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  • What causes traumatic brain injury?

    The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. It governs every aspect of your life and ensures you remain safe and healthy. With over 200,000 people in Florida living with traumatic brain injury, it’s important to understand its potential causes and seek help early to achieve maximum recovery.

    What is traumatic brain injury?

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of injury that occurs when an external force causes damage to the brain. TBI can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the extent of the damage. It can affect a person’s physical, cognitive and emotional functioning. TBI can have many causes, including falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries and physical assault.

    Falls

    One of the most common causes of TBI is falls. Children and older adults are particularly vulnerable to falling accidents.

    Car accidents

    Motor vehicle accidents are another leading cause of TBI. The force of the impact and the potential for the head to strike an object can cause damage to the brain. Wearing a seatbelt and taking other precautions can help to reduce the risk of TBI in a motor vehicle accident.

    Sports-related injuries

    Sports injuries can also result in TBI. This can occur from contact sports, such as football and hockey, or from non-contact sports, such as cycling and horseback riding. Wearing appropriate protective gear and following safety guidelines are crucial in preventing TBI in sports.

    Assault and battery

    Physical assault including domestic violence, child abuse and other forms of violence can end in brain injury for the victim. Furthermore, brain injury can result from combat, adding to PTSD suffered by veterans.

    Protect your brain and seek help in case of injury

    It is essential to take precautions to prevent TBI, such as wearing a helmet when engaging in activities with a high risk of head injury and using safety equipment in the workplace. If a TBI does occur, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to minimize the potential long-term effects. Therapy from knowledgeable specialists can drastically improve an injury victim’s prognosis.

  • How to avoid winter slips and falls

    As winter approaches the danger of slips and falls increases. Even in sunny Florida, rain, snow, and sleet make surfaces slippery and more dangerous. However, there are things that you can do to ensure that you stay safe.

    Have a plan

    Be knowledgeable of weather conditions and wait for bad weather to improve before going out. Don’t rush, give yourself enough time to get to your destination. Try another route if your usual one is particularly snowy or icy. having a plan can help avoid slip-and-fall accidents.

    Pay attention

    Look out for icy patches and test for black ice. Scan your route for rocks, snow or stray branches that could make you fall. Stay off your cell phone while you are walking.

    Dress appropriately

    Wear extra layers of clothing and gloves, the extra padding can help if you have a slip and fall accident. Boots or shoes that have sip resistant soles are the safest during winter weather. Avoid loose shoes or shoes with high heels.

    Keep your hands free

    Carry as few items as possible, you want your arms free to help keep your balance. If you must carry several things, use a backpack. You can avoid serious injuries by bracing yourself with your hands. If you fall, drop what you are carrying and protect your body.

    Be careful entering or exiting

    When you are exiting your car, hold on to your vehicle. When you are entering a building, wipe your feet: Removing as much snow and ice as you can decreases the likelihood of a fall once you are inside. Use handrails if they are available.

    The surest way to stay safe during dangerous weather is to stay inside, however, that is not always possible. Use care if you do have to go out. Be aware of your surroundings and take your time.

  • Tips to prevent motorcycle accidents

    Florida had an estimated 620,077 registered motorcyclists in 2022. The warm and sunny weather encourages many residents to ride motorcycles. But the joy of riding in Florida isn’t without its dangers.

    Motorcyclists have a high risk of accidents on local streets. Here are some tips to prevent motorcycle crashes and make your rides safer.

    Practice caution at intersections

    Motorcycle accidents occur often at intersections. Some drivers are notorious for running red lights. This is why motorcyclists should wait a second before stepping on the gas. Also, anticipate what the driver in front of you intends to do. Watch carefully for turn signals.

    Make yourself visible

    Motorcyclists are sometimes easy to miss – especially at night. Consider wearing bright colors and reflective gear. Or go a step further and add bright colors and reflective gear to your motorcycle. And remember, your headlight makes you visible during the day and night.

