A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can devastate the injured person and their loved ones. If you or someone you love has experienced a TBI due to the negligent actions of another party, it is crucial to understand your rights under the Florida legal system.
At Nonni Homola, we are tough advocates for brain injury victims. Our firm specializes in personal injury law, which means we understand the intricacies of the Florida legal system and the best strategies to pursue full and fair compensation for what you have endured. We handle all brain injury cases on contingency and will not charge a fee unless a brain injury lawyer in Tallahassee is able to secure compensation on your behalf.
Contact us online or call (850) 601-1111 today for a free consultation.
Facts About Traumatic Brain Injuries
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines traumatic brain injury as a disruption in the normal function of the brain caused by an impact to the head. According to the International Brain Injury Association, an estimated 5.3 million Americans live with a disability related to TBI.
The association also reports these annual statistics:
- 230,000 are hospitalized with a TBI and survive,
- One million people are treated and released from hospital emergency rooms as a result of TBI,
- 50,000 people die from TBI, and
- 80,000 people are estimated to be discharged from the hospital with a TBI-related disability.
Though no injury should be underrated, those to the brain are among the most likely to result in death or permanent disability. In fact, TBI is the leading cause of death and disability around the world.
Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury in Florida
There are many ways a TBI can occur. Anytime there is an impact to the head, there is a risk of TBI. Even if the impact seems minor, it can still cause significant damage—and this damage may or may not be immediately apparent. Let’s look at some of the most common causes of TBI.
Vehicle Accident
Collisions are generally not foreseeable with enough lead time to react appropriately. In a vehicle accident, you typically don’t have time to brace your body for impact. This means that the head often whips in different directions depending on the trajectory of the crash. This may result in the head crashing against the interior of the vehicle or a detrimental jarring of the brain. The severity of the damage depends on factors such as the speed of the vehicles, where the impact occurred, and the size of the victim.
Slips and Falls
Falls and vehicle accidents are two of the most common causes of brain injuries. Falling or slipping both have the same result. The victim loses the ability to control their body and lands on the ground. How far they are from the ground at the time of the fall could make a difference in the severity of the injury—but not always. Slipping on a wet floor onto a hard surface could be just as damaging as falling off a ladder or down a flight of stairs.
Penetration of the Skull
Whenever the skull is penetrated by an object, it should be treated as an emergency. Penetration of the skull could occur in a number of ways, including gunshots or a collision with a sharp object. These types of injuries are extremely serious and require immediate attention.
Sports Injuries
Even sports that do not have contact components can be dangerous, although sports like football, boxing, or ice hockey generally have a higher rate of TBI. Brain injuries are also well documented in cheerleading, baseball, soccer, skiing, and many other sports. Some head injuries can be reduced by using adequate safety equipment and following standard regulations.
Explosions
Blasts from explosions are less common than some of the other TBI causes. Explosion blasts are more frequent for those who are exposed to explosives as part of their professions, such as military personnel or mining employees.
Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries can only be diagnosed by a medical professional, but if you or a loved one has sustained any impact to the head, there are some signs you should look for. It can be difficult to identify TBIs because onset can be delayed.
Here are some signs that you should look out for:
- Headaches,
- Lightheadedness,
- Sensitivity to light or sound,
- Speech impairment,
- Memory issues,
- Vertigo, or
- Attention deficits.
It is not worth risking your health. Make sure to be evaluated by a physician if you or a loved one experienced any of these symptoms. Keep a detailed record of your expenses. This will help your brain injury attorney in Florida get you the compensation you deserve.
What to Expect from a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer in Tallahassee
Though you may have immediate needs, it is important to understand the potential long-term impact of your TBI. These future expenses are also relevant to how much compensation you legally deserve. At Nonni Homola, we are committed to fully investigating your claim so that all of your expenses—as well as your emotional and mental awareness—are taken into consideration. When you are determining how to choose a brain injury lawyer, make sure you understand the firm’s capabilities.
You can expect us to do everything we can to make sure you are taken care of, including:
- Conducting an in-depth, independent investigation into the accident that caused your TBI;
- Gathering evidence to prove who was at fault for your injury;
- Calculating costs for past and future medical treatment according to existing evidence and expert testimony;
- Proving the severity of your injury and its impact on your finances and overall quality of life;
- Conducting negotiations with insurance companies to try and achieve a fair settlement before filing a lawsuit;
- Filing your Florida lawsuit with the appropriate court;
- Handling all legal correspondence; and
- Preparing for trial.
The team at Nonni Homola has earned a reputation for serving as honest, committed advocates for our clients. You need a brain injury lawyer in Tallahassee that you can trust. We have a client-first approach to legal representation and believe direct communication can help us achieve more favorable results. Contact our firm online or call (850) 601-1111 to schedule your case consultation.