Gainesville Brain Injury Lawyers
Providing Compassionate Legal Support For Traumatic Brain Injury Victims in Florida
Brain injuries are severe injuries, often leading to lasting complications, lifelong impairments, coma, and death. Tragically, most traumatic brain injuries are the result of preventable accidents and acts of negligence. If you or someone you love suffered a brain injury due to the reckless, careless, or wrongful conduct of another, you could be entitled to financial compensation.
At Schackow & Mercadante, our Gainesville brain injury lawyers represent clients throughout Alachua County and all of North Central Florida who have suffered the devastating and life-altering consequences of someone else’s negligence. Our attorneys have over 126 years of combined legal experience and a long and proven track record of success. We are known for taking on tough challenges and achieving the results our clients deserve.
Have you or a loved one suffered a brain injury? Our Gainesville brain injury attorneys are ready to help you navigate your case. Call Schackow & Mercadante today at (352) 261-6767 or contact us online to get started!
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, are a type of acquired brain injury, meaning they occur after a person is born. As the name implies, TBIs are the result of trauma to the brain, leading to significant and sometimes permanent damage.
Some examples of traumatic brain injuries include:
- Concussions: A concussion occurs when the head suffers a sudden and severe impact or when the head and neck move violently back and forth or side to side (whiplash). Although they are classified as relatively “mild” brain injuries, concussions can still lead to significant adverse effects. This is especially true when an individual suffers multiple concussions.
- Coup-Contrecoup Injuries: A coup-contrecoup brain injury involves two injuries: one where a foreign object or outside force impacts the head and brain and one where the brain hits the opposite inside of the skull. These are violent injuries that often lead to severe brain damage and other lasting effects.
- Diffuse Axonal Injuries: A diffuse axonal injury (DAI) results from the forceful movement of the brain inside the skull, leading to shearing, or tearing, of the tiny connective tissues in the brain. Depending on the size, location, and severity of those tears, a DAI can lead to severe brain damage, coma, and death.
- Oxygen Deprivation: Oxygen deprivation—classified as anoxia or hypoxia, depending on whether oxygen flow to the brain is partially or entirely cut off—can lead to severe brain damage and death in a relatively short amount of time. This is considered a traumatic brain injury when it results from a catastrophic event, such as drowning, a birth injury, or a criminal act of violence.
- Penetrating Brain Injuries: A penetrating brain injury is a type of open-head injury in which a foreign object or particle enters the brain through the skull. Penetrating brain injuries often accompany skull fractures, as well as other types of TBIs. They are also severe and typically lead to large-scale brain damage, hemorrhaging, coma, and death.
All TBIs require immediate medical attention. If you suspect that you or someone else has suffered a possible brain injury, go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible. Closed-head injuries, in which there is no visible damage to the head or skull, can be particularly serious as they are often harder to detect. Always see a medical professional after a severe fall, motor vehicle accident, or blow to the head.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries arise from all types of traumatic accidents and events. Some of the most common causes of traumatic brain injuries include:
- Car, motorcycle, truck, and other motor vehicle accidents
- Bicycle- and pedestrian-vehicle collisions
- Falls, including slips and falls and falls from heights
- Swimming pool and water accidents, such as drowning
- Medical negligence leading to birth injuries and other incidents
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Workplace accidents and job-related medical conditions
- Boating and other recreational accidents
- Acts of violence, such as assault, battery, and assault with a deadly weapon
If someone else’s negligent or wrongful conduct led to your or your loved one’s brain injury, you likely have grounds for a personal injury claim. We encourage you to contact our Gainesville brain injury attorneys to learn how we can help you seek fair compensation.
What Compensation is Available For Traumatic Brain Injury Victims?
The cost of treating a TBI is immense. Many victims require hospitalization, an array of treatments, ongoing care, pain management, and rehabilitation. Many are unable to return to work for weeks or months, and others will never be able to earn a living for themselves or their families again because of the effects of their injuries. Not to mention, victims and their families experience a great deal of physical and emotional pain and suffering as a result of the life-changing impacts of a TBI.
Some of the economic and non-economic damages available in most brain injury lawsuits include:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Past, current, and future lost income/wages
- Past, current, and future pain and suffering
- Lost or diminished earning capacity
- Lost or diminished quality/enjoyment of life
- Costs associated with in-home assistance and care
- Costs associated with home modifications
- Miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury
At Schackow & Mercadante, we aim to help you recover the total, fair compensation you are owed for these and other damages. We believe in holding negligent parties accountable and are ready to fight for the justice you and your family deserve.
Local Resources for Brain Injury Victims in Gainesville
Gainesville offers a range of services and organizations dedicated to supporting individuals affected by traumatic brain injuries. One prominent facility is the Shands Hospital at the University of Florida, known for its advanced neurorehabilitation unit, which provides comprehensive care for brain injury victims. The multidisciplinary team of experts works closely with patients to optimize recovery and improve quality of life.
Additionally, the Brain Injury Association of Florida (BIAF) is an invaluable resource for those affected by TBIs. They offer support groups, educational materials, and access to community resources. Their mission is to assist individuals and families in navigating the challenges of TBIs, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge, and community connections to aid their journey. It is crucial to leverage such local resources for immediate care and ongoing support as families and individuals adapt to new routines post-injury.
Contact Schackow & Mercadante today for compassionate legal guidance today from our brain injury lawyer in Gainesville!
