Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

A new study out of New York City’s Gruss Magnetic Resonance Research Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine suggests that amateur athletes who head balls in sports such as soccer may suffer traumatic brain injuries similar to the damage caused in car accidents. Researchers in the study used MRI scans to investigate brain trauma in 32 amateur adult athletes. The athletes headed balls an average of 436 times annually and those who headed the ball more often showed brain abnormalities. MRI scans showed that many of the athletes suffered from brain trauma, which in many cases was subtle and had few symptoms but could nevertheless affect coordination and thinking skills.

According to lead researcher Dr. Michael Lipton, the trauma comes from the repeated heading of the ball with the head. According to the study, the repeated injury leads to brain cell degeneration. The average age of the study subjects was 31 and those most affected showed signs of brain trauma in the areas of the brain responsible for memory, attention, mobility and visual perception.

The study is significant because millions of children and adults play soccer and other games where the head comes into contact with the balls. In Miami, for example, many children play soccer. Does this new study suggest that some of these athletes may suffer from Miami brain injuries similar in severity to those suffered in Miami traffic accidents? The study also runs counter to the popular belief, held by many coaches and parents, that sports-related Miami personal injuries occur when a child suffers a concussion or other injury. This study suggests that players may be injured simply by playing the game over a period of years.

Many experts, including Dr. Chris Koutures, have stated that more research needs to be done to determine the connection between sports and head injuries. Some experts have suggested additional research so that header limits can be placed on sports activities, especially those activities involving children. The Gruss Magnetic Resonance Research Center studied only adults, which naturally makes readers of the study wonder whether sports could cause similar injuries to minors and children. Previous research reviews, including one by Dr. Koutures, concluded that there is no documentation to show a connection between long-term head injuries and repeated heading.

According to Dr. Koutures, children should be carefully taught proper heading technique when playing contact games such as soccer and should not be permitted to head a ball until age ten. Dr. Koutures believes that children younger than ten cannot master the correct heading technique that can help prevent brain injuries.

Continue reading "Could Sports Cause Miami Brain Injuries Similar to Those Suffered in Car Crashes?" »

Miami brain injuries are among the most devastating injuries that victims can incur. Brain injuries can rob a person of their memories, job, and everyday life. Those who have sustained a serious and permanent brain injury may be out of work for a lifetime, may have a difficult time facing everyday tasks, and may have trouble with their emotions and relationships. This type of injury can literally affect every facet of a person's life. Many brain injuries are in fact avoidable. There are many things that you can do to help prevent this type of injury from occurring to you:

1) Buckle up. Miami car accidents are among the top causes of Miami brain injuries. Simply buckling your seat belt every time you get in the car can dramatically reduce your risk of serious injuries in a car accident. Your seatbelt keeps you from being thrown out of the vehicle or from being tossed around inside the vehicle, two common reasons for brain injuries and head injuries in a car accident.

2) When playing sports and exercising, protect your head. Whether you are skiing, bicycling, playing contact sports, or taking part in other higher risk activities, wearing a helmet and other safety gear can help protect your head. Studies have shown that in Miami bicycle accidents, for example, helmet use is one of the most vital factors for victims wishing to prevent head injuries. Helmets cushion your head against impact, helping you to avoid debilitating and even fatal injuries. Choose a helmet that you like and are willing to wear all the time. Make sure that you strap it correctly and that it fits correctly every time. If you have been in a Miami motorcycle accident or sports accident with your helmet, replace your helmet, even if it looks fine. Its ability to protect you may be compromised.

3) Know your risks. Consider your life and consider where you are most likely to sustain a head injury. If you are on the road often, Miami car accidents may be your biggest risk. If you routinely engage in high risk sports, that may be your biggest risk. Determining where you are most likely to be injured and taking active steps to prevent serious head injury is a smart move.

4) Don’t take symptoms lightly. If you have sustained what seems like a mild head injury and experience any sort of symptoms, including dizziness, headaches, vision problems, or other problems, visit an emergency room or doctor immediately. In fact, every time there is a significant impact with your head you will want to get it checked out by a medical professional. Many Miami brain injury patients initially experience few or no symptoms, even with a serious head injury. Unfortunately, without treatment, these injuries can become permanent or even life-threatening. Even if you do not sustain a brain injury, head injuries can result in eye damage, including retinal damage. Getting checked out by a medical professional is the smartest move you can make.

5) Wear smart shoes. Miami slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes for brain injuries. Wearing sensible shoes and carrying a cane or walker if you are an elderly person with mobility issues can help prevent a serious injury, broken bones, head injuries, and other types of injuries.

Continue reading "Preventing Miami Brain Injuries" »

The American Academy of Pediatricians has publicly stated that teens and children should not engage in boxing, since the sport puts them at risk for brain injuries, concussions, and facial injuries. According to the group, even head guards and other protective equipment used in the sport cannot adequately protect children and teens from injuries. According to Dr. Claire LeBlanc, the American Academy of Pediatricians wants children to play and take part in activities, but recommends that "young people participate in sports where the prime focus is not deliberate blows to the head."

The statement will affect many families in Florida and across the country, since boxing is a popular activity with teens and children. Boxing organizations and lessons are available in schools and as part of recreational options outside of schools. According to some statistics, about 18 000 American teens and children take part in boxing activities. While statistics about injuries are difficult to obtain, some statistics published by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine show that boxing injuries resulted in 8716 emergency room visits annually between 1990 and 2008. In about 2500 cases, the injured parties were children and teens.

According to the American Academy of Pediatricians, boxing is especially troubling because it can lead to concussions, and doctors claim that children's brains are more at risk for concussions and may take longer to heal from this type of injury than adult brains.

Not everyone agrees with the American Academy of Pediatricians about childhood boxing. According to the USA Boxing's Medical Commission, boxing professionals who teach children take every precaution to protect children stepping into the ring. The organization also points out that boxing offers children a chance to exercise and to take part in an activity with others. The organization further points out that at-risk children and teens, especially, can benefit from the discipline and community that boxing offers.

If your child boxes or is interested in boxing, you may be concerned about this new statement from the American Academy of Pediatricians. If you are concerned, you may wish to discuss the safety features that are available at your child's school or after school program, to determine what safety measures are taken to keep your child safe from Florida brain injuries and other Florida personal injury. If your child does have a concussion, it is important to allow that concussion to fully heal before allowing a child to take part in other rigorous activities which may result in a secondary concussion. You can also discuss your concerns with your family pediatrician, in order to get advice specific to your case. Your pediatrician can also help you determine whether boxing is the right activity for your child and can help treat any head injuries your child sustains.

Continue reading "Pediatricians Claim Childhood Sports Can Lead to Florida Brain Injuries" »

Florida is fortunate enough to have two National Hockey League (NHL) teams -- the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning -- and as sports fans know, the National Hockey League has been recently embroiled in debates about head injuries. A number of hockey players in recent months and years have been severely injured with head injuries and brain injuries, prompting a debate in the organization about the role of head injuries in the organization. This debate can actually teach us quite a bit about Florida brain injuries -- and not just those that happen in sports:

1) Brain injuries don’t take a car accident. Brain injuries can happen anywhere, even though Florida car accidents are a major cause of these types of injuries. In ice hockey, head injuries and brain injuries often occur when players get into fights or when they collide with other players. Head shots and checks are also a frequent source of head injuries. When players return to the ice too soon after an initial head injury, they can sustain an even more serious injury if they are targeted again.

