Knowledgeable Brain Injury Lawyers in Coral Gables at Schrier Law Group
Schrier Law Group is the premier personal injury law firm specializing in brain injury cases in Coral Gables, Florida. We believe local representation is important to our clients and the community of Coral Gables. Our commitment to providing exceptional legal service has helped us win many large cases for Coral Gables brain injury victims.
Suffering a brain injury can change everything about a person’s life. Severe complications can also mean that family members focus resources on providing the quality care their loved ones deserve.
No individual or family member should have to worry about paying for necessary medical care because of someone else’s negligence. We fight to provide brain injury victims with the best representation possible.
Schrier Law Group handles all types of personal injury claims, including slip and fall accidents, auto accidents, and brain injury accidents. Let us help you get the compensation you need so you or your loved one can focus on recovering.
Understanding Brain Injury Cases in Coral Gables
According to data from the Brain Injury Association of America, one person in the U.S. sustains a brain injury every nine seconds. Though they happen frequently, brain injuries are still misunderstood by many people. Brain injuries are generally categorized as traumatic and non-traumatic.
The word “traumatic” refers not to the severity of the injury but to the cause. A TBI might be caused by an auto accident or a violent assault. A non-traumatic injury could be caused by a lack of oxygen, a stroke, or pressure from a brain tumor.
Medically speaking, concussions are also considered brain injuries. They are often referred to as mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). While concussions aren’t usually life-threatening, they are caused by trauma.
If someone sustains a brain injury due to another person’s negligence, they may have grounds for a brain injury lawsuit. Hiring a personal injury attorney is the best way to protect your rights and receive the financial compensation you need to pay for the medical bills and other expenses related to a TBI.
Typical Sources of Brain Injuries in Coral Gables
Any accident or incident that involves injury to the head or skull can cause a brain injury. Your head doesn’t need to collide with the ground or another solid object for your brain to get injured. Even an intense jolt can cause a concussion if it causes the brain to move violently inside the skull.
Brain injury can happen almost anywhere. A person doesn’t have to be engaged in dangerous activities to be at risk for a brain injury. Daily actions like driving to work or standing on a stool to change a lightbulb could result in harm.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Accidents can happen anywhere, and The Gables is no exception. Concerns about the rising rates of auto accidents and related fatalities in Coral Gables have community members and city government officials searching for solutions. According to Coral Gables Magazine, there were nearly 2,800 traffic crashes in 2023. Early statistics indicate that the total will be higher in 2024.
High-risk areas like the Miracle Mile intersections, Ponce de Leon Boulevard, and Le Jeune Road are of particular concern. Any area with heavy traffic and frequent congestion increases the risk of an auto accident.
TBIs may occur when a driver or passenger receives an intense shake to the head or when a sharp object like glass or metal pierces the skull.
Slip and Fall Incidents
Slip and fall incidents can occur at home, in public places like Merrick Park or Coral Gables High School, and on private or commercial property. When a fall causes a person’s head to hit the floor, sidewalk, or ground or to shake violently, the result could be a TBI.
There are many reasons why people fall. Sometimes, unaddressed safety issues like spills or damaged walkways can cause a person to trip and fall. When on public or commercial property, the residents of Coral Gables have a reasonable right to expect the environment to be safe. Depending on the severity of the fall, broken bones, and soft tissue damage may also result.
Sports Injuries
Playing sports, especially rough contact sports like football or rugby, comes with risk. However, brain injuries can also happen when other players disobey the rules or become overly aggressive.
Twenty-one percent of all traumatic brain injuries among children and adolescents are related to sports and recreational activities. Places where sports-related brain injuries have occurred locally include the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center and Douglas Park.
Youth and adults participating in school activities like those sponsored by the University of Miami should also use precautions to protect themselves from brain injury.
Workplace Accidents
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that workplace accidents are severely underreported. The fear of missing out on a promotion or losing a job causes many people to stay quiet about an injury.
Not only is this a bad practice all around, but it is especially dangerous for anyone who may have sustained a brain injury on the job. Delaying treatment or skipping treatment completely because you want to keep the injury a secret can put your life at risk.
Construction sites, such as the many ongoing development projects happening in Coral Gables, present many risks for an accident. Slip and fall accidents are common on busy worksites where workers must climb on ladders and use heavy tools, especially if safety regulations are ignored.
Those who work in office buildings, retail environments, and the food service industry may also sustain workplace accidents.
