How to Find the Best Florida Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
How to Find the Best Florida Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer: When you struggle with the impacts of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), it can make you feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what steps to take next. It may seem like the best option is to try and navigate this difficult situation alone without seeking external help, especially if the brain injury was caused by someone else’s negligence.
However, having a knowledgeable lawyer by your side who specializes in Florida traumatic brain injuries could be very beneficial for you and increase your chances of receiving maximum compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, damages, or anything else related to your personal injury claim. Read on as we dive into exploring how you can find the right Florida traumatic brain injury lawyer that fits your needs.
How Prevalent are Traumatic Brain Injuries in Florida?
Since 2019, the death toll in Florida alone has been on a steady rise and has reached 5,406 by 2021. Unfortunately, the number of traumatic brain injury cases is on a drastic rise not only in Florida but across America every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a staggering 223,135 hospitalizations due to TBI-related injuries in 2019 alone. Even more alarming is that 64,362 American lives were claimed by traumatic brain injury last 2020 – which does not even account for mild cases that go undetected or untreated.
These concerning numbers make it clear that having a good Florida traumatic brain injury lawyer on your side is essential for ensuring that you get the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related damages.
Traumatic Brain Injury Causes
Traumatic brain injury affects both adults and children but is more common in adults and older individuals. It is usually caused by some type of external force that affects the head, neck, and/or spine. The most common causes of TBI in 2018-2019 are the following:
1. Suicide
Tragically, suicide is the most common cause of traumatic brain injury in 2018-2019, accounting for 35.5% of all incidences. Firearm-related suicides account for a shockingly large proportion.
2. Falls
Falls comprise 29.9% of TBI cases, making it the second most common cause of this type of injury. Falls from heights or stairs as well as trips and slips can result in a traumatic brain injury.
3. Motor vehicle crashes
Motor vehicle crashes account for 17% of all TBI cases, with car accidents being the most prominent type of crash.
4. Assaults
Violence such as assaults and other traumatic events dramatically contribute to the alarming number of TBI cases, making assault-related injuries a major factor in the overall prevalence of TBIs.
Symptoms and Complications of TBIs
Traumatic head injuries can trigger both short-term and long-lasting physical or psychological ailments, manifesting in a range of symptoms based on the severity of harm or damage.
Most Common Symptoms of TBI
Traumatic brain injury can cause various symptoms that may differ from person to person. Commonly seen signs and symptoms include:
1. Headache
2. Dizziness
3. Loss of consciousness
4. Memory problems
5. Concentration problems
6. Balance issues
7. Changes in sleep patterns
8. Confusion
9. Nausea or vomiting
10. Slurred speech
11. Loss of sense of smell, taste, or touch
Degrees of TBI
When it comes to TBIs, there are three degrees of severity: mild, moderate, and severe.
1. Mild concussion: Symptoms are usually temporary and can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, and fatigue.
2. Moderate TBI: Symptoms may last longer than mild cases and often require speech therapy or physical rehabilitation.
3. Severe TBI: This is the most severe type of head injury and can lead to permanent complications such as paralysis, vision problems, hearing loss, and even death.
TBI complications
In extreme cases, traumatic brain injury can lead to more serious complications such as:
1. Seizures
2. Coma
3. Pseudobulbar Effect
4. Autism Spectrum Disorder
5. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
6. Cognitive Impairment
7. Anxiety Disorders
A study conducted by the CDC also reveals that a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be devastating, with 22% of survivors dying and only 26% showing signs of improvement. The remaining 30% sadly experienced an even worse state than they had before their initial trauma while another 22 % stayed the same.
Treatment Costs for TBIs
A 2018 study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reveals that medical costs per patient while still in the hospital can be exorbitantly high, ranging anywhere between $2,130 and a staggering 401,808.
Another study made by the Centers for Disease Control in 2016 shows that the yearly cost of healthcare due to non-fatal traumatic brain injuries totaled over $40.6 billion nationwide. Private insurance companies paid out a staggering $10.1 billion, with Medicare taking second place at $22.5 billion and Medicaid coming in third at $8 billion.
This growing health issue is causing financial damage on an alarming scale, with more and more individuals being forced to file for bankruptcy due to exorbitant medical costs.
Find the Best Florida Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer
The financial burden of TBI can be immense but don’t let that discourage you; with help from top-notch brain injury attorneys, it is possible to get compensation for such injury. So don’t feel overwhelmed – take action and enlist assistance from qualified lawyers who are determined to pursue justice on behalf of survivors and their families.