2) Public attitudes have a lot to do with brain injuries. For years, on-ice fighting was seen as an essential part of the culture of ice hockey, and in many cases head shots (and their resulting injuries) were seen as simply a part of the game. However, even diehard sports fans are now questioning these assumptions. High-profile hockey players are also speaking out against head shots and against fighting in this sport, which could eventually change ice hockey culture as well as the instances of brain injuries and head injuries in hockey.

3) Brain injuries can take a long time to heal – even with no outward symptoms. Many hockey players that have recently been injured -- including the Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby -- have fortunately been able to resume their normal daily life. However, on the ice they still experience dizziness and other symptoms of head injuries. Some hockey players find themselves out of the game for months or even a lifetime as a result of their head injuries. As well, the increasing debate about head injuries in the NHL has prompted some experts to come forward and to claim that many had injuries that occur on the ice actually have no symptoms. Some medical experts have suggested automatically checking all players for head injuries after every fight or after every trip to the penalty box. Already, the NHL has created the "quiet room,” to help evaluate players who may have sustained a brain injury on the ice.

4) Brain injuries deserve more attention. Whether you're a sports fan or not, the debate about head injuries in ice hockey has created more communication about brain injuries in general. For example, the role of brain injuries in childhood sports has also gotten more attention as the number of brain injuries in the NHL has been in the news. This type of open discussion can help create new options for treatment and new preventative strategies.

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A number of recent news stories have centered around the challenges of brain injuries – and the potential for recover. For example, Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords suffered severe brain injuries after being hit in the head with a bullet during a violent attack. She has slowly recovered and is now able to talk. As well, former NFL player Dave Duerson recently passed away, donating his brain tissue to research so that scientists could examine the effects of multiple head injuries which most NFL players sustain during their years on the field. The NHL has also faced increasing pressure over policies regarding head shots, which can contribute to serious brain injuries on the ice.

These news events highlight the fact that TBI (traumatic brain injury) is a wide-spread problem and doctors hope that the headlines will make everyday US residents more aware of this common type of injury. According to experts, brain injuries can happen to just about every age group. Florida slip and fall accidents, for example, cause many brain injuries among the elderly, while Florida car accidents put many adults in the hospital with serious head trauma. Soldiers in active duty, athletes on the field, and even pedestrians hit by a car walking across the street – virtually anyone can sustain a serious injury. Millions of Americans have sustained a brain injury. In Florida alone, 100 000 residents suffer from a TBI annually.

A recent campaign by The Brain Injury Association of Florida hopes to raise awareness through a special website (byyourside.org) and through the development of the Traumatic Brain Injury Resource & Support Center, the first such resource in the state. The Brain Injury Association of Florida is also working to convince legislators to create more funding for Florida brain injury patients and more resources for patients and their families.

According to The Brain Injury Association of Florida and other experts, brain injuries have a devastating impact on victims and their families. These types of injuries cost the country billions of dollars each year but they also devastate lives. Patients with serious brain injuries often cannot work and sometimes have problems with mobility or speech. Some brain injury patients need extensive rehabilitation and therapy as well as a lifetime of in-home help to complete basic self-care tasks. Some are never able to return to their normal lives.

Brain injuries can affect relationships and can even lead to depression and other problems. Those who suffer serious brain injuries often feel alone and frustrated by their injuries. Friends and family may not know how to help or what to do. According to The Brain Injury Association of Florida, however, support and more resources can help both patients and families recover more fully.

Continue reading "Florida Brain Injury Awareness May Be Helped by News" »

In April, legislators are considering The Youth Athletes bill, which would require child athletes to be cleared by a doctor before playing again in cases of head injury where a concussion was suspected. Advocates of the bill note that the legislation would address the common problem of missed symptoms; in many cases, brain injuries are not taken seriously because symptoms are not evident or take time to manifest.

Florida brain injury patients include patients in every age group. Florida car accidents cause many head injuries for adults and children often sustain head injuries in accidents such as sporting accidents or playground accidents. Every time the head is subject to a collision with a hard object or is hit by a hard object, an injury can occur. Wounds which penetrate the skull are easy to see and diagnose, but injuries inside the skull are harder to see. A patient may have no external marks after a hit to the head but may suffer severe and even life-threatening injuries.

The brain is subject to injuries precisely because it is so well defended. The brain – a soft grey mass – is suspended inside the skull. When an object hits the head or when the head crashes against a hard object, the brain inside the skull is shaken violently and may come into contact with the hard surface of the skull. This can cause bruising, swelling, and other injuries to the brain. In some cases, patients are not even aware that damage has been caused and may feel fine. They may resume normal activities and not seek treatment, even though delay of treatment can be fatal.

Actress Natasha Richardson died in 2009 after falling on a ski vacation and suffering brain damage. She felt fine immediately after her fall and did not seek treatment. By the time she felt unwell and it became apparent that something was wrong, medical professionals were no longer able to save her.

The proposed legislation aims to prevent a similar tragedy from taking place in a children's sport or game. By ensuring that all children are examined after a potential brain injury, the legislation could help prevent serious Florida brain injuries from being overlooked. The legislation could also help ensure that children suffering from a brain injury would get prompt attention, which can help ensure a better outcome for the patient.

The proposed legislation comes at a time when many in the sports world are re-examining attitudes about brain injuries. For example, Florida has two professional hockey teams – the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. The NHL is currently engaged in many debates about how to keep players safe from brain injuries after a number of serious head injuries have taken place in the sport in recent years.

Continue reading "What Can We Do to Help Florida Brain Injury Patients?" »

In states with significant snowfall and other winter weather, brain injuries are a serious concern. Winter sports such as skating and skiing pose a significant risk of injury, while winter conditions often contribute to car accidents and slip and fall accidents which can lead to serious head injuries. However, while Florida is lucky enough to enjoy beautiful weather even in the winter, Florida brain injurieshttp://www.flaxmanandlopez.com/lawyer-attorney-1121037.html are still a concern in the winter months.

Many Florida residents leave the state to enjoy skiing, sledding, and other winter activities in snowier states. Residents can easily sustain serious injuries during these sports. Since winter sports take place on ice and slopes, injuries are quite common, especially among participants with little or no experience. Slippery surfaces and unfamiliar equipment can easily lead to falls and serious spinal cord injuries and brain injuries. According to experts, there are many ways to help prevent this type of accident when enjoying winter activities:

1) Start simple. It is important to stay within your experience range. If you have never been skiing, get some instruction and stay on slopes that match your skill level. If you are new to skating, try skating at an indoor rink near the walls so that you can grab them for support.

2) Wear the right equipment. Work with a sports store or rental outfitter that can help you select the right equipment in the right size. Incorrectly fitted equipment can make you easily lose your balance and can easily lead to an accident.

3) Wear a helmet. Many brain injuries on ski slopes, sled slopes, and ice rinks can be prevented by the use of a properly-fitted helmet. Ice surfaces are very hard, so it is essential to protect your head with a helmet. The helmet cushions the head in the event of a fall and helps prevent brain injury.

