Brain Injuries

The consequences of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be catastrophic and life-altering. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that every day, 176 TBI-related deaths are reported across the country. Each year, more than 64,000 people get killed as a result of TBI and TBI-related complications.

If you or any of your family members have suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of someone else’s negligence or wrongful conduct, you have the right to take legal action against them and recover damages. At Boyce Holleman and Associates, we have over 60 years of combined experience in fighting for the rights of injury victims throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

We have a track record of recovering substantial damages for our clients and have obtained numerous million-dollar settlements over the years. Contact us today to discuss your TBI claim with one of our profound and cordial Gulfport, MS traumatic brain injury lawyers.

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury or TBI is a broad term that is used to describe injuries to the brain that are caused as a result of a bump, jolt, or blow to the head. It can also be caused by a forceful hit to your body that causes your brain to rapidly move back and forth inside the skull.

TBIs can be classified into closed-head injuries and open-head injuries. A closed head injury is caused by a non-penetrating injury to your head. An open head injury, on the other hand, is caused by a penetrating injury that causes your skull to break.

Causes of TBIs in Mississippi Accidents 

The most common causes of TBIs are car crashes, motorcycle and pedestrian accidents, falls from height, and getting hit by a heavy or moving object. Falls, in particular, are responsible for nearly 50% of all TBI-related hospitalizations in the country.

Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury

The symptoms of a TBI usually depend on the severity of the injury. These include:

• Confusion and disorientation
• Dilated pupils
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and smell
• Slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness
• Convulsions or seizures
• Rapid mood and behavioral changes
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Loss of sensation in the extremities

In case of a serious TBI, the individual might go into a coma. Following a TBI, it is critical to get medical care as soon as possible. Any delay in getting medical attention can worsen the damage to the brain and lead to life-threatening complications.

Hospitals and Doctors in Gulfport, MS

There are a number of hospitals in and around Gulfport where you can get treated for a TBI. These include the Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, Singing River Gulfport, Merit Health Biloxi, Ochsner Health Center – Hancock, Pascagoula Hospital, and Our Lady of the Lake Surgical Hospital.

There are 209 physicians per 100,000 residents in Gulfport, which is on par with the national average of 210 physicians per 100,000 residents. The health cost index, on the other hand, is 108.6, which is slightly higher than the national average of 100. 

How a Serious Head Injury or TBI Can Impact Your Life

A TBI can affect your or a loved one’s life in more ways than you can imagine. Depending on the severity of the injury, the consequences can include:

• Cognitive Impairments (memory loss, amnesia, shortened attention span, loss of problem-solving skills, and more).
• Motor Impairments (loss of balance and coordination, tremors, reduced endurance, and more).
• Sensory Impairments (vision problems, hearing problems, changes in smell, taste, and touch, heightened or reduced sensation of body parts, and more).
• Communication-Related Impairments (slowed speech, difficulty in reading, writing, and speaking, difficulty in choosing the right words to say, difficulty in understanding what others say, and more).
• Functional Impairments (inability to drive a car or perform other activities of daily living like brushing the teeth, bathing, dressing, and eating).
• Regulatory Impairments (too much sleep or lack of sleep, loss of bladder and bowel control, and more).
• Psychiatric Impairments (rapid mood swings, apathy, anxiety, depression, inappropriate sexual behavior, and more).

Time Limit for Filing a Traumatic Brain Injury Claim in Gulfport, MS

Under the Mississippi personal injury statute of limitations, the deadline for filing a TBI claim in Gulfport, MS is three years. The three-year deadline starts from the date on which the accident occurred.

Potential Damages You Can Recover in a Gulfport TBI Claim

Depending on how serious your TBI is, you might be able to recover the following damages.

• Current and future medical expenses.
• Rehabilitation and therapy.
• Long-term care.
• Lost earnings.
• Loss of future earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress.
• Diminished quality of life.

If your ability to have a marital relationship with your spouse is affected, which is always a possibility in TBIs, your spouse has the right to sue the at-fault party for the loss of consortium and seek compensation.

Why You Should Not Settle a Traumatic Brain Injury Claim Too Early

One of the problems with TBIs is that it can be hard to determine how long the symptoms might last and how severe the consequences can be. If you settle the claim too early, and if complications arise down the line, you might struggle to meet the expenses associated with your treatment and care.

This is because the settlement offers made by insurance companies tend to be considerably less than the actual value of the claim. More importantly, once you settle a claim, you will permanently lose your right to sue the at-fault party again. If your injury turns out to be far worse than you thought, you might not be able to get any compensation from the at-fault party.

It’s why you should let your personal injury lawyer negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and let them take your case to trial if needed to recover the compensation you are owed.

Our Highly-Rated Gulfport, MS Traumatic Brain Injury Attorneys are Ready to Fight For You

At Boyce Holleman & Associates, we have been fighting for the rights of injury victims on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for more than 60 years. We have extensive experience in representing TBI victims and we are willing to fight tirelessly to recover the compensation you are owed.

Our personal injury lawyers are known for their negotiation skills and work ethic and have countless hours of courtroom experience. We have what it takes to get you the compensation you need.

Call our firm today at 228-863-3142 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.