Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, can result in serious symptoms, including short-term and long-term memory losses, permanent cognitive disabilities, and sometimes permanent comas. These injuries typically happen when an individual sustains a forceful blow to the head, such as in a car crash or slip-and-fall accident. The most common examples of TBIs include concussions, migraines, comas, and diffuse axonal injuries.
If you or a person you love suffered a TBI in a recent accident that resulted from someone else’s negligence, you are not alone. The experienced Tampa TBI lawyers at Hancock Injury Attorneys can swiftly investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident and determine your legal options. We will fight for your rights every step of the way in pursuit of the maximum compensation you deserve.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable TBI lawyer in Tampa, please call us at (813) 915-1110 or contact us online to learn more.
Tampa TBI Guide
- Why Select Us for Representation?
- How Much Can I Get for My TBI Case in Tampa?
- Common Causes of TBIs in Tampa
- Legally Proving a Tampa TBI Case
- Seeking Medical Treatment for a TBI in Tampa
- Fighting the Insurance Company in a TBI Case
- Steps to Take After Suffering a TBI in Tampa
- Call a Knowledgeable Tampa TBI Lawyer Today
Why Select Us for Representation?
TBIs can result in ongoing symptoms and lead to high medical costs and lost income. Given the seriousness of these injuries, you should always have a qualified team of TBI injury attorneys representing you throughout your case. At Hancock Injury Attorneys, we have a strong track record of success in recovering compensation for accident victims through settlement or litigation. We have served the Tampa community for thirty-plus years and have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our injured clients.
We can aggressively negotiate with insurance company adjusters for the fair compensation you deserve, but we are not afraid to litigate your case in the court system if that step becomes necessary. You can see our most recent client testimonials by clicking here.
Our office is conveniently located at 1317 W Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL 33612. Let us work for you to pursue the fair monetary damages you deserve for your accident-related losses.
How Much Can I Get for My TBI Case in Tampa?
After suffering a TBI due to someone else’s negligence in Tampa, Florida, you may be eligible for several types of compensation. This compensation helps cover the financial, emotional, and physical repercussions of your injuries.
Economic damages are designed to compensate for quantifiable financial losses. This includes medical expenses, such as hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any future medical care related to your TBI. If you require ongoing therapy or medication, these costs can also be covered. Additionally, economic damages account for lost earnings if you cannot work due to your injury. If your TBI affects your ability to work in the future or limits your earning capacity, compensation for future lost income may be included.
Non-economic damages address the intangible, non-monetary consequences of your injury. This can include compensation for pain and suffering, which covers the physical pain and emotional distress you experience due to your TBI. Mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life are also part of non-economic damages. If your TBI has significantly affected your daily activities, relationships, or overall quality of life, you may receive compensation for these effects.
Punitive damages are less common but may be awarded in cases where the responsible party acted with extreme negligence or malicious intent. These damages intend to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. In Florida, punitive damages are awarded only in cases where the defendant’s actions are particularly egregious.
Loss of consortium damages may be available if your injury has negatively affected your relationship with your spouse. This type of compensation is meant to address the loss of companionship and marital relations.
In Tampa, Florida, the legal process can be complex, and working with an experienced TBI lawyer at Hancock Injury Attorneys is vital to ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Common Causes of TBIs in Tampa
In Tampa, Florida, several common occurrences due to others’ negligence can lead to TBIs. These situations often result from someone’s failure to act responsibly, creating dangerous conditions that can cause severe harm.
Car accidents are one of the most frequent causes of TBIs. Negligence on the road, such as speeding, driving under the influence, or reckless driving, can lead to collisions where occupants may suffer head injuries. A sudden impact or a violent jolt can cause the brain to move inside the skull, leading to a TBI.
Slip-and-fall accidents are another common source of TBIs. Property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions, such as not addressing wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting, create hazardous environments. A slip or fall in such conditions can result in a head injury if the person hits their head on the ground or an object.
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents are also significant concerns. Collisions can occur if drivers fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks or do not watch for cyclists. These accidents often result in head injuries if the pedestrian or cyclist is thrown to the ground or hits their head during the crash.
Legally Proving a Tampa TBI Case
To legally prove the elements of a TBI case in Tampa, Florida, you need to establish several key points. These elements help demonstrate that the responsible party’s negligence caused your injury and that you are entitled to compensation.
- Duty of Care — First, you must show that the responsible party had a duty to act with reasonable care. For instance, drivers have a duty to obey traffic laws; property owners must keep their premises safe; doctors must provide competent medical care. Establishing this duty is crucial to proving that the party was expected to act in a certain way to avoid causing harm.
- Breach of Duty — Next, you must prove that the responsible party breached their duty of care. This means showing that their actions or failure to act fell below the standard of care expected in the situation. For example, if a driver was speeding, a property owner neglected to fix a hazardous condition, or a coach failed to enforce safety rules, they may have breached their duty.
