Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, can disrupt nearly every area of a person's life, from mental health to activities of daily living. While mild cases may cause challenges, severe TBIs often require long-term medical care, lifestyle adjustments, and continued assistance. The road to recovery can be long and challenging, affecting both the individual and their loved ones.
After a serious brain injury, the Florida brain injury lawyers at Taylor, Warren, Weidner, Hancock, & Barnes, P.A. are here to help. If your injury is the result of someone else's negligence, our personal injury lawyers will pursue compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and even emotional distress. We take pride in guiding TBI survivors through the legal process so our clients can focus fully on their recovery. Call now to learn how TWWHB can help.
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3 Reasons Why You Need A Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney
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Traumatic brain injuries are often misdiagnosed, making them challenging to prove without the help of an attorney. The brain fog resulting from a TBI can also make it harder to represent yourself.
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TBIs and other “invisible injuries” can have long-term effects that are not always noticeable at first. Nearly 6 in 10 TBIs are initially misdiagnosed by the treating medical provider.
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Insurance companies will try to downplay your injury and reduce the compensation, especially if you do not have a lawyer. Studies show that brain injury claims represented by an attorney settle faster and for larger sums than unrepresented claims.
To speak to a Florida TBI attorney, call TWWHB: (850) 438-4899.
What is my traumatic brain injury case worth?
Compensation for a traumatic brain injury can be significant. It may include reimbursement for your medical treatment, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. You may also be able to receive the cost of long-term care, assistive devices, physical/occupational therapy, and nursing assistance.
Depending on how gravely your life has been affected by your TBI, you may also be eligible for compensation for your pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and even loss of consortium (loss of relationships and intimacy).
The TWWHB team collaborates with medical professionals to fully understand your condition and how it impacts every aspect of your life. Using this insight, we build strong cases designed to stand up to insurance companies, mediators, judges, and juries. Our team is dedicated to protecting your rights after a TBI so that you can focus on healing. To connect with a traumatic brain injury lawyer in Northern Florida, call TWWHB at (850) 438-4899.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury Cases
While a traumatic brain injury can occur without a direct head strike, most brain injuries happen with a sudden impact or movement of the head. This leads to trauma of the brain tissue, and a resulting condition known as a TBI. Common causes of TBIs include:
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Falls (particularly among young children and older adults)
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Being hit by falling objects
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Birth-related complications
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Construction site accidents
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Defective safety equipment (like helmets or hard hats)
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High-impact sports (such as football, rugby, and more)
If your brain injury was caused by another party's negligence, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. Call the TBI attorneys in Pensacola, FL at (850) 438-4899 to discuss your case.
Common Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can disrupt physical, cognitive, sensory, and behavioral functions, often with long-term consequences. Even experiencing a single symptom or any of these signs of a TBI can signal serious damage and requires immediate medical attention.
Physical Symptoms
Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, seizures, muscle weakness, loss of balance or coordination, and disruptions in basic bodily functions such as sleep and bladder/bowel control.
Cognitive Symptoms
Memory problems, confusion, impaired concentration, difficulty completing tasks, speech issues, depression, anxiety, poor judgment, amnesia, and struggles with recognition or abstract thinking.
Sensory Symptoms
Distorted vision, sensitivity to light or sound, ringing in the ears, altered taste or smell, and alcohol sensitivity.
Behavioral Symptoms
Mood swings, aggression, withdrawal, apathy, depression, irritability, poor hygiene, loss of libido, resistance to care, substance abuse, and difficulties in personal or social relationships.
If you develop any of these symptoms following a head injury, seek prompt medical care and consult a traumatic brain injury lawyer to explore legal options.
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Traumatic Brain Injuries: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a traumatic brain injury?
The Cleveland Clinic defines a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as “a medical condition caused by a forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by an object penetrating the skull.” A TBI can lead to both obvious and hidden damage, often affecting multiple aspects of a person's daily life.
There are two types of traumatic brain injuries: open and closed-head injuries. Open-head injuries, or penetrating injuries, occur when an object pierces the skull and enters the brain tissue. These injuries carry a higher risk of infection. Closed-head injuries result from a blow or sudden movement of the head without the skull being fractured or penetrated. While the skull remains intact, these injuries can cause serious internal issues such as swelling, bleeding, or blood clots if left untreated.
At TWWHB, our personal injury attorneys in Pensacola, FL, are committed to fully illustrating the effects of your injury and holding negligent parties accountable. Call us today at (850) 438-4899 to discuss your case.
How is a traumatic brain injury diagnosed?