Finding an expert TBI lawyer in Florida requires research and careful consideration. To guarantee that you have a legal representative who is well-equipped to secure the best possible results for your case, make sure they possess these essential attributes:
1. Specialization in traumatic brain injury law
Look for lawyers who specialize in traumatic brain injury law in Florida. This will ensure that your attorney has a deep understanding of the complexities associated with TBI cases and can fight effectively on your behalf to get you compensation for your injuries.
2. Experience
Good Florida brain injury lawyers should have years of experience handling similar cases, as well as a proven track record of success.
3. Compassion and empathy
Your lawyer should be able to understand your pain and suffering, as well as the struggles you’re facing due to the brain injury. They should be willing to listen to your story and provide adequate advice and support throughout the process.
4. Good communication skills
Having good communication with your attorney is essential in ensuring that both parties are on the same page from start to finish.
5. Availability
Your lawyer should be available to answer your questions, respond to phone calls or emails promptly and provide updates on the case as needed.
Where Can I Find Good Florida Brain Injury Attorneys?
Seeking out a qualified Florida traumatic brain injury attorney that aligns with your needs is an essential step in recovering from head trauma. Here are several ways to find the perfect fit for you and your situation:
1. Ask for referrals or recommendations
Your friends and family may have experienced a traumatic brain injury in the past and can provide insight into potential lawyers they know or have used.
2. Check online reviews
Research online to find out more about different lawyers as well as their established practices. Look for testimonials and client reviews, as these can give you an honest picture of what to expect.
3. Reach out to lawyer referral services
Organizations such as the Florida Bar, a local legal aid society, or other similar groups can provide you with referrals to a qualified Florida brain injury attorney in your area.
What to prove in a Traumatic Brain Injury Claim?
To establish a successful traumatic brain injury claim, you must be able to prove that the accident or incident was caused by someone else’s negligence. This includes demonstrating that the individual in question failed to meet their duty of care towards you and as a result, your head trauma is directly related to the incident. Additionally, you must show that your TBI resulted in damages such as medical expenses and other losses.
To secure the maximum compensation for your injuries, it is imperative to present a strong and compelling case. To do so, you must be able to provide evidence of the following:
1. Medical records
Your lawyer should be able to obtain all medical treatment records related to your injury and use them as evidence in court. This includes copies of medical reports, as well as a detailed explanation of your diagnosis and treatment plan.
2. Witness testimonies
Witness accounts can be extremely beneficial when it comes to establishing fault in an accident. Your lawyer should be able to collect statements from those who are familiar with the incident, such as family members or bystanders who saw what happened firsthand.
3. Expert testimonies
Having a medical expert testify in court can put your injury into context and help prove the extent of your damages. Your lawyer should be able to find experts in the field who are willing to support your case.
4. Evidence from the scene of the accident
Your attorney may also be able to collect evidence such as photos, videos, and police reports supporting your claim. This can be used to prove negligence on the part of the defendant.
5. Relevant documentation
Your personal injury attorney should also gather relevant documents such as pay stubs or medical bills that demonstrate the financial losses you have incurred due to your injury. Additionally, they should provide evidence of any long-term physical or psychological damages.
Keep in mind that acting quickly is essential when filing a claim. Reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to give them sufficient time to assemble the appropriate evidence before Florida’s statute of limitations runs out. In The Sunshine State, there is a four-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims and wrongful death cases.
Before taking any action, speaking with a lawyer can prove to be invaluable. Free consultations are often available, and they offer the opportunity to find out if filing a lawsuit is the best route for you. In some cases, it may not be necessary – yet there are still other ways of obtaining due compensation for your losses. Consulting an experienced attorney provides peace of mind that no stone has been left unturned in seeking suitable retribution.
Other Avenues to Get Compensation for TBIs
Depending on the circumstances of your case, there may be other resources available to you to recover compensation for a TBI. Some examples include:
1. Negotiating an out-of-court settlement with the responsible party or their insurance company.
2. Filing a personal injury protection (PIP) claim under your own insurance policy.
3. Filing a workers’ compensation claim if the accident occurred in the workplace.
4. Applying for Social Security disability benefits if the injury led to long-term medical complications.
5. Seek out government assistance programs depending on the severity of your injury.
6. Consider filing for disability benefits if you are unable to work due to your injury.
7. Research TBI support groups and organizations that may provide financial assistance.
Conclusion
Finding the best Florida traumatic brain injury lawyer can make a huge difference in your case. With the right legal help from the Jared Spingarn law firm, you can obtain the full compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and other losses related to your traumatic brain injury. Don’t wait to seek the help you need to get the justice you deserve.
If you’re involved in an accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury in Florida, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jared Spingarn, Accident Attorney at 1-954-781-2316 for a Free Case Review or drop a message on their Contact Us page.
