Serious brain injuries are devastating. Our brains control all of our functions, from movement to higher thought to emotion and personality. And unlike normal tissues of the body, brain tissue doesn't heal itself, which means that the functions damaged by a brain injury may never be recovered. If a victim cannot learn to perform a lost function in a new way, he or she may be left permanently disabled. Even a concussion, the mildest form of brain injury, may raise its victim's chance of death or serious brain damage after another blow to the head.

Brain injuries are more common than you may think; in fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 1.4 million Americans suffer a brain injury each year, with 235,000 hospitalized and 50,000 dying. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (those resulting from blows to the head), but other common causes include automobile accidents, being struck by a heavy object and violent crime. The brain can also be injured without a blow to the head, by a disease, accident or medical mistake that withholds oxygen or blood from the brain.

In either case, victims of a serious brain injury may be left permanently disabled, needing lifelong treatments or care to perform daily functions. Victims of a milder injury may realize too late that their headaches, memory, irritability or loss of abilities are related to their brain injuries. Both groups may have trouble working or need long-term medical care. Fortunately, in Florida, victims have the right to file a brain injury lawsuit in order to recover the costs of this treatment, which can reach into seven figures for the most seriously injured. They may also recover compensation for a permanent disability, pain and suffering, lost wages and other life-altering consequences of the injury.

If you or someone you love has suffered a brain injury, do not settle your case without at least speaking to a Florida brain injury lawyer from Cohn, Smith & Cohn. Our firm has more than 35 years of experience representing seriously injured clients throughout the State of Florida, including clients with serious brain injuries. We have substantial experience handling the complex legal, medical and financial issues raised by a serious brain injury. Our goal is always to get you the best possible compensation for your injuries, so that you can get the treatment you need to move on.

If you or someone you love has suffered a brain injury, contact Cohn, Smith & Cohn online or call us at 954.431.8100 or 305.624.9186 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.