Brain Injury Lawyer Fort Lauderdale, FL

Prevalence and Impacts of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries can happen anytime and anywhere. A person may fall, be involved in a vehicle accident, get hurt at work, or suffer from a stroke. When the brain suffers damage, the mind and body of that individual can be severely impacted either temporarily, long-term, or for life. As a brain injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, knows all too well. 

Incidents, where another person caused the victim to suffer a brain injury can be emotionally challenging to overcome. Especially if the person now must deal with disabilities for life, the victim and family members may be enraged at the party responsible for what happened. It may be a good idea to talk with a brain injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL, about your rights to seeking compensation from the person at fault. 

Seeking Treatment For Your Injuries

Working with a brain injury lawyer Fort Lauderdale FL accident victims turn to for support should be one of the initial steps taken following an injury. Personal injury cases are a way of retaining damages for the losses someone has experienced at the hands of a negligent party. Among the most common types of injuries, victims succumb to should an accident occur are head injuries. Above all else, victims must seek medical attention immediately following the accident. Not only does the documentation help prove the case, but you also receive needed medical treatment for your overall health and well-being. Our team from Needle & Ellenberg, P.A., shares a few of the many reasons medical care is critical: 

Medical Documentation Can Prove Your Case

Victims of accidents must prove they were injured and that their injuries were the result of an accident. Medical care produces medical documentation, which plays a critical role in successful case outcomes. Seeking medical care can help to tie the injuries to the accident, which will be vital. Additionally, the documentation produced will act as a key piece of supporting evidence that will prove the extent of the injuries sustained and prove the impact the accident has had on you. 

Should you obtain an injury in an accident, seeking medical treatment is critical. You may not even realize you have sustained injuries in some cases, and ensuring that you are cleared by a medical professional will be vital. When you visit your doctor, be sure to disclose any symptoms you are experiencing, even if you do not believe they are related. If you choose not to seek medical treatment and symptoms present later down the road, don’t hesitate to seek medical care, your symptoms could be related to the accident you were in. 

Immediate Treatment Can Mitigate Further Issues

Sometimes, a victim may sustain minor injuries and forgo medical treatment. Some don’t want to if they believe they can recover without treatment. However, it should come as no surprise that even minor issues can (1) worsen over time; or (2) be a sign of a more profound and even life-threatening issue. Our Fort Lauderdale, FL brain injury lawyer shares that not only does medical care ensure that you receive treatment, it also will act as a critical piece of evidence.

Table of Contents

• Prevalence and Impacts of Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injuries And Balance Problems
• Common Causes of Balance Problems
• Fort Lauderdale, FL Brain Injury Infographic
• Fort Lauderdale Brain Injury Statistics
• Fort Lauderdale Brain Injury FAQs
• Contact Our Brain Injury Lawyer Today

Traumatic Brain Injuries And Balance Problems

If you’ve suffered a brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, it may be vital that you get in touch with a brain injury lawyer Fort Lauderdale, FL, residents’ trust. You and your family may need an experienced lawyer’s advice from the moment of the injury to well beyond the accident. It’s hard to cope with such a traumatic injury, but knowing what to expect and when to seek help. Learn about Slip and Fall Accidents and Brain Injuries.

30 to 60 percent of patients with traumatic brain injuries have trouble with their balance. Brain injury victims often complain of disequilibrium, vertigo, dizziness, lightheadedness, and lack of balance while sitting or standing. Patients who work closely with a brain injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL, are more likely to win their case.

Understanding Concussions

When your brain violently shifts or bounces withing your skull, you experience a concussion. Concussions are very frequent brain injuries, but they have a variety of causes. Most people experience concussions in car accidents, but they can happen anywhere and anytime, from sports to simple slip and falls.

Concussions present different symptoms for different people. The most frequently encountered symptoms are nausea, light sensitivity, and a headache. People also typically experience confusion, drowsiness, and slowed reaction times. There is a wide range of symptoms that can be traced back to concussions, and any time you hit your head you should be on the lookout for these warning signs.

Diagnosing Balance Problems

In addition to working with a brain injury lawyer Fort Lauderdale, FL, patients’ trust, you may need more than one medical specialist to be involved in your diagnosis. First, your doctor may take a look at your medication and rule out anything that could be contributing to your balance problems. Then they may employ the Berg Balance Scale and the Dynamic Gait Index to grade your balance problem. These same tests may be used in your future treatment to measure progress and improvement.

You may work with many different specialists, including psychiatrists, otolaryngologists, neurologists, and neuro-ophthalmologists, to get an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan. As you can imagine, these specialist visits quickly add up. This is just one of the reasons you should seek counsel from an experienced brain injury lawyer Fort Lauderdale, FL, residents hire.

