Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Lawyers in Gulfport, MS

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.

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

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:

How Do You Prove a Traumatic Brain Injury?

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

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.

What Is the 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 case, 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 case for compensation.

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

How Much Is a TBI Claim Worth?

The value of a TBI claim depends on a wide variety of factors. That’s why it’s important to consult with an attorney 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 accident 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 case. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we will not hesitate to take your case to trial.

Let Us Fight for You

If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI in Gulfport or on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, you need an attorney on your side who knows how to win these types of cases. 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 traumatic brain injury lawyer in Gulfport. We offer free initial consultations and contingency fees.