Common Causes of TBI

TBIs can affect anyone at any time because you can hit your head in many situations. The most common situations where TBIs occur include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents. Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are among the leading causes of TBIs. In a crash, the sudden impact can cause the brain to shake violently inside the skull, potentially leading to concussions, contusions, and other serious brain injuries. Even if a person is wearing a seatbelt or helmet, the force of a collision can still cause traumatic brain injuries.
• Falls. Falls are the leading cause of TBIs in older adults and young children. Slip-and-fall accidents, falls from heights, or even tripping over uneven surfaces can result in head trauma that leads to a brain injury. For older adults, falls often lead to more severe brain injuries because of decreased bone density and other age-related factors.
• Sports Injuries. Contact sports such as football, rugby, hockey, and boxing are well-known for causing TBIs. In these sports, players are at risk of suffering severe brain injuries from collisions or falls. Another risk is that athletes may return to play before allowing an initial injury to heal, which can cause secondary injury or even CTE.
• Workplace Accidents. Construction sites, manufacturing plants, and warehouses can be hazardous environments where head injuries are common because of falling objects, heavy machinery, or falls from heights. However, any workplace can be a place where TBIs happen. Even in a quiet office, trip and fall accidents and vehicle crashes can lead to injury.
• Assault and Violence. Violence, including assaults and domestic abuse, is a significant cause of TBIs. Blows to the head from punches, kicks, or gunshots, among other violent events can lead to serious injuries.
• Everyday activities. Accidents at home, such as slipping in the shower, falling from a recreational vehicle, or being struck by falling furniture, can also result in a TBI. Whether you’re pursuing a favorite hobby, doing chores, or just living your life, any time you get struck in the head you risk a head injury.

Being aware of the hazards of TBIs can help you prevent injury. Extra precaution, such as being aware of your surroundings, and using the right protective gear at work and on the sports field, can help protect your brain.

Common Symptoms of TBI

The symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the specific part of the brain affected. Some symptoms may appear immediately, while others may develop over time. Symptoms also vary from person to person, but can include:

• Loss of consciousness, even for a brief time.
• Persistent headaches
• Nausea and dizziness.
• Problems with short-term or long-term memory.
• Cognitive problems, such as difficulty concentrating, processing information, or making decisions.
• Dizziness or loss of balance.
• Vision or hearing problems, such as blurred vision or ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
• Changes in mood or behavior.
• Changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping too much or having trouble falling or staying asleep.
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaking from the ears or nose.

If you have hit your head, you can’t always count on symptoms to tell you whether you have a TBI. Some people don’t experience any symptoms right away. It’s best to get a full medical evaluation right away to get the all-clear. Even if an initial evaluation determines you don’t have a TBI, if you notice any of the above symptoms after hitting your head, get a second opinion.

What is the Most Common Head Injury?

Concussions are the most frequently diagnosed type of head injury. A concussion is considered a mild form of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and it usually happens when the brain is shaken violently within the skull. Even though the skull may remain intact, the rapid movement of the brain can cause damage to brain cells.

Most people recover from concussions within a few weeks, but repeated concussions can result in long-term brain damage. Even with one concussion, some individuals experience symptoms that last for months or even years. Some people also experience complications.

Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) can also occur with concussion. With PCS, symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties persist well beyond the expected recovery period.

If you have suffered a concussion, protect yourself from additional head trauma and keep a close eye on your symptoms. Work closely with your doctor and follow your treatment plan to have the best chance of healing.

What Is the Statute of Limitations on TBI in Florida?

If you have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Florida due to someone else’s negligence, you generally have four years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. If you wait longer, you may miss out on your chance to pursue compensation.

There are some exceptions to the statute of limitations. For example, your TBI symptoms may not appear until days, weeks, or even months after an accident. In these cases, the statute of limitations may be extended, starting from the date you discover or should have reasonably discovered the injury. You may also have longer to file a lawsuit if the person who suffered a TBI was a minor under the age of 18.

On the other hand, if your TBI was caused by an accident involving a government agency or entity, such as a public transportation accident or an accident on government property, the time frame to file a claim may be much shorter, often as little as six months from the date of the incident.

While four years can seem like a long time, it’s important to consult with Hollywood, FL traumatic brain injury lawyers as soon as possible after your injury. Waiting can hurt your case because evidence may go missing and witness memories can fade. If you wait, you may forget crucial details and it will be easier for the defense to try to minimize your claim. Keep in mind that making any statements or signing any paperwork with insurers can affect your ability to file a claim. Filing a claim quickly means you’re working with Hollywood, FL traumatic brain injury lawyers who can help you prevent common mistakes that could hurt your claim. The sooner you file, the more you can protect your right to compensation.

It’s also important to consult with Hollywood, FL traumatic brain injury lawyers as soon as possible because it takes time to seek a settlement and to file a claim. However, your medical bills and lost income will start immediately after your injury. The sooner you file, the sooner you can seek compensation so you don’t have to pay for as many of your costs up front.

At Flaxman Law Group, we work with individuals who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. We help you seek financial recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other related damages so you can start rebuilding your life.

We’re a boutique, family-based law firm with a father-son attorney team. With offices in Miami, Homestead, and Hollywood, we’re able to serve the surrounding areas in both Spanish and English. With a combined 60 years of experience and over $100 million recovered in trial wins and settlements for our clients, our results speak for themselves.

We understand that deciding to file a claim can be intimidating. It’s why we offer a free, no-obligation consultation if you’re injured. Just contact Flaxman Law Group to set up your free consultation in our offices or virtually. We can also come see you in your hospital room, home, or office if you’re too injured to travel. In a free consultation, you can find out whether you may have a claim and get answers to your questions, so you’re in a better position to make decisions about what to do next.