Spring Hill, FL Brain Injury Attorney

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are catastrophic injuries caused by violent jolts, penetrating wounds, or blunt-force trauma to the head. A TBI can occur due to motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, and other violent or traumatic incidents. TBIs can have substantial and far-reaching impacts on the victim and their family. A TBI could affect a person’s cognitive function, physical abilities, emotional and social health, and more.

If you or someone you love suffered a TBI due to someone else’s negligence in Spring Hill, you could be entitled to compensation for your injury-related losses. You may need to file a Spring Hill personal injury claim. While no amount of money could ever reverse the effects of a TBI, fair compensation can go a long way toward ensuring you can access the medical care and support you need to recover. The traumatic brain injury law firm of Zervos & Calta, PLLC, our Spring Hill personal injury lawyers have more than 50 years of combined legal experience serving injured people in the Spring Hill area, including those suffering from traumatic brain injuries. To learn more about how a brain injury lawyer in Spring Hill can help you, contact our Spring Hill, FL location today for a free consultation.

What Are Common Causes of Spring Hill Traumatic Brain Injuries

According to data published by the Centers for Disease Control and information from the Mayo Clinic, the leading causes of TBI in the United States include:

• Falls – Falls are the most common cause of TBIs, accounting for 52 percent of all TBI-related hospitalizations.
• Vehicle accidents – Motor vehicle accidents, (including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents) were the second-leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations, accounting for one in every five TBI hospitalizations.
• Acts of violence – Domestic violence, assault, and abuse are also common causes of TBI. Self-inflicted harm is the top cause of TBI-related fatalities (33 percent).
• Being struck by or against objects – Approximately 17 percent of people who visited emergency rooms (ER) for TBI were struck by or against objects. Among children, more than a quarter of TBI-related ER visits were associated with being struck by or against an object.
• Sports-related injuries – Mild and severe TBIs are common in youth and adult sports. High-impact sports such as boxing, hockey, and football are all commonly associated with TBIs.
• Combat injuries – Military personnel are at risk of TBI caused by explosive blasts, penetrating wounds, and other types of combat-related trauma.

What are Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries in Spring Hill?

Depending on the severity of the injury, many different symptoms can result from a TBI.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Coma or loss of consciousness
• Confusion and disorientation
• Dizziness and problems with balance
• Headaches and fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Novel difficulties with speech
• Blurred vision
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Sensory and sensitivity issues
• Changes in the ability to smell or taste
• Problems with memory and concentration
• Changes in mood or mood swings
• Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping
• Depression and anxiety
• Convulsions and seizures
• Dilated pupils in one or both eyes
• Fluid drainage from the nose or ears
• Weakness or numbness in extremities
• Losses in coordination
• Agitation, irritability, or other unusual behaviors

What Are the Types of Treatments for Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)?

The types of treatment doctors recommend for TBIs are based on the severity of the trauma.

TBI treatments commonly include:

• Medication – Anti-seizure medications are commonly used to reduce the risk of seizures, while coma-inducing medications can be used to reduce the amount of oxygen required by the brain. Diuretics are also prescribed to TBI patients to reduce their fluid levels in the brain and other tissues.
• Surgery – Surgical intervention is sometimes necessary to address internal bleeding or remove blood clots either within or outside of the brain. Surgery is also commonly needed to mend skull fractures in TBI patients or open the skull to alleviate inner pressure affecting the brain.
• Rehabilitation and therapy – TBI patients frequently require a variety of therapies to rehabilitate and relearn basic skills. Common types of therapy include mental health treatment, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy.

How a Traumatic Brain Injury Can Impact Your Life Long-Term

A traumatic brain injury can be life-changing, and many TBIs have the following long-term impacts, such as:

• Impaired cognition – TBI patients may suffer long-term or permanent comas, vegetative states, changes in consciousness, and even brain death.
• Cerebrospinal fluid buildup – Fluid can build up in the skull after a TBI, leading to swelling of the brain and dangerous intracranial pressure.
• Seizures – People with TBIs can experience one-time or infrequent seizures just after the injury, and post-traumatic epilepsy may also cause chronic seizures.
• Infections – If a fractured skull or other penetrating head injuries cause a TBI, bacteria and other pathogens can pass into the brain and cause infections.
• Communication difficulties – A severe TBI can affect a person’s ability to understand speech, participate in conversations, read, write, or organize their thoughts.
• Emotional troubles – Common long-term emotional impacts of a TBI include depression, anxiety, irritability, and unusual or excessive anger.
• Sensory issues – Sensory issues related to a TBI may include chronic ringing in the ears (Tinnitus), troubles with object recognition, balance issues, and blind spots.
• Degenerative brain conditions – Scientists aren’t sure why, but TBI can significantly increase the risk of developing degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia.

What to Do If You’ve Suffered a TBI Due to Someone Else’s Negligence in Spring Hill, Florida

If you were injured due to someone else’s neglect and suffered a TBI as a result, you can protect your ability to obtain the money you need to treat your injuries by:

• Seeking prompt medical attention
• Contacting a knowledgeable Spring Hill TBI attorney
• Following through on your doctor’s recommendations
• Keeping track of your injury-related expenses
• Writing down your daily injury-related limitations in a journal
• Avoiding social media posts while your claim is pending
• Avoiding discussing the incident with anyone but your lawyer

When Do You Need a Spring Hill Brain Injury Lawyer?

If you suffered a Spring Hill brain injury, it’s a good idea to contact an attorney if:

• You suffered a TBI that requires recovery time.
• You are forced to miss work as a result of the TBI.
• It’s not clear who was at fault for your injury.
• The TBI is likely to affect your long-term health.
• The insurance company tries to deny coverage.
• Your case is likely to proceed to civil court.

Keep in mind, that there is a defined time period in which you may bring a personal injury lawsuit. The state of Florida defines this Statute of Limitations as two years. If within that time period, you do not bring your lawsuit, you will not be able to do so later.