March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time to highlight the profound impact of brain injuries and the importance of legal protection. Promoted by the Brain Injury Association of America, this designation serves as a reminder that brain injuries can be life-altering – and failing to take legal action can leave victims struggling with financial and medical burdens.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury in the Fort Lauderdale area, understanding your legal rights is crucial. Working with a traumatic brain injury attorney can help you secure the compensation needed for your recovery.
What Is Considered a Brain Injury?
A brain injury refers to any damage to the brain that affects its function, but not all brain injuries are the same. They vary in severity and can have different causes. Two key terms to understand are:
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
These are not present at birth and are not caused by degenerative conditions. Causes include strokes, tumors, infections, and accidents.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A specific type of ABI caused by external force, such as:
- Being struck by an object or debris
- Falls from a height or slip-and-fall accidents
- Impact from a car accident (such as hitting a steering wheel)
- Force from an explosion or other high-impact event
Brain injuries can be penetrating (when an object enters the brain tissue) or non-penetrating (caused by external force without penetration). Common types of injuries include:
- Lesions
- Contusions
- Hemorrhages
- Skull fractures
- Hematomas
Any brain injury, even mild cases, can cause severe and lasting effects. That’s why working with the best brain and spine injury attorney is essential for protecting your future.
What to Do in the 72 Hours After a Brain Injury
The first 72 hours after a brain injury are critical for diagnosis, treatment, and protecting your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Even if symptoms seem mild, a brain injury can worsen over time. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
- Follow Doctor’s Orders – Adhere to any prescribed rest, imaging tests, or treatment plans.
- Document the Injury – Take photos, write down symptoms, and keep medical records to support a future claim.
- Avoid Communicating With Insurance Companies – Insurance adjusters may pressure you to settle quickly. Speak to a brain and spine injury lawyer before making any statements.
- Contact a Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyer – A legal expert can evaluate your case and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Why Brain Injuries Should Never Be Ignored
Brain injuries are often called a “silent epidemic” because symptoms are frequently overlooked or downplayed, leading to delayed or ignored treatment. Many people underestimate the impact a brain injury can have on their physical and mental well-being.
Each year, approximately 3 million people in the U.S. suffer brain injuries, with over 61,000 deaths resulting from them. Falls are the leading cause of emergency room visits for TBIs, followed by motor vehicle crashes and being struck by objects.
While some victims recover fully, others face lifelong effects, ranging from memory loss to severe cognitive impairments that drastically alter their quality of life. To help protect yourself and your loved ones from brain injuries:
- Always wear a seatbelt in the car.
- Secure children in appropriate car seats.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Wear helmets when biking, skateboarding, or playing contact sports.
- Install safety gates for young children around stairs.
How a Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney Can Help
Liability cases involving brain injuries are complex, requiring legal expertise to ensure fair compensation. A Fort Lauderdale brain injury lawyer can help by:
- Proving Liability – Demonstrating how the injury occurred and who is responsible.
- Assessing Medical Evidence – Working with medical professionals to document the full extent of the injury.
- Calculating Damages – Considering immediate medical costs, lost wages, future care needs, and emotional suffering.
Long-term effects of brain injuries can include an increased risk of dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological conditions. Having an attorney ensures that all potential consequences are accounted for in your claim.
At Ginnis, Krathen & Zelnick, we work with a network of medical and legal experts to build a strong case for brain injury victims. If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Get Legal Help Ginnis, Krathen & Zelnick Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, don’t wait to seek legal help. The right attorney can make a significant difference in your case. Book your free consultation with Ginnis, Krathen & Zelnick today.