Understanding Brain Injuries
A brain injury occurs when head trauma disrupts the normal function of the brain. This is usually a direct impact to the head, such as a blow or a penetrating injury (like a gunshot wound). However, it might also be caused by a sudden jolt or forceful acceleration/deceleration of the head. This latter type of injury often occurs in car accidents, where the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head can damage the brain.
The severity of a brain injury can vary widely. Mild injuries are typically denoted as concussions, and although they are considered to be mild, they can still cause significant symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. Even with proper treatment, some symptoms can persist for weeks, months, or even longer. Moderate to severe brain injuries can result in a wide range of debilitating effects, including cognitive impairments, physical disabilities, and emotional changes.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries
Several different types of accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries, including:
- Car accidents: The impact of a car crash can cause the head to snap forward and backward quickly, leading to whiplash and brain injuries.
- Motorcycle accidents: Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to head injuries in accidents — even when they wear a helmet.Â
- Truck accidents: The significant size and weight of a commercial vehicle can result in serious injuries for occupants of smaller vehicles.
- Slip and fall accidents: Falls from heights or onto hard surfaces can cause head trauma and brain injuries, especially among older adults.
- Construction accidents: Construction workers can suffer brain injuries from falls, being struck by objects, electrocutions, and explosions.
- Assaults: Violent assaults can cause severe traumatic brain injuries.
- Sports injuries: High-impact sports like football, hockey, and boxing carry a risk of concussions and more severe brain injuries.
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The Long-Term Impacts of a Brain Injury
The effects of a brain injury can be far-reaching and long-lasting, impacting nearly every aspect of a person's life. This includes:
Physical Health
Physical disabilities, chronic pain, difficulty with coordination and balance, sensory impairments (vision, hearing, smell, taste), sleep disturbances, fatigue, and seizures.
Cognitive Abilities
Memory problems, difficulty concentrating and focusing, impaired judgment, slowed processing speed, challenges with problem-solving, communication difficulties, and impacts on executive function (planning, organizing).
Emotional Well-Being
Mood swings, increased irritability, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality changes, and difficulty controlling emotions.
Financial Stability
Lost income due to an inability to work, diminished earning capacity because of ongoing impairments, and drained resources due to the often-exorbitant cost of medical care.
How Our Pensacola Brain Injury Lawyers Can Help
If you choose Michles & Booth to handle your brain injury case, you will gain access to reputable legal professionals who offer the following:
Thorough Investigation
We will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident that caused the brain injury, including gathering police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any available video footage or photo evidence. We will also consult with accident reconstruction experts if necessary to determine the cause of the accident and identify all responsible parties.
Cooperation with Medical Experts
We work closely with medical professionals — including neurologists, neuropsychologists, and other specialists — to fully understand the extent of your injuries, all necessary medical treatment, the rehabilitation process, and your long-term prognosis. This helps us accurately assess the full value of your claim, including your future medical needs and lost earning potential.
The Rigorous Pursuit of Maximum Compensation
We will pursue compensation for all of your losses, including past and future medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and your loss of enjoyment of life.
Skilled Negotiation and Litigation
We will aggressively negotiate to reach a fair settlement that meets your needs. If a full and fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial and advocate for your rights in court.
Proof We Can Handle Your Case: Our Results
Daily News
By CASEY LOGAN
A jury awarded a Mossy Head man $160,000 in damages Thursday after finding a White-Wilson Medical Center surgeon negligent in his duties.
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An Okaloosa County man was recently awarded a $320,219 verdict after he sued an insurance company following an injury he blamed on a traffic accident.
One of the largest personal injury awards in Bay County history was decided for an elderly man who said an unlicensed, underaged car wash employee backed into his bicycle.