional damage.

At a hospital, a doctor may recommend a CT scan or MRI if a person is showing signs of a brain injury. After a diagnosis, a person may want to explore what resources for traumatic brain injury are available.

Seeking Compensation for Brain Injury Damages in Tallahassee

A Tallahassee brain injury attorney can help a brain injury victim contact insurance companies or file a workers' compensation claim.

If the accident that led to the brain injury was caused by the negligence of another person, it may be possible to pursue a legal claim for damages. A person may receive resources for traumatic brain injury in the form of compensation for medical bills and any lost time at work.

The compensation received from a case could help pay for things such as:

• Medical bills
• Therapy
• Ongoing medical care
• Lost wages

Get Legal Help for Your Brain Injury Case in Tallahassee

A person may sustain a brain injury in a car accident or during an accident at work. In addition, motorcycle accidents often result in serious head injury. No matter how the injury occurred, resources for a traumatic brain injury can include legal advice.

An experienced attorney can help a person who has suffered a brain injury by discussing available options and suggesting a course of action. In order to help their case, brain injury victims may want to make sure they have access to any medical records related to their accident prior to visiting with an attorney.

Contact an attorney to learn more about how to get help following a traumatic brain injury. For more information about available resources for traumatic brain injury or to speak with an experienced Tallahassee brain injury attorney at Shapiro Law Firm, P.A., call (850) 629-7226 today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brain Injury Law

What Should I Do Immediately After a Suspected TBI?

The first step following a suspected traumatic brain injury (TBI) is to seek medical attention immediately, even if symptoms appear mild. Prompt evaluation and diagnosis are crucial, as some brain injury symptoms may develop over time, potentially leading to severe complications if untreated. Once the immediate medical concerns are addressed, it is advisable to document all symptoms and medical visits thoroughly. Comprehensive documentation helps both healthcare providers and legal teams understand the injury's progression and formulate an appropriate treatment plan. Following up with legal professionals knowledgeable in brain injuries to assess potential claims or the need for insurance negotiations can also be beneficial, especially if the injury was caused by another party’s negligence.

How Can a Local Attorney Improve My Brain Injury Claim?

Local attorneys bring unique advantages to brain injury claims, particularly with their familiarity with regional legal procedures and knowledge of local courts. They can leverage this understanding to streamline the process of filing claims, gathering relevant evidence, and negotiating with insurance adjusters familiar with the area. Moreover, their connections to local medical experts ensure that victims receive credible, timely medical assessments that strengthen the claims process. This local approach can also facilitate stronger courtroom presentations, as attorneys adept in regional court practices and jury expectations tailor strategies that resonate effectively within the local judiciaries.

What Are Common Symptoms of a Brain Injury You Should Watch For?

Brain injuries can manifest through a range of symptoms that vary in severity and duration. Common early symptoms might include headaches, confusion, dizziness, and nausea. However, more serious symptoms such as memory loss, persistent headaches, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating can emerge over time. Vigilance is key in recognizing these signs, as timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes. It's vital to monitor any changes in cognitive and physical performance post-injury, as they can indicate complications that require immediate medical attention. Keeping a detailed record of symptoms as they progress can facilitate better medical treatment and accurate legal documentation if pursuing a claim.

Why Is Early Legal Intervention Important in TBI Cases?

Early legal intervention in traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases is crucial for several reasons. It allows attorneys to secure and preserve key evidence before it deteriorates or becomes inaccessible. Additionally, prompt legal action enables attorneys to engage with medical providers early, ensuring comprehensive documentation and expert testimony if needed. This foresight helps in constructing a robust foundation for a claim, directly correlating to the potential success of legal outcomes. Furthermore, swift engagement with legal representation ensures that victims navigate the complexities of filing deadlines and insurance protocols effectively, helping prevent any procedural missteps that could jeopardize the case.