Brain Injury Lawyers Serving Deerfield Beach
It is easy enough to think about brain injury claims as a purely theoretical exercise, but here is why you should care about filing for one in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
First of all, traumatic brain injuries can be severe and life-altering events. When they occur, they can greatly impact your life, both physically and financially. That is why it is so important to get the right compensation if you sustain such an injury in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
But beyond just getting compensation for the physical effects of your injury, you may also need to consider other issues, such as lost wages or emotional damages. These are all valid reasons to seek financial compensation through a brain injury claim in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
Additionally, bringing a claim will help ensure that similar risks are addressed, protecting others in the future who may suffer from similar injuries. So not only is seeking a claim an important part of protecting yourself and preserving your rights—but it also serves as an important preventative measure that could help others from suffering similar fates.
What Is a Brain Injury?A brain injury, also known as an acquired brain injury (ABI), is damage to your brain that is not hereditary, congenital, degenerative, or induced by birth trauma. It can be caused by a range of events, including a car accident, slip, and fall, medical malpractice, sports accident, or any other incident that causes direct trauma to the head.
Brain injuries can be categorized as either mild or severe. Mild brain injuries typically result in short-term memory loss and confusion lasting from days to weeks. Severe brain injuries usually result in extended periods of unconsciousness or coma and are often associated with long-term physical and cognitive disabilities.
It is important to note that the effects of a mild brain injury can be much more serious than one might expect — they can cause difficulty concentrating, sleeping problems, and other issues that significantly impact the quality of life. That's why it is important to seek legal advice if you may have sustained a brain injury in Florida due to someone else's negligence.
What Are the Different Types of Brain Injuries?When it comes to brain injury claims, it is important to understand the different types of injuries you can claim in Florida. Here are some of the most common types:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur when an external force causes damage to the brain. A violent blow or jolt causes these to the head or a penetrating head injury, such as those from firearms, falls, car accidents, and physical assaults. Symptoms range from a mild concussion to complete loss of consciousness.
Acquired Brain InjuryEvents cause an acquired brain injury (ABI) after birth, such as an anoxic event or oxygen deprivation, stroke, infection, and tumor. Symptoms can be physical, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional.
Diffuse Axonal InjuryA violent head shaking causes a diffuse axonal injury (DAI). If the head is moved forcefully from side to side or front to back quickly and with great force, this causes shearing of nerve fibers and leads to serious long-term complications like memory loss, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.
At its most serious end, a brain injury can include paralysis or even death. That's why it is so important to get all the information you need before filing your claim in Florida so you can get proper compensation for an event that was out of your control.
What Are the Common Causes of Brain Injuries?When filing a brain injury claim in Florida, it is important to know the common causes of brain injuries. That way, you can understand who might be at fault for your injury and what damages you can be awarded.
Some of the most common causes of brain injuries include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Sports injuries
- Slip and fall accidents
- Physical assaults
- Explosions or blunt force trauma to the head area
- Medical malpractice or negligence
The type of damages you can pursue in a brain injury claim will vary depending on the cause and severity of your injury. In general, damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages in certain instances. It is important to speak with an experienced attorney to understand what kind of compensation you may be eligible for.
What Are the Symptoms of a Brain Injury?A brain injury can cause a range of immediate and long-term symptoms. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms that may indicate you need medical care for a potential brain injury.
Physical SymptomsPhysical symptoms can include:
- Headache
- Dizziness or confusion
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Nausea, vomiting, or other stomach upset
- Blurred vision, ringing in the ears, or changes in smell or taste
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking or expressing words
- Sleep disturbances (sleeping too much or too little)
Cognitive and behavioral symptoms can include:
- Memory loss (both short-term and long-term)
- Difficulty concentrating, organizing thoughts, or problem-solving
- Slowed reasoning, speaking, or processing information speedily
- Difficulty controlling emotions such as depression, anxiety, anger, etc.
If you are experiencing any combination of these signs and symptoms after an accident resulting in a blow to the head—regardless if you had medical care at the scene—it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. Prompt diagnosis and treatment may reduce your overall recovery time.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Brain Injury Claim in Florida?If you suspect you or a loved one has experienced a brain injury due to someone else's negligent actions, it is essential to know the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is a law that sets a deadline for filing any type of legal claim, including brain injury claims in Florida.
The good news is that Florida gives you four years from the date the injury occurred (or from when it was discovered) to file your brain injury claim, which gives you plenty of time to make sure your case is as strong as possible before filing.
It is important to remember that this deadline can change depending on the specifics of your case, so be sure to check with an attorney who has experience in brain injury claims if you must file beyond this four-year period.
It is also important to note that some exceptions could extend the timeline if certain circumstances prevent the victim from filing. An attorney experienced in brain injuries can help you determine whether any of these exceptions might apply to your case.
What Kind of Damages Can I Recover in a Brain Injury Claim in Florida?When filing a brain injury claim in Florida, it is important to understand the types of damages you may be able to recover. You may be able to recover financial damages for medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of physical and occupational therapy. You may also be able to recover non-economic damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
The damages you are entitled to in your claim depending on your case's facts. An experienced attorney can help you understand the type and amount of compensation you may recover. The following factors must be demonstrated for you to receive compensation:
- Liability—the person or entity responsible for your injuries must be identified;
- Negligence—the negligent act(s) or omission(s) committed by the defendant(s) that led to your injury must be established;
- Causation—it must be established that the defendant's actions were directly responsible for causing your injury; and
- Damages—you must demonstrate that you suffered damages as a result of the defendant's negligence.