Common Causes of Balance Problems

Your doctor may discuss with you the things that he thinks are causing your balance issues, and your Fort Lauderdale, FL brain injury lawyer, may ask for all the documentation from your doctor to build your case. These are some of the common causes of balance loss you should be aware of:

• Brainstem injury: Injuries to your brainstem impair the function of the cerebellum and brainstem, which are needed to maintain balance.
• Postural hypotension: Postural hypotension refers to the sudden decrease in blood pressure when you sit or stand suddenly. This can cause lightheadedness or dizziness.
• Sensory impairment: Your nerves deliver messages to your brain. If your nerves are injured (especially in the feet, for example), you could have balance problems.
• Vestibular impairment: The Vestibular Labyrinth is the inner ear system that is very sensitive to motion and gravity. Injuries to any part of this system can cause vertigo, balance problems, and dizziness.
• Vision impairment: You may experience double vision, partial loss of vision, visual instability, and problems with depth perception if you have suffered a traumatic head injury. Since this has to do with your eyesight, problems with your vision could cause you to lose your balance or have perceived dizziness.

Be sure to report any symptoms to your doctor, and encourage your doctor to keep detailed records for your brain injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale FL.

Even if you think you’ve recovered from a traumatic brain injury, you may still be suffering from balance problems that can affect your ability to live a normal life. If your brain injury was due to someone else’s negligence, be sure to call us to understand your rights. We have more than one brain injury lawyer Fort Lauderdale, FL residents trust, so call for your free consultation today.

Fort Lauderdale, FL Brain Injury Infographic

Fort Lauderdale Brain Injury Statistics

According to statistics from the Brain Injury Association of America, there are more than 5 million people in the United States living with a permanent brain injury-related disability. Each year, almost 3 million people suffer some type of brain injury, and more than 64,000 people die from their injuries.

Fort Lauderdale Brain Injury FAQs

Experiencing a brain injury in an accident can be serious, and in some cases life-threatening. While your symptoms from a brain injury can range in severity, when negligence is present, you may be able to take legal action. Working with a Fort Lauderdale FL brain injury lawyer can assist you in taking the appropriate steps towards reaching a resolution, while answering the number of questions you may have:

What are common accidents that result in brain injuries?

There are a variety of accidents that can cause a brain injury. This is a primary reason it is such a common form of injury in personal injury claims. Common accidents that may result in a brain injury include: fall-related accidents, car accidents, assault, and trucking accidents.

Why should I contact a brain injury lawyer if I have been in an accident?

If you have been injured in an accident and experienced a brain injury as a result, it’s important to consider contacting a brain injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Your brain injury lawyer will take the time to carefully review your case and determine if it may be possible to obtain compensation for the damages you are facing. Most brain injury lawyers provide potential clients with complimentary consultations so that they have the opportunity to have their case reviewed by a professional and determine the next steps for moving forward. 

What evidence will I need to provide for my personal injury claim for a brain injury?

Evidence is key to proving that the damages you have suffered resulted from the accident you were in. To maximize your compensation, you and your Fort Lauderdale FL brain injury lawyer will need to provide evidence to support your claim, such as: evidence from the accident, police reports or accident reports, medical documentation, photographs/videos, and eyewitness statements.

What kinds of compensation may I be entitled to for my injuries?

While focusing on your recovery process, the compensation you may be entitled to is likely to be at the forefront of your mind. If you have been injured at the hands of a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you have suffered. Valuing your claim will be key. Your Fort Lauderdale, FL brain injury lawyer, will take the time to review your case and assign a value based on the injuries you have suffered, the pain you have experienced, the costs for both short-term and long-term medical care, potential lost wages, and more. 

An accident that has resulted in a brain injury can be incredibly traumatic. If you or a loved one has been injured and believes that someone else is at fault, you must reach out to a brain injury lawyer as soon as possible. They will work closely with you to review your case, assign value to your claim and ensure that your rights are protected. Don’t delay taking action if you believe you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a brain injury lawyer Fort Lauderdale, FL, residents trust from Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. for the help you deserve. 

What is the definition of a traumatic brain injury?

Anyone who has hit their head may have sustained a traumatic brain injury. When the head endures blunt force, the brain’s natural functions can become disrupted. A brain injury may have also occurred due to conditions like strokes or infection. Traumatic brain injuries are classified as mild, moderate, or severe. The majority of traumatic brain injuries are mild; however, this does not mean victims should not seek medical attention after an incident. Some people may have a brain injury and recover quickly with rest, while injuries may impact others for life. At any level of trauma, contacting a brain injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL, can help you seek the compensation you deserve. 

How many people per year experience a traumatic brain injury?

It is estimated that over a million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury every single year. Many of these people are treated in the emergency room then released. However, over 200,000 are admitted to the hospital for further supportive care. Hundreds of thousands of people each year may become disabled permanently due to traumatic brain injuries. A few of the leading causes for a traumatic brain injury are listed as follows: slip and fall, car accidents, being struck or hit, assault, blasts for military personnel, and firearms.

Who is at a higher risk for traumatic brain injuries?

Men are about 1.5 times more likely than females to sustain a traumatic brain injury. Military duties, especially, increase the risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury. This is because when you are in active combat in a military zone, you may come into contact with various variables that can cause a traumatic brain injury—from bombs and guns to falling while on duty.

Traumatic brain injuries are a major cause of death and even of disability in the United States. From 2006 to 2014, there were 53% more traumatic brain injury related hospital visits, hospitalizations, and deaths.

