Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney in Mississippi

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most serious and catastrophic injuries an individual can suffer. TBI ranges in severity from moderate cases that may last only a few hours or days to severe cases that can last for months or years and even become a permanent debilitating condition. When someone suffers from TBI, it can turn their whole world upside down, and it heavily impacts the people around them as well. Many of these injuries occur because of the negligence or reckless actions of another party. When this is the case, victims deserve to be fully compensated.

At Gardner Law Firm, we understand the enormous physical, emotional, and financial toll traumatic brain injuries have on victims and their families, and our goal is to make the legal process smooth and seamless. Our attorneys have proudly served clients in Mississippi’s Gulf Coast since 1979, and we have a strong track record of success with even the most complex personal injury cases.

We adopt a personalized approach to each case, taking the time to thoroughly assess the specific circumstances and explore every potential legal avenue toward a positive outcome. We are skilled litigators and strong negotiators. Whenever possible, we look to negotiate a favorable settlement for our clients without the need to go to trial. If the other side is not willing to be reasonable, however, we have the experience, knowledge, resources, and commitment to aggressively advocate for your rights and interests at trial and upon appeal.

What Causes Traumatic Brain Injuries?

TBI is caused by a bump, jolt, or blow to the head, and it is a major cause of death and disability in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control, TBI contributes to the deaths of approximately 50,000 people each year, and 80,000 to 90,000 people experience the onset of a disability each year because of this condition.

There are several reasons TBI occurs, some of the most common include:

• Falls: Nearly half of all traumatic brain injuries happen because of individuals falling down and hitting their head. Slips, trips, and falls can occur anywhere, and there are many potential causes. Examples include slippery floors at workplaces, shopping, and retail establishments, uneven pavement, poorly lit areas, areas with debris and clutter, and numerous others. Younger children, disabled adults, and adults over age 65 are the most susceptible to sustaining a traumatic brain injury because of a fall. When this type of accident is due to the negligence of a third party, those responsible must be held fully accountable.
• Being Struck By/Against Incidents: The second-leading cause of TBI in the U.S. is being struck in the head by equipment, machinery, or loose objects. Being struck by/against accidents are especially common in certain types of workplaces where heavy machinery and equipment is used in a fast-paced environment. Examples include construction sites, factories, loading docks, shipyards, and offshore drilling sites.
• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Motor vehicle and traffic-related incidents are the nation’s third-leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. This often occurs because of a driver’s or passenger’s head being jolted suddenly during a crash. Examples of motor vehicle accidents that can result in cases of TBI include car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bus accidents, boating accidents, and bicycle and pedestrian accidents.
• Violence: Various forms of violence are the fourth-leading cause of TBI in the United States. Assault and battery and self-harm would fall into this category. Domestic assault is among the leading causes of death for children between the ages of 0 and 4, and a high number of teens are also treated for assault-related TBI each year.
• Others: There are several other potential causes of traumatic brain injury. Examples include explosions, gunshots, birth injuries (often due to medical malpractice), sports-related injuries (such as blows to the head in boxing and helmet-to-helmet football collisions), and many others.

Traumatic brain injuries are not always detected immediately after an accident. Following an accident, the main focus is usually treating physical wounds, and the symptoms of TBI do not always manifest themselves until several hours or days later. No two TBI cases are exactly alike, and the symptoms are different for each individual. In its mildest form (commonly known as a “concussion”), TBI results in a temporary alteration of mental state or consciousness. In its most severe forms, the effects can be permanent.

Some of the common symptoms that may be indicators of TBI include:

• Constant and severe headaches;
• Blurred eyesight and other vision problems;
• Loss of coordination;
• Convulsions;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Changes in mood and/or behavior;
• Anxiety/depression;
• Frequent agitation/irritation;
• Fatigue;
• Difficulty with concentration and focus;
• Slurred speech;
• Memory loss;
• Partial or complete paralysis.

Damages in Traumatic Brain Injury Cases in Mississippi

TBI can be a life-altering experience that results in major changes for victims and their families. Compensation for traumatic brain injuries can be sought if another party was responsible. These can be broken down into three general categories:

• Economic Damages: Compensation for actual expenses incurred due to the injury. Examples include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, costs for ongoing treatment, lost wages (for time missed from work), loss of earning capacity (if the condition is permanent and debilitating), and funeral and burial costs (in cases when TBI results in wrongful death).
• Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for damages that cannot be quantified. These may include physical pain and suffering, emotional/psychological distress, and severely diminished quality of life.
• Punitive Damages: In rare cases in which the actions or omissions of the responsible party were especially egregious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter them (and others) from similar behavior in the future.

Mississippi has a three-year statute of limitations from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim. If you fail to file a claim within the three-year window, you may be barred from recovering compensation. If the responsible party is a city, county, or state entity, the statute of limitations is only one year from the date of injury.

Contact a Results-Driven South Mississippi Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury because of the actions or omissions of another party, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney, so you fully understand your rights and options. At Gardner Law Firm, our lawyers have more than four decades of experience representing injury victims in Biloxi, Pascagoula, and all along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Call us today at 228-436-6555 for a free consultation or talk to us via chat.

We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency basis – meaning you only pay attorney fees if we win your case