Awarded & Recognized What Our Clients Are Saying
-
I met with Marie Banks to go over Car Accident Preparedness. She was awesome and so full of knowledge. Patient with all my questions and I left her office feeling good about the insurance I had and felt prepared if an accident were to happen. She treated me like family. Thank you! 10 out of 10 would definitely recommend.- Pranish Sharma
-
“Marie was able to explain my coverage in a way that made it digestible and understandable. With Marie's help I was able to fix my insurance coverage to a policy that included the best protection and I now also rest easier knowing I'm in good hands if I eve”- Josh Talmore
-
I'm a UF student who got injured on campus. Schackow & Mercadante handled my case extremely well. Everything was settled in about a year. I highly recommend them for any personal injury case.- Jenny Haber
-
“The lawyers and staff at Schackow & Mercadante are professional, courteous and above all treat you like the person you are. You are not a number, you are not just a paycheck, but you are a friend, a guest, dare I even say, a family member.”- Ashley Wilson
-
I would absolutely trust Schackow & Mercadante to handle any injury claim. After several meetings with their staff, I'm 100% comfortable with their positive outlook and trust they want what's best for their clients.- Rob Matthews
-
They treated me with great respect and negotiated a settlement for me far beyond my expectations. They answered my calls promptly and were available each time I needed them throughout my case. I have recommended this law firm to others I know because I trust the attorneys and staff here immensely.- T Harrison
-
I highly recommend Schackow & Mercadante, P.A.!!! The office staff is very polite and professional. Attorneys were great and treated me like a family member.- Kevin Drye
What are The Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) often have far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond the immediate injury. The total impact of a brain injury may not be apparent right away, and many victims face ongoing challenges for the rest of their lives. Some of the long-term effects of TBIs include:
- Cognitive Impairments: Problems with memory, concentration, and decision-making.
- Physical Limitations: Difficulty with motor skills, coordination, and balance.
- Emotional and Behavioral Changes: Mood swings, depression, anxiety, and irritability.
- Chronic Pain: Persistent headaches and pain that may affect daily activities.
- Sensory Issues: Vision or hearing problems, including ear ringing (tinnitus).
- Increased Risk for Neurodegenerative Diseases: Conditions such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's that can arise from brain injury.
The long-term effects of a TBI can alter the course of a person’s life, affecting not only their ability to work but also their personal relationships and overall quality of life. Victims often require ongoing care, therapy, and adjustments to their daily routines. Understanding the full scope of these impacts is critical in securing the compensation needed to support recovery.
Focus on Healing While We Handle Your Traumatic Brain Injury Claim
After a traumatic brain injury, the healing process can be long, slow, and difficult. At Schackow & Mercadante, we want to help ease some of the stress you and your family are under during this challenging time. Our Gainesville traumatic brain injury lawyers can handle every detail of your claim, allowing you to focus simply on your physical and emotional recovery. We know how to investigate cases to determine liability thoroughly, and we have the resources to negotiate with insurance companies and other powerful entities effectively. Whenever necessary, we are prepared to litigate and try cases on behalf of our clients. Your attorney will provide personal attention and direct, one-on-one communication throughout the legal process. When you choose Schackow & Mercadante, you will not be treated like just another case number. Instead, you will be viewed as a member of our family.
FAQs About Brain Injuries
What should I do immediately after a suspected brain injury?
Immediate medical attention is crucial after a suspected brain injury. If you or someone else experiences a severe blow to the head, seek emergency medical help promptly. Even if symptoms seem mild, such as a slight headache or minor dizziness, it is vital to get a professional evaluation, as symptoms can worsen over time. In Gainesville, visit a local emergency room like that at Shands Hospital, where specialists in trauma care can provide the urgent attention needed to assess and address brain injuries.
Who can be held responsible for causing a brain injury?
Those who can be held accountable for a brain injury extend beyond the immediate party involved in the accident. Potentially liable parties include employers (in workplace incidents), product manufacturers (in cases of defective products), or even government entities if infrastructure failures contributed to the event. Establishing liability requires showcasing negligence or misconduct, which is a process that brain injury lawyers manage through comprehensive investigation and evidence-gathering, ensuring responsible parties are identified and held accountable.
Can I receive financial assistance during my recovery from a brain injury?
Several programs and resources are available for financial assistance during the recovery period from brain injury. In Florida, Medicaid waivers can help offset medical expenses for qualified people. Additionally, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) might be accessible to individuals whose TBIs severely impact their work ability. With the help of legal counsel, you can navigate and apply for necessary government support programs and explore the possibility of recovering compensation through legal claims to alleviate financial strain during recovery.
What rehabilitation options are available in Gainesville for TBI victims?
Gainesville provides various rehabilitation options for TBI victims that cater to comprehensive recovery needs. The Shands Rehab Hospital specializes in neurorehabilitation, offering personalized therapy plans and state-of-the-art technology tailored to individual needs. Multidisciplinary treatments focus on physical therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and psychological support to maximize recovery potential. Utilizing these local facilities can significantly aid a smoother transition back into everyday life and ensure ongoing post-injury progress.
Contact Our Gainesville Brain Injury Attorney Today
Recovering from a brain injury can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. The road to healing is often long and challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Schackow & Mercadante, we are committed to helping you through every stage of your recovery, from securing the compensation you need to addressing the injury’s ongoing impact on your life. Our team understands the complexities of brain injury cases and will fight to hold those responsible accountable for their negligence.
Contact Schackow & Mercadante to discuss how our Gainesville brain injury lawyers can help you secure the compensation you deserve!
Why Clients Trust Us
-
Personalized Advice & Concierge Level Experience
-
Direct Communication With Your Attorney
-
Over 125 Years of Combined Experience
-
Practicing in The Gainesville Area 55+ Years