Gulfport Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Traumatic brain injuries occur when a blow to the head or a penetrating head injury disrupts the normal functioning of the brain. TBIs can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage caused.

TBIs often manifest differently in each individual, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. Early symptoms might be subtle, but recognizing them promptly can prevent more severe outcomes. Our comprehensive approach to TBI claims involves not just addressing immediate medical needs but also anticipating future complications that could arise from the injury. We involve neurologists and cognitive therapists to get a clear picture of each client’s condition and potential recovery trajectories.

Here’s a closer look at each classification:

• Mild TBI: When a blow to the head or a jolt causes a mild TBI, the victim may experience a brief loss of consciousness or no loss of consciousness at all. He or she may also experience a headache, dizziness, confusion, lightheadedness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, a bad taste in the mouth, fatigue, or a change in sleep patterns. In some cases, the victim may also experience mood changes, memory problems, or trouble concentrating.
• Moderate TBI: When a blow to the head or a jolt causes a moderate TBI, the victim may experience a loss of consciousness for a few minutes or a few hours. He or she may also experience a headache, dizziness, confusion, lightheadedness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, a bad taste in the mouth, fatigue, a change in sleep patterns, or a lasting feeling of nausea or vomiting. In some cases, the victim may also experience mood changes, memory problems, trouble concentrating, or a state of confusion that lasts for days, weeks, or months.
• Severe TBI: When a blow to the head or a jolt causes a severe TBI, the victim may experience a headache, lightheadedness, confusion, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, a bad taste in the mouth, fatigue, a change in sleep patterns, a lasting feeling of nausea or vomiting, or a loss of consciousness that lasts for hours or days. In some cases, the victim may also experience seizures, muscle weakness, a loss of coordination, profound confusion, slurred speech, a state of unconsciousness, or a coma that lasts for weeks or years.

It’s important to note that the signs and symptoms of a TBI may not appear for days or weeks after the initial injury occurs. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention immediately after suffering a blow to the head or a penetrating head injury, even if you don’t feel hurt.

Common Causes of TBIs in Gulfport

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of TBIs in the United States. Being struck by or against an object is the second-leading cause of TBIs, followed by motor vehicle accidents.

Other common causes of TBIs include:

Proving a Traumatic Brain Injury

It’s not easy to prove a TBI claim. That’s why you need a skilled brain injury attorney in Gulfport on your side who knows how to gather and present the necessary evidence to support your claim.

Here are some of the types of evidence that may be used to prove a TBI:

• Medical records: Your medical records can be used to show that you sought treatment for your head injury and that you were diagnosed with a TBI. Your medical records may also be used to show that your TBI has caused you to suffer additional health problems.
• Medical bills: Your medical bills can be used to prove that you incurred significant healthcare expenses as a result of your TBI.
• Testimony from medical experts: Medical experts can review your medical records and testify to the seriousness of your TBI. They can also explain how your TBI has caused you to suffer cognitive impairment, memory loss, or other types of brain damage.
• Testimony from vocational experts: Vocational experts can testify to the fact that your TBI has made it impossible for you to return to work or to perform the same type of work that you did before your injury.
• Testimony from friends and family members: Friends and family members can testify to the fact that your TBI has caused you to suffer personality changes, mood swings, or other types of changes in your behavior.
• Testimony from you: You can testify to the fact that you sustained a blow to the head and that you have been suffering from the symptoms of a TBI ever since.

Statute of Limitations for TBIs in Mississippi

In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years. This means that you have three years from the date of your TBI to file a lawsuit against the person or party that caused your injury. If you do not file your lawsuit within this three-year period, the court will likely dismiss your claim, and you will lose your right to compensation.

However, if you did not discover your TBI right away, the statute of limitations may be affected. How you file for compensation or who the liable parties are can also affect the time you have to file a claim for compensation.

It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after suffering a TBI. Your attorney can review the details of your claim, calculate the applicable statute of limitations, and file your lawsuit before the deadline expires.

Determining the Worth of a TBI Claim

The value of a TBI claim depends on a wide variety of factors. That’s why it’s important to consult with a brain injury lawyer in Gulfport before accepting a settlement offer from the insurance company.

Here are some of the factors that may affect the value of your claim:

• Medical expenses: How much do you expect to spend on medical care in the future?
• Lost wages: How much income have you lost as a result of your TBI? How much income do you expect to lose in the future?
• Loss of earning capacity: How has your TBI affected your ability to return to work? How has it affected your ability to perform the same type of work that you did before your injury?
• Property damage: Did you sustain any property damage in the incident that caused your TBI?
• Pain and suffering: How much physical pain and emotional suffering have you endured as a result of your TBI?
• Disfigurement: Did your TBI result in any type of disfigurement, such as a scar or a permanent limp?
• Permanent disability: Did your TBI result in any type of permanent disability, such as paralysis or cognitive impairment?

When you hire Gulf South Law Firm, you can count on us to carefully calculate your damages. We may consult with medical experts, vocational experts, and other professionals to determine the full value of your claim. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we will not hesitate to bring your claim to trial.

Let Us Fight for You with Dedicated Gulfport Representation

If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI in Gulfport or on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, you need a brain injury lawyer on your side who knows how to effectively handle these types of claims. At Gulf South Law Firm, we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Call (228) 231-3989 or contact us online to speak with a brain injury attorney in Gulfport. We offer free initial consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis.

FAQs About Brain Injury Claims in Gulfport

What Should I Do Immediately After a TBI?

Immediately following a traumatic brain injury, it is imperative to seek medical attention, even if symptoms are not immediately apparent. Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent further complications. Once you've addressed the immediate medical needs, gathering evidence is crucial. Document everything surrounding the incident, including witness statements and photographic evidence. This documentation will be essential in supporting your claim should you choose to pursue compensation.

Can I File a Claim on Behalf of a Loved One?

Yes, filing a claim on behalf of a loved one who has suffered a TBI is possible, particularly if they are incapacitated or unable to do so themselves. Acting as a legal representative, you can initiate the process by consulting a qualified lawyer who understands TBI claims. They will guide you through the necessary legal steps and help build a strong case, ensuring your loved one's rights and interests are protected throughout the legal process.

What Are Common Long-Term Effects of a TBI?

Traumatic brain injuries can have significant long-term impacts that vary in severity. Common effects include cognitive challenges such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and emotional instability. Physical issues like chronic headaches, dizziness, and fatigue may persist. In some cases, individuals experience changes in personality or behavior, affecting relationships and day-to-day life. Understanding these impacts is crucial for managing care and seeking compensation for the full extent of your hardships.

How Can a Lawyer Help with My TBI Claim?

A lawyer can greatly assist in navigating the complexities of a TBI claim by providing legal advice, representing your interests, and advocating for a fair settlement. They can help gather and present evidence that highlights the extent of your injuries, work with medical professionals to substantiate your claims, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive appropriate compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering. Their services are aimed at alleviating the stress associated with legal proceedings, allowing you to focus on recovery.