Frequent Brain Injury Symptoms and Complications
The symptoms and potential complications of a brain injury vary according to how severe the injury is and what part of the brain was damaged.
Cognitive Impairments
Cognitive impairments are those that affect the way a person thinks and/or behaves. These are some of the complications experienced by victims of motor vehicle accidents on congested roads like Coral Way:
- Slurred or slowed speech
- Severe confusion
- Agitation, aggression, and other behaviors that are unusual for the individual
- Inability to focus or concentrate
- Memory impairment
- Problem-solving
Extreme examples of the cognitive complications of a brain injury include lapsing into a coma or brain death.
Signs of cognitive impairment differ for everyone and may differ within age groups. Children who are still too young to communicate verbally are more likely to cry and show irritation. Noticing symptoms in older adults can be more difficult if they are already experiencing minor memory problems or occasional confusion.
Physical Symptoms
The physical symptoms reported by individuals who sustain head injuries at local shopping centers and parks include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Blood vessel damage
- Motor function difficulties
- Pain in the neck or shoulders
Severe physical symptoms such as hydrocephalus and seizure may also be complications of a brain injury.
Emotional and Behavioral Changes
Victims of sports-related injuries at schools and recreational facilities in Coral Gables may experience emotional and behavioral symptoms that include:
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Risky behavior
- Problems with self-control
- Anger
- A lack of interest in favorite activities
The pain and other symptoms of brain injury can disrupt an individual’s normal sleep patterns, resulting in insomnia or oversleeping. Sleep difficulties can exacerbate emotional and behavioral changes as a lack of sleep makes it more difficult to cope with everyday challenges.
Long-Term Effects
The long-term effects of a TBI can be devastating. The severity of a brain injury can lead to a persistent vegetative state or long-term disability. Any delay in receiving the specialized care available in Coral Gables can also affect the injured person’s ability to recover.
Steps in Pursuing a Brain Injury Claim in Coral Gables
If you or someone you care about sustains a brain injury, your first thought isn’t about filing a lawsuit. It’s about getting the appropriate medical care. However, pursuing a brain injury claim can play a vital role in helping you pay for potentially life-saving care.
Following these steps doesn’t mean you are legally obligated to file a lawsuit, but it does mean you will be prepared to file a claim if you decide to do so.
Seek Urgent Medical Attention
Getting care for even a mild TBI can reduce your recovery time and may prevent complications. It is even more crucial to seek medical care if you have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety or have a history of receiving multiple concussions.
A comprehensive examination can clarify if your brain injury requires medical treatment beyond a few days of rest.
Document the Incident
Creating documentation is a priority in any type of accident. Take photos of the area where you were injured. Take statements and get contact information from any witnesses to the incident. Waiting to speak with witnesses increases the chance that they’ll forget about important details.
Follow all medical advice and keep all doctor-recommended appointments. If you decide to pursue a lawsuit, having documentation of your medical care is key.
Report the Accident
Report the accident, even if it seems minor at the time. Contact any relevant authorities, such as property owners. If your injury was caused by an assault, call the police and file a police report.
The Claim Process for Brain Injury Cases in Coral Gables
If you do decide to file a claim, several steps will help you build a case and receive fair compensation.
Hiring a Brain Injury Lawyer
The complexity of a brain injury lawsuit requires experienced legal representation. At Schrier Law Group, our attorneys not only provide legal advice but also support the accident victim and their families. Even minor brain injuries can force a person to miss work or require rehab therapies.
We make every effort to connect our clients with the local resources that can help them through this difficult time.
Gathering Evidence
It’s important for individuals to begin the evidence-gathering stage at the time of the accident, but a brain injury attorney takes the investigation further. We speak with industry experts, accident reconstructionists, doctors, and rehabilitation experts to create a full picture of your brain injury.
In addition to expert testimonies, an investigation may include documentation such as your medical records and photographic evidence taken from red-light cameras and security cameras around Coral Gables. Presenting a complete and realistic picture of how the injury has affected your physical, mental, and financial health will help you get compensated.
Negotiating
As personal injury lawyers, we have experience dealing with insurance companies. We understand how insurance companies work and the strategies they may employ to try to minimize a settlement. Your attorney will work to negotiate the best possible settlement on your behalf.
Legal Proceedings
The entire process of filing a lawsuit can be challenging without an attorney to help you. For a successful lawsuit, you must:
- Complete all the paperwork necessary to file a lawsuit in Coral Gables
- Collect evidence and build a case
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- Present your case in court if a settlement can’t be reached.
