Role of Family Testimonies in TBI Claims: Strengthening Your Case in Florida

If you or a loved one is dealing with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Florida, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and confused about the next steps. A TBI can change lives, and navigating a legal case during such a difficult time can seem like an additional challenge. You’re likely dealing with physical, emotional, and financial burdens, and trying to figure out how to move forward may feel daunting. At our firm, we understand the concerns and stresses you’re facing. We are here to help you every step of the way, ensuring that your case gets the attention it deserves.

One crucial aspect of strengthening a TBI claim is the role of family testimonies. When a person suffers from a brain injury, the impact often extends beyond the individual and affects their entire family. Family members can provide key insight into the victim’s daily struggles, changes in behavior, and the emotional toll the injury has taken on their lives. Their testimonies can significantly enhance your case, helping to build a stronger, more compelling argument for the compensation you deserve.

Understanding the Importance of Family Testimonies in TBI Cases

In any legal claim, it’s important to establish the full scope of the injury and its effects. This is especially true for traumatic brain injuries, which can have subtle but significant impacts that may not always be immediately apparent. The damage caused by a TBI isn’t always visible, and the effects can evolve over time. This makes it harder for the court to understand the full extent of the injury without additional support.

Family members, however, are often the first to notice changes in behavior, cognitive functions, and emotional well-being. They are the ones who observe the victim’s struggles in daily life, whether it’s difficulty with simple tasks, changes in mood, or problems with memory and communication. These observations, when presented in court, can provide a clearer picture of the injury’s impact, strengthening the case and helping the court understand the true nature of the suffering.

Michael Serrano

Founding Attorney

Candace “Cea” Hartley

Associate Attorney

What Family Testimonies Can Offer

Family testimonies can serve as critical evidence in a TBI claim. They provide context to the medical records and opinions presented in court. While doctors and medical professionals can explain the physical aspects of a brain injury, family members are able to speak to the changes in their loved one’s personality, behavior, and quality of life.Family members can provide a human perspective that makes the impact of the injury more tangible to the court. Their testimonies help to paint a fuller picture of the victim’s life before and after the injury, giving the judge or jury a clearer understanding of the long-term consequences.

How Family Testimonies Can Influence the Outcome of Your Case

While medical evidence and opinions are crucial in a TBI case, family testimonies provide an emotional and personal element that can have a significant impact. Jurors and judges often make decisions based not only on facts but on the emotional weight of the situation. Family members’ accounts of their loved one’s suffering can humanize the case, helping to create empathy and a deeper understanding of the injury’s effects.

For example, a family member might testify about how the injured person was once an active, independent individual who now struggles with basic tasks. This can make it easier for the court to see the devastating impact of the injury, leading to a more favorable outcome for the injured party. Additionally, these testimonies can help to emphasize the need for ongoing medical treatment, therapy, and financial support, all of which can play a role in determining the amount of compensation awarded.

Mike Serrano’s law office was everything I needed after a very traumatic accident. He was always super up front and honest with me. I never got the feeling he was trying to sell me on something or to do something that I wasn’t comfortable with. He listened to my concerns and when it tough moments came that I needed to stand my ground. He backed me and made me feel 100% secure. He got me exactly what I needed in a settlement and I would never consider using anyone else. His office staff is also phenomenal.”

- Mary

Mike Serrano was a great attorney for my case!! He was very flexible with phone calls/ Zoom meetings. His staff are always friendly, whether it be on the phone or emails. They keep you updated during your entire case! They don’t leave you silent for months. if you call, they always call back with updates! Highly recommend!"

- Kylie Collier Border

I’ve never had to deal with a lawyer before but Mike has set the bar HIGH. He was always available to communicate my concerns and explain each step of the way. I know no other lawyer would have been able to achieve the same results because he jumped on an opportunity that was a little out of the ordinary and it paid off. He really fought for my case and over delivered. I really hope I never have another accident but if I do I’m running to Mike for help."

- Sandy Carter

The Role of a Skilled Lawyer in Using Family Testimonies Effectively

Incorporating family testimonies into a TBI claim requires careful planning and execution. It’s important that these testimonies are presented in a way that is compelling and relevant to the case. This is where a skilled lawyer comes into play. While family members may have valuable insights, they may not know how to present their testimony in a way that maximizes its impact. A lawyer who understands the nuances of TBI cases can help guide family members in providing their testimony in a way that aligns with the legal strategy.