4) Try winter activities when you are physically ready. Avoid taking to the slopes (or the skating rink) when you are tired, drinking, or unwell. Accidents are more likely when you are not physically fit. As well, try to get in shape by exercising regularly throughout the year – weekend warriors are more likely to be hurt because their bodies cannot always handle the sudden muscle exertion.

Continue reading "Even in Florida, Winter is a Time for Brain Injuries" »

A new study may have serious repercussions for families who have loved ones with serious brain injuries. Researchers at the University of Liege in Belgium have conducted a study which shows that 41% of people who where diagnosed as being in a vegetative state were in fact in a minimally conscious state. This misdiagnosis is a serious problem, since families make decisions based on continuing or discontinuing care for a loved one based on such subtle diagnostic differences.

In 2005, Terri Schindler Schiavo may have been misdiagnosed as in a vegetative state when she may actually have been in a minimally conscious state. If the diagnosis had been made differently, Schiavo may not have died in 2005. A legal battle between Schiavo’s husband and family led to her eventually dying due to starvation and dehydration. At question was whether she was in a minimally conscious state or not. She was officially diagnosed as being in a vegetative state but multiple doctors believed she was in a minimally conscious state.

In the University of Liege in Belgium study, 44 patients who had been diagnosed as being in a vegetative state using the JFK Coma Recovery Scale-Revised were re-tested using medical staff observation. 18 of the patients were found in this manner to be in a minimally conscious state. A person in the vegetative state has no awareness of their surroundings but can breathe on their own and shows normal reflexes. A person in a minimally conscious state can experience emotion and pain and may be able to communicate in small ways.

The chances of recovery are much higher for patients in minimally conscious states, which is one reason why end-of-life decisions tend to be different between the two groups. Misdiagnosis of the two states can lead some families to conclude that there is little chance of recovery when in fact the patient has a much better chance of recovery than suspected.

The study has raised questions about the treatment patients with severe brain injuries receive. The study points to the fact that a number of patients may have their lives terminated even though they show some signs of awareness. Part of the problem, according to researchers, is that a minimally conscious state can be intermittent. That is, patients may show signs of awareness from time to time but not always. A medical professional would need to be watching for these signs over a period of time to determine whether the patient is truly in a minimally conscious state or a vegetative state. The JFK Coma Recovery Scale-Revised, however, does not suggest checking for awareness over the long term.

Brain injuries claim thousands of children’s lives each year and most are preventable. Many such injuries to children and minors occur when they fall from a bicycle or skateboard, and in most cases these injuries are completely preventable. A helmet can help prevent the vast majority of head injuries related to bicycle accidents and skateboard accidents.

The problem is that many children and teens refuse to wear helmets when bicycling or skateboarding. Many kids respond to peer pressure and abandon helmets or worry about appearing “nerdy.” Even children who wear helmets when their parents are watching may remove helmets when bicycling or skateboarding just with friends. No parent can ensure that their children are watched all the time, so how can parents ensure that children wear helmets – even when they’re out of sight? Some experts recommend that helmets can be more appealing if they’re cool. Here’s how to make helmets cool for your child or teen:

1) Let your child choose a helmet. Your child should be the one to choose a helmet, because that’s the only way to ensure that your child has a helmet he or she likes. Shop around for a helmet with the same care you would shop around for a bike – visit lots of different stores and try on the many different styles until you child finds one they like.

2) Gather pictures of cool helmets worn by athletes. Many professional bicyclists and skateboarders put out posters of themselves on the bikes or skateboards – with helmets firmly in place. Make sure that your child sees these types of pictures so that wearing a helmet seems natural. Look for PSAs or statements made by athletes about the importance of helmets and look at these announcements with your children.

3) Discuss the effects of not wearing helmets. If your child is reluctant to wear a helmet, consider asking a family doctor to discuss brain injuries with your child. Many police stations and hospitals have brain injury awareness programs which take children through the process of a brain injury. Your child might hear about accidents or meet someone who has sustained a brain injury. If your child is old enough and your area has such a program, it can be a great way to really emphasize the message about brain injuries and helmets.

4) Discipline your child for not wearing a helmet. If you do catch your child riding their bicycle or skateboarding without a helmet, take away privileges. It may create a conflict, but it is more important to prevent your child from taking part in risky behavior.

5) Invest in cool helmet accessories. Some companies now offer animal helmet covers. These furry covers come complete with ears and can make a helmet seem much more fun for a young bicycle enthusiast. For older children, consider fashion helmet covers. Some are designed to disguise the helmet as a trendy hat and can be a big hit with teens.

Brain injuries can result from simple summer sports, from car accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, and even simple slip and fall accidents. In many cases, a bump on the head results in no serious injury, but in some cases, a bump on the head causes the brain to crash against the inside of the skull. In some cases, this can lead to internal bleeding, concussions, and brain damage.

The case of actress Natasha Richardson earlier this year proved that diagnosing a brain injury can be difficult. Richardson fell at the bottom of a beginner’s slope while skiing. Initially, she seemed fine, speaking and laughing. After refusing medical attention, she walked to her hotel room. Within hours, her condition became serious. Tragically, she eventually died as a result of the brain injury she suffered on the slope.

Experts and neurologists note that when helping someone who may have suffered a brain injury, it is important to:

1) Test for altered consciousness. Experts suggest asking a patient a series of simple math and information questions. Asking the patient to follow your finger with his or her eyes is also a good way to note whether a patient is fully alert or not. If someone has hit his or her head and is conscious but has trouble answering questions or following your finger, that person needs immediate medical help.

2) Check for vision problems. If the patient’s eyes seem to have trouble focusing or if the patient seems to have a “glazed” look, he or she may be experiencing vision problems. Blurry vision or problems seeing can be a sign of brain injury. Get the patient to a physician at once for a full assessment.

3) Check for sleepiness or confusion. Most patients will complain of a headache after being hit in the head. However, if a patient feels tired and wants to sleep, it is important to keep the person awake and rush them to a doctor. Sleepiness, drowsiness and confusion – being “in a fog” – can indicate that an injury has taken place and the brain in not functioning normally.

4) Look out for nausea and dizziness. These can be symptoms of a head injury or even an internal injury to one of the organs. In some cases, these can indicate shock, but it is better to err on the side of caution and have the patient examined for brain injury and other serious injuries.

5) Take the “better safe than sorry” attitude. If someone has hit their head and experiences any symptoms, take the person to an emergency room. While it can be frustrating to spend hours in an emergency room, if a brain injury has taken place, timely help is a must. Many brain injury patients can be helped within the first hour after an accident, but the more time that passes the more difficult a positive prognosis can be. Prompt treatment can help save a person’s life.

A brain injury can occur as a result of a boating accident, slip and fall accident, bicycle accident, nursing home abuse, and other injuries. There are two kinds of brain injuries: impact injuries and contrecoup concussions. Impact injuries occur when the head hits something solid. Contrecoup concussions occur when the head is whipped from side to side or forward and backward. This causes the brain to crash against the skull, which leads to bruising, bleeding, swelling, tearing, and other damage to brain tissue.

