If you have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in St. Petersburg, Florida, whether it was a skull fracture or a concussion, the side-effects on your emotional and physical wellbeing often prove to be devastating. Generally, those who suffer from a TBI experience lifelong implications and irreversible damage, leading to a reduced quality of life. When, through no fault of your own, an accident results in a blow to the head so severe it disrupts the brain’s normal function, you deserve to hold negligent parties accountable and demand maximum compensation for your losses.
Marsalisi Law is ready to fight for justice and your future. Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi is a St. Petersburg brain injury lawyer and St. Petersburg brain injury attorney with local expertise in handling brain injury cases. Frank has earned a reputation for his willingness to take on insurance companies, no matter how large or resourceful they are. The combined experience of the legal team at Marsalisi Law in handling traumatic brain injury cases ensures you receive knowledgeable and dedicated representation. Frank will help you identify all potentially liable parties and gather the facts of your case, emphasizing the importance of gathering evidence to build a strong claim and retrieve the compensation necessary to pay for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
What Causes Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)?
A TBI is a head injury acquired through a violent blow to the skull that damages nerves in the brain. Brain injuries are typically incurred through some form of blunt force trauma but may also be aggravated by an underlying illness or preexisting injury. While TBIs aren’t something you see every day in St. Petersburg, they are a major cause of death and disability in the United States, specifically among younger populations. Car crashes and falls are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, while violence is also a significant cause, especially among certain age groups. Understanding the circumstances surrounding each brain injury is crucial for determining liability and exploring legal options. TBIs can impact anyone who has been involved in one of the following incidents:
- Car accidents;
- Motor vehicle collisions;
- Slip and fall accidents;
- Bicycle accidents;
- Motorcycle accidents;
- Hit and run accidents; and
- Pedestrian accidents.
TBIs can also result from contact sports and injuries occurring on someone else’s property, such as in premises liability cases.
If you or someone you love has suffered a TBI in an accident in St. Petersburg, Florida, Attorney Frank P. Marsalisi of Marsalisi Law can help. TBIs can be life-changing and debilitating, but you don’t have to struggle alone. Rely on experts like Frank whom you can count on and trust for support through this difficult time.
Common Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries
Recognizing the common symptoms of traumatic brain injuries is vital for ensuring timely medical attention and the best possible outcome. Traumatic brain injuries can present a wide range of symptoms, including persistent headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, memory problems, and noticeable changes in mood or behavior. In some cases, these symptoms may not appear right away and can develop hours or even days after the initial injury. It is important to watch for warning signs such as vision problems, vomiting, or loss of consciousness, as these may indicate a more serious brain injury. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following symptoms after a head injury, seek medical attention immediately. A brain injury attorney can help you navigate the process of recovering compensation for your injuries, ensuring you have the resources needed for your recovery.
Classification System for TBI Severity
To survey the severity of a TBI, doctors use a number of different assessment tools and diagnostic tests to classify whether an injury is mild, moderate, or severe. Keep in mind that scoring TBIs is often misleading because even “minor” injuries require extended recovery time and present significant challenges for victims in St. Petersburg. For this reason, medical professionals examine TBIs using the following criteria:
- Level of consciousness;
- Reactions to stimuli;
- Verbal and motor awareness;
- Post-traumatic amnesia;
- Structural imaging; and
- Coma.
In addition, TBIs may be categorized by the specific mechanisms of the injury. For instance, a TBI can transpire as a closed head injury, where force to the head does not penetrate the skull but causes the brain to move back and forth rapidly. Closed head injuries can cause brain damage and bleeding without skull penetration. TBIs can also take the form of an open head injury, where a foreign object pierces the skull and causes direct trauma to brain tissue. Both closed head injuries and open head injuries can result from severe head trauma, leading to various types of brain damage. Crushing brain injuries, where two objects compress the brain, can also severely damage brain tissue.
What Might Happen to TBI Victims Over Time?
All TBI cases are unique. A severe TBI for one person may take a few years to overcome, whereas it may permanently disable someone facing similar circumstances. Traumatic brain injuries are often classified as a serious injury or serious injuries under Florida law, which can significantly affect legal claims and the potential for substantial compensation. Unfortunately, a by-product of trauma to the brain is that many victims face additional complications long after their injury. Even those with a successful recovery may experience symptoms that greatly impact their ability to live an independent life. Some of these long-term complications include:
- Motor difficulties: Paralysis, trouble seeing, and muscle stiffness;
- Physical effects: Sleep disorders, seizures, and chronic pain;
- Cognitive effects: Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, confusion, and impaired cognitive abilities such as problem-solving;
- Speech issues: Aphasia, slurring words, and trouble comprehending complex sentences;
- Sensory effects: Loss of touch, smell, taste, and hearing;
- Behavioral effects: Depression, irritability, anxiety, and dependence.
TBI victims often require ongoing medical care and may need a professional medical evaluation to assess the full extent of their injuries. TBI related hospitalizations are a common outcome for severe cases, especially among older adults. In addition to physical and cognitive challenges, victims may experience emotional stress and may be entitled to recover non economic damages for pain and suffering.
Since some parts of the brain can never be fixed, many victims find themselves needing specialized care services. From treatments and medical equipment to medications and the inability to work or enjoy personal lifestyle activities, TBI victims in St. Petersburg may suffer even more under the burden of medical debt, medical expenses, lost wages, financial losses, and financial damages. In these cases, recovering the highest compensation possible is a critical part of making a full recovery.
Retain the Services of a Professional St. Petersburg TBI Lawyer
When you need a personal injury law firm in St. Petersburg, FL, our law office stands ready to help. Our experienced attorneys have a proven track record of successfully recovering compensation for victims of traumatic brain injuries and their families. We understand the unique challenges that brain injury victims face, from mounting medical bills to the emotional and financial burden of ongoing care. Our law firm is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate legal representation, guiding you through every step of the legal process. With our commitment to achieving maximum compensation, you can trust our experienced attorneys to fight for your rights and help you rebuild after a traumatic brain injury.
Few attorneys are experienced in the nuances of TBI injuries. Litigating TBI cases requires an extensive understanding of the science behind these types of injuries and the long-term effects of living with one. Marsalisi Law offers TBI victims in St. Petersburg their best chance at obtaining favorable results in their Personal Injury claims.
At Marsalisi Law, we believe that the key to a successful case starts with a strong foundation—which means employing the right lawyer. As your personal injury attorney in St. Petersburg, FL, Frank P. Marsalisi understands your needs and will give you the Personal Attention and focus you deserve, making your case his top priority. Frank works hard, devoting hours of time and effort to litigate TBI claims each year effectively. Inquire about your TBI case today by calling (727) 334-1344 or completing an online contact form for a free initial consultation.
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