Many residents don’t receive fair compensation because the process becomes too challenging. It is easy to feel defeated when you’re trying to navigate the court system while recovering from a brain injury.
That won’t happen with a personal injury attorney by your side. Our attorneys file claims every day, and we know what to expect from the Coral Gables legal system.
The Advantage of Local Expertise in Brain Injury Cases
There are many excellent brain injury attorneys in the Miami area, but few have the local knowledge needed to negotiate and win in Coral Gables. Here are several top advantages of working with the Schrier Law Group:
- Understanding Local Regulations: Our deep knowledge of local traffic and safety regulations provides insight into laws that could impact a brain injury case. Attorneys from outside the area may not be aware of high-traffic zones in Coral Gables or procedures related to child injuries at local youth centers.
- Familiarity with Local Procedures: We are well-acquainted with the procedures in Coral Gables courtrooms. We know the judges, insurance representatives, and defense attorneys because they are colleagues we work with daily.
- Local Connections: We have closer connections with clerks, administrators, and law enforcement officials who can provide valuable information for your case. Our ability to interview local medical and legal experts also gives our clients an advantage.
- Up-to-Date Knowledge: We stay current with local laws and regulations that could impact brain injury cases. While Florida law is consistent, details like filing deadlines and courtroom procedures may vary in Coral Gables.
Schrier Law Group has recovered over $500 million for our clients by staying current in legal knowledge and passionate about protecting our clients.
Schrier Law Group’s Commitment to the Coral Gables Community
For the team at Schrier Law Group, representing brain injury victims in Coral Gables is about more than practicing law. Being local attorneys allows us to engage with the community.
We understand the needs of injury victims in Coral Gables because we talk to those who have a TBI, their families, and healthcare providers. We use our local networking to benefit our clients. Some of the ways we seek to serve the Coral Gables community include:
- Engaging in community events and safety programs
- Participation in local safety initiatives
- Providing client-focused legal services that are tailored to the needs of Coral Gables residents
- Taking the time to understand local needs
Our firm is filled with dedicated attorneys committed to the community’s well-being.
Contact Schrier Law Group for Your Coral Gables Brain Injury Case
Life is good in Coral Gables. The town’s rich history and natural beauty draw visitors and new residents at a fast pace. When accidents happen and people get hurt, they deserve the passion and compassion of local representation.
When you hire Schrier Law Group to represent you in a brain injury lawsuit, you’re hiring an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the legal system in Coral Gables. Our attorneys have filed thousands of brain injury claims. That experience has allowed us to build a wide network of local professionals, including accident reconstructionists, rehab specialists, and investigators.
We use our network and resources to build strong cases with solid evidence so our clients will be compensated for all of the damages related to their brain injury.
Whether you have been involved in a car accident at a Le Jeune intersection or you fell while working at a construction site, seek medical care if you suspect you have a concussion. Contact Schrier Law Group for a free consultation about your rights as a brain injury victim.
FAQ
What Should I Do Immediately After a Brain Injury in Coral Gables?
If you suspect you have a TBI after a car accident or fall, the first step is to get a medical examination. If you’re playing sports when the injury occurs, don’t resume playing unless the doctor clears you to participate.
Do your best to document the incident and get statements from any witnesses. Follow all doctor’s recommendations, including attending appointments with specialists if needed.
How Can a Coral Gables Brain Injury Lawyer Assist in My Case?
A brain injury lawyer in Coral Gables understands the nuances of the Coral Gables legal system. Only experienced lawyers are familiar with specific city ordinances or traffic laws that could make or break a case. Local brain injury attorneys also have the resources and network of professionals needed to win your case.
What Are the Unique Challenges of Brain Injury Cases in Coral Gables?
Florida’s statute of limitations is a challenge to any resident of Coral Gables who is considering a brain injury lawsuit. State law provides two years from the time a TBI is discovered to submit a lawsuit. A four-year statute of repose means you must seek damages within four years of sustaining the TBI.
For example, if you were in a car accident that caused a brain injury in 2019 but a TBI was not diagnosed until 2024, it would be too late to seek damages. This is another reason why it’s so important to seek medical care immediately after an injury.
Are There Recent Changes in Coral Gables’ Laws That Affect Brain Injury Claims?
A law signed by Governor Ron DeStantis in 2023 shortened the statute of limitations in personal injury cases. Florida also has a less favorable comparative fault standard than it once did. Instead of a pure comparative standard, now a 51% bar must be met. In addition, damage awards in negligent security actions have been significantly reduced.
