A brain injury in Dunedin, FL, can change your life in an instant. Whether it’s from a car crash, a slip and fall, or a workplace accident, these injuries often lead to serious medical expenses, lasting complications, and emotional distress. If you’re struggling with the consequences of a brain injury in Dunedin, Florida, you might be entitled to financial compensation. An experienced Dunedin brain injury attorney can help.
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, founded 39 years ago, has over 60 years of combined experience helping injury victims across Florida. We’ve already secured more than $200 million for our clients, and we’re ready to fight for you, too.
If you have questions or would like to get started, contact our Dunedin brain injury lawyers at (727) 787-2500 for a free consultation.
How Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help If You Suffer a Brain Injury in Dunedin, FL
Pursuing a brain injury claim in Dunedin, FL, is rarely simple. The legal process can involve complicated medical evidence, negotiations with insurance companies, and possibly a trial. Our goal is to handle these challenges so you can focus on recovery.
Our Dunedin personal injury lawyers can:
- Investigate thoroughly: We gather hospital records, accident reports, and expert opinions (like neurologists or accident reconstructionists) to show what happened and how it caused your injury.
- Calculate your damages: Brain injuries can lead to both current and future medical expenses, lost income, and major lifestyle changes. We ensure every relevant cost is included in your demand.
- Negotiate with insurers: Insurance adjusters may try to downplay your condition. We push back with clear evidence, aiming for a fair settlement that meets your long-term needs.
- Litigate if necessary: If the insurer doesn’t offer a reasonable amount, we can file a lawsuit and present your case to a Florida court. Our track record shows we’re not afraid of trial if it’s the best path.
- Keep you informed: We understand how stressful a brain injury can be for you and your family. We stay in touch, explaining each step so you’re never left in the dark.
By trusting our 60 years of combined experience, you place your future in the hands of Dunedin personal injury attorneys who’ve seen all types of injuries and know how to secure meaningful results. We’ve recovered over $200 million for our deserving clients, and we’re ready to put our skills to work for you.
What Is a Brain Injury Under Florida Law?
A brain injury refers to harm affecting your brain’s normal functions. It can be a traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to external force—like a blow to the head—or an acquired brain injury from internal events (like oxygen deprivation).
Common TBI types include:
- Concussions: Often mild but can lead to headaches, memory issues, and sensitivity to light or noise.
- Contusions: Bruising of brain tissue, which can cause swelling and more serious neurological symptoms.
- Diffuse axonal injuries: Damage to brain cells across multiple areas, potentially leading to coma or permanent impairment.
- Penetrating injuries: When an object enters the skull, it often requires immediate surgery.
In a legal context, if someone else’s negligence caused or contributed to your brain injury—like a reckless driver or a property owner ignoring safety hazards—you may have a personal injury claim against them.
Why Are Brain Injuries So Serious?
Brain injuries can affect every aspect of daily life. They might alter your ability to speak, move, or think clearly. Even a mild concussion can bring lingering problems—like mood swings or trouble focusing—that last for months.
More severe TBIs can result in:
- Permanent disability: You might need around-the-clock care or special equipment.
- Behavioral or personality changes: Close relationships can suffer if your temperament shifts significantly.
- Memory loss: Simple tasks become confusing, and you might be unable to return to your old job.
- Financial strain: Medical bills, rehab, and assistive devices can be overwhelming, especially if you can’t work as before.
Because these injuries can leave long-term consequences, it’s crucial to seek compensation that covers not just initial hospital costs but also any future treatments, therapies, or lost wages.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries in Dunedin
Brain injuries can occur in many situations, sometimes due to negligence or wrongdoing by another party.
Typical causes include:
- Car accidents: Sudden jolts or head impacts can injure your brain. High-speed collisions often lead to severe head trauma.
- Motorcycle crashes: Riders have little protection, raising the risk of direct head impact even if wearing a helmet.
- Slip and falls: A hard fall onto the pavement or a step can jar your skull, particularly if there’s a hazard like a wet floor or loose railing.
- Workplace accidents: Construction sites, for example, have falling objects or equipment that can strike the head.
- Sports injuries: Contact sports or recreational activities might cause concussions or more serious head wounds if safety measures are ignored.
- Assaults: Physical violence targeting the head can lead to TBI or worse.
No matter how it happened, if another’s negligence or wrongful act caused your brain injury, you can seek compensation for damages like medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Brain Injury in Florida?
In most personal injury claims, you can pursue two main types of compensation, known as “compensatory damages.” These are called economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include things like:
- Medical bills (hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages if you’re out of work, plus diminished earning capacity if you can’t return to the same job
- Ongoing care needs, such as in-home nursing or psychological counseling
- Adaptive equipment costs (wheelchairs, communication devices) or home modifications
Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering (chronic headaches, mobility struggles)
- Mental anguish (anxiety, depression, PTSD)
- Loss of enjoyment of life if your injury keeps you from activities you love
- Loss of companionship or strain on personal relationships
Sometimes, courts also award punitive damages if the defendant acted intentionally or with extreme recklessness. But those are rare and require stronger evidence. Our legal team can explain whether your case qualifies.
What if I’m Partly at Fault for My Accident in Florida?
Florida applies a modified comparative negligence standard with a 51% bar to most personal injury cases. If you’re found more than 50% responsible, you can’t get compensation. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you still can recover damages, but your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if a jury finds you 20% to blame, you’d lose 20% of the total compensation. Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto injury victims. Our attorneys can gather evidence—like witness statements, accident scene photos, or expert testimony—to show you didn’t cause the crash.
How Do I Prove Negligence in a Florida Brain Injury Case?
To hold someone liable for your brain injury, you generally must prove:
- Duty: The defendant owed you a duty of care (e.g., a driver must follow traffic laws, a property owner must maintain safety).
- Breach: They violated that duty by acting carelessly, recklessly, or wrongfully.
- Causation: Their breach caused or significantly contributed to your injury.
- Damages: You suffered actual harm—like medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Your lawyer can help compile evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and possibly expert opinions. This demonstration of negligence is key to winning your personal injury claim in Florida courts.
How Long Do I Have To File a Brain Injury Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically two years from the date of the accident. Missing that deadline usually means you lose your right to sue.
Some exceptions can apply if you discover the injury later or if the defendant is a government entity, but these exceptions are rare. It’s safest to contact a lawyer soon so you don’t risk letting the deadline pass.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Dunedin Brain Injury Lawyer?
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers works on a contingency fee basis for brain injury claims.
That means:
- No upfront fees or hourly charges
- We only get paid if we secure compensation for you
- Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we obtain
- No recovery, no fee: If we don’t win, you don’t owe us attorney’s fees
This arrangement helps injury victims obtain quality legal help without worrying about out-of-pocket costs. We’ll discuss fee details during your free consultation, ensuring you understand everything before moving forward.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Dunedin Brain Injury Attorneys
A brain injury can carry heavy financial, physical, and emotional burdens. You deserve help that understands the stakes and fights for full compensation. Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers—founded 39 years ago, with over 60 years of experience and $200+ million recovered—is here to stand up for you in Dunedin, Florida.
Call our Dunedin brain injury attorneys for a free consultation. We’ll offer honest guidance on your case, potential damages, and next steps. Don’t let insurance companies or at-fault parties minimize your pain. Reach out today—let our dedicated team seek the justice and financial relief you deserve after a traumatic brain injury.
