Traumatic Brain Injuries A Leading Cause Of Long-Term Disability In Florida

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a serious public health concern and affect thousands of people each year. In Florida, TBIs are one of the leading causes of long-term disability and often happen due to motor vehicle crashes, falls, and sports or recreational accidents.

March is TBI Awareness Month, making it an important time to highlight the long-term effects of these injuries and the options available for those who can no longer work as a result. Our Jacksonville long-term disability lawyer helps clients in these cases and explains more about TBI-related disabilities and how to protect your rights to benefits.

TBI-Related Impairments That Can Result In Long-Term Disabilities

Bumps, sudden blows, or violent jolts to the head can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBI). According to the Florida Department of Health, TBI results in over 3,700 deaths each year and leaves nearly 20,000 people requiring hospitalization. Unfortunately, even when a TBI is not severe, it can still result in long-term impairments that impact your ability to work now and for years to come. These include:

• Cognitive impairments, including memory loss and difficulty focusing;
• Speech and language impairments, making it harder to communicate or follow instructions;
• Motor function impairments, leading to difficulty walking or coordinating movements;
• Chronic headaches, dizziness, and emotional or behavioral changes, all of which can impact you on your job.

When these or other symptoms of traumatic brain injuries in Florida keep you from working for a year or longer, long-term disability benefits can help offset your income losses.

Long-Term Disability Benefits In Florida For Traumatic Brain Injuries

March is Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month. Sponsored by the Brain Injury Association, it focuses on how TBI can impact all aspects of a victim’s life and the support available.

If a TBI in Florida prevents you from working, you may be able to get long-term disability through Social Security or an employer-provided LTD policy. However, the claims process can be complex, and denials are common. Follow these tips to protect your rights:

• Keep medical records documenting your traumatic brain injury, how it happened, and any testing or treatment you received;
• Get a statement from your doctor detailing TBI-related disabilities and your prognosis for recovery;
• Keep a symptom journal and track the challenges you face in performing certain tasks;
• Get statements from family, friends, and employers regarding how TBI impacts your abilities.

Long-term disability claims often get denied due to insufficient evidence or failure to fill out required forms correctly. Having an experienced Florida long-term disability lawyer on your side helps prevent errors and maximizes your chances of getting benefits.

Schedule A Consultation Today With Our Experienced Florida Long-Term Disability Lawyer

If you or a loved one suffers a TBI and can no longer work, long-term disability benefits can help offset your lost earnings. At Farrell Law Firm, our experienced Florida long-term disability lawyer helps you navigate the claims process and fights to get the maximum benefits you deserve. Call or contact us online today to schedule a consultation in our Jacksonville or Orlando office.

Sources:

floridahealth.gov/statistics-and-data/florida-injury-surveillance-system/_documents/data-fact-sheets/tbi-2013.pdf

biausa.org/public-affairs/public-awareness/brain-injury-awareness#

ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/11.00-Neurological-Adult.htm