Bradenton Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer

Brain injuries can be devastating and life-altering, yet often invisible to the untrained eye. Due to these reasons, traumatic brain injuries have been given the names "invisible injuries" and "silent epidemic.” If someone close to you has suffered a brain injury, you are aware of the emotional and financial strain it can cause on your family. Sometimes, a lasting recovery is required not only for the person affected but also for their loved ones. Contact a Bradenton traumatic brain injury lawyer at Heintz Law Firm today.

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by an external force, such as a blow to the head, a fall, or a car accident. TBI can lead to physical, cognitive, and emotional problems that can affect day-to-day activities.

What are the Symptoms of a TBI?

There are many symptoms of a TBI, such as:

• Headaches
• Loss of consciousness
• Difficulty thinking or concentrating
• Problems with memory, balance, coordination or vision
• Slurred speech or other changes in communication
• Behavioral changes

Long-Term Effects Of TBI

The long-term effects of a TBI will depend on the severity of the accident and treatment directly after the accident. Someone who suffers from a TBI will need time to heal and may require inpatient hospital treatments. Even with medical treatment, some patients continue to have lingering effects after their accident, including:

• Headaches and migraines
• Cognitive difficulties, such as memory loss, difficulties with learning, reasoning, and making decisions
• Dizziness
• Difficulty with balance
• Noise and light sensitivity
• Vision changes and difficulties, such as focusing, blurry or double vision
• Fatigue, both physical and mental, leading to other problems with well-being, including insomnia
• Communication issues, such as reading, writing, and talking
• Inflammation
• Post-traumatic epilepsy and seizures, which may become permanent
• Personality changes, including anxiety and depression
• Increased risk of neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s

The psychological impact of a TBI may make it difficult for someone to return to work or engage in social functioning. Both can lead to social isolation, that can lead to a lower quality of life.

Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic brain injuries can occur due to a sudden jolt of the head, a blow directly to the head or a force that causes the brain to harden inside the skull. Causes of traumatic brain injury include:

• Car accidents
• Truck accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Military training or actions
• Slips and Falls
• Physical abuse
• Falls from high places
• Workplace accidents
• Construction accidents
• Sporting events
• E-scooter accidents
• Boating accidents
• and more

Treatment for a Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can range from mild to severe and require different levels of treatment. Studies have shown that 80% to 85% of mild TBIs resolve within a year or two. However, 15% do not resolve and may cause lifelong problems.

Treatment for Mild TBIs

For mild TBIs, the most common form of treatment is rest and over-the-counter medication for headaches and other pains. This involves staying home from school or work and avoiding physical or cognitive activities. It is essential to monitor the person with a TBI for any new or worsening symptoms, as this could indicate a more serious injury.

Treatment for Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

In cases of more severe TBIs, emergency medical attention is necessary in order to prevent further damage to the brain. Treatment may include:

• medications such as diuretics and anticonvulsants
• surgery to remove blood clots or repair skull fractures
• physical therapy
• occupational therapy
• speech therapy
• psychological counseling
• and support groups.

In some cases, rehabilitation centers may be necessary for long-term care. It is important to seek medical attention immediately after a traumatic brain injury in order to ensure proper treatment and recovery.

How Can a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer Help?

A traumatic brain injury lawyer is a specialized type of lawyer who helps people who have suffered from a traumatic head or brain injury due to the negligence or wrongful conduct of someone else.

An experienced TBI lawyer will provide legal advice and representation to those affected, supporting them as they seek damages for:

• past medical expenses
• present and future medical bills and costs
• lost wages
• physical and emotional suffering
• and even punitive damages in some cases.

Traumatic Brain Injury lawyers also help their clients by gathering evidence and preparing for settlement negotiations or court appearances when necessary.

Evidence Is Critical

One of the first defenses that another party offers is that a TBI is due to a previously existing medical condition. To combat their defense, a TBI attorney will gather evidence, including:

• Police reports
• Accident scene photos
• Surveillance video footage and stills
• Witness statements
• Personal accident documentation such as:
• Medical records
• Prescription records
• Physician statements
• Diagnostic testing
• Billing statements and invoices
• Other accident-related documents

An experienced traumatic brain injury attorney will investigate the accident that led to your brain injury and determine the party who bears liability. We utilize all the resources we have available to locate relevant evidence to build your claim for the insurance company and if necessary, a lawsuit.

What Kinds of Damages You Can Pursue

This is money intended to compensate a victim for losses suffered in an accident case. For someone who has suffered a traumatic brain injury, the damages can be considerable. Damages generally fall into two categories, economic and non-economic. Both can be sought in an insurance claim. Punitive damages are only available through a lawsuit.

Economic Damages

• Accident-related medical expenses
• Continuing medical expenses, such as therapy or other treatments
• Lost wages
• Lost of career/lost earning capacity
• Property damage
• Any out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Disability or disfigurement
• Emotional/psychological trauma
• Diminished quality of life
• Loss of consortium/companionship

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded in cases where injuries are caused by someone’s negligence, or other malicious or fraudulent activity. It’s intended to be a punishment against the other party, and deter others from the same type of actions.

Are You a Brain Injury Victim?

Brain injury victims benefit from support services such as:

• case management
• life-skills training
• family education classes
• recreational activities aimed at improving leisure skills
• affordable housing opportunities
• and social engagement opportunities with peers who have similar disabilities.

How Much Does a TBI Lawyer Cost?

We work on a contingency basis for personal injury claims such as TBIs. A contingency fee basis means we do not charge you anything unless we win a settlement in or out of court. This fee structure ensures we work hard for your case and that you don't have even more out-of-pocket expenses during a stressful time. We also offer contingency fee schedules for other practice areas, such as:

• Bradenton Personal Injury lawyer
• Bradenton Car Accident Lawyer 
• and more

Contact Heintz Law Today

At Heintz Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers will ensure you not only have damages covered, but all the ongoing care as well. We will advocate for the best care for you or your loved one possible and ensure you get the maximum compensation to cover such care. To file a personal injury lawsuit today, contact Heintz Law Firm.