The most serious symptoms of brain injury include vomiting and disorientation and loss of consciousness. Loss of consciousness is usually easy to spot, but telling whether sometime is disoriented. Physicians use the Glasgow scale to determine this. The Glasgow scale gauges how well someone is able to keep their eyes open, how well someone is able to respond verbally to questions, and how well someone’s muscle responses work. If someone loses consciousness after a head injury or is unable to answer simple questions, call emergency medical personnel. If someone is vomiting after a head injury, the brain injury may be a medical emergency. Dial 911.

Other symptoms of a brain injury include sensitivity to noise, headaches, tiredness, dizziness, irritability, blurred vision, problems concentrating or doing multiple tasks at once, lack of patience, anxiety, trouble sleeping, trouble remembering things. If someone develops these symptoms after a head injury, they should visit their doctor right away.

Even if you have few or no symptoms, it is a good precaution to visit a doctor after getting a hard bump to the head. You might not notice some symptoms or attribute them to something else or you might have fewer symptoms than the average patient. Prompt treatment of a head injury is important. Your doctor can test for brain injury and can refer you to a neuropsychologist or specialist if necessary.

If you have sustained a traumatic brain injury and are under a doctor’s care, it is important to take things easy. Discuss carefully with your doctor the activities you can and cannot do. Discuss your exercise routine, for example. You may have to temporarily give up some sports as you heal. You will also need to be careful about preventing another brain injury. Another brain injury can cause serious complication and can even prove fatal.

Many patients who sustain a brain injury are aggravated by their symptoms and frightened by their diagnosis. Some patients have a hard time returning to their jobs or daily activities. Many feel upset about the sports and other activities that they are missing. If you are experiencing any of these feelings, consider seeking support. There are many support groups available for people who have sustained a head injury. In many cases, these groups can help you as you heal from your injury.

About 6 million Americans each year are affected by mild traumatic brain injuries. These injuries occur as a result of sports injuries, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, falls, and other incidents. Usually, these injuries require less than 48 hours of hospitalization or even no hospitalization at all. However, do not let the name “mild traumatic brain injury” fool you – this type of brain injury can still have a significant impact on a person’s life. It also requires close monitoring, as a mild injury can get worse.

A brain injury is considered a mild traumatic brain injury if the patient has been unconscious for less than 20 minutes after a head injury. Some mild memory loss is common after a mild traumatic brain injury, and many patients, for example, do not remember the head injury that has occurred. In a mild traumatic brain injury, however, memory usually returns in 24 to 48 hours. With medical supervision, the patient heals.

Many people who have sustained a mild traumatic brain injury find that as they recover they experience several symptoms. Doctors refer to these as postconcussion syndrome symptoms:

1) A very persistent headache
2) Fatigue and dizziness
3) Irritability
4) Mild memory loss and lack of ability to concentrate
5) Mild difficulty completing daily tasks
6) Sleep troubles
7) Trouble multi-tasking
8) Emotional upheavals or upset, depression, or anxiety

Some people with mild traumatic brain injury experience these symptoms in the weeks or days after a head injury. Some people never experience any symptoms at all. In many cases, the symptoms can persist for weeks or even months after a brain injury. Most doctors expect all symptoms to be gone within six months.

After a mild traumatic brain injury, you should seek medical help from a doctor. Your doctor will tell you how soon you can take part in your daily activities. If you play sports or drink alcohol, you need to tell your doctor, because your doctor may prohibit you from certain exercise and from drinking until your mild traumatic brain injury is completely healed. This is because a second brain injury could severely injure you. Follow your doctor’s directions fully and return as required for checkups to see that your mild traumatic brain injury is healing.

Call your doctor at once if your symptoms get worse or if you develop new symptoms. If you are having trouble with basic daily activities, visit your doctor again. You may need help from speech, occupational, or physical therapists as you heal from your injury or you may need more tests to determine whether there is another problem.

Brain injuries – whether caused by car accidents, boating accidents, pedestrian accidents, or other incidents – can be serious or mild. Some people sustain trauma to the head and experience nothing more serious than a brief bump. Others find that brain injury leads to permanent injury or even death. Obviously, the force of impact is an important indicator of how serious an injury is. The place where impact takes place can also determine the severity of a head injury – blunt force to the temples, for example, very often leads to serious injury or fatalities.

To make matters more confusing, some brain injury victims seem perfectly fine after a head injury. Some walk away from an accident, thinking that there is nothing wrong and are later rushed to the hospital with a serious brain injury. Just because a brain injury is not dramatic, that does not make it a minor or insignificant injury.

Determining whether a brain injury is serious or not is difficult. It is useful to know the symptoms of a concussion. These symptoms include:

1) Confusion or disorientation.
2) Headache.
3) Nausea or vomiting.
4) Memory loss.
5) Vision problems.
6) Problems talking.
7) Balance problems.

Anyone with these symptoms should get medical help right away.

If someone is having more subtle symptoms, however, it can be more difficult to determine what to do. A good rule of thumb is: have every good bump on the head checked out as soon as possible. If someone is experiencing loss of consciousness, a headache, vision problems, slurred speech and other problems described above, contact your emergency hospital room or call for emergency help. If someone has sustained a serious bump on the head, go to an after-hours clinic or a doctor immediately for an evaluation. Some people do not develop symptoms for a few hours after an injury and then suddenly are in a critical medical situation. Getting help promptly can help save a life.

If you are not sure whether your head injury is an emergency or not but have at least one symptom, get immediate help. Of the approximately 1.7 million Americans who visit emergency rooms for head injuries annually, 90% are found to have concussions. If you think you might have a concussion you might. Even if you do not, it is better to be safe than sorry. If you feel uncomfortable visiting your local emergency room because you are not showing many of the symptoms of a concussion, call your doctor’s office and explain your situation. You doctor may make room in his or her schedule to see you the same day or may direct you to the emergency room.

Researchers believe that Florida brain injury patients – and patients across the country who have sustained traumatic brain injury due to car accidents, workplace accidents, and other causes – may have a cause to celebrate. The National Institutes of Health haw awarded Orlando Health a $2.25 million grant. The grant is specifically earmarked for traumatic brain injury research.

The grant recipient and lead researcher at Orlando Regional Medical Center, Dr. Linda Papa, plans to use the money to develop more effective tools to diagnose brain injuries. According to Papa, about 90% of the roughly 2 million Americans who sustain a traumatic brain injury yearly sustain either a mild or moderate brain injury. In some instances, diagnosing these injuries is challenging for health care professionals.

Papa’s study will begin in 2008 and will try to create blood test that will help doctors evaluate biomarkers in the blood. Biomarkers are released by the brain during brain injury and Papa and her team believe they may be able to devise a test that not only helps to indicate brain trauma but could also potentially help tell doctors the seriousness of a traumatic brain injury. If successful, the test would help doctors select better treatment options for patients.

The research into this issue is badly needed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 5.3 million people in the US currently live with brain injury-related disabilities. Almost 50,000 people die each year in the US due to brain injuries. Many people who suffer from a brain injury face life challenges such as suicide, depression, divorce, unemployment, substance abuse and other problems.

