Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most devastating consequences of accidents—but not all TBIs are immediately obvious. In fact, some of the most life-altering brain injuries are the ones that go undiagnosed for days, weeks, or even months after an accident. These are known as hidden or mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs), and they can profoundly affect a person’s health, ability to work, relationships, and overall quality of life.
In Florida personal injury cases, recognizing and proving hidden TBIs is often a critical part of obtaining full compensation for victims. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Hidden Traumatic Brain Injury?
A “hidden” TBI refers to a brain injury that is not immediately diagnosed after trauma. Unlike obvious injuries such as open wounds or broken bones, many TBIs involve microscopic damage to the brain’s structure that does not show up on standard imaging tests like CT scans or X-rays. Common causes include:
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Car accidents
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Falls
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Sports injuries
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Assaults
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Workplace accidents
Victims may initially seem “fine,” only to experience delayed symptoms such as confusion, headaches, memory issues, fatigue, emotional instability, or difficulty concentrating. These symptoms can be subtle but persistent—and they can disrupt every aspect of a person’s life.
Common Symptoms of Hidden TBIs
While every case is different, some of the most frequent symptoms of an undiagnosed TBI include:
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Chronic headaches or migraines
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Difficulty focusing or remembering
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Personality changes, irritability, or depression
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Sensitivity to light or sound
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Sleep disturbances
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Trouble with speech or language
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Anxiety or panic attacks
These symptoms can be mistaken for stress, depression, or post-traumatic response, which is why medical professionals—and attorneys—must consider the possibility of a hidden TBI following trauma.
Diagnosis Challenges in Florida TBI Cases
Florida personal injury attorneys representing TBI victims must often overcome significant diagnostic hurdles. Traditional imaging may not detect damage, and general practitioners may overlook subtle symptoms. Diagnosis may require:
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Neuropsychological testing
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Functional MRI (fMRI) or Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)
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Evaluation by neurologists or brain injury specialists
Without these specialized tools, a victim may be left undiagnosed and uncompensated.
Legal Considerations in Florida Hidden TBI Claims
Florida law allows victims of negligence to pursue compensation for all injuries caused by another’s misconduct, including those that are not immediately apparent. In a personal injury case involving a hidden TBI, compensation may include:
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Past and future medical expenses
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Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
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Pain and suffering
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Mental anguish
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Costs for long-term care or therapy
However, proving these damages can be complex. Florida insurance companies often dispute hidden TBI claims due to the lack of “objective” evidence, so it is essential to have experienced legal counsel who understands how to document and litigate brain injury cases.
What You Should Do After a Head Injury
If you or a loved one has been in an accident and experienced any head trauma, no matter how minor it seemed at the time, take the following steps:
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Seek medical attention immediately, even if symptoms appear mild.
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Report all symptoms—no matter how minor—to your doctor.
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Request specialist evaluations, including neuropsychological testing if symptoms persist.
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Document changes in mood, memory, sleep, or cognitive ability.
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Consult a Florida personal injury attorney with experience in brain injury cases.
Why Legal Help Matters
Brain injury cases are different. Hidden TBIs require a legal team who can connect the dots between the trauma and the long-term consequences, work with expert witnesses, and fight against insurance company tactics designed to minimize payouts.
At our firm, we understand how hidden brain injuries change lives—and we’re here to help victims across Florida get the full compensation they deserve.
Final Thoughts
Just because a brain injury is not visible on a scan doesn’t mean it isn’t real—or serious. Hidden TBIs can have devastating effects, and without strong legal advocacy, victims may be left to bear those costs alone. If you believe you or someone you love has suffered a hidden brain injury due to someone else’s negligence, reach out for a free consultation today.
Contact Florida Personal Injury Lawyer J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo by dialing his direct number at (786) 272-5841, calling the main office at (305) 461-1095, or Toll Free at 1 (866) 71-CLAIM or email Miami Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo directly at [email protected] or by text at (305) 929-8935.
