Fort Myers Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) changes a person’s life in an instant. These injuries often leave victims and their families facing a future filled with uncertainty.

The challenges can feel overwhelming. Victims and their families have to face mounting medical bills, along with coping with new physical, cognitive, and emotional limitations.

If you or someone you love has experienced a traumatic brain injury, you may feel like the road to recovery is an uphill battle.

At Titan Law, we are ready to help. Reach out to a Fort Myers traumatic brain injury lawyer to discover your legal options.

Traumatic Brain Injuries in Florida

A sudden impact, jolt, or penetrating injury disrupts the brain’s normal function. Often, this leads to a traumatic brain injury.

Not all injuries are the same. Some individuals might experience a mild concussion, while others could suffer severe brain damage. Unfortunately, these injuries can result in permanent disability or death.

In Fort Myers, these accidents can happen due to various circumstances. Most of the time, car, motorcycle, and truck accidents are the leading causes of TBIs. The force of a collision causes the brain to hit the inside of the skull.

Since boating is popular in Southwest Florida, boating accidents are also responsible for brain injuries. Any collision or fall overboard can result in serious head damage. According to the Florida Boating Accident Report, 55 people suffered head injuries as a result of these incidents.

Not All Brain Injuries Are the Same

These injuries are classified based on their severity and the type of damage suffered. They include:

Concussion

This mild type of brain injury is also the most commonly suffered by accident victims. However, when left untreated, it can lead to long-term health problems.

Contusion

When there is a direct blow to the head, it can leave a bruise, also known as a contusion. Sometimes, the tissue becomes damaged and requires surgery.

Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)

DAI occurs when the brain rapidly shifts inside the skull, tearing nerve fibers. This type of injury is often associated with severe accidents and can lead to permanent brain damage or death.

Penetrating Brain Injury

When the skull is pierced, it can enter the brain tissue. These injuries are prevalent in high-impact accidents.

Anoxic Brain Injury

When the brain is deprived of oxygen for an extended period, severe damage occurs. In turn, that leads to the death of brain cells. This can happen during near-drowning incidents.

If you or a loved one have suffered any of these injuries, you need to reach out to a Fort Myers traumatic brain injury lawyer. We can help you determine the next steps in your potential case.

What Are the Signs of Serious Brain Damage?

Traumatic brain injuries start to show through physical, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms.

Physical Symptoms

These symptoms are often the most apparent. Headaches are one of the most common physical symptoms. They are often persistent and resistant to over-the-counter pain relief. After head trauma, nausea and vomiting may develop. Victims may also experience dizziness or a sense of imbalance.

In some cases, sensory problems can occur. This can include:

• Blurred vision
• Ear ringing
• Sensitivity to light and sound

Fatigue or drowsiness is another common symptom. If anyone has these physical symptoms, they need to seek immediate medical attention.

Cognitive Symptoms

TBIs impact cognitive functions, including:

• Memory
• Concentration
• Problem-solving abilities

In more severe cases, victims may experience confusion or disorientation. Slurred speech or difficulty finding the right words can indicate damage to the brain. These cognitive symptoms often require rehabilitation or therapy to improve.

Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms

A brain injury can also lead to major emotional and behavioral changes. Mood swings are common. Anxiety and depression may also develop.

Some people might suffer from irritability and an increased sensitivity to stress. This happens as personal and professional relationships change. Insomnia or excessive sleeping are also reported. These symptoms often require counseling, medication, and support from loved ones.

Severe Symptoms

In many cases, TBIs require immediate medical intervention. Loss of consciousness is a red flag and indicates major brain trauma. Seizures are another symptom that should not be ignored. Persistent vomiting or severe headaches that worsen over time could signal increased intracranial pressure or brain bleeding.

Sudden weakness or numbness in the limbs, difficulty speaking, or a noticeable change in pupil size are also serious signs. These are severe symptoms. If not treated, it can lead to irreversible brain damage or even death.

The Long-Term Impact of Brain Injuries

Many victims face long-term or permanent issues that put a strain on them and their families, including:

• Difficulty with memory, decision-making, and problem-solving.
• Paralysis, loss of motor skills, or chronic pain.
• Depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Continuous medical treatments, rehabilitation, and loss of income, which lead to financial instability.

These issues can place an enormous burden on victims and their families. When brain damage results from someone’s negligence or reckless behavior, you have the right to seek compensation for these losses.

Can I Recover Compensation?

After an accident, the responsible party might have to compensate you for injuries and damages. These may include:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and future earning potential
• Pain and suffering for the intangible losses
• The loss of companionship or support suffered by a spouse or family member

Sometimes, these accidents involve gross negligence or intentional harm. Under those circumstances, the courts may award punitive damages.

Unfortunately, traumatic brain injuries can lead to the loss of a loved one. Surviving family members may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim, which can recover compensation for funeral expenses and other financial damages.