The difficult thing about traumatic brain injury is that many forms of brain injury can be avoided. Careful driving on the road, for example, can reduce the car accidents that lead to brain injuries. Careful evaluation of water depth before diving can help prevent not only brain injuries but also the spinal cord injuries that occur each year when swimmers dive into water that proves too shallow.

Continue reading "Florida Nets $2.25M Grant For Traumatic Brain Injury Research" »

If you have sustained a head or brain injury – even if it is a minor one – it is important to visit the nearest emergency room for evaluation. Sometimes, even seemingly minor injuries can mean big problems later. If your injury has occurred as a result of a workplace accident, aviation accident, boating accident, car accident, or some other situation in which others were involved, visiting an emergency room starts the process of documenting your injuries. If you need insurance or compensation later, this documentation will be invaluable. Without it, you may end up paying all your injury-related costs out of your own pocket.

Once you are released from the hospital, you need to continue to evaluate your condition. Unfortunately, many medical malpractice cases in Florida and across the country are the result of errors in the emergency room. A physician may release you before you are ready, causing more injury.

After your injury, you may not be able to remember the events that led up to your head injury or you may feel more easily tired that is usual for you. Your may experience some trouble concentrating or you may suffer from dizziness or headaches. You may have trouble performing simple tasks or you may experience mood changes. If any of these symptoms occur suddenly or seem severe, seek medical treatment right away. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the symptoms you are experiencing. If symptoms last more than a few days, seek medical help right away.

If you experience vomiting, sever headaches, memory problems, blackouts, spasms or seizure, neck stiffness, vision problems, dizziness, confusion, slurred speech, or unusual behavior, seek emergency help right away, even if you have already been checked by a physician. Similarly, if you are having trouble staying awake or have blood or fluid coming from your ears or nose, go to the nearest emergency room. If you have tingling, numbness, weakness, or pins and needles in your limbs, visit the emergency room. All these symptoms can be a sign of problems and should be evaluated right away.

It is important not to return to normal activities – especially sports and physical labor – until you have recovered completely from a brain injury. This is because your thinking and reaction times are slower after this sort of injury, making a second injury more likely. If it is taking you some time to recover from a brain injury, be sure to seek a doctor’s help. If you feel that your doctor is not attentive to worrying symptoms, seek a second opinion.

Continue reading "After You Have Been Released From the Hospital Following a Brain Injury" »

The brain is a soft organ, protected by the facial bones and skull. Unfortunately, the protective covering of the brain can become a problem in the event of an aviation accident, sporting injury, car accident, or other situation in which a knock to the head or a sudden jolt causes the brain to move around and hit the hard bone surfaces. In these cases, the brain can swell and bleed, leading to brain injury.

Brain injuries occur to many victims each year in Florida and across the country. If you suffer a brain injury – even a seemingly minor injury such as a mild concussion – it is important to seek help right away. Concussions are the most common type of head injury, but even these common injuries can cause memory loss, pain, and other problems.

Any time you or a loved one sustains a head injury – even a seemingly minor one – it is important to seek medical attention right away. This is important because it is hard to evaluate the seriousness of this type of injury. When you visit the emergency department of a hospital for your injury, you can expect that you will be placed under observation and given painkillers if you are in pain or tablets for any nausea or vomiting you may be experiencing. You may be given an x-ray or a CT scan to help doctors diagnose your injuries.

It is important to follow any directions you are given to you by doctors. Until a doctor tells you otherwise, avoid eating or drinking. Some tests you may need will require an empty stomach. If you are not sure whether you can eat or drink, ask the doctor looking after your case. Be sure to tell the doctor which medications you are currently taking. If you are taking specific types of medications – such as sedatives – you might need to suspend their use for a little while after your injury.

Once you are released after having your injury looked after, avoid driving home. Call a taxi or ask someone to drive you home. Make sure that someone can stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after your head injury. If you suddenly get worse or need help, it will be useful for you to have someone nearby who can call for help.

Once you arrive home, rest and relax for at least a day or two to give your body a chance to recover. Be especially careful to avoid any activities that might cause a second head injury. A secondary brain injury – even a minor one – when you already have a minor brain injury can result in complications. If there are any areas of your head that are painful or swollen, apply icepacks. Unless your doctor has told you otherwise, do not eat or drink in the first six to twelve hours after your injury. When you can eat again, do so in moderation and avoid alcohol for another 24 hours after your injury.

A study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine finds that the number of traumatic head injuries among high school football athletes is much higher than the number of the same personal injuries in college football. The study also find that high school players who sustain brain injuries such as concussions often return to the game too soon, often playing with the residual effects of their first injury, a choice that researchers point out is extremely dangerous. Florida parents should be wary: with more days of sunny weather, there are simply more options for Florida high school athletes to keep playing, which can spell trouble.

The study found that football-related brain trauma has decreased over generations, mostly due to better gear. In the 1950s and 1960s, football players in both college and high school were at much greater risk for brain injury than they are today, the study found.

The problem, the study concluded, is that some high school football player return to the field even while experiencing neurological symptoms. Researchers found that there is one severe football head injury for every 150,000 high school football players, which is about seven catastrophic head injuries every year. Researchers uncovered that high school players have over triple the risk of catastrophic head trauma when compared to college players. While high school football players suffered 0.67 such injuries per 100,000 players, college athletes sustained only 0.21 injuries per 100,000 players.

The younger age of the high school players may contribute to brain injury, some researchers have hypothesized, since the skull bone may be thinner and the brain less fully developed among teenage athletes. Others researchers have suggested that less medical coverage may be present at high school games.

Of the high school football players that researchers studied, 59% had had a previous head injury. 71% of these injured players had sustained their earlier injury in the same season. Roughly 40% of the players with head injuries continued to play football, even while experiencing symptoms from the previous injury. About 81% of the injuries occurred when players were involved in helmet-to-body or helmet-to-helmet collisions. Of the group studied, the injuries lead to 8 fatalities, 36 full recoveries, and 46 permanent brain injuries.

Researchers concluded that high school students should be strongly urged to report any possible symptoms of personal injury to their coaches, parents, and physicians. Additionally, the researchers concluded that football players should be strongly discouraged from "leading with the head" and from returning to the game until all symptoms are resolved. Finally, the researchers concluded that medical staff for high school athletes should be highly qualified.

If you or a loved one has experienced a traumatic brain injury as a result of sports or an accident, a qualified Florida attorney can help ensure that you get the best quality medical care possible. If you need to speak to an attorney, book a free, no-obligation consultation with a qualified Florida attorney simply by calling 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN).

In Florida and across the country, brain injuries occur every day. As a result of slip and fall accidents, car accidents, construction accidents, industrial accidents, and other types of unfortunate events, brain injuries affect thousands of victims every year. Just as each individual is different, so too, the ways that the brain reacts to injury vary. In general, brain injuries can be divided into various types:

*Traumatic brain injuries. These types of injuries occur when an outside force impacts the head in such a powerful way that the brain moves within the skull. Since the brain is made up of soft tissue, when the brain impacts against the inside of the skull, damage can occur. In addition, traumatic brain injury can also occur when an outside force impacts the head strongly enough to crack the skull and directly injure the brain. These types of brain injuries are often the result of physical violence, firearms, car accidents, falls, and other serious injuries.

