‘Ramblin’ Man’ Sustains Serious Head Injury In Osprey

Allman Brothers guitarist Dickey Betts is trying to make a living and doing the best he can as he recovers from a severe brain injury he suffered at home.

Mr. Betts, who suffered a stroke earlier in 2018, slipped and fell and hit his head as he played with the family dog. The injury caused significant brain swelling, and doctors plan to perform emergency surgery to take care of it. The band postponed several concerts and appearances so Mr. Betts could recover.

His injury took place a little over a year after bandmate Gregg Allman died at his home in Georgia. Mr. Allman was 69.

What Causes Head Injuries in Florida?

Venerable Southern rock performers are not the only people who experience falls. In fact, over eight million people a year go to hospital emergency rooms after serious falls. That far outstrips the number of motor vehicle and other serious injuries.

Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable to fall injuries in Tampa. Senior citizens sometimes have balance issues which make it difficult to get around. Furthermore, many older adults have already sustained at least one serious fall. Small children often hit their heads on table-top corners and other objects. Moreover, their skulls are sometimes thin and not fully developed.

Landowners are usually liable for fall injuries. Most fall victims are invitees, which means they have permission to be on the land and their presence benefits the owner in some way. So, these owners have a duty to make their homes and businesses reasonably safe.

Sudden loud noises also cause some head injuries. Many Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffered non-trauma head injuries. Researchers have identified a shock wave which accompanies an explosive blast. This shock wave is basically a biological electromagnetic pulse. It permanently disrupts brain functions.

Here in Tampa, we fortunately do not have to deal with roadside bombs. However, loud engine noises, construction noises, and other such sounds are quite common. These noises could have roughly the same effect.

Brain Injury Prognosis and Treatment in Tampa

All these types of head injuries are permanent. Soon, doctors may be able to use stem cells and other emerging treatments to reverse the effects of brain injuries. But these therapies are years away. For now, dead brain cells never regenerate.

Extended physical therapy is the best treatment for brain injuries. Over time, undamaged parts of the brain learn to assume lost functions. So, most brain injury victims in Tampa can ultimately lead somewhat normal lives.

Physical therapy progress is usually not a straight upward line. Healing comes in fits and starts. If the victim goes more than a few weeks without measurable progress, many insurance companies try to pull the plug. It’s important that victims have strong advocates who keep therapy in play for as long as it takes.

Even with therapy, many people must make physical adjustments to their homes and businesses. These adjustments often cost significant amounts of money.

Injury compensation is available for all these economic losses. That includes medical bills from the first day of ER care to the last day of physical therapy. That also includes wheelchair ramps, wider doorways, and any other necessary adjustments. Additionally, Florida victims are usually entitled to compensation for noneconomic damages, such as loss of enjoyment in life and emotional distress.

Connect with Assertive Lawyers

Brain injuries usually cause serious lifelong difficulties. For a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Tampa, contact The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. Attorneys can connect victims with doctors, even if they have no insurance or money.

Resource:

etonline.com/allman-brothers-band-guitarist-dickey-betts-recovering-after-freak-head-injury-110053