    Pay attention to road conditions

    Bad roads are hazardous for motorcyclists. Driving over a pothole could cause you to crash. A rocky or bumpy road could also cause a motorcycle accident. Watch for road hazards during your ride.

    Wear a helmet

    A motorcycle helmet can’t prevent an accident. But it might save your life should an accident occur. Failing to wear a helmet could result in brain injury from an accident.

    Avoid speeding

    Motorcycles are built for speed – but not when you’re on public roads. Save the speeding for track racing. Speeding is a cause of accidents for motorcycles and other motor vehicles. Slow down and drive the speed limit.

    The tips mentioned here will make your rides safer. When you practice safety, the roads become safer for everyone.

  • How does Traumatic Brain Injury affect military veterans?

    Nearly 1.5 million U.S. veterans call Florida their home. After their noble sacrifices in the armed forces, these vets often experience life-changing injuries related to their service. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) cause some of the most severe life-changing physical and emotional changes.

    TBI definition

    The medical community defines a TBI as brain injuries involving a sudden trauma. A TBI typically occurs either when the head comes into violent contact with another object or when an object pierces the skull.

    Causes of TBI in veterans

    For veterans serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, the repeated use of improvised explosive devices contributes to the number of TBI cases. Other common causes of TBI in veterans include:

    • Bullets penetrating the skull
    • Penetrating shrapnel injuries
    • Rollover accidents
    • Falls
    • Personal assaults

    Physical effects of a TBI

    Some physical effects of a TBI may occur immediately. You may notice others until months after your initial injury. Veterans with a TBI can expect any of the following:

    • Weakness in the limbs
    • Vision and hearing problems
    • Memory difficulty
    • Concentration problems
    • Seizures
    • Increased pneumonia

    Emotional effects

    Individuals with a TBI may not immediately notice them. If they do detect the effects, they may not attribute them to the TBI. Depression and growing numbers of suicide result from veteran’s TBIs. Other emotional effects include:

    • Mood swings
    • Impulsiveness
    • Anxiety
    • Personality changes

    TBI veteran benefits

    Veterans with TBI must be able to demonstrate that the condition affects their civilian life. If they meet that condition, they may qualify for disability benefits from Veterans Affairs. If the VA denies those claims, veterans may pursue lawsuits against the military, as long as they are no longer on active duty.

    Never underestimate a TBI’s impact

    Veterans who sustained a TBI during active duty may experience long-term emotional and physical side effects. Both veterans and the VA should recognize a TBI as a service-related disability.

  • What is a post-traumatic headache, and why does it occur?

    It’s normal for all residents of Florida and other areas to experience occasional headaches. However, after suffering head trauma, you might deal with a specific type of pain. This is known as post-traumatic headache, and this is how it affects you.

    Understanding post-traumatic headaches

    A post-traumatic headache can occur within seven days of sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Sometimes, it develops after a person comes back from unconsciousness.

    Post-traumatic headaches are intensely painful and similar to migraines as it’s possible to experience side effects such as sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting. They can feel like pounding in a person’s head. Other possible symptoms of a post-traumatic headache may include fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, mood and personality changes, nervousness, memory and concentration problems and depression.

    Many people who develop post-traumatic headaches improve within three months, but some experience them for even longer. Women and anyone with a family history of migraine are more at risk for post-traumatic headaches.

    Causes of post-traumatic headache

    As post-traumatic headache develops from suffering a TBI, there are different ways the injury can occur. Car accidents often result in severe trauma to the head upon impact. The person’s head may be whipped violently forward and then back or from side to side and the brain is jolted, hitting one side of the skull and then the other.

    Falls that result in a person hitting their head on the ground or another surface can also cause TBI. Sports and acts of violence that involve blunt force trauma to the head can also lead to the development of TBI and later, post-traumatic headache.