*Shaken baby syndrome. In this type of brain injury, the head is shaken so hard that the brain moves rapidly back and forth, damaging brain tissue and ripping apart the fibers. Although physical violence is most often the cause, adults can get this injury too, often as a result of violence or car accidents. This type of injury is also considered a traumatic brain injury.

*Diffuse Axonal Injury. This type of brain injury is also caused by strong shaking of the head, either through violence or through a car accident. In a Diffuse Axonal Injury occurs because the brain and the skull do not move together (the brain stays still or lags in movement as the skull moves) and this causes some brain structures – including nerve tissue -- to tear.

*Concussion. This is the most common kind of brain injury and can occur with a direct blow to the head, violent shaking, a gunshot wound, or from whiplash. A concussion can lead to stretched blood vessels and cranial nerve damage.

*Contusion. This type of injury occurs when a bruise (or bleeding) forms on the brain. Usually, this is caused by a direct impact to the head. If a contusion is large, surgery may be needed to remove it.

*Coup-Contrecoup Injury. This type of injury is essentially a contusion which occurs on both the site where the impact occurred and on the opposite side of the brain. This type of injury occurs when a direct impact is so severe that the brain hits the skull on the site of impact and then slaps against the opposite side of the skull, causing two sites of bruising.

*Second Impact Syndrome. Also known as "Recurrent Traumatic Brain Injury," this type of injury occurs when someone incurs another brain injury before the first has had time to heal. Even if the second injury is less severe, it can lead to widespread damage because the brain is already injured and therefore more vulnerable. Recurrent Traumatic Brain Injury is a medical emergency, even if the injury does not seem severe, because a victim can die quite suddenly from this type of injury.

*Penetration Injury. As the name suggests, this injury occurs when a sharp object pierces the skull and impacts the brain.

*Anoxic Brain Injury. This type of injury occurs when the brain’s supply of oxygen is cut off, and the cells which need oxygen to function and survive are affected.

*Hypoxic Brain Injury. This type of brain injury occurs when not enough oxygen reaches the brain so that cells can function properly.

If you or a loved one have sustained a brain injury, it is important to speak to a Florida attorney. In cases where someone’s negligence has caused the injury or worsened it, Florida law protects you and ensures that you are eligible to receive help so that you can afford the best treatment possible. If you need to speak to an attorney, you can enjoy a free, no-obligation consultation with a qualified Florida attorney simply by calling 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN)

Dog bites tend to be the most common types of animal attacks, in part because so many people in Florida and across the country own dogs as pets. Whether you want to reduce the risk of being bitten by your own dog or by someone else’s pet, be sure to follow these steps for increasing your personal safety:

1) Do not disturb a dog when it is more likely to bite. A dog that is sleeping, caring for puppies, or eating is more likely to bit when disturbed. Teach children not to approach dogs at these times.

2) Avoid running near dogs. A dog’s natural instinct is to chase after and catch things. In addition, most dogs become increasingly aggressive or excited when they are running after someone or something they cannot catch. If a dog chases after you and catches you, they may bite to try to show that they have caught you.

3) If you are threatened by a dog or a dog approaches you to sniff you, remain calm and still. Moving around or using a loud voice can aggravate the animal, making it more prone to biting. In many cases, a dog that is kept as a pet will simply wander away when they see that you do not pose a threat.

4) If a dog attacks you or knocks you to the ground, curl your body up into a ball and cover your head and neck as well as your face as well as you can. The biggest threat in a dog attack is the risk of brain injury and facial injury, which can happen when a large and powerful dog attacks your head area. Therefore, your aim when attacked by a dog is to minimize any personal injury. If you speak to the animal, speak firmly and calmly. Avoid making eye contact with the dog, as that might aggravate the animal further. Stay still until the dog leaves or wanders away. At that time, back away slowly until the dog is no longer in your sight.

5) Do not turn your back on an attacking dog. Face the dog at all times and stay as calm as you can. If you have been attacked, get away from the dog if you can and seek help.

Someone who has sustained an impact to the head, as a result of a slip and fall accident, for example, or as a result of a car accident or construction site accident, may be in danger of experiencing traumatic brain injury. In this type of injury, the brain has impacted against the inside of the skull so hard that brain damage has resulted. In some cases, the skull has actually split open and the brain has become damaged as a result of direct impact with an outside force. However, even in cases where someone does not display any obvious symptoms of injury to the head, traumatic brain injury can occur. If you have witnessed an accident in which someone has bumped their head and displays the following symptoms, contact 911 immediately, since this is a medical emergency:

1) Loss of consciousness. 911 should be dialled immediately if the victim loses consciousness. In some cases, it may be impossible to determine whether a victim has lost consciousness or has slipped into a comatose state, so getting an expert medical opinion is a must. However, it is important to note that just because someone remains conscious does not mean that they have not sustained brain injury. In many concussion pieces, a victim remains fully awake and alert at all times.

2) Thin watery liquid coming out of the nose or years. This can actually be spinal fluid leaking from the victim.

3) Eye or vision changes. Dilated or unequal size of pupils can be a sign of brain damage. Also, if the victim is not able to see, is seeing double, is light sensitive, or cannot move eyes normally, brain injury may have occurred.

4) Balancing problems. If a person has trouble walking, or experiences sudden fatigue or dizziness, a medical doctor should be called. Poor coordination, weakness, and difficulty moving are also signs that you need to phone 911 right away. Some victims of traumatic brain injury can experience paralysis as well. Some victims may experience tingling or numbness on their bodies. Some lose control of their bladder or bowels due to partial paralysis.

5) Respiratory problems can be a sign of brain-related problems, as can a slow breathing rate and slow pulse. All can be signs of a traumatic brain injury. A victim can also have problems speaking or swallowing. Some victims exhibit slurred speech.

6) Confusion and headache. Traumatic brain injury victims often display poor attention span, a slowed thought processing speed, memory difficulties, problems thinking logically, bad judgement, and other brain function problems. In addition to brain functioning problems, victims of traumatic brain injury may also exhibit unusual mental or emotional symptoms, such as frustration, irritability, and inappropriate emotional responses.

7) Vomiting.

8) Sluggishness or lethargy.

It is important to note that even victims who do not display these symptoms may still have a serious brain injury. After any impact, professional medical help is necessary. If you or a loved one display these symptoms and have a brain injury due to an accident or someone’s reckless, Florida law can help you get the money you need to good medical care and home care. If you need to speak to an attorney, you can enjoy a free, no-obligation consultation with a qualified Florida attorney simply by calling 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN)

According to the CDC, brain injuries are most often caused when a jolt or blow to the head causes a mild brain injury known as a concussion. The CDC advises that anyone who has suffered a blow to head to look out for symptoms of a concussion, which can include:

1) Difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions.

2) Fatigue and headaches

3) Unusual emotional symptoms, such as listlessness anxiousness, sadness, irritability, and so forth. It is especially important to be on the look out for these symptoms when they appear for no reason. Unexplained emotional upsets can often be a sign of brain injury.