Diagnosing a traumatic brain injury typically begins with a neurological examination. The physician assesses the patient's mental status, motor function, reflexes, and sensory abilities. The Glasgow Coma Scale is often used to quickly determine the severity of brain impairment by scoring the patient's ability to open their eyes, move their limbs, and respond verbally.
Imaging tests, especially in emergency settings, can also shed light on the presence and severity of a TBI. This includes computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as diffuse tensor imaging (DTI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans evaluate microstructural changes or brain activity. Additional diagnostic tools include specialized blood tests and intracranial pressure monitoring for more severe TBIs.
Studies show that over half of mild or moderate TBIs might go undetected in emergency settings. If you believe you have suffered a TBI seek medical attention immediately.
Is a concussion considered a traumatic brain injury?
Yes, a concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury. It usually occurs when a bump, blow, or jolt to the head causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull, potentially leading to stretching and damage of brain cells along with chemical changes. However, while all concussions are classified as TBIs, not every TBI is a concussion.
Traumatic brain injuries are a broad category of injury that encompass mild cases like concussions as well as moderate and severe injuries. Although most concussions are not life-threatening, their effects can be quite serious, resulting in symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, fatigue, and difficulties with memory or concentration.
If you believe you have a concussion, we strongly recommend seeing a doctor for a medical evaluation. To speak with a TBI Lawyer in Pensacola, FL, call (850) 438-4899.
Are TBIs curable?
Whether a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is curable depends on its severity. Mild TBIs usually resolve with rest, pain management, and close observation. Most people recover fully from mild injuries, although some symptoms may linger for a period before improvement.
Moderate to severe TBIs often require much more intensive care, including emergency interventions, surgery, medication, and long-term rehabilitation. For these cases, rehabilitation is essential to help patients regain as much function as possible, minimize complications, and adapt to any lasting disabilities. Rehabilitation is typically organized by a team of specialists such as physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, social workers, and psychiatrists working together to support recovery and preserve cognitive and physical abilities.
Despite advances in treatment, many moderate and severe TBIs can result in permanent effects or disability, and some patients face ongoing deficits, reduced independence, or shortened life expectancy. In cases caused by another party's negligence, seeking legal advice may provide additional support and resources to aid recovery and adaptation.
While treatment for a TBI may vary by the case, anyone injured as a result of someone else's negligence may benefit from legal representation. For a free consultation with a brain injury attorney in Pensacola, FL, call (850) 438-4899.
Do traumatic brain injuries worsen over time?
It largely depends on injury severity. Studies show that moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can lead to long-lasting, and sometimes worsening, effects over time, occasionally developing into chronic conditions. This progression is more likely if the injury is not rapidly diagnosed or adequately managed, which is why timely medical attention is crucial. Medical experts are increasingly viewing TBIs not just as isolated incidents, but as chronic health problems with the potential for lifelong impact.
Recovery from a TBI depends on a range of factors, as highlighted by the Cleveland Clinic. Key considerations include the individual's age, overall health, coexisting injuries, stress levels, injury severity, and especially how quickly the injury is identified and treated. For specific guidance regarding prognosis and recovery, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider who can tailor advice to each unique situation.
Speak with a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer in Pensacola, FL: (850) 438-4899
Is a TBI considered a disability under the ADA?
Both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Social Security Administration recognize TBI as a potential disability, depending on its severity and lasting impact. Many people with moderate or severe TBIs face long-term physical, cognitive, or emotional impairments that can significantly limit essential daily activities, work, or social participation. In such cases, TBIs are medically and legally recognized as disabilities, and individuals may qualify for disability benefits or special accommodations.
Not all TBIs result in disability; however, mild cases like concussions often resolve without long-term complications. However, if a TBI produces lasting functional or psychosocial impairments, it can certainly be considered a disability both in practical terms and under federal law. If your TBI has prevented you from working or living your life as you once did, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. For assistance, contact TWWHB for a free case evaluation: (850) 438-4899.
I got a TBI from a car accident in Florida. Do I need a lawyer?
If you suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a car accident in Florida, consulting with a lawyer is highly recommended. TBIs can have serious, long-lasting effects on your health, ability to work, and overall quality of life. A skilled personal injury attorney can help protect your rights, gather evidence, and ensure that all damages—such as medical bills, lost wages, future care needs, and pain and suffering—are properly considered in any claim or settlement.
Florida's personal injury laws can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies, comparative fault rules, and potential long-term needs related to brain injuries. Florida's statute of limitations allows just two (2) years to file your claim. Working with an experienced TBI lawyer will help you meet this deadline and improve your chances of full, fair compensation.