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Understanding moderate and severe TBI

May 10, 2023

Over 5,400 people in Florida died from traumatic brain injuries in 2021. The rate of traumatic brain injury-related deaths per 100,000 people was 20.6, the highest since 2005. The CDC describes traumatic brain injury, or TBI, as an injury that impacts brain function. The injury occurs by blunt force, like a jolt, blow or bump to the head, or from a penetration that ruptures the skull.

Understanding TBI

Generally speaking, accident victims may suffer from mild, moderate or severe TBI. Mild TBI is often synonymous with a concussion. These injuries are typically caused by a blow, jolt or bump to the head. The body can be hit with enough force to move the brain inside the skull. Damage can result from the brain twisting or bouncing against the skull. Stretching tissue can also damage brain cells. Mild TBI typically results in impaired cognition affecting learning, memory and concentration.

Moderate and severe TBI

Moderate and severe TBI may be caused by blunt force, like mild TBI, or by penetration of the skull. Thousands of people die from moderate and severe TBI each year. Nationwide, around 190 people die from TBI every day, on average. Moderate or severe TBI may result in a long-term personal injury or permanent health conditions. Most moderate and severe TBI injuries are caused by falls and firearm-related incidents. Another common cause of moderate and severe TBI is auto accidents.

Males and people over age 65 have the highest rate of TBI-related deaths in the U.S. population. Young people with TBI are at risk of impaired brain development. Moderate and severe TBI is also common among veterans, individuals in correctional facilities and domestic violence victims. Many people suffering symptoms of moderate or severe TBI may require ongoing care to aid in long-term recovery.

What are traumatic brain injuries?

April 27, 2023

About 223,000 people are hospitalized annually in the United States, including Florida, with a traumatic brain injury, and almost 70,000 die. Males are twice as likely to be hospitalized and three times more likely to die than females. Over 32% of traumatic brain injuries requiring hospitalization occur in people over 75, and they account for 28% of all traumatic brain injury deaths.

Traumatic brain injury definition

A traumatic brain injury occurs when a powerful impact or rapid or sudden movement damages the neurons and blood vessels in the brain. Symptoms can appear instantly or take several days to appear. Bleeding and microscopic injuries can occur alongside the major ones.

Movements causing traumatic brain injuries

Several movements can cause traumatic brain injuries. A person can get hit in the head, which causes the head to move simultaneously in many different directions. The blow can cause the head to move violently in one direction or jerk back and forth. Furthermore, auto accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries. When it stops moving, the brain bounces violently against the skull. While it often returns to its normal position, it can get stuck on one side, causing a personal injury. When this occurs, neurons and blood vessels can bleed and tear. Additionally, the brain can swell, causing further damage.

Treatment of traumatic brain injuries

While the priority of the medical care team will be to stop further damage, follow-up care may include having surgery and getting steroids. Often, a person with a traumatic brain injury loses some of their functions, so rehabilitation may be necessary. Additionally, the damage can change a person’s emotional health and therapy may be beneficial.

Traumatic brain injuries caused by sudden brain movements inside the skull can be life-altering. Call emergency services if you believe someone has suffered a traumatic brain injury.

Florida cities can be dangerous for pedestrians

December 6, 2022

Pedestrian fatalities have risen alarmingly in recent years, and a report released by Smart Growth America suggests that the problem is getting worse. It reveals that 7,485 pedestrians were killed on America’s roads in 2021, which the road safety advocacy group says is the highest pedestrian death toll in four decades. The report also listed the 10 most dangerous cities in America for those who travel on foot, and four of them are in Florida.

Dangerous cities for pedestrians

Pedestrian deaths are falling in many parts of the world thanks to improved road designs that calm traffic in areas where cyclists and pedestrians are common, but American city planners focus on ways to move motor vehicles as quickly as possible. The result is cities with wide roads that become pedestrian accident hot spots because they are very dangerous to cross on foot. The Daytona-Ormond Beach metropolitan area is the most dangerous region in America for pedestrians according to Smart Growth America, and Tampa Bay, Jacksonville and Orlando were the fourth, sixth and eighth most dangerous cities.

More alarming news

The Smart Growth America report was released less than six months after the Governors Highway Safety Association announced that pedestrian deaths in Florida increased by more than 25% in 2021. The nonprofit road safety group says that 899 of the 7,485 pedestrians who died in 2021 were struck and killed while walking in Florida, which means the Sunshine State accounts for more than 12% of the country’s pedestrian deaths. The GHSA says pedestrians will remain in danger until infrastructure is improved and roads are redesigned for safety instead of speed.

Cities have to do more

City planners in Florida and other parts of the United States should encourage walking and cycling and do more to protect vulnerable road users. Cities in other parts of the world have shown what can be done, so there is no reason for America to be lagging so far behind in such an important area. Drivers may loathe reduced speed limits and traffic calming measures, but something has to be done to keep pedestrians safe.