- Causation — The third element is to demonstrate that the breach of duty directly caused your TBI. You must show a clear link between the negligent action and your injury. This involves proving that the TBI would not have occurred if the responsible party had acted properly. Medical records, expert testimony, and accident reports can help establish this connection.
- Damages — Finally, you need to prove that you suffered damages as a result of the TBI. This includes showing the extent of your injuries, such as medical expenses, lost income, and the effect on your quality of life. Evidence like medical bills, treatment records, and personal testimony about how the injury has affected you will support this claim.
In Tampa, it is essential to gather thorough documentation and possibly enlist expert testimony to strengthen your case.
Seeking Medical Treatment for a TBI in Tampa
After suffering a TBI in Tampa, Florida, due to someone else’s negligence, you may require a range of medical treatments to address your injury and aid in your recovery.
- Emergency Care — Immediately after a TBI, you may need emergency medical attention. This can include procedures to stabilize your condition, such as managing bleeding or swelling in the brain. Emergency room doctors may perform imaging tests, for example, CT scans or MRIs, to assess the extent of the injury.
- Hospitalization — Depending on the severity of the TBI, you may need to stay in the hospital for further observation and treatment. During this time, healthcare professionals will monitor your condition closely, manage pain, and address any complications that arise.
- Surgical Interventions — In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat a TBI. This can involve procedures to remove blood clots, repair skull fractures, or relieve pressure on the brain. Surgery is typically performed if there is significant damage that requires immediate intervention.
- Rehabilitation — After initial treatment, rehabilitation is often key for recovery. This can include several types of therapy:
- Physical Therapy—By helping you regain strength, balance, and coordination, this therapy focuses on improving your ability to perform everyday activities and reducing the physical limitations caused by your TBI.
- Occupational Therapy — Occupational therapy aims to help you adapt to daily living tasks and improve your independence. Occupational therapists work on skills like dressing, cooking, and using assistive devices if necessary.
- Speech and Language Therapy — If the TBI affects your ability to speak or communicate, this therapy can help you regain those skills. It also addresses issues with swallowing or cognitive functions related to language.
- Neuropsychological Therapy — This therapy helps with cognitive and emotional challenges following a TBI, such as memory problems, attention deficits, and mood swings. Neuropsychologists work to improve mental functions and coping strategies.
- Follow-up Care — Regular follow-up visits with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor your progress, adjust treatments, and address any ongoing issues.
Fighting the Insurance Company in a TBI Case
If you have suffered a TBI due to someone else’s negligence in Tampa, Florida, the legal team at Hancock Injury Attorneys can fight the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation. Here is how we can help:
- Gathering Evidence — We can start by collecting all relevant evidence to support your claim. This includes medical records, accident reports, and witness statements. We also work with experts to provide professional opinions on the extent of your injury and its effects on your life.
- Documenting Damages — We document all your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and any other costs related to your TBI. We also account for pain and suffering and any long-term effects of your injury. This comprehensive documentation strengthens your case and helps us demand fair compensation.
- Negotiating with the Insurance Company — Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. We handle all communications with them, using our knowledge of the law and negotiation skills to fight for the full amount you deserve. We counter low offers and advocate for a fair settlement based on the evidence and damages documented.
- Handling Legal Procedures — If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take legal action. We file the necessary paperwork, represent you in court, and handle all legal procedures to pursue the compensation you are entitled to.
- Providing Support — Throughout the process, we offer support and guidance. We keep you informed about your case’s progress and answer any questions you may have, ensuring that you understand your options and are prepared for each step.
By working with us, you gain experienced advocates dedicated to securing the compensation you need to recover from your TBI and move forward with your life.
Steps to Take After Suffering a TBI in Tampa
After suffering a TBI in Tampa, Florida, due to someone else’s negligence, taking certain steps is important for your recovery and legal claim.
- Finish Your Medical Treatment — Adhere to your medical treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments. This ensures you receive the care you need and provides important documentation of your injuries and recovery progress.
- Gather Medical Documentation — Collect all medical records related to your TBI, including test results, treatment plans, and bills. This documentation is essential for proving the extent of your injury and the costs involved.
- Collect Other Evidence — Gather any additional evidence related to the incident, such as accident reports, witness statements, and photographs of the scene. This helps establish the circumstances of the accident and the negligence involved.
- Speak with a Knowledgeable Tampa TBI Lawyer — At Hancock Injury Attorneys, we will help you understand your rights and work to secure the compensation you deserve. We will also handle communications with insurance companies and ensure all legal procedures are followed correctly.
Call a Knowledgeable Tampa TBI Lawyer Today
If you or a person you love recently suffered a TBI in an accident, the experienced Tampa personal injury lawyers at Hancock Injury Attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and advocate on your behalf. We can aggressively negotiate with insurance company representatives or litigate your case in court to pursue the fair compensation you deserve.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a skilled TBI attorney in Tampa, please call us at (813) 915-1110 or contact us online.