A Brain Injury Attorney Longwood, FL Knows Discusses Types of Brain Injuries

If you have recently been involved in an accident where your head suffered an injury, do not wait to see how things unfold. It is recommended that you go to the nearest emergency room or call for an ambulance right away. When it comes to treating such a vital organ to our health, time is truly of the essence.

A brain injury can happen when a person hits their head on the ground, an object or endured blunt force impact. Trauma to the head, neck, and skull can lead to brain tearing, bleeding, swelling, or bruising. The two main forms of this condition are described as either an open or closed brain injury.

Which First Aid Measures To Take

Unfortunately, it may take time before a doctor can see a potential traumatic brain injury patient, and you may need to administer care in the interim. Here are some things a Longwood, FL brain injury attorney wants you to remember.

• Keep Calm. The symptoms of a severe traumatic brain injury can be scary, but it is essential for you to keep your head and respond appropriately.
• Learn the Symptoms. A severe head injury requires emergency care, so it is essential to learn the symptoms associated with it. This includes (but are not limited to) the following:
  1. Seizures
  2. Slurred speech
  3. Unequal pupil size
  4. Confusion
  5. Loss of balance
  6. Severe bleeding
  7. Change in consciousness level
  8. Severe headache
• Take Appropriate Action. It is a good idea to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation so that you can perform it when necessary. A traumatic brain injury could cause a person to stop breathing, in which case CPR could save his or her life. Another risk of severe head trauma is complications due to blood loss. Avoid applying direct pressure to a suspected skull fracture, but otherwise, use a clean cloth or sterile gauze to apply firm pressure to a bleeding wound.

What To Expect at the Hospital

The treatment one can expect to receive at a hospital for a head trauma depends on the nature and severity of the injury. If the patient is conscious, the treating physician may perform neurocognitive tests to assess brain function. The doctor is also likely to obtain imaging studies of some kind: MRI, CT, plain film x-rays, etc.

The treating physician will want to know about any medications the patient is taking. Anticoagulants, more commonly known as blood thinners, can complicate the injury because they prevent blood from clotting. If the patient is taking any of these, the doctor will want to know. The doctor may ask you for this information if the patient is not conscious, but if you do not know for sure what the patient is taking, say so rather than guessing.

For a mild concussion, the patient may be able to go home right away after the evaluation. More severe injuries may require a hospital stay.

The Seriousness of Brain Injuries

Brain injuries can range in severity, but by their very nature, they tend to be quite frightening. You may have suffered a concussion playing football, or you may require long-term care after a car accident. A brain injury attorney in Longwood, FL can provide you with the legal guidance you may need in order to decide if you are in need of an attorney.

Here are some of the most common examples of brain injuries:

• Brain bleeds
• Shaken baby syndrome
• Open brain injuries (when an object penetrates the brain)
• Stroke
• Hematoma
• Skull fracture

Should someone seek compensation for their brain injury?

If the accident happened as a result of another person’s negligence, carelessness or intent, then you may want to consider speaking with a brain injury attorney about your legal options. Brain injuries are very serious and the associated costs for medical attention and treatment can be expensive. A brain injury attorney Longwood, FL trusts can help you choose whether the circumstances are cause for a lawsuit. Obtain receipts of your out of pocket costs and medical evaluations, which may be used as proof later on.

Brain injuries can occur in a variety of situations. If your brain injury is the result of someone who acted negligently, you may want to seek guidance from an experienced brain injury attorney Longwood, FL offers. We have seen a wide range of brain injury cases, and no two are ever the same. With our years of experience and dedication to our clients who have been seriously injured through no fault of their own, call us today to schedule a free consultation.

Brain injuries can be a life-changing ordeal. It often results in large medical bills, loss of income, loss of work, stress, frustration, and the list goes on. There is a chance it can result in death, leaving family members to cope with the loss of their loved one and extensive injury-related bills. A brain injury attorney Longwood, FL citizens can trust, can take on the heavy load of a legal case and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

A brain injury attorney Longwood, FL provides can help you recover damages from the negligent party to cover your medical expenses and other injury-related costs. Our attorneys at David & Philpot understand how traumatic a brain injury can be. A Longwood brain injury attorney from our legal team can help streamline the legal process as much as possible. Meet our two dedicated attorneys:

• Timothy David: A Florida native who has been practicing law since 1985.
• Bryce Philpot: Also a Florida native who has been practicing law since 2000.