    A post-traumatic headache is often debilitating, affecting the victim’s ability to perform regular daily activities. Seeking medical attention might help improve a person’s condition.

  • What damages are available in a wrongful death lawsuit?

    It’s always horrible when a loved one passes away, but it’s even worse when there’s a situation of wrongful death. It can leave the person’s family members at a complete loss. In Florida, the decedent’s personal representative can file a wrongful death lawsuit on the family’s behalf. Certain damages can be recovered if the case is successful.

    Losses suffered by the decedent

    In some cases, the victim might be left alive and suffering for a period of time before they ultimately pass away. For example, a person hit by a car might be in critical condition and need extensive surgery for their injuries but end up dying sometime later. The wrongful death damages could include medical expenses, lost wages, ongoing medical treatment, pain and suffering, and mental anguish.

    Economic losses suffered by the family

    Economic losses are those that carry an actual monetary figure. In wrongful death cases, the victim’s surviving family members often suffer financially if they depended on the victim for such support. The person’s spouse and children might have been on their health insurance plan and relied on them for everyday support. In a wrongful death claim, the family could recover those financial damages for the support they would have continued receiving had the victim survived.

    Non-economic losses suffered by the family

    Not all damages in a wrongful death case have a price tag. Non-economic damages are those that the family suffers that cannot be measured. These losses include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, loss of companionship, guidance, support and protection. Surviving spouses and children of wrongful death victims often experience significant emotional trauma and might go on to develop mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. In a successful claim, they could recover compensation for such damages.

    Sometimes, punitive damages are awarded as well to punish the at-fault party for egregious behavior or conduct.

  • What should you know about Florida medical care and spinal cord injuries?

    Spinal cord injuries may cause permanent disabilities or even death. Florida residents who believe they sustained a spinal cord injury should seek medical care immediately. Seeking care immediately could prevent the spinal cord injury from becoming worse.

    Common causes

    Spinal cord injuries occur due to a variety of accidents, violence or diseases. Some of the most common causes include:

    • Car accidents

    • Slip and falls

    • Gunshot wounds

    • Knife wounds

    • Sports injuries

    • Cancer

    • Spinal cord inflammation

    Signs and symptoms

    Since spinal cord injuries typically begin as a personal injury following an accident, you may start to notice signs and symptoms right away that you may have spinal cord damage. These symptoms occur most commonly and may alert you to the presence of spinal cord injuries:

    • Extreme back pain

    • Weakness in any part of the body

    • Sudden loss of bowel or bladder control

    • Impaired breathing

    • Tingling or numbness in toes, feet, fingers or hands

    • Balance problems

    Accident victims

    Accident victims should seek medical examination to ensure they have not sustained a spinal cord injury. Any delay in seeking help may complicate the wound and cause an extended recovery period.

    Testing and diagnostic procedures

    You will first endure a physical exam when you seek medical treatment for a possible spinal cord injury. During the exam, the doctor may test your breathing and pulse rates. In addition, doctors typically test your strength and feeling in your arms and legs. To thoroughly test your spinal cord, your medical provider may order x-rays, CAT scans or MRIs.

    Impact on your life

    Seeking medical diagnosis and treatment for your spinal cord injury can result in significant medical bills. Even with treatment, you may have difficulty returning to work. In addition, accident victims who sustain injuries to the negligence of others often seek legal action and compensation to help pay for the expenses that occurred due to spinal cord injuries.

  • Accidents involving delivery trucks

    From cargo vans to 18-wheelers, delivery trucks are a common sight on the roads of Florida. An accident with one of these commercial vehicles could leave you with an unclear picture of who bears financial liability for your medical bills and other losses. Delivery vehicles can be driven by employees or independent contractors. Depending on the circumstances, you might pursue compensation from the driver, the company or both.

    Employee vs. independent contractor

    A delivery company that directly employs the driver may be wholly or partially responsible for settling your accident claim if you are not at fault for the crash. Usually, the company’s insurance will be your source of compensation if the driver was an employee and performing services at the time of the accident.

