Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Lawyer Boca Raton, FL

A blow to the head in a car crash or fall can change how a person thinks, feels, and works, sometimes in ways that do not show up for days. Brain injuries are often missed at first and then disputed by insurance companies later. A TBI lawyer in Boca Raton, FL can gather the medical evidence, connect the symptoms to the accident, and pursue compensation for both current and long-term losses. Jacobson Injury Firm represents people with brain injuries throughout Boca Raton and southern Palm Beach County. Contact the firm for a free consultation.

How Traumatic Brain Injury Claims Work in Florida

A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is an injury that affects how the brain works. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a hit to the body that makes the head and brain move quickly back and forth.

Most TBI claims are based on negligence. The injured person must show that another person or company acted carelessly and that the carelessness caused the brain injury. After a car crash, Florida’s no-fault system applies first.

Under Florida Statute 627.736, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) pays up to $10,000, but only if the injured person receives initial care within 14 days. Without a finding of an emergency medical condition, medical benefits may be capped at $2,500.

A brain injury that causes permanent impairment may allow the injured person to step outside the no-fault system and bring a claim against the at-fault driver. The firm’s resource page on brain injuries in Florida accidents explains these injuries in more detail.

Concussion Versus Severe TBI

The CDC treats a concussion as a form of mild TBI. Concussions are called “mild” because they are usually not life-threatening, but the CDC notes that their effects can still be serious. Repeated concussions may lead to a longer recovery or more severe symptoms.

Moderate and severe TBIs are a different level of injury. The CDC reports that these injuries may lead to long-term or lifelong health problems, which can resemble a chronic disease. Among people 16 and older who received inpatient rehabilitation for a TBI, five years later 22% had died, 30% had become worse, 22% had stayed the same, and 26% had improved.

The difference matters in a legal claim. A concussion may resolve in weeks, while a severe TBI can require years of therapy, supervision, and specialized care.

Where Brain Injuries Happen in Boca Raton

Crashes on Boca Raton roads are a common source of brain injuries. City crash data for 2018 through 2023, reported by The Coastal Star, showed 95 crashes involving death or serious injury per 100,000 residents, compared with 62 for Palm Beach County overall. Pedestrians were involved in 20% of crashes and bicyclists in 8%, and both groups have little protection against head impact.

Falls are another major cause. The CDC reports that falls lead to nearly half of TBI-related hospitalizations, a particular risk for older adults.

Serious head injuries in south Palm Beach County are often treated at Delray Medical Center, the area’s Level I trauma center. Inpatient brain injury rehabilitation is available at Pinecrest Rehabilitation Hospital in Delray Beach.

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Jacobson Injury Firm handles TBI claims arising from many types of accidents, including:

• Car crashes, including rear-end collisions that cause whiplash-type head movement
• Motorcycle and bicycle crashes
• Pedestrian accidents at busy intersections
• Slip-and-fall accidents on wet floors, uneven walkways, or poorly lit stairs
• Truck accidents involving large commercial vehicles
• Falling objects at construction sites or retail stores
• Assaults caused by inadequate security

Symptoms That May Appear Later

Not every brain injury is obvious at the scene. The CDC states that some symptoms appear right away, while others may not show up for hours or days. Emotional changes and sleep problems may appear a week or two after the injury.

Symptoms to watch for include:

• Headaches that persist or worsen
• Trouble with memory, concentration, or decision-making
• Dizziness, balance problems, or blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Irritability, anxiety, or depression
• Sleeping much more or less than usual

The CDC advises seeking emergency care right away for danger signs such as a worsening headache, repeated vomiting, slurred speech, seizures, unequal pupils, weakness or numbness, or loss of consciousness. The firm’s article on how car accidents can affect health long after the crash discusses delayed injuries further.

What Compensation Can a TBI Victim Recover?

An injured person may seek compensation for:

• Emergency care, imaging, and hospital stays
• Neurology, neuropsychology, and cognitive therapy
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Long-term care or in-home supervision
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life

The firm’s guide to pain and suffering damages explains how these losses are evaluated. Eligible Florida residents with moderate to severe TBIs may also qualify for the state’s Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program.

Proving a Brain Injury and Shared Fault

Brain injuries do not always appear on a CT scan or MRI. Insurers sometimes use normal imaging to argue that the person was not hurt. A strong claim often relies on neurological exams, neuropsychological testing, treating doctors’ opinions, and statements from family and coworkers who noticed changes in the person. A TBI lawyer in Boca Raton, FL can coordinate this evidence and work with medical experts.

Shared fault can also affect the claim. Under Florida Statute 768.81, a person found more than 50% at fault for their own injuries cannot recover in most negligence cases, and a smaller share of fault reduces the award.

What Should You Do After a Head Injury in Boca Raton?

Steps taken soon after a head injury can protect both health and the claim:

• Get evaluated quickly. Seek care even if symptoms seem minor, and within 14 days after a car crash to protect PIP benefits.
• Report every symptom. Tell doctors about headaches, memory problems, and mood changes, even small ones.
• Keep a symptom journal. Daily notes help show how the injury affects work and home life.
• Follow up with specialists. A neurologist or neuropsychologist can document injuries that standard imaging may miss.
• Avoid recorded statements. Speak with a lawyer before giving a statement to an insurance company.

How Long Do You Have to File a TBI Claim in Florida?

Under Florida Statute 95.11(5)(a), most negligence claims must be filed within two years. Florida shortened this deadline from four years to two for claims arising after March 24, 2023.

Brain injury symptoms can take time to fully develop, but the deadline keeps running. The firm’s overview of the Florida statute of limitations covers exceptions and related deadlines.

No Fee Unless We Win

Jacobson Injury Firm handles brain injury cases on a contingency fee basis. There is no upfront cost, and no attorney fee is owed unless the firm recovers compensation.

Clients work directly with attorney Adam Jacobson, who is licensed in Florida, New York, Connecticut, and Illinois. He prepares each case as if it may go to trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a concussion considered a traumatic brain injury?

Yes. The CDC classifies a concussion as a mild TBI. Even a mild TBI can cause symptoms that affect work, school, and daily life.

What if my CT scan was normal?

A normal scan does not rule out a brain injury. Many concussions do not appear on standard imaging, and other tests may be needed to document the injury.

Can I still file a claim if symptoms started days after the accident?

Yes. The CDC notes that some symptoms take hours or days to appear. Prompt medical evaluation helps connect delayed symptoms to the accident.

How much is a TBI case worth?

The value depends on the severity of the injury, the cost of treatment, lost income, the long-term outlook, and the available insurance. Severe TBIs that cause permanent impairment generally lead to larger claims.

How much does a TBI lawyer cost?

Jacobson Injury Firm works on a contingency fee basis. Clients pay nothing upfront, and there is no attorney fee unless money is recovered.

Contact a TBI Lawyer in Boca Raton, FL

A brain injury can affect every part of a person’s life, even when it cannot be seen. A TBI lawyer in Boca Raton, FL can document the injury, deal with insurers, and pursue full compensation. Call (561) 567-7163 or contact Jacobson Injury Firm to schedule a free consultation.