It is best that if you have suffered a jolt or blow to the head for any reason -- including a car accident, slip and fall accident, or any other personal injury -- that you seek medical help right away. A physician can examine you and determine whether you have been injured. However, it is also important not to depend entirely on an initial medical examination by a physician. Even if a doctor has said that you seem okay, if you develop symptoms after experiencing a blow to the head, get re-evaluated or ask for a second opinion. Sometimes, it takes time for the symptoms of a brain injury or concussion to manifest themselves. Also, medical mistakes do occur and sometimes a physician will simply miss some of the symptoms and signs of a brain injury.

Brain injuries are as unique as the individuals who suffer from them. There are many types of brain injuries that can occur and each patient tends to recover from a brain injury differently and display different symptoms. This is one reason why diagnosing brain injury can be challenging. If you suspect that you have a brain injury, seek medical help right away, even if a physician has already stated that you likely do not have a brain injury.

If you've suffered a brain injury because of someone's negligence or reckless behavior, contact an attorney as well as a doctor. A qualified Florida attorney can help ensure that you get all the legal protection you are entitled to. This can be important, since brain injuries can take a long time to recover from. Some brain injuries can be permanent, and can affect your income level, medical bills, and much more. A qualified Florida attorney can ensure that you have the financial resources you need so that you can rebuild your life after an accident. If you need an experienced Florida attorney, arrange for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN).

In Florida, dog bites occur every day. If you own a pet, your dog might bite either you or someone else. What you will want to do will depend on whether someone else is involved and on whether the bite can be explained. If your dog has bitten someone else:

1) Remove your dog from the scene of the attack at once. Restrain your pet and confine it.

2) Help the victim of the bite. Even if the bite occurred because the victim was teasing your dog, make sure that the victim seeks medical advice and knows the importance of washing any wounds with soap and water. If the personal injury seems severe, for example if it appears that the victim has suffered brain injury or some other serious injury as a result of the attack, call 911.

3) To either the victim or the paramedics, provide your name, address, information about your pet’s most recent vaccinations against rabies and other diseases, and other important information. Unfortunately, if your pet has not had rabies vaccination updated, local laws may require that your pet be euthanized or quarantined for rabies testing. In this situation, the victim of the bite will need to undergo treatment for rabies.

4) Always report the dog bite. Your local laws will stipulate who you should report the bite too.

5) Take your dog to the veterinarian to discuss the situation further. Your vet may have some tips about preventing similar behavioural problems in the future. If the dog attack seems to come from nowhere, your vet should test your pet for possible illnesses that may have provoked the attack. In some cases, pets who are in severe pain will be more prone to biting.

If your dog bites you, you should:

1) Call your veterinarian to determine whether your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date and schedule appointments with the veterinarian can see whether there is an illness that may result in your pet’s unusual behaviour. If your pet's vaccinations are not up to date, you need to go to see your doctor in order to get rabies treatment.

2) Get first aid for the wound. Wash the wound with soap and water or visit your local emergency room if the injury seems severe.

3) Consider seeking obedience classes for your pet to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Those people who are injured as a result of a direct blow to the head or a car accident are often checked for traumatic brain injury (TBI). In many cases, TBI can be diagnosed shortly after the injury and because doctors are looking for the injury, they are more likely to find it. However, mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) is often overlooked. Often caused by less obvious head injuries, MTBI is a personal injury that causes devastation in many lives.

One reason why MTBI is often overlooked is because the symptoms are so mild. Victims of this type of injury may experience short-term memory loss, brief loss of consciousness, focal neurological deficits, and an altered mental state at the time of the injury. A brief time after the accident or injury, the patient may seem to be physically fine and this leads many patients and physicians to assume that all is well.

MTBI, however, is a serious medical problem. Sufferers may experience changes in cognitive abilities, personality changes, depression, and other serious symptoms. MTBI can cause blurry vision, double vision, difficulties with coordination, balance, and motor skills. It can also impact strength and endurance and can cause headaches, seizures, and ringing in the ears.

Just like traumatic brain injury, MTBI may require a long term rehabilitation. A person with this injury may need to practice motor skills, get speech and communication help and may need help adjusting to a different cognitive ability. During the recovery process, the patient may suffer from depression and frustration, which can make recovery even more difficult.

Plus, since MTBI can affect cognitive and speech ability, MTBI patients may not be able to return to work. They may experience loss of income as they realize that the tasks that came easily to them before now pose a major challenge.

Although MTBI can affect a person’s lifetime, the fact that the injury is often overlooked creates a serious problem. Many victims face considerable medical bills but have trouble convincing insurance companies that they have been injured and have a serious claim to make. For MTBI patients, a good Florida attorney is a must. A good Florida lawyer can investigate the case and can work with the patient to get a fair settlement.

A traumatic brain injury can be one of the most devastating injuries that can be sustained in a car accident, boating accident, workplace injury, or other accident. Despite the fact that brain injuries cause debilitating injury for years and sometimes for a lifetime, many victims of such injuries are under-compensated or even not compensated at all for their injuries. This is because many injuries are slow to show symptoms and many victims delay seeking medical help, mistakenly assuming that a bump on the head is not serious.

Florida personal injury attorneys have seen this situation far too often. If you receive any head trauma or any bump on the head, please seek medical help at once. A doctor can properly diagnose your condition and can help you heal properly. If you do not seek medical help, you may simply not be able to convince an insurance claims adjuster that a brain injury was caused by an accident. This is a situation where it is much better to be safe than sorry.

If you have been in any sort of accident or have suffered any injury to your head, see a doctor at once. Report your injury or accident to your doctor and ask your health care provider to check for brain injury. Then, keep a sharp lookout for symptoms such as pain or bruising around the head, headaches, loss of memory, dizziness, ringing in the ears, bleeding in the ear canal, seepage of fluid from the ear canal, or any other symptoms.

If you develop any of these symptoms after an accident, see your doctor again, even if your physician has already told you that you do not appear to have an injury – sometimes, it can take time for symptoms of brain injury to appear. Sometimes, as well, doctors will overlook symptoms or will assume that no immediate symptoms mean no brain injury. Your best defense is to look for and report any suspect symptoms yourself.

Be especially alert for symptoms if you or a loved one have suffered seemingly minor injuries. While emergency room physicians and patients will often treat burn injuries, fractured bones, and other obvious personal injuries seriously, there is a tendency to minimize smaller injuries. Even low-speed car accidents or bumps on the head from slip and fall accidents can lead to traumatic brain injury, so be vigilant about symptoms.

Many people assume that traumatic brain injury can only occur with a direct blow to the head, but this is not the case. You should always be alert for the symptoms that can signal brain injury and seek medical help immediately if you or a loved one develops these symptoms. The fact is, traumatic brain injury (TBI) can occur even if the head is not hit directly. If the brain inside the skull is shaken and comes into direct contact with the skull, traumatic brain injury can occur. Brain damage can result from shaking, violent movement of the head, loss of oxygen, or even from poisoning or infection. If your head was whipped around in a car accident or other injury, if you have survived a near-drowning, or if you have experienced a loss of oxygen, you may be at risk of brain injury.