If you choose our law firm for a brain injury attorney Longwood, FL offers, one of our two outstanding attorneys can work on your behalf to seek the maximum amount of compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation and let us help you decide if you are in need of a brain injury attorney.

Our brain injury attorneys have the experience, passion, dedication, and professionalism that can help win your lawsuit or negotiate a fair settlement from the responsible party. No one expects to sustain a brain injury, and it is something no one plans for, yet it is an event that can alter your life in an instant. We understand that, and our legal team can take on your case from beginning to a successful conclusion. Choose David & Philpot, a firm which provides you with a brain injury attorney Longwood, FL citizens can trust.

I Have a Brain Injury. What Now?

If you have suffered a brain injury, you may be asking yourself, “What now?” “How do I move on with my life?” “How can I afford the treatment that I need?” “What is the best way to help myself and my family who depend on me?” The answer could be to file a lawsuit to recover money damages. A brain injury attorney in Longwood, FL can evaluate your case and provide answers. In the meantime, here are a few questions to ask yourself to determine whether filing a brain injury lawsuit is right for you:

• How were you hurt? In order to recover money damages in a personal injury lawsuit a Longwood, FL brain injury attorney must be able to prove that your injury was caused by someone else. Brain injuries can occur in many different ways including, but certainly not limited to, car accidents, assaults, slip-and-falls, and medical malpractice. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you should consult with a personal injury attorney who can assess your case. Depending on your state’s law, you may even be able to recover money damages if you were partially at fault in the accident.
• How badly were you hurt? Even if your brain injury seemed minor at the time, head trauma can cause long-lasting effects. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can include ailments such as a concussion, hematomas, and contusions. Although you may think concussions are simple and common, they can cause permanent problems, especially over time. If you were diagnosed with a TBI in the emergency room or by your doctor, you may be a good candidate for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Call David & Philpot to speak with a Longwood, FL brain injury attorney to discuss your case.
• Are you still suffering from symptoms caused by your brain injury? Even if you did not receive extensive medical treatment for your injury right after it occurred, you may notice that you continue to suffer symptoms weeks and months after the accident. These symptoms may include headaches, vision problems, difficulty sleeping, altered mood, trouble thinking and concentrating, and even depression. If you are suffering from these symptoms after your accident, talk to a medical professional. These symptoms may be the result of your TBI and may require treatment. Also, you may be able to recover damages for the reduction in the quality of your life or your ability to function as you did prior to the accident in a lawsuit.
• Have you missed time from work or paid medical bills related to your injury? If you have paid for medical treatment, rehabilitation, prescriptions, or tests, you may be able to recover these expenses in a personal injury lawsuit. You may also be able to recover money that you would have made at work, but for your injury.

Legal Help When Your Child Has a Brain Injury

If your child has sustained a brain injury in an accident, a brain injury attorney in Longwood, Florida at David & Philpot, L.P. is here to assist you and your family. We know that a brain injury can cause heartache and stress in a family, especially when you are pursuing a legal claim after an accident. This can get even more complicated when it is your own child. To discuss the details of your child’s accident and injury or to set up an appointment with one of our brain injury attorneys, call our office to get started on your case.

Getting a brain injury can impact anyone, whether they are a child or an adult. It can be temporary or permanent and cause the person to think, feel, and act differently. However, when a child has a brain injury, the situation can seem a great deal scarier because the child may be unable to properly explain his symptoms or communicate what he or she is feeling.

How Brain Injuries Affect Children Differently Than Adults

Although brain injuries are serious no matter who they afflict, certain aspects of a brain injury are different with children. A child’s brain is still developing and it is difficult to determine the full loss of brain function. This is why you should consult with a Longwood, FL brain injury attorney.

Developing Brains

Unlike adults, a child’s brain still has many years to go before it is fully developed. In fact, because a child’s skull is softer and more fragile than an adult’s, less severe impact or blows can still cause an extreme amount of damage.

Loss Of Brain Function

Particularly with younger children, it can be harder to determine just how substantial a loss of brain function there is after a traumatic brain injury. While most adults have track records of how they typically function through work evaluations, job histories, and various academic records, a child will not necessarily have those benchmarks. A brain injury attorney in Longwood, FL knows these injury cases for children can be more complex than for adults.

What Kind of Compensation Would We Expect?

When you make a claim after your child has suffered from a brain injury, there are certain types of compensation a brain injury attorney can argue for. Some of these are:

•      Your child’s pain and suffering

•      Loss of future earning potential

•      Medical bills

•      Behavioral and physical therapy

Longwood Brain Injury FAQs

Brain injuries bring with them plenty of complex legal and medical matters. It’s normal to ask questions about these things. If you’re ready for answers, take a look at our brain injury FAQ below.

