Understanding the Glasgow Coma Score and Its Impact on Your Personal Injury Case in Florida

If you’ve been involved in an accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, you may have come across the term “Glasgow Coma Score” or “GCS” during your medical evaluations. The GCS is a vital tool used by healthcare professionals to gauge the severity of a brain injury. But did you know that it can also play a pivotal role in determining the trajectory of your personal injury case in Florida? Let’s delve deeper into what the GCS is and how it might affect your legal battle.

What is the Glasgow Coma Score?

Developed by Graham Teasdale and Bryan Jennett in 1974 at the University of Glasgow, the GCS is a neurological scale intended to assess a person’s level of consciousness after a head injury. It evaluates three criteria:

1. Eye response: This evaluates whether the patient can open their eyes spontaneously, in response to voice, in response to pain, or not at all.
2. Verbal response: This criterion measures the coherence and nature of a patient’s speech, ranging from oriented conversation to no response.
3. Motor response: This gauges the patient’s ability to move in response to stimuli, from obeying commands to no movement at all.

Each of these criteria has a set of points. The cumulative score can range from 3 (indicating deep unconsciousness) to 15 (indicating full consciousness). A score less than 8 typically indicates a severe head injury, 9-12 represents a moderate injury, and 13-15 signifies a mild head injury.

How Does the GCS Impact Your Personal Injury Case in Florida?

The implications of the Glasgow Coma Score in a Florida personal injury case are multifaceted:

1. Proof of Injury Severity: A low GCS can substantiate the seriousness of the traumatic brain injury you sustained due to someone else’s negligence. This evidence can be pivotal in demonstrating the extent of damages and the potential long-term consequences of the injury.
2. Quantifying Damages: Medical bills, future care costs, loss of income, and pain and suffering are primary components in calculating damages in a personal injury case. The GCS, given its objective nature, provides a foundation upon which these damages can be quantified. For instance, a low GCS may indicate prolonged medical care or rehabilitation, translating to higher compensatory demands.
3. Influencing Settlement Offers: Insurance companies often evaluate the potential award a plaintiff might receive if the case goes to trial. A verifiable low GCS could lead them to believe that a jury will be more sympathetic to the plaintiff, potentially making them more amenable to a favorable settlement.
4. Impact on Non-economic Damages: Florida, like many states, allows for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. A traumatic brain injury, as indicated by a low GCS, can drastically alter one’s life, making the case for non-economic damages more compelling.

Florida’s Comparative Fault System

While the GCS can significantly bolster your personal injury claim in Florida, it’s essential to be aware of the state’s comparative fault system. If you are found to be partially at fault for the incident that led to your injury, your compensation can be reduced proportionally. For instance, if you’re deemed 20% at fault and your damages amount to $100,000, you may only receive $80,000.

Thus, while a low GCS emphasizes the severity of your injury, it’s equally crucial to present evidence that minimizes your fault or responsibility for the accident.

Conclusion

The Glasgow Coma Score is not just a clinical tool but a vital piece of evidence in personal injury litigation. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury in Florida, understanding the implications of the GCS in the legal context can help shape your case’s strategy.

However, it’s important to remember that every case is unique, and while the GCS can provide valuable insights, a holistic approach that factors in all evidence is crucial. Engaging a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help navigate the complexities of Florida’s legal landscape and ensure that your rights are adequately represented and protected.

If you are injured in an accident, call Jaime “Mr. 786Abogado” Suarez today to Get You Paid!