Gulfport Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries happen when an outside force disrupts normal brain function. This can result from a blow to the head, a violent jolt, or penetration of the skull by an object. The severity of a TBI is categorized as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage and the symptoms the victim is experiencing.

Even a “mild” TBI, such as a concussion, can have severe consequences. These can include memory loss, headaches, and inability to concentrate. A severe traumatic brain injury can cause permanent disabilities, cognitive issues, or even death.

Symptoms can vary widely, which makes it essential that victims seek immediate medical attention.

 

Common Causes of TBIs

Brain injuries can be suffered in a wide range of situations but are often a result of sudden accidents or violent actions.

Some of the most common causes include:

Falls

Slips and falls are the leading cause of TBIs, especially for young children and older people. Slipping on wet floors, falling from ladders or stairs, or tripping on uneven surfaces often lead to head injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are one of the leading causes of TBI, especially among older adults and young children. For seniors, falls in the home or assisted living facilities are a significant risk, often resulting in serious injuries.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car accidents, or those involving motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians, are also common causes of TBIs. In the impact of a crash, the brain can strike the interior of the skull, leading to concussions, contusions, or severe injuries. Motorcycle riders and bicyclists are especially vulnerable, even when wearing helmets.

Sports-Related Injuries

Contact sports like football, soccer, hockey, and boxing often carry a high risk of brain injuries. Concussions are the most common sports-related brain injuries, and repetitive head trauma can lead to long-term conditions like chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

Workplace Accidents

Occupational hazards and workplace accidents can lead to TBIs, especially in construction, transportation, and manufacturing industries. Falling objects, slips and falls, or being struck by heavy machinery are common workplace causes of brain injuries.

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The Impact of a TBI

A traumatic brain injury can disrupt every aspect of a victim’s life. The physical effects may include chronic pain, loss of motor function, or sensory impairments.

Cognitive problems, such as loss of memory, difficulty concentrating, and impaired judgment, can make returning to work or even managing daily tasks a challenge for victims. Emotional and psychological effects, including depression, anxiety, and personality changes, can strain relationships and reduce overall quality of life.

For families, a loved one’s TBI often means becoming a caregiver, which can bring financial, emotional, and physical burdens. For many, the costs of medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term medical support can be overwhelming. In addition to immediate expenses, families must consider future needs, such as home modifications, assistive devices, or specialized education and therapy.

The ripple effects of a TBI are far-reaching, but financial compensation can help lessen some of these burdens and stresses. By holding the negligent party accountable, your attorney can help you secure the resources you need to cover these expenses, as well as other losses.

The Role of a Gulfport Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer

Navigating a TBI claim without legal representation can be overwhelming. The process involves understanding the nuances of personal injury law, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies that often prioritize their bottom line over fair compensation.

A Gulfport traumatic brain injury lawyer can take on these challenges, advocating for victims and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.

Establishing Liability

One of their key responsibilities is to prove that it was the negligence of another that caused your injury or loss. This is accomplished by conducting an in-depth investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

For example:

  • In a car accident case, your lawyer will seek out evidence like police reports, eyewitness statements, and photographic or video footage that shows that the at-fault driver behaved in a reckless or irresponsible manner, leading to your injury.
  • In a workplace injury case, they may investigate whether an employer failed to follow safety protocols or if defective equipment played a role.

This is often a complex process, requiring your lawyer to work with experts in accident reconstruction, mechanics, and healthcare.

Assessing Damages

Traumatic brain injuries often lead to long-term or permanent consequences. This is another reason why it’s vital to assess all of the damages you’ve suffered accurately. Your lawyer can quantify both the economic and non-economic losses you’ve endured.

  • Economic damages typically include more tangible costs like medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, and long-term care.
  • Non-economic damages encompass less tangible impacts like pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and the impact on your quality of life.

Handling Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often play a key role in injury cases. Unfortunately, they’re rarely eager to provide fair compensation and may attempt to minimize the severity of your injuries, dispute liability, or pressure you into accepting quick lowball settlement offers.

Your TBI attorney will act as your advocate, standing between you and the insurance companies and handling all communications and negotiations. Their goal is to ensure that you get a maximum fair settlement that adequately reflects the full scope of your injuries and losses.

If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your lawyer will be prepared to take the case to trial.

Collaborating with Experts

Brain injuries are complex, and grasping their full impact can require input from various specialists. TBI lawyers collaborate with medical professionals, life care planners, and vocational and economic experts to help build a comprehensive case.

  • Medical experts provide insights into the nature and severity of the injury, as well as the victim’s long-term prognosis.
  • Life care planners estimate the future care costs, including medical treatments, therapy, and assistive devices.
  • Vocational experts assess how the injury has affected the victim’s ability to work and earn a living.
  • Economists calculate the present and future financial losses that the victim will face.

These expert opinions are critical for demonstrating the true impact of the injury to insurance adjusters, judges, or juries.

Fighting for Fair Compensation

The ultimate goal of a TBI lawyer is to secure the compensation needed for the victim to rebuild their life.

This compensation may cover a wide range of damages, including:

  • Both immediate and long-term medical care costs
  • Lost wages or reduced earning capacity due to your injuries
  • Physical pain and suffering you’ve endured
  • Emotional and psychological trauma like PTSD, anxiety, and depression
  • Any modifications that are required for your home or vehicle to accommodate disabilities caused by your injuries

A skilled TBI lawyer understands these injuries’ profound and lasting impact and works tirelessly to ensure that victims are not left to shoulder the financial burden alone.

Why Local Representation Matters

At Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, we understand that suffering a traumatic brain injury can result in traumatic and life-altering consequences for victims and their families. From mounting medical bills to emotional and physical challenges, the aftermath of a TBI can feel overwhelming.

However, with the help of our experienced traumatic brain injury lawyers, you can navigate the legal system and pursue the justice and fair compensation you need and deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to seek legal help.

We can provide the guidance and advocacy you need to secure justice and financial support.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and take the first step toward recovery. Our Gulfport traumatic brain injury lawyer is here to help.

Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC