Life after a head injury can feel uncertain with questions about your health, your job, and your family’s financial stability. You need straight answers and a clear plan. A New Port Richey Brain injury attorney can help you secure the resources necessary for your recovery.
The effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often appear over time, long after the initial accident. As you manage new challenges, a legal claim may be the last thing on your mind. Yet, it is a huge step toward protecting your future.
At Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we help you take control of your situation and secure the stability you need. We provide the guidance and advocacy required to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. Call Roman Austin at (727) 815-8442 for a no-obligation consultation.
Why Choose Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Brain Injury Claim
We build our cases with a focus on our clients’ well-being and long-term security. Our New Port Richey TBI lawyers handle the legal complexities so you can focus entirely on your health and recovery.
A Strong Local Presence
Our roots are firmly planted in the community. We’re not a distant national firm but part of New Port Richey. Our attorneys understand the local court systems in Pasco County and are familiar with the major roadways like US 19 and SR 54 where serious accidents happen.
We serve clients throughout our local neighborhoods, providing dedicated advocacy from our local office.
We Survey the Full Impact on Your Life
A brain injury’s impact goes far beyond the initial hospital bills. We survey every aspect of your life affected by the injury. We collaborate with experts to build a comprehensive view of your needs now and in the future.
We meticulously document how the injury affects your daily activities, relationships, and ability to earn a living. This complete picture allows us to pursue a claim that truly reflects everything you have lost. Our thorough approach sets the foundation for a strong case.
Experience With Complex TBI Cases
Brain injury claims are among the most complex personal injury cases, requiring a deep base of knowledge and specific experience. The team at Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers handles these challenging cases with the full attention they require.
We’re prepared to take on difficult cases against well-funded opposition. Our history of results shows our commitment to our clients. We plot a course for each case based on its unique facts and challenges.
Let our team show you how we can help. One of our dedicated New Port Richey brain injury attorneys can explain your options and answer your questions. Contact Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers at (727) 815-8442 to get started.
What Are the Symptoms of a TBI?
Each patient’s symptoms will vary based on the severity of the injury and the specific location of the damage. An easy way to tell if you or a loved one sustained a TBI is this: If the victim was unconscious, even for just a moment, they have likely suffered a brain injury. For mild injuries such as concussions, patients may not realize that certain changes they’re experiencing are related to the injury.
However, symptoms of this type of injury include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Slower thinking
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep Disorders
- Decrease in tact and decorum
- Irritability and aggressiveness
Even if you don’t think a loved one has been injured, major changes in their emotions and/or disposition could signal a TBI. Not everyone suffers the expected symptoms. That doesn’t mean they don’t need medical treatment.
Impairment Caused by TBI
Moderate and severe TBIs characteristically result in the victim being unconscious for at least 30 minutes. While no care provider can determine the scope and severity of the damages before the victim wakes up, a longer period of unconsciousness typically correlates with worse injuries. Patients in this situation almost always experience some impairment when waking up. In some cases, they may be able to fully recover.
Difficulties the victims of moderate or severe TBIs may face include:
- Reduced problem-solving capabilities
- Slower cognitive processing (may cause slower speech)
- Decline in visual capabilities
- Loss of ability to perform daily tasks
- Difficulty reading non-verbal cues and nuances in speech
- Hearing loss or tinnitus
- Decreased reading comprehension
- Mood disorders
- Difficulty regulating emotions
Specialists can help patients try to regain lost abilities, but there is no guarantee they will succeed. A TBI can forever change the lives of you and your loved ones. Make sure you have the support you need during this time.
Common Questions About TBI
What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury?
The impact of a brain injury on a patient’s life may differ depending on multiple factors, but many TBI victims see their quality of life decrease after the injury. The CDC found that in the 5 years after a moderate or severe TBI, around 50% of victims will either see increased symptoms or pass away, compared to 25% whose conditions improve.
Does a Brain Injury Decrease Life Expectancy?
Though scientists have not yet determined why the victims of TBI are much more likely to die at younger ages than their non-injured peers. The more severe the injury, the greater the impact on a victim’s life expectancy; a patient’s ability to walk and feed themself is seen as a key indicator in predicting outcome.
What Is the Most Common Type of TBI?
The CDC finds concussions are the most common type of brain injury by far, accounting for around 3 in every 4 TBIs yearly.
What Are the Types of Traumatic Brain Injury?
You already know TBI is caused by an outside force acting on the head, but these injuries can be further classified by type:
- Concussion: Caused by a sudden force, these injuries are characterized by stretched blood vessels and damaged cranial nerves.
- Contusion: Upon a harsh impact, the brain will begin to bleed and swell, causing a bruise. The presence of blood in the brain can continue to cause damage until treated. These injuries are also known as intracranial hemorrhages.
- Coup-Contrecoup Injury: When a sudden force acts on the head, the brain may collide with the skull and suffer a contusion. In some cases, the force may be such that the brain then moves in the other direction, causing a section on its opposite side to collide with the skull as well. An injury at the site of impact is a coup injury, and one opposite an impact is a contrecoup injury.
- Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): When the head is shaken or rotated, nerve tissue within the brain may begin to tear if its speed does not match the speed of the skull. These tears may trigger the release of chemicals that can cause further damage to brain cells.
- Penetration: When the skull is breached and a foreign object, such as a bullet, enters the brain, the victim has suffered a penetration injury. This may increase pressure on the brain within the skull and introduce the potential for infection, along with other complications.
The Full Spectrum of Brain Injury Compensation
A successful claim provides financial resources that address the complete range of an injury’s consequences. It’s not just about covering current bills. It’s about securing your financial health for the years to come. We work to identify and quantify every category of damage you have suffered.
A settlement or verdict should account for all economic and non-economic losses. Our job is to build a case that accurately reflects your total needs. We define the full value of your claim before engaging in any negotiations.
Accounting for Current and Future Medical Costs
The medical needs following a TBI can last a lifetime. Your compensation must reflect the total cost of this care. We consult with medical and life care planning experts to project these expenses accurately.
Common medical needs include:
- Ongoing Therapies: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are often required after a TBI to regain function.
- Rehabilitative Care: Inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs help individuals adapt to new challenges.
- Medical Equipment: Wheelchairs, home modifications, and communication devices add significant expense.
- Future Surgeries: Some patients require additional medical procedures long after the initial brain injury.
- In-Home Assistance: A caregiver may be needed to help with daily tasks and personal care.
Calculating Lost Earning Capacity
A moderate to severe brain injury can permanently affect your ability to work and earn an income, and you may pursue compensation for this lost capacity. This calculation goes beyond just the wages you have lost since the accident.
We may work with vocational and economic experts to demonstrate the full extent of your financial losses. These experts help us plot a clear picture of what you would have earned had the injury not occurred. This includes lost promotions, benefits, and retirement contributions.
Damages for Pain and Suffering
The non-economic impacts of a brain injury are just as real as the financial ones. Florida law allows you to seek compensation for damages like pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
While these losses have no price tag, they must be part of the compensation package. Putting a number on these damages requires skill and experience. A seasoned New Port Richey brain injury attorney presents a compelling narrative to show how the injury has changed your life.
We work to convey the personal, human cost of the injury in clear and powerful terms.
Establishing Liability in a Head Injury Case
Before you can recover compensation, your New Port Richey TBI lawyer must prove that another party’s negligence caused your injury. This process involves a detailed investigation into the accident. We work promptly to gather and preserve evidence that defines exactly who is at fault.
Our legal team manages all aspects of the investigation. We handle communication with other parties and their insurers, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your health. Our experience extends across a wide range of accident types.
Accidents on Pasco County Roads
Many TBIs result from car, truck, or motorcycle crashes. Distracted driving, speeding, and impairment are common causes. We investigate these incidents thoroughly to build a strong case for our clients.
Important evidence in these cases can include:
- Police Reports: The official report provides a starting point for the investigation.
- Witness Statements: Eyewitness accounts help establish the sequence of events.
- Video Footage: We seek out traffic camera, dashcam, or security footage whenever possible.
- Vehicle Damage: The physical evidence on the vehicles can help accident reconstruction experts determine fault.
Falls on Public or Private Property
Property owners have a duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. If they fail to fix a hazard or warn of its existence, they may be liable for any resulting injuries. These cases, known as premises liability claims, often involve falls or falling objects.
Our team knows how to investigate these incidents and establish negligence. Injuries at retail stores, parking lots, apartment complexes, or private homes in the New Port Richey area can result in successful claims.
