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Florida Brain Injury Attorneys
The estimated yearly costs of traumatic brain injuries in the U.S. is $76 billion. This type of injury occurs when foreign objects impact the brain by either penetrating the brain or by a bump or blow of sufficient force to cause the brain to move inside the skull. The results range in severity from concussion-like symptoms to massive life altering changes in personality, ability, and more.
Who is at Greatest Risk for TBI?
Males are 1.5 times more likely to have a TBI than females. Children up to the age of four have the highest risks of TBI followed by those between 15 and 19, and then by adults over the age of 65. Active duty military may have a higher risk of TBI depending on their duties.
Most traumatic brain injuries are the results of falls while motor vehicle accidents are common causes as well. But many causes continue to remain a mystery.
Why are Traumatic Brain Injuries so Devastating?
Of all the injuries a person can suffer in the aftermath of an accident, traumatic brain injury may be one of the most devastating. It isn’t something you can simply recover from. It won’t go away in time. It can change every aspect of the life of the victim and the victim’s family.
Not all brain injuries have the same devastating effect. Mild concussions, can be bothersome, but they aren’t quite as devastating as more severe injuries that leave victims in a vegetative state. There are also a few points in between where victims experience some sense of normalcy but have difficulty with things most people take for granted, such as:
- Learning new skills.
- Improving on the job.
- Managing emotions and stress.
- Solving problems.
- Handling frustration.
The coping mechanisms most of us rely on every day to get through minor problems are no longer there – even in some of the minor TBI cases. For those with moderate or more severe traumatic brain injuries, these problems are made more difficult because they are also dealing with some of the following situations:
- Limited mobility.
- Loss of jobs.
- Need for assistance performing routine daily tasks.
- Inability to express what they’re feeling.
- Difficulty finding words, or forming them.
- Financial difficulties.
- Constant need for medical care – incurring even more financial difficulties.
The effects can lead to depression and a loss of interest in many things victims once took a great amount of joy in doing.
The problem for individuals in this situation is complex. The costs, need for care, and effect on quality of life are not going away. They will only rise over time. They are made worse because many victims are no longer able to do the jobs that once supported their families. This results in even greater financial hardships.
There is also a substantial strain on marital relationships. The victim is no longer the source of comfort and companionship he once was. He is no longer a partner in the marital and parenting duties and simple acts of intimacy may be difficult, if not impossible.
Why Hire an Attorney for a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Most attorneys who specialize in traumatic brain injury cases know all the facts about these injuries, how they progress, and the financial burdens they place on victims and the families of victims.
These facts and figures are instrumental in determining what kind of settlement or award is necessary to maintain a certain quality of life over time. These attorneys understand the
- Costs of care
- Impact of inflation on the cost of care
- Physical changes homes need to have in order to accommodate the care and movement of TBI patients
- Loss of income
- Types of treatment and therapy needed to restore communication and mobility
- Replace lost income over an expected lifetime
- Costs of emotional, physical, and rehabilitative therapies
- Long-term needs of victims
- Financial consequences of injuries
While it’s impossible to put a precise dollar amount on the devastation that TBIs can cause, a skilled attorney who has experience dealing with these specific types of injuries can help families find some comfort by helping them get settlements that will help to ease some of the financial burdens TBI cases create.
We can help you seek justice if you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to the negligent actions of another person. Call us today to learn more about your options and how we can help.
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