A lawyer will also work to ensure that the testimonies are presented at the right time and in the right context. For example, they may coordinate the testimony with other evidence, such as medical records, to create a cohesive and persuasive case. They will also be able to handle any challenges from the opposing party, such as questioning the credibility of the family testimonies, ensuring that the case remains strong and focused.

How Your Lawyer Can Help Strengthen Your Case with Family Testimonies

Having a lawyer by your side ensures that family testimonies are used in the most effective way possible. A legal professional can guide you through the process of gathering and presenting testimonies, ensuring that all necessary details are included. They can also help with preparing family members for their testimony, providing them with the support they need to feel confident and comfortable in court.

Related Videos

In addition, your lawyer will know how to connect the testimonies with other aspects of your case, such as the medical records and evidence of financial losses. They will make sure that the testimony helps to build a compelling argument for the compensation you deserve, whether that’s for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or long-term care needs. Family testimonies are a key component of showing the full impact of a TBI, and your lawyer will ensure that they are used effectively to support your case.

Case Results

Car Accident

This client was injured in an auto accident with a driver who improperly merged into her lane. Her vehicle was totaled. She sustained an aggravation of her pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and new disc herniations in her lower back. We obtained the full limits of both the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and our client’s underinsured motorist coverage, which were significant. The settlement was achieved without a law suit and within four months after the client finished treating.

Rear End Collision

This particular client was injured in an accident in late 2015 when she was rear-ended. She sustained an aggravation of pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and a new disc herniation which ultimately required a surgical fusion. By the time of trial, her medical bills exceeded $180,000.00. The Defendants’ offer pre-suit was $20,000.00. We were able to obtain a jury verdict of $441,000.00, plus attorneys’ fees.

Car Accident

A client was injured in a rear-end collision where he sustained an aggravation of a pre-existing disc bulge that developed into a herniation in his lower back. We obtained a jury verdict which was over 6 times what had been offered prior to trial.

Car Accident

In this case, our client injured her shoulder after being struck by a vehicle while she was performing volunteer services. The driver was traveling at such a high rate of speed entering a parking lot that he clipped another vehicle, hit a parking barrier and was launched into a tree. After the client attempted to negotiate with the insurance company prior to hiring us, we were able to obtain an amount that was over double the prior offer.

Intentional Torts

Our client was injured from an assault by a patron of a party while working security. His shoulder required multiple surgeries. He hired our office to pursue a claim to recoup his medical bills, which exceeded $130,000.00. After his assailant offered him $10,000.00 to resolve his case, we took the case to a jury to decide. The jury awarded our client all of his medical bills and tripled his award for pain and suffering.

Car Accident

This client came to us about a car wreck that occurred in 2014 where she sustained injuries. She approached our firm just one week before the statute of limitations was set to expire after being turned away by several other law firms. We filed a lawsuit and were able to obtain the limits of the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and an additional settlement from the client’s insurance carrier.

Truck Crash

This couple was injured in an automobile accident after they were rear-ended in a seven-car pileup caused by a semi-trailer. Of the 15 people who made claims on the same insurance policy, our clients each received the second and third highest offers, which covered all of their past and future medical bills and their attorney’s fees.

Truck Crash

In this case, our client was injured from a rear-end collision with an eighteen-wheeler. Her original lawyer procured a settlement offer of $7,000.00 to settle her case. Because the offer did not approach the amount of bills she incurred from accident related treatment, she came to our firm for a consultation. She decided to hire us. We promptly filed suit and obtained a settlement for her.

View More Results

The Benefits of Working with Serrano Law

If you are dealing with a traumatic brain injury case in Florida, you don’t have to navigate the complexities of the legal system alone. At Serrano Law, we understand the emotional and physical toll that a TBI can take on you and your family. We are here to help you get through this challenging time, providing the legal support you need to secure a successful case result.

We have experience handling TBI claims and know how to use family testimonies effectively to strengthen your case. Our team will work with you and your family to ensure that your story is heard and that all the necessary evidence is presented in the best possible light. We are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve and will stand by you every step of the way.

If you are ready to take the next step in your TBI claim, contact us at Serrano Law. We are here to help and will provide the guidance and support you need to get the best outcome for your case.

To learn more about this subject click here: Florida TBI Claims: Statute of Limitations and Timely Filing Explained