Workplace Incidents
While workers’ compensation provides benefits for most on-the-job injuries, it may not be your only path to recovery. If a third party—someone other than your employer or a coworker—was responsible for your injury, you might have a personal injury claim.
Filing a claim allows you to seek compensation beyond what workers’ compensation offers. Examples include an equipment malfunction caused by a manufacturer’s defect or an accident caused by an independent contractor at your job site.
Recognizing the Signs of a Worsening Brain Injury
The brain is incredibly complex, and the symptoms of an injury can be subtle and slow to appear. You may have been diagnosed with a “mild” concussion, but find that your symptoms persist or even worsen weeks or months later.
You need to monitor your health and document any new or changing symptoms. This medical documentation creates a crucial link between the accident and the full extent of your injuries. Never dismiss cognitive, emotional, or physical changes as unimportant.
If you notice any concerning developments, seek medical attention and tell your doctor how these symptoms are impacting your life.
Cognitive and Physical Changes to Monitor
After a head injury, you may experience difficulties with memory, focus, and information processing. These issues can be frustrating and interfere with your ability to work or perform daily tasks. Keep a record of these challenges.
Look out for the following signs:
- Memory Lapses: You may have difficulty remembering recent events, conversations, or necessary appointments.
- Concentration Problems: A TBI can cause an inability to focus on tasks for a sustained period.
- Increased Headaches: You may suffer from frequent or severe headaches that don’t respond to typical treatments.
- Dizziness or Balance Issues: A persistent feeling of being unsteady on your feet is another common symptom.
- Sensory Sensitivity: The injury can result in heightened sensitivity to light and sound that was not present before the accident.
Emotional and Behavioral Shifts
A traumatic brain injury can also cause significant changes in mood and personality. These shifts can strain relationships and contribute to a feeling of isolation, and documenting them helps build a comprehensive case.
We work to ensure these non-physical effects are clearly defined and presented as part of your claim. A skilled New Port Richey brain injury attorney helps connect these symptoms back to the negligent act.
FAQ for New Port Richey Brain Injury Attorney
What Steps Should I Take in the Weeks Following a Brain Injury Diagnosis?
Your first priority is your health, so follow all your doctor’s orders, attend all follow-up appointments, and don’t rush your recovery. Keep a journal to document your symptoms, challenges with daily tasks, and any communication with insurance companies.
Avoid giving a recorded statement to any insurer without first speaking to a lawyer. Finally, contact a New Port TBI attorney to discuss your legal rights.
How Does a New Port Richey Brain Injury Attorney Calculate the Value of My Case?
A New Port Richey brain injury attorney establishes your case’s value by building a comprehensive model of your losses. This involves gathering all your medical records and bills, then working with medical experts to project future care costs.
We may use economists and vocational specialists to chart the impact on your lifetime earning capacity. We also carefully document your pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life to ensure these non-economic damages are fully represented in the final valuation.
Can I Still File a Claim if My TBI Symptoms Were Not Immediately Apparent?
Yes, you can still file a claim if you didn’t notice symptoms immediately after your accident. In fact, it’s very common for the true scope of a TBI to become clear only weeks or months after an accident. The key is to seek medical attention as soon as you notice new or worsening symptoms.
An attorney can help you link these delayed symptoms to the original accident. Florida’s statute of limitations puts a deadline on filing, so don’t wait to seek legal advice.
What Is the Difference Between a Concussion and a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The term “concussion” is often used to describe a mild TBI, but this can be misleading, as all brain injuries are serious medical events.
A concussion happens when a blow to the head or violent shaking causes the brain to move inside the skull, which can damage brain cells and create chemical changes in the brain.
More severe TBIs can involve bruising, bleeding, or other physical damage to the brain tissue itself.
If My TBI Affects My Family, Can They Receive Support?
A brain injury impacts the entire family. Spouses and family members often become caregivers, which can be emotionally and financially draining. In some cases, a spouse may file a claim for loss of consortium, which compensates for the loss of companionship, affection, and services of their injured partner.
The financial recovery from the primary claim also provides stability for the entire family by replacing lost income and covering the costs of medical care.
Charting Your Path Forward
A brain injury creates a complex and disorienting new reality for you and your family. Let the team at Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers help you regain your footing and secure the resources for your recovery. We’ll handle every aspect of the legal process, fighting to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Take the first step today. Contact our firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. Call us at (727) 815-8442 now.