If successful, a court may award compensatory damages in an amount equal to your medical bills, other expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, or an award against punitive damages if specific criteria are met.
Do I Need an Attorney to File a Brain Injury Claim in Florida?Yes, it is highly recommended that you get legal representation from an experienced brain injury lawyer when filing a claim in Florida. This is because the claims process can be complicated, and certain steps must be taken for your claim to be successful.
A lawyer can provide knowledge and guidance throughout the claims process and represent your interests in court if needed. They will also better understand relevant laws, statutes, and deadlines, which can be very important when filing a brain injury claim in Florida. Furthermore, they will be able to assess your case accurately, advise on how to proceed, and negotiate with the other party on your behalf.
It is important to note that finding an attorney who has dealt with brain injury cases is essential to ensure you have the best possible chance of a successful outcome. A right fit attorney should have experience dealing with such cases and developing effective strategies for settlement or trial. They should also be familiar with medical terminology and neurological impairments caused by brain injury, which can be beneficial in proving your case.
How Do I Find an Experienced Attorney to Help Me with My Brain Injury Claim in Florida?The final piece of the puzzle when it comes to filing a brain injury claim in Florida is finding an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process. Thankfully, it is not too hard to find an experienced attorney—here are some tips on how to do it:
Ask AroundContact your friends, family members, or colleagues and ask them if they know any good attorneys who have been successful in brain injury claims. This is a great way to get referral recommendations from people whose opinions you trust.
Search OnlineOnce you've got your friend's recommendations, take your search online. Look for attorneys who have a proven track record in helping people with similar cases as yours. Check out a potential lawyer's website and read reviews from past clients. It is also important to ensure that the lawyer you're considering has experience in Florida law related to brain injury claims.
Free ConsultationsOnce you've narrowed down your list of potential attorneys, contact each one and ask for a free consultation. These initial meetings are the perfect opportunity for you to get all your questions answered and get a feel for how they handle client communication and case management. Furthermore, free consultations allow you to assess an attorney's experience and knowledge of brain injury cases in Florida before making any commitment or payment.
How Much Does Hiring an Attorney for A Brain Injury Claim in Florida Cost?When filing a brain injury claim in Florida, one of the biggest questions you have to ask is how much it will cost to hire an attorney. The good news is that you may not have to pay a fee upfront, depending on the situation. Some lawyers handle cases on a contingency basis and only get paid if they help you resolve your case favorably.
On the other hand, some attorneys may charge a retainer fee upfront or work hourly, so do your research and ask about their fees before hiring one.
The amount you'll end up paying for an attorney will usually depend on your case—the complexity of the claim, the time frame, and how long it takes for your case to be settled—all these things can affect how much you'll end up paying for your lawyer's services.
If possible, try to get an estimate of what legal fees would be in your particular case so that you know what kind of financial commitment you're getting into. And remember: hiring a lawyer could potentially increase the value of your settlement significantly more than going it alone.
How Do I Prove Negligence in A Brain Injury Claim?Making a case for negligence in a brain injury claim is essential for success. To prove negligence, you need to demonstrate that the other party had a legal obligation (or "duty of care") to protect you from harm and that they failed to do so, resulting in your injury and related damages.
To make this case, you'll need the following:
- Evidence that ties the defendant directly to the incident.
- Medical documentation of your injury and treatment.
- Witnesses who can testify that the defendant breached their duty of care and caused your injury.
- Financial records of direct damages like medical bills, lost wages due to treatment, or pain and suffering due to your injury.
- Expert testimony from doctors or professionals who can explain how the defendant's negligence caused your brain injury.
These documents will help you get the most out of your brain injury claim. Remember—while it can be intimidating to take on such a complicated case, an attorney experienced in brain injury claims can put it all together on your behalf.
How Long Does a Brain Injury Claim Take to Resolve?When it comes to resolving your brain injury claim, there's no definitive answer, unfortunately. Every case is unique, and the time it takes to resolve a claim can vary significantly. It can take several weeks to several years for a brain injury claim to be resolved.
Some of the factors that can affect the length of time a brain injury claim may take to resolve to include:
- The severity of your injury
- The complexity of your case
- How cooperative is the insurance company is
- Whether or not you are represented by an attorney
In general, brain injury claims tend to take longer than other personal injury claims because they usually involve more complex or specialized evidence, which will require more time for collection, evaluation, and presentation. That said, if you have experienced a traumatic brain injury due to someone else's negligence and you have the right legal representation on your side, you have a better chance of resolving your case more quickly.
Contact Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, Brain Injury Lawyers Serving Deerfield BeachNow that you know the basics of filing a brain injury claim in Florida, it is time to start the process. Before you do, however, it is important to find an experienced and knowledgeable brain injury lawyer who understands how the system works.
Fortunately, there are plenty of reputable lawyers out there who have experience in brain injury cases. One such firm is Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers serving Deerfield Beach. At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, we provide comprehensive legal services for victims of all kinds of traumatic brain injuries and their families.
Our law firm has years of experience in this area and provides personalized attention and representation tailored to meet our clients' unique needs. We have a track record of success in recovering compensation for victims and their families so that these victims can move forward with peace of mind knowing that they will have what they need to recover and rebuild their lives after suffering a traumatic brain injury. We are here for you.
Furthermore, if you hire Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers for your brain injury case, you won't have to worry about hidden costs or fees because we offer free consultations.