Furthermore, if you are 75 years or older, you are at a higher risk for traumatic rain injuries. Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury related deaths in people who are 65 years or older, motor vehicle crashes with traumatic brain injury complications are the leading cause of death in ages 15 to 36, and older adults who are 75 or older.

What are some therapies that can help my rehabilitations go faster?

There’s many therapies that you can make, available to you with your medical team. These recommendations may be made to you by your medical team based on your needs, but some of the most common therapies are: physical therapy, speech therapy, cognitive therapy, neuropsychological assessment/therapy, occupational therapy, and recreational therapy.

How does a traumatic brain injury impact the body and brain?

A brain injury can drastically impact a person’s cognitive and motor skills. Since the brain controls all of our movements and thoughts, any part of the body or function can become impaired. This means things like eating, sleeping, problem-solving, motor skills, communication, and mood can change due to the injury. In severe cases, the brain’s electrical system can be thrown off, causing seizures and increasing the risk for Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease. 

What are potential challenges for those with long-term impacts?

Those who endured a severe traumatic brain injury may have trouble with even the most basic needs like grooming and locomotion. The victim may have to deal with both financial loss and psychological struggles. A person may need assistance to improve memory, manage stress, control temper, attention, concentration, and strengthen job skills. What was once perhaps very easy to accomplish may be difficult or not possible after a critical brain injury.

Fort Lauderdale Brain Injury Glossary

At Needle & Ellenberg, P.A., we are dedicated to helping individuals and families in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who have been affected by traumatic brain injuries. These cases can have significant and long-lasting effects on a person’s life. As brain injury lawyers, we strive to provide clarity and support to those seeking compensation. Below, we outline key terms often used in brain injury cases to help you better understand the legal process.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A traumatic brain injury occurs when an external force disrupts the brain’s normal functions. TBIs can result from various incidents, including car accidents, workplace injuries, or falls. Symptoms can range from mild issues like headaches or confusion to severe complications such as memory loss, cognitive deficits, or loss of motor function. For example, in Fort Lauderdale, a pedestrian hit by a distracted driver may suffer a TBI that leads to permanent impairments. These injuries often require medical attention and legal representation to pursue damages for the resulting physical, emotional, and financial toll.

Causation

Causation refers to the requirement to prove that the defendant’s actions or negligence directly caused the victim’s injury. In brain injury cases, this involves linking the traumatic event—such as a poorly maintained sidewalk or a reckless driver’s behavior—to the resulting brain injury. Evidence like accident reports, witness statements, and medical records is crucial in demonstrating this connection. A Fort Lauderdale brain injury lawyer works to establish causation as part of building a strong case for compensation.

Medical Documentation

Medical documentation is essential in brain injury cases, serving as evidence of the injury’s severity and its connection to the accident. These records may include diagnostic reports, treatment plans, and physicians’ notes. For instance, if someone in Fort Lauderdale sustains a brain injury after a fall at a grocery store, their medical records will help establish the extent of their injuries and how they were caused by unsafe conditions. Medical documentation is vital in calculating damages and presenting a clear picture of the victim’s needs.

Compensatory Damages

Compensatory damages are awarded to victims to address losses stemming from their injuries. In brain injury cases, these damages often fall into two categories:

• Economic Damages: These cover measurable financial losses such as medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, and future earning potential.
• Non-Economic Damages: These address more subjective losses like pain, suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.

For example, a Fort Lauderdale resident who sustains a severe brain injury in a car accident may require lifelong care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices, all of which are factored into compensatory damages. A brain injury lawyer works to assess these needs and pursue appropriate compensation.

Negligence

Negligence occurs when a person or entity fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another individual. For example, a property owner in Fort Lauderdale who neglects to repair a hazardous stairwell could be held liable if someone falls and sustains a brain injury. Proving negligence requires demonstrating that the defendant breached their duty of care and that this breach directly caused the injury. This is a cornerstone of many personal injury cases, including those involving traumatic brain injuries.

Traumatic brain injuries can profoundly affect a victim’s life, but you don’t have to face these challenges alone. At Needle & Ellenberg, P.A., we are committed to helping you pursue justice and secure the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today to learn how we can support you in your case.

Contact Our Brain Injury Lawyer Today

Whatever the circumstances behind your head injury, you need to get medical help immediately. It’s not uncommon for concussions to turn into much more serious health problems, and even if a concussion is “just” a concussion, you could be in for expensive and time-consuming medical care.

The price of a concussion is hard to calculate, especially since every case is different. However, you should always consider the impact that medical care may have on your work, your life, and your ability to carry on as usual. If your head injury was caused by someone else’s negligence or irresponsibility, you should reach out to a lawyer to get your much-needed financial compensation.

If you experienced a head injury such as a concussion – or worse – you should go over your injury with the help of a brain injury lawyer to see who should be held responsible for your injury. You shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for your medical care, and you shouldn’t be kept waiting by insurance companies that might not even pay you enough for a full recovery.

Concussions may be common injuries, but they can still develop into much more severe health problems, and even lifelong brain damage. If you’ve experienced a concussion, you should seek medical care immediately, and reach out to a brain injury lawyer from Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. to get the compensation you deserve.