Those who have suffered a traumatic brain injury—or have a loved one who has suffered a traumatic brain injury—may be desperately wondering where to turn and how to get the help they need. That help may be needed not only for the present but also for the foreseeable future since traumatic brain injuries can lead to lifelong challenges. In addition to dealing with the physical issues associated with a traumatic brain injury, you may also be dealing with significant financial and emotional issues as well. Feelings of sadness, frustration, and loss are common following a brain injury. In some instances, these feelings become overwhelming, even interfering with recovery and turning into full-blown depression. Often, a person who has suffered a traumatic brain injury may be unable to return to his or her former life for months, years, or sometimes even forever.
In situations where the injured person was the primary provider for the family, it can become difficult, if not impossible, to pay even the most basic monthly expenses. Medical bills can begin to stack up quickly, with few options to pay them. If you find yourself in this difficult situation, Redondo Law will fight for your rights and your future by helping you get a just settlement that will pay for things like your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You need an experienced attorney to ensure your settlement also fully takes into consideration your future expenses and needs, including how long you may need medical assistance. A Miami traumatic brain injury lawyer at Redondo Law could provide you with the experience and determination to fight for you and a settlement that can benefit you for years to come.
What are the Types of Traumatic Brain Injury?
It is not only the severity of the traumatic brain injury but also the type of brain injury that determines a person’s rate of recovery. For example, in certain cases, specific portions of the brain are damaged with a focal or penetrating injury, which can potentially leave the victim with less overall brain damage. In other cases, for example when a traumatic brain injury is the result of the head striking hard pavement following a fall, there may be damage to more than one area of the brain. This is because the brain is much more likely to move violently back and forth within the skull, damaging both sides.
A primary brain injury is sustained at the time of the traumatic event and may include an intracranial, epidural, or subdural hematoma, blood clot, or hemorrhage within the brain tissue or into the brain ventricles. A secondary brain injury can lead to changes in blood CO2 levels, anemia, hypoxia, and hypotension or hypertension, with the intracranial effects including seizure, hemorrhage, infection, edema, and hydrocephalus. The majority of brain injuries include both a primary and secondary injury; the more severe the primary injury, the more likely the resulting secondary injuries will have significant effects on the overall outcome of the traumatic brain injury.
How Do Traumatic Brain Injuries Typically Occur?
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries are falls, including falls from scaffolding, ladders, down stairs, and even from a bed. Automobile collisions are another common cause of traumatic brain injuries, particularly when a motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian is involved. Also, physical violence is known to cause traumatic brain injuries. Sports injuries, particularly soccer, boxing, football, lacrosse, hockey, and other high-impact sports are another common cause of traumatic brain injuries.
What are the Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury?
There are numerous symptoms associated with traumatic brain injury, from chronic headaches and mild vision problems to much more serious issues. Some of these symptoms include:
- Balance and coordination difficulties
- Seizures
- Changes in sensory perception
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty speaking
- Insomnia
- Difficulty recognizing familiar objects
- Difficulty communicating
- Confusion
- Difficulty thinking logically or reasonably
- Difficulty focusing
- Impairment of short and long-term memory
- Altered sense of smell or taste, or loss of smell or taste
- Chronic dizziness
- Difficulty solving problems, organizing, or multi-tasking
- Difficulty understanding writing or speech
- Difficulty participating in a conversation or following a conversation
- Social problems, such trouble understanding nonverbal cues, trouble taking turns, difficulty expressing emotions, behavioral changes, difficulty with self-control, engaging in risky behaviors, or engaging in verbal or physical outbursts
- Emotional changes, such as depression, anxiety, mood swings, anger, lack of empathy, and irritability
What are the Financial Hardships of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
While the costs of a traumatic brain injury will depend on the extent of the injury and its specific long-term effects, the estimates for caring for a survivor of severe traumatic brain injury range from $600,000 to $1,875,000, over the course of the victim’s life. Many victims and their families may be left with astronomical medical bills. If the person is unable to return to work due to the traumatic brain injury, then the expenses become even more unmanageable. It is essential that you have a strong legal advocate in your corner who will work tirelessly to secure a settlement that will fully cover your medical expenses as well as your lost wages and other damages.
How Can Redondo Law Help Following a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Attorney Mike Redondo understands how a traumatic brain injury can change your life and wants to help ease the burden you find yourself facing. Redondo Law, P.A., is highly skilled in dealing with insurance adjusters, insurance defense lawyers, and even physicians who may not be entirely familiar with traumatic brain injuries. Mike will use his years of experience in dealing with insurance companies to work hard to ensure you also receive the financial assistance you are entitled to receive to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact a Miami traumatic brain injury lawyer today for a comprehensive consultation.