Auto accidents and burn injuries

November 10, 2022

Car crashes could leave accident victims with broken bones and psychological trauma. Those injured in a collision might suffer severe burns. Not every commuter in Florida realizes they are at risk for burn injuries until suffering such harm.

Burns and vehicle collisions

Commuters passing a car accident scene might sometimes see vehicles that have caught on fire. Damage to the fuel tanks often results in gasoline leaks, which could ignite for several reasons. Persons inside the car may suffer burns from the gasoline, as might first responders or good Samaritans that attempt to help.

Fuel is not the only fluid that may cause burns. Coolant could spray onto a driver and the passengers when a colliding vehicle impacts the radiator. Coolants heat up to enormous temperatures in the engine and may severely scald those it touches. Also, heated metal components from the engine and other car parts may come in contact with drivers or passengers. The heated metal may inflict burns.

There are other ways someone might suffer burn injuries. Hot debris may fly into the car, causing impact and burn injuries. Chemicals might leak from a truck a vehicle hits, or a driver may go through the windshield and suffer road burns on impact.

The legal aftermath

Florida motor vehicle accidents that cause burns may leave victims with life-threatening injuries. The burns could require extensive medical treatment, including cosmetic procedures to address any skin disfigurement. The costs associated with such medical care may be enormous.

Civil litigation serves as a way to receive compensation and punitive damages after a vehicle collision. A fair auto insurance policy settlement might do the same, although some victims could sue a negligent party beyond policy limits.

How to deal with grief while recovering from a brain injury

August 30, 2022

Nothing can change your life in Florida faster than a car accident. Sometimes, these accidents aren’t mere fender benders. Some accidents can cause all sorts of injuries, especially those involving the brain. It’s not uncommon for someone recovering from a brain injury to experience grief over the ways their life has changed. With that in mind, here are a few helpful ways to deal with the grieving that can happen after a brain injury.

Consider attending therapy

Many people find the help they need to overcome grief by speaking with a therapist. These days, you don’t even need to leave the house to attend a therapy session. If therapy isn’t your thing, you might seek out a local support group. Regardless of which option you choose, there are always people you can talk to about your grief.

Give yourself time

It’s often difficult for people to understand how a personal injury affects someone else, especially injuries involving the brain. Because of that, some people might try to urge you into getting over your grief. But it’s not always that easy. Instead of trying to rush things, let yourself naturally go through the grieving process.

Celebrate your new life

Oftentimes, many people feel grief about who they were before their brain injury happened. While this can happen, you must also not dwell on this part of your past. Instead, set a new path in life. Start trying things that you enjoy now. Set new goals. Practice gratitude for what you’re able to do now.

In closing, many people experience grief after they survive brain injuries. There’s nothing wrong with grieving. But your life can become much easier once you allow the grieving process to end.

Top four accidents that can happen on a ship’s deck

August 16, 2022

When it comes to personal injury accidents in Florida, few places are more dangerous than a ship’s deck. There are many potential hazards that can lead to an accident.

Slipping and falling

This can happen due to wet or oily conditions as well as loose debris. Slipping and falling can often lead to serious personal injuries, such as broken bones or head injuries. To avoid this type of accident, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to wear proper footwear.

Falling overboard

Falling overboard is one of the most dangerous accidents that can occur on a ship. It can happen due to rough seas, poor weather conditions, or simply by losing your balance.

If you fall overboard, the chances of being rescued are slim although this depends on the size of the ship, the weather conditions and whether or not someone sees you fall. Some of the injuries that can occur from falling overboard include broken bones, hypothermia and drowning.

To avoid falling overboard, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to stay away from the edge of the ship. You should also wear a life jacket at all times.

Fires

Fires onboard a ship can be very dangerous. They can spread quickly and often lead to serious injuries or even death.

To avoid a fire onboard a ship, it is important to be aware of the potential hazards and to take precautions such as not smoking in areas where there is a risk of fire. It is also important to know the location of the fire extinguishers and to know how to use them.

Collisions

Collisions can happen due to bad weather conditions, poor visibility or simply by not paying attention. Collisions can often lead to serious injuries or even death. To avoid a collision, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to obey the rules set by the ship.

In conclusion, there are many potential hazards that can lead to an accident on a ship’s deck. If you work on a ship or spend time near one, it is important to be aware of these dangers and take steps to avoid them.

What are Florida’s nursing home abuse laws?

July 19, 2022

Many Floridians have older loved ones in nursing homes. Suspecting or knowing that your loved one has been harmed while in such a facility is horrifying. You should know about the state’s laws on nursing home abuse.

Nursing home statutes

There are various statutes that exist to regulate care and services provided to Florida nursing home residents. Residents have certain rights. However, when nursing home abuse occurs, it means that the nursing home has violated those rights. If you have a loved one in a nursing home and notice signs of possible abuse, you have the right to file a complaint or lawsuit.

What are the rights of nursing home residents?