A number of recent product recalls have been reported by the CPSC. Many of these defective products can cause burn injuries and some have already caused personal injury to consumers:

*On May 4, Coast Spas with Franklin Electric Motors were recalled. 30 reports of fires caused by the motors have been reported, although no reports of burn injuries have been reported at this time. Customers can call Coast Spas at (877) 534-5255 for more information about the recall.

*On May 2, Char-Broil two-burner gas grills were recalled. The affected models have an incorrect heat shield, which poses a burn injury risk to customers. The grills were sold across the country between January and March of this year. Customers who may be affected by this recall can call Char-Broil at (866) 671-7988 for assistance.

*On April 26, 300 000 Holmes Oil-Filled Electric heaters were recalled when it was found that an inadequate electrical connection can cause the unit to overheat. The company has received numerous complaints about the heaters and reports of four home fires caused by the units. Holmes models with the model numbers HOH2505 and HOH2520 are affected by the recall.

*On April 26, a new laptop battery recall was issued. The battery affected is an Acer Incorporated lithium-ion battery made by Sony. The product may overheat and cause fire. Acer laptop computers sold in the United States and Canada between May 2004 and November 2006 are affected by the recall. Customers can get more information by calling Acer at (800) 503-2330. Since last year, more than 10 million notebook batteries around the world have been recalled. Laptop customers may want to check their laptop battery manufacturer’s website or contact the CPSC just to be on the safe side.

Continue reading "Some of the Latest Product Recalls Reported by the Consumer Product Safety Commission May Cause Burn Injury" »

Yesterday, we reported about the frightening statistics concerning summertime childhood injuries. One excellent way to prevent these injuries, as we pointed out, is to wear a bicycle helmet while bicycling. The advice is not just for kids. According to the Centers for Disease Control, bicycling is the third most popular form of recreation for both adults and children in this country. Unfortunately, this form of recreation is also a leading cause of injury each year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, bicycle accidents cause brain injuries that cause more than 150 deaths and 450,000 injuries among children in the nation annually. Only 24% of US child bicyclists wear helmets regularly, even though this has been proven to be one of the best ways of preventing serious brain injuries and other personal injuries in the event of a bicycle accident. The CDC has reported that more than 75% of bicycle-related deaths among children could be prevented if all children wore helmets each time they rode a bicycle.

Children who use a proper helmet while bicycling, skateboarding, or in-line skating can dramatically improve their chances of surviving any injury. There are many helmets bicyclists can choose from:

*No shell: These helmets have a soft-shell that is covered with a soft cloth or Lycra.

*Hard Shell: These helmets have a crushable inner shell and a hard outer shell. The two are separable in most cases. These helmets can be heavy and so may not be right for every bicyclist.

*Thin Shell: These helmets have two shells which are fused together. The inner shell is a crushable foam layer while the outer shell is made of thin, hard semi-rigid plastic.

Once you have chosen the right type of helmet, it is important to ensure a good fit to maximize protection. When buying a helmet, it is important to try on the helmet before buying it. A well-fitted helmet will cover the sides and back of the head as well as the crown and forehead. Any helmet you buy should meet the ANSI Z90.1 or Snell B-90 standard – this ensures maximum protection from brain injury.

When trying on a helmet, use the fitting layer of foam inside the helmet to obtain the right fit. Dot his by fitting the pads all the way around. Adjust the straps until the chin strap is snug against the chin and the side straps meeting in a V below the ear. It should be easy to insert only two fingers between the chin straps and the chin. A properly fitted helmet will be snug but not tight once the straps are fastened. The helmet should not pinch or hurt the head, but should also not move front-to-back or side-to-side.

The Brain Injury Association of Florida, Inc.(BIAF) is developing an awareness campaign to educate Florida residents about the realities of brain injuries, after Governor Crist proclaimed March as Brain Injury Awareness Month. The BIAF is being helped in its efforts by ABC News journalist Bob Woodruff, who has recently gone public with his experience dealing with a traumatic brain injury. With Woodruff’s coverage and Governor Crist’s support, the BIAF hopes to raise funding and increase awareness about brain injuries.

The BIAF hopes its campaign will raise much-needed money for injured soldiers who have suffered traumatic brain injury while on active duty. The organization also hopes that increased awareness will help families and victims cope with injury more effectively. Currently, the BIAF website and members provide support and information, but the association hopes that this high-profile campaign will prove even more effective.

The BIAF is proud of the fact that Florida has one of the biggest and best-funded associations for brain injury awareness and support in the country. The state is able to provide a number of excellent care options for victims, including cognitive therapy. Unfortunately, according to the BIAF, there are still far too many patients not getting the care they need. Also, as both the BIAF and as Florida attorneys know, there still seem to be far too many brain injuries occurring, in car accidents, workplace accidents, and in other situations. Many of these injuries seem to be preventable.

The BIAF hopes that the new campaign will warn people to be more careful and will show them that brains are things that must be cared for. The BIAF has been working with Florida’s Brain and Spinal Cord Injury program to offer counselling, programs, resources therapy and other types of support for brain injury survivors and their families. The BIAF hopes that more people will become aware of these programs and will make use of them during the month of March and beyond.

Continue reading "Florida Declares March as Brain Injury Awareness Month" »

A brain injury occurs when an external trauma or hit to the skull damages the brain. The State of Florida officially defines brain injury as:

An insult to the skull, brain, or its covering, resulting from external trauma, which produces an altered state of consciousness or anatomic, motor, sensory, or cognitive/behavioral deficits.

There are actually two types of brain injuries: “closed brain injuries” and “open brain injuries.” Both can be serious. In a closed brain injury, a fall or a car accident can cause a person’s skull to come into contact with a hard surface. When the skull hits an object, the brain inside the skull moves and can become injured. The brain can rebound against the skull or can twist on its axis. This can result in widespread or localized damage. If the brain is bruised or damaged in more than one area, the patient has suffered from what is known as diffuse damage.

An open brain injury occurs when an object penetrates the skull and damages the brain. This can occur from a gunshot wound or even from a car accident in which the impact of the skull against a hard surface actually causes the skull to break. In an open brain injury, trauma or injury usually occurs to one part of the brain.

When a brain injury is severe, a patient may be unconscious for some time before recovering. In milder injuries, a patient may never lose consciousness. According to the Brain Injury Association of Florida, though, anyone who has suffered a brain injury should seek medical help at once. Even seemingly minor injuries can result in cognitive impairment and other problems. Getting medical attention at once is also crucial since it allows the injury to be documented. This is important in case the patient later suffers from the injury and requires legal counsel in order to get compensation for their suffering.

Brain injuries can be a very difficult form of personal injury. This is because even mild brain injuries can result in serious symptoms, such as:

• memory loss
• problems concentrating and completing simple actions
• speech difficulties
• hemiparesis
• seizures
• spasticity
• anxiety and depression
• inappropriate behaviors
• vision problems
• inability to use judgment the same way
• problems with perception and direction
• slower thought processes

Some victims may experience other symptoms as well, according to the Brain Injury Association of Florida. Recovery from this type of injury can be lengthy and medical treatment can be expensive. Once brain cells are damaged, new cells simply cannot grow, so in serious injuries, much of the recovery is about rehabilitation and adjustment to a new lifestyle.