Tampa Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys

Did You Sustain a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Florida?

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are caused by trauma to the head that is so severe it impacts the brain. TBIs can result in lifelong damage and, in some cases, death. People who sustain brain injuries typically need ongoing medical care. 

If you or someone you love sustained this type of injury because of someone else’s negligence or wrongful action, consult with a Tampa traumatic brain injury lawyer at our firm. You could be entitled to financial compensation, and our experienced team at Robert Sparks Attorneys is prepared to fight for you.

Discuss your traumatic brain injury case with a legal professional today by calling (813) 710-4816 or contacting us online.

What Constitutes a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when an external force causes damage to the brain. This can result from various incidents, including falls, sports injuries, violent assaults, or vehicular accidents involving cars, trucks, or motorcycles.

What distinguishes a brain injury as "traumatic" is the sudden and external impact that disrupts normal brain function. Unlike non-traumatic brain injuries, which may stem from internal factors such as strokes or diseases, traumatic injuries involve a clear event that initiates the damage.

Types of Brain Injuries

Brain injuries differ in type and severity. For example, some physicians classify brain injuries as mild, moderate, or severe on the Glasgow Coma Scale, but there are other scales that measure brain injury severity, such as the posttraumatic amnesia scale. Brain injuries can also be classified by how they were sustained.

Some common categories of TBIs include:

• Concussions. This is the most common form of TBI, typically resulting from a blow or jolt to the head. Concussions can cause temporary impairment of brain function, leading to symptoms such as confusion, headaches, dizziness, and memory problems. Although often classified as mild, repeated concussions can have cumulative effects and lead to longer-term issues.
• Contusions. A contusion is a bruise on the brain itself, which occurs when the brain strikes the inside of the skull. These injuries can cause bleeding and swelling in the affected area and may lead to more significant complications if not monitored closely. Symptoms can include headaches, difficulty concentrating, and coordination problems.
• Diffuse axonal injuries (DAIs). This type of injury occurs when the brain is injured from rapid acceleration and deceleration, such as in car accidents. A DAI causes widespread damage to the brain's white matter due to the shearing of axons, which can lead to a prolonged state of unconsciousness or a persistent vegetative state.
• Penetrating injuries. A penetrating injury occurs when an object, such as a bullet or a shard of bone, pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue. This type of TBI is often severe and can result in significant neurological deficits or death, depending on the location and extent of the injury.
• Skull fractures. While not technically a brain injury, a skull fracture can occur alongside a TBI and may lead to complications like bleeding or infection. Fractures can be classified as linear, comminuted, or depressed based on how the skull has been damaged.

Detecting the Symptoms of a Brain Injury

Brain injuries may not be obvious at first, which is why victims of serious accidents should undergo a CT scan or other neurological tests. In the most severe cases, an accident victim will lose consciousness and could remain in a coma for some time.

Do not wait to see a medical professional if you notice any of the following symptoms after an incident where you received a blow to the head:

• Loss of consciousness. A loss of consciousness can last for a few seconds or several hours. An individual may appear dazed or confused immediately after the injury.
• Headache. Persistent or worsening headaches following a traumatic event can be a significant indicator of a TBI. Unlike typical headaches, those associated with a TBI might not respond well to over-the-counter pain medication.
• Confusion or disorientation. Victims may exhibit confusion regarding time, place, or personal identity. They might struggle to answer basic questions or remember events surrounding the injury.
• Dizziness or balance problems. Affected individuals may experience dizziness, unsteadiness, or difficulty maintaining balance. These symptoms can affect their ability to walk or engage in physical activities safely.
• Nausea or vomiting. Feeling nauseous or experiencing repeated vomiting can signal serious internal issues, especially if these symptoms occur shortly after the injury.
• Vision or hearing disturbances. Changes in vision (blurred or doubled) or unusual sounds (ringing in the ears) may occur, indicating potential neurological effects of the injury.
• Sleep disturbances. Individuals may experience changes in sleep patterns, including insomnia or excessive sleeping.
• Mood changes. Emotional fluctuations, irritability, or sudden mood swings can suggest a TBI. Victims may exhibit anxiety or depression in the aftermath of the injury.
• Memory loss. Problems with memory, including difficulty recalling events leading up to or after the injury, can indicate a concussion or other types of TBIs.
• Disproportionate pupil size. Variations in pupil size, particularly if one pupil is larger than the other, can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure or damage to the brain.
• Slurred speech. Difficulty speaking clearly or slurred speech can indicate a disruption in brain function, suggesting that the individual is experiencing a more severe TBI. This symptom often warrants immediate medical attention.
• Head swelling.  Visible swelling on the head at the site of injury can indicate a serious underlying issue. This swelling can put pressure on the brain and may require urgent medical intervention to prevent further complications.

Treatment for Brain Injuries

Medical professionals and traumatic brain injury specialists recommend treating a head injury patient within one hour of the accident. Prompt treatment typically produces the best results and the greatest chance for recovery. One form of treatment is draining fluid that can surround the brain after blunt force trauma. Doctors also commonly hook TBI patients up to IVs to control blood pressure.

The risk of seizures is also much higher for people who sustain traumatic brain injuries, so post-trauma seizure treatment may be a part of a patient’s long-term treatment plan. Neurological damage can also result in cognitive disorders as well as movement disorders.

Many of these treatments are extremely expensive and require ongoing care. Taking legal action can help you get the compensation you need to cover medical bills and other losses. 

Who Can File a Traumatic Brain Injury Claim in Florida?

When you suffer injuries due to negligence or the wrongful actions of another party, you can seek compensation for damages through a personal injury lawsuit. The victim has the right to take legal action against the liable party. 

In cases involving serious brain injuries, the victim may be incapacitated. Under Florida law, an incapacitated victim’s spouse, parents, or adult children can pursue a brain injury claim for compensation on their behalf. 

Our Tampa traumatic brain injury attorneys understand how to effectively navigate these cases. We can help you seek the compensation you deserve, no matter the complexity of your circumstances.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Traumatic Brain Injury Claim in Florida?

Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those involving brain injuries, is two years from the date you were injured. The existence and extent of brain injuries are not always immediately apparent, however. Under Florida’s discovery rule, you have two years from the date you discovered or reasonably should have discovered that negligence caused a brain injury.

If you suffered a brain injury at work, different timelines apply. You must report your injury within 30 days of the date you sustained it. Then, you will have two years from the date of your injury to file a workers’ compensation claim. 

The bottom line: If you suffered a brain injury at work or because of another party’s negligence, do not wait to get legal advice. Our team at Robert Sparks Attorneys can explain the deadlines that apply to your case and help you take timely legal action.

Damages Available in a Florida Traumatic Brain Injury Claim

When pursuing a personal injury claim in connection with brain injuries, you can potentially recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to quantifiable financial losses that you have incurred due to your injury. Non-economic damages encompass the intangible losses that you have suffered as a result of your injury.

Our Tampa traumatic brain injury lawyers seek maximum compensation for all recoverable economic and non-economic damages, which can include:

• Medical expenses. This category of damages covers all costs associated with the medical treatment of your brain injury, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, rehabilitation, medication, and any ongoing therapy required for recovery. Both current and future medical expenses may be included, especially if long-term care or therapy is anticipated.
• Lost income. If your brain injury results in your being unable to work, you may claim compensation for lost wages. If the injury permanently affects your ability to work, you can also pursue compensation for lost earning capacity. 
• Pain and suffering. You can seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your brain injury. This can include chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and the overall impact on quality of life.
• Loss of enjoyment of life. If your brain injury limits your ability to engage in sports, travel, or family activities you previously were able to enjoy, you may be entitled to financial compensation for this loss.

Contact Our Tampa Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys Today

If you or someone you love sustained a traumatic brain injury in an accident, we invite you to reach out to our team today. Consultations are free, and if you become a client, you don’t pay us anything unless we secure financial compensation on your behalf.

Explore your options for recovering damages for a TBI today by calling (813) 710-4816 or contacting us online.