    The picture gets muddier with an independent contractor driver because the contract places a layer of legal protection between the company and the actions of the driver. For example, Amazon, which has a multitude of branded vehicles on the roads and over 50,000 subcontracted delivery drivers, denies any liability for reckless drivers.

    Accident investigation

    Evidence collected at the accident scene and by the responding police officer usually points to who was at fault for the collision. Additional investigative work may need to be done to determine the driver’s status at the time of the wreck and applicable insurance policies.

    Accident victims usually hope to find the delivery company responsible for damages because a commercial company will carry a larger insurance policy. In the case of an independent contractor, you may file insurance claims or lawsuits against both the driver and the contracting company. Subsequent negotiations and litigation will reveal who has to pay and how much.

  • Most common car accident bone breaks in Florida

    The most common injuries from car accidents are injuries to the neck or back and broken bones. Following a car accident in Florida, passengers may suffer a wide range of injuries, from scratches and bruises to whiplash or traumatic brain injury. Broken bones due to a crash can be painful and require medical attention and significant time to heal. Some breaks are more likely than others, with the most commonly-broken bones in car accidents including the skull, facial bones, clavicle, arm bones and spinal vertebrae.

    Car accident injuries to the cranium or facial bones

    Injuries to the cranium or face are more likely in car accidents where the person is not wearing their seat belt, but they can happen either way. Generally, head injuries are more severe if a seat belt is not worn, as the person’s head or face could impact violently with the steering wheel or other parts of the vehicle’s interior. Facial bones are smaller than the cranium and so are damaged more easily. People commonly break bones in their faces, like their nose or their cheekbone in crashes.

    Clavicle and arm injuries

    Clavicle injuries are more common in motor vehicle accidents where seat belts are worn. This injury is because the seat belt applies pressure to the clavicle in the event of a crash and the clavicle is a relatively delicate bone. Arm bones frequently break because the person puts their arms out to brace for impact. However, the bones are not strong enough to serve as a brace, so they fail and break against the strain.

    Car crash injuries to the spine

    The spine is a series of small bones known as vertebrae. Car accidents can put significant pressure on the vertebrae, causing them to misalign or herniate. The vertebrae can also be fractured if there is a hard enough impact. Injuries from car accidents can affect any area of the body. Therefore, seeking medical attention to deal with car accident injuries is a good idea.

  • Can a traumatic brain injury lead to a learning disability?

    Many Florida residents sustain traumatic brain injuries in accidents. Children, in particular, are susceptible to developing learning disabilities when they experience head injuries. This is how such an injury can affect learning when the brain is still growing and developing.

    How brain injuries occur in children

    Although children are resilient, they can develop a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from falls, car crashes, and sports activities. A TBI can range from mild to severe in the form of a concussion or much worse injury that results in permanent brain damage. When a child sustains such an injury, it could be devastating for their developing brain.

    Parents should be aware of certain symptoms in their children that signify they might have suffered a TBI. It might take hours or even days for signs to appear, but a major indication of a TBI is loss of consciousness. Other symptoms include confusion, speech problems, dizziness, memory problems, delayed responses, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, a child might experience seizures or coma.

    Learning disabilities after a TBI and help

    A child can develop a learning disability after suffering a TBI. Depending on the area of the brain affected, their cognitive ability, memory, problem-solving, communication and attention could be impacted. A child who once had their full faculties could experience difficulties in these areas and more.

    If a child has suffered a TBI, the first year after diagnosis is crucial for their prognosis, especially if they’ve developed a learning disability. This situation requires special education programs such as an Individualized Education Program, which involves one-on-one instruction to prepare the child for their transition back to class. At home, parents can help their children with smartphone apps and flashcards that help with memory issues.

    TBIs leading to learning disabilities present challenges, but there are measures to help children cope and succeed.