Florida’s nursing home statutes state that nursing home residents are entitled to the following rights:

• To be treated with respect, fairness and dignity
• To be free from physical, emotional and financial abuse
• To retain services to preserve their health
• To be able to issue grievances without having fear of repercussions
• To receive oral and written information about medical services offered by the nursing home
• To be able to participate in social, communal and religious activities
• To be able to have private communications and to send and receive uncensored personal mail
• To be able to make and receive unmonitored phone calls
• To have access to a selection of doctors and pharmacy options
• To be able to participate in the planning of their health care and to refuse suggested treatment

What is the statute of limitations for filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit?

If you believe that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse and wish to file a lawsuit, you must do so within the appropriate amount of time. The statute of limitations to file is two years, but it can be extended to four years if fraud is involved in the incident.

Nursing home residents are among the most vulnerable. Protecting them from abuse is crucial.

What are common symptoms of a traumatic brain injury?

July 5, 2022

Traumatic brain injury is a type of catastrophic injury that affects many Floridians. It can develop after a serious car accident, fall or even an act of deliberate violence. It’s important to distinguish the symptoms of a traumatic brain injury.

How serious are traumatic brain injuries?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can range in severity depending on the blow a person suffers to the head. With lesser impact, a TBI can be mild and temporary. However, it could also be a severe, permanent, even disabling injury in the worst-case scenario.

Many people suffer mild TBIs like concussions. Even milder injuries can dramatically change a person’s life. Recent studies have found that even when a TBI is considered mild, it could have lasting effects on a person’s thinking, learning and memory abilities. A small percentage of people affected by mild TBIs even suffer cognitive impairment.

What are the symptoms of traumatic brain injury?

TBIs can result in a combination of any of the following symptoms:

• Headaches
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Speech problems
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Blurred vision
• Tinnitus
• Changes in taste and smell
• Loss of consciousness
• Insomnia or sleeping too much
• Mood swings
• Memory problems
• Confusion
• Depression or anxiety
• Numbness or weakness
• Pupil dilation
• Seizures
• Loss of coordination
• Coma

What should you do if you suffer a head injury?

After an accident of any kind, if you have suffered a head injury, it’s important to seek immediate medical treatment. Even the mildest TBI can drastically change your life. Ignoring it by assuming it will get better over time is a mistake. Many people believe that mild concussions resolve, but that doesn’t necessarily happen.

Even mild TBIs can bring about serious symptoms. Never ignore them as they can have long-lasting effects.

Fun and adventure while staying safe

May 4, 2022

A fun way to spend the day in South Florida is by going to an amusement park. From the rides and the shows to the games and the food, there’s usually something that you can find to entertain people of all ages. However, you need to stay safe while you’re there as various incidents can occur.

Getting lost

While children might enjoy going about their own way while at the park, you need to have a system in place so that you know where they are at all times. If they are younger than a certain age, then consider making it a requirement that they stay with you until they are a little older. If your children can venture on their own, they should have a phone so that you can stay in touch and set a meeting place in the park for being there at a certain time. If an accident occurs while your children are lost, then contact park security as soon as possible.

Rules of the rides

Before getting on any of the rides, make sure that you meet the height requirements and follow all of the rules about how to buckle the safety belts and about keeping your arms and legs inside the ride vehicles at all times. Not obeying standard rules while on rides is a common cause of personal injury accidents that can occur in amusement parks.

Physical health

At an amusement park, you’ll be in the sun for most of the day, so take breaks to get something to drink, apply sunscreen, and get at least a small snack so that you maintain your energy while walking around.

Although amusement parks are a fun way to enjoy time with your family and friends, it’s important to stay safe so that you’re not injured or experience other challenges that could impact your day.

Unintentional injuries a leading cause of death

March 9, 2022

Floridians between the ages of one and 44 are at higher risk of death from unintentional injuries. Looking at the statistics can show the reasons behind this.

What is the rate of unintentional injuries in Florida?

In Florida, individuals between the ages of one and 44 are more likely to die from unintentional injuries compared with people from the same age range elsewhere. Illnesses such as heart attack, cancer and stroke are the only causes that rank higher for deaths in the state.

In 2019, there were over 18,000 deaths stemming from unintentional injuries in Florida. The rate of these injuries was also higher than the average for the entire country and outrank injuries caused by acts of violence. Florida as a whole saw deaths from unintentional injuries at a rate of 55.42% that same year.

Who is most at risk for unintentional injuries?

According to research performed by the National Safety Council, unintentional injuries from car accidents are the top reason for fatalities in people ages one through 44. Men who are between 35 and 44 are also more likely to die from a crash than women.

Unintentional deaths affecting children between the ages of one and four mostly occur from drowning accidents. For children ages five to 14, drowning is the second most common cause of unintentional injuries leading to fatalities.

In terms of unintentional injuries leading to death for poisoning, more people between one and 44 are directly affected when prescription medication is involved.

What is the impact of unintentional injuries?

Unintentional injuries rank alongside acts of violence in how they affect the economy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fatalities from unintentional injuries cost around $130 billion each year.

Personal injuries can be devastating. If you or a loved one suffered from someone else’s negligence, hold them accountable.