TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY ATTORNEY SARASOTA / BRADENTON

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Car accidents and falls are the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in Florida, estimated to cause about 20% of TBIs.

Brain injury can occur with even minimal impact, including hitting the steering wheel, headrest, dashboard, or any other object on impact.

A TBI can be anything from a mild concussion, treated with rest and medication, to an injury requiring ICU treatment and manifesting as serious physical and/or mental changes.

Open Head Injury versus Closed Head Injury

Brain injuries are classified as open head injuries and closed head injuries. Open head injuries occur when foreign objects penetrate the brain matter. Closed head injuries occur when the brain violently collides with the skull.

Due to the silent nature of closed head injuries, they may not be immediately noticed by a treating doctor or other medical personnel.

Closed head injuries, not visible without intensive testing, might include:

  • Diffuse Axonal Injury: Shaking or strong rotation of the head
  • Concussion: Blow to the head, including blunt trauma, violent shaking or force from a whiplash injury that causes stretched blood vessels and damaged nerves
  • Contusion: Bruise to the brain, received from a direct impact to the head
  • Coup-contrecoup: Contusion sustained on one side of the brain, and on the direct opposite side
  • Recurrent Traumatic Brain Injury: A brain injury sustained before another one has finished healing
  • Locked in Syndrome: Rare condition that only allows your eyes to move

Radiographic tests frequently return negative TBI results even if the victim is suffering and exhibiting symptoms. Symptoms may range from moderate to severe, and can manifest in one or more of the following ways:

  • Loss of voluntary or involuntary motor functions
  • Coordination problems
  • Paralysis
  • Focus problems
  • Change in behavior
  • Loss of thinking and reasoning abilities
  • Impulsive behavior
  • Difficulty controlling emotions
  • Memory loss
  • Restlessness
  • Excessive sleep
  • Loss of smell
  • Loss of taste
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Frustration
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty coping with stress
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Aggression and irritability

Reach out to a traumatic brain injury attorney quickly

TBI cases require special handling and care, given the difficulty associated with diagnosis, treatment, and the proof required to maintain a claim against a liability carrier, who will deny responsibility much of the time.

Failure to pursue appropriate care for your TBI, and collect medical documentation of your symptoms can work against you should a lawsuit be required. If you believe you or a loved one have sustained a traumatic brain injury, contact our office immediately for a free consultation.