Brain injuries are very serious and sometimes they are life ending
They effect children, teens, adults and the elderly. Even though car accident are probably the most common place that brain injuries occur, lately the hot topic has been brain injuries and migraines that occur during football games and practices. If some one slips and falls in a store, and subsequently hits their head on the floor or another item, they could sustain a brain injury. If a child is riding a bike and falls off of it, they could also have a brain injury. The lawyers at the Law Firm of Berman and Tsombanakis, LLC are very familiar with personal injury cases involving brain injuries. We have handled an array of cases involving motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall cases, as well as other types of personal injury cases.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI), which is also known in the medical field as an intracranial injury, happens when an external force traumatically injures the brain. When one injures their head, it is usually referred to as a traumatic brain injury. However, there could also be an injury to the skull or scalp that may or may not contain an injury to the brain. TBI is a very serious injury and could be life threatening. Some injuries that result in death occur instantaneously. Where as others may suffer for years with injuries to their brain. Many suffer in silence, and they are often referred to as the “silent sufferers“. This is the case for many athletes, and especially current and former NFL Players. Some cases are so bad that the injured players develop depression, anxiety and dementia. Some even develop more severe mental illnesses, such as bipolar/manic depression, schizophrenia and hallucinations.
Car Accidents and Brain Injuries
Everyday all around Miami Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties, there are car accidents. Some accidents are simple finder binders, however many others are serious and even deadly. Many drivers and passengers suffer brain injuries from car accidents. The injuries come from impact with windows, airbags and even seatbelts. Despite all of the seatbelt laws that were implemented in the 1980s and early 1990s, drivers and passengers still endure brain injuries and even die in car accidents. The number of deaths and brain injuries have significantly decreased since the seatbelt laws were implemented, but nevertheless they still occur. Even if a seatbelt is worn, if one is speeding then the likelihood of brain injuries and/or death in a car accident increases.
Slip and Falls & Brain Injuries
Brain injuries also occur in cases of slip and falls. They occur in grocery store accidents, on another’s residential or commercial property and as discussed below, they often occur when an elderly person falls. Slip and fall cases are very unfortunate accidents. Many cases occur when surfaces are wet, newly waxed and on uneven pavement, tile and other textures, both inside and outside of homes, as well as businesses.
Athletes and Brain Injuries
Over the past few years many lawsuits have been filed by former and current NFL players concerning brain injuries. These lawsuits are occurring at the college, high school and Pop Warner/Optimist league level as well. Most of these suits are being filed because of brain injuries that occur after concussions. Some injuries occur while kids, college students and even adults are playing baseball, basketball and other sports as well. This is an unfortunate situation on all sides. The game of football, that is beloved by both the fans and the players is now under heavy scrutiny in the media and in the courtrooms.
Brain Injury and Cost of Healthcare
Caring for a family member with a brain injury or TBI can be a challenge for both parents, spouses and children of parents with brain injuries. The cost to give them the proper care has caused many families to go bankrupt and/or lose their insurance coverage. If a person has an injury that may require a lifetime of care, depending upon their insurance they may max out of coverage. If this happens their insurance will most likely be cancelled. At this point they will have to pay out of pocket or perhaps they may qualify for Medicaid or Medicare. Even with government sponsored insurance, there will be other expenses that are not covered. Many medicines, especially name brand medications are not covered. Medicaid and Medicare come with coverage limits, far less than most private insurance. They also have many other restrictions of services as well.
Elderly and Brain Injuries
A major concern for many injured people, including the elderly and the poor is that they may be forced to rely on the government for insurance and that there current physicians may not accept Medicaid or Medicare. They may have to find a new doctor and this is burdensome, especially for older people. Many senior citizens are prone to slip and falls, right in there own homes to be exact. A fall at an older age could mean permanent disfigurement. It may also result in severe pain for the rest of their lives and in some cases death.
There has been significant improvements over the years concerning brain injuries. This has resulted in a decrease of deaths related to these injuries. Medicine, CT scans, MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), as well as the expansion of the fields of Physical Therapy, Chiropractic Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and other forms of therapy, as well as rehabilitation practices, have helped patients and many of our clients.
If you or a family member have a brain injury as a result of car accident, sports accidents, slip and fall or any other personal injury accident, please email or call one of the lawyers at the Fort Lauderdale Injury and Accident Law Firm of Berman & Tsombanakis LLC at (954) 764-6099 or (954) 728-8885. We provide free consultations and can meet you at our office in downtown Fort Lauderdale or at your residence or any other convenient location. We handle most injury and accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay us unless there is a financial recovery in your case. We utilize all resources available to insure that you or your family members are fully compensated for your injuries.