What Is a (TBI) Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury goes by a few names, including simply a brain injury or an acquired brain injury.  A brain injury can be the result of many things, including any sudden blows or trauma to the head and skull that can cause brain damage. Examples of ways a child can get a brain injury are through playing roughly at recess, being tackled during sports, or being in a car accident.

What is the difference between an open & closed brain injury?

An open brain injury happens when the skull becomes fractured, as a result of falling down or the head being hit by an object or surface. In comparison, a closed brain injury happens when the skull does not actually fracture, but the brain still suffered damage.

What are the symptoms of a brain injury?

Depending on the severity of the accident, a person may not feel symptoms immediately after. However, it is still recommended that medical attention is sought right away. When it comes to injuries to the brain, do not wait to see a doctor. Our brain is so vital to our health and ability to function, that even a potential injury should be treated with urgency. Here are some common signs of a brain injury if they were to arise:

• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Numbness on one side of the body
• Dizziness, disorientation, confusion
• Feeling abnormally exhausted
• Difficulty remembering recent events
• Poor coordination
• Unrelenting headaches
• Changes in sleeping behavior
• Irritability, moodiness
• Anxiety, depression

What happens if brain swelling or bleeding has occurred?

With an open brain injury, bleeding can be visibly seen if there is a fracture in the person’s skull. However, if the person is suffering from a closed brain injury, brain swelling and bleeding can quicking become a life-threatening situation. This is because accumulated blood and inflammation has nowhere to go or be released. Intracranial pressure can cause functions of the body to become impaired and perhaps even lead to a fatality.

Who is at the highest risk for traumatic brain injuries? 

Believe it or not, men are more than 1.5 times more likely to sustain a traumatic brain injury than women are. People who are employed by the military or who participate in high-level contact sports like American football are also at high risk for traumatic brain injuries.

What are the most common symptoms of a traumatic brain injury?

Some of the most common symptoms of brain injury include frequent headaches, excessive fatigue, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, balance issues, and vision problems. If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately.

What are the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries?

Falls are the number one leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. These are followed closely by automobile accidents, sports injuries, and assaults. A traumatic brain injury may also be caused by a blast injury, which is most common among military personnel.

Can I file a lawsuit if my child has suffered from a traumatic brain injury?

Yes. That being said, the legal claim you bring into court is crucial to the success of your case. It’s important to speak with an attorney who has experience specifically in brain injury litigation for the best results. This is why a brain injury attorney in Longwood, Florida is the right person for the job.

What kind of claim can I bring for my child’s traumatic brain injury?

The most common claim for traumatic brain injuries is negligence. This means another party is being held legally responsible for causing a traumatic brain injury. For example, if you sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car accident where the other driver knowingly ran through a red light, it could be considered negligence.

What are the benefits of pursuing brain injury litigation?

The biggest benefit of pursuing brain injury litigation is the possibility of a substantial damage award. Brain injuries, depending on their severity, can cause lifelong cognitive issues and disabilities. In some cases, a victim may require lifelong assistance. Injuries like this, which accrue astronomical medical fees and can lead to loss of work, typically are eligible for damage awards if litigation is successful.

Can I still pursue litigation if my child’s brain injury happened years ago?

The answer to this question will vary based on your state’s statute of limitations. While it’s always best to take action as soon as possible after sustaining a traumatic brain injury, some states may allow a period of several years in which a victim or their guardians/parents can bring their claim to court.

Traumatic brain injuries are complex in both a medical and a legal sense. If your child has suffered from a traumatic brain injury, don’t hesitate to get the legal representation you deserve.

Contact Our Longwood Brain Injury Lawyers Today

David & Philpot, P.L. is here to help your family recover after someone else’s negligence caused your child’s brain injury. Your child has the right to grow up living a healthy life, and we can help you with your claim. To schedule a free and confidential consultation with a brain injury attorney Longwood, FL clients recommend from our firm, call our office today.

Although these questions can be a good place to start, remember that the best way for you to determine whether filing a brain injury personal injury lawsuit is right for you is to contact a brain injury attorney Longwood, FL clients recommend from David & Philpot who specializes in representing plaintiffs in brain injury lawsuits. Only a qualified and experienced attorney can give you answers specific to the facts of your case. Call our office today.