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Whiplash Injury After A Car Accdient

admin — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:37:45 +0000

Whiplash injuries are perhaps the most common forms of injuries to motorists. The whiplash injury is actually a colloquial term used to describe any injury that is caused to a person’s neck due to a sudden acceleration force or deceleration impact. This form of an injury will usually cause damage to the bone structure as well as the soft tissues in the neck (the ligaments, tendons and muscles). Though not fatal; whiplash injuries can still leave the affected person with partial disablement. Some people are fortunate enough to recover quickly but there can be cases when these injuries culminate into chronic whiplash related disorders. In such cases, the affected person continues to experience the symptoms for years together.

To be more specific, a whiplash injury occurs most commonly when a person riding or driving a motor vehicle is hit from behind when his or her vehicle is not in motion. The injury is due to the sudden impact on the back of the neck. Motor accidents are a common cause of whiplash injuries but this can happen even while doing other strenuous physical activities. In simpler terms, whiplash injury is caused due to any sudden abnormal motion or force that causes the neck to move beyond its normal range of motion.

Cervical Whiplash
The cervical whiplash refers to a hyperextension-hyperflexion injury around the cervical spine. There might be various causes to such an injury but it could result in a spine fracture. This could cause partial or complete neurologic deficit. The victim of a cervical whiplash has to go through intense medical treatments in order to achieve functional rehabilitation.
Neck whiplash
A neck sprain or injury is referred to as neck whiplash. This is generally caused to irregular movement of the neck due to a sudden impact. It could cause a slight distortion causing intense pain in and around the neck area. A neck whiplash is often a resultant of a car accident that had caused a sudden extension (backward movement of the neck) or flexion (forward movement of the neck). Depending upon the severity of the injury, the treatment might take a few days to even months of bed rest.
Signs | Symptoms of whiplash injuries
The severity of the whiplash injury depends upon the symptoms that the person will experience. Generally, the symptoms or the signs start appearing minutes or a few hours post the accident. If the symptoms appear within a few minutes, there are higher chances of a more serious whiplash injury than if the symptoms appear later. The most common complaints associated with a whiplash injury are headache and stiffness of neck or back of the head. These symptoms usually will pass off after a couple of days of the injury. However, if these symptoms aggravate or the person experiences more serious symptoms (as mentioned below), then it could be a sign of a serious whiplash injury.
The common symptoms of a whiplash injury are –
1. Headache
2. Stiffness of neck or back of head
3. Swelling around the neck and shoulders
4. Tenderness in the neck and back
5. Difficulty in moving neck
If the affected person falls unconscious or experiences memory loss after a whiplash injury, he or she must be immediately taken for a medical examination.
Treatment of Whiplash injuries
When a victim of whiplash injury is taken for a medical examination, the doctor will first check for any signs of cuts or bruises on the neck, back or shoulder. The person will then be examined for physical alertness or consciousness. Reflexes at the joints of both arms and legs are checked. The doctor will also examine the severity of pain and tenderness around the injury. In most cases, the victim is referred for the following investigations –
1. X-ray of the neck
2. Computed Tomography Scan (CT Scan)
Depending upon the results of the investigations, the doctor will recommend a treatment plan which could be a combination of the following –
1. Cervical collar: Soft cervical collar is commonly used to treat whiplash injury in the initial phase. The collar holds the neck in place and prevents any further injuries.
2. Self care: Most doctors also recommend some self care for treating whiplash injuries. This could include applying ice packs on the neck for about 20 minutes every hour. The ice helps in soothing the pain and reducing the swelling. Appropriate but not prolonged rest is also important.
3. Oral pain relievers: Ibuprofen or aspirin along with other pain relievers and paracetamol etc can also help in relieving the associated pain and illness.
A few days of rest to the neck muscles will help in alleviating the pain. However, a more profound injury will require prolonged bed rest to let the injury heal completely.
Whiplash Injury compensation
As mentioned above, a whiplash injury is most commonly caused due to a motor accident. In such cases, the victim of the accident faces several after affects which could include –
1. Loss of pay due to extended rest periods required to treat the injury.
2. Economic losses in the form of treatment and recovery expenses.
3. Emotional trauma on dealing with livelihood without any source of income.
Due to the above reasons, the victim can claim whiplash injury compensation if the accident caused was not due to his or her fault. Several factors like the extent of injury, age, gender and smoking habits of the victim are considered to derive at the compensation amount.
How can personal injury lawyer help in this case?
Claiming whiplash injury compensation is easier with the help of a personal injury lawyer. Accidents, injuries and falls can happen to perhaps anyone, anytime. Claiming injury compensation eases the process of dealing with the injury that has disrupted the normal way of life. A whiplash injury is a personal injury hence a personal injury lawyer should be contacted to claim compensation.
The personal injury lawyer will review the medical reports and the impact of the injury on the victim’s financial and emotional condition. This will help him in deciding the most appropriate monetary compensation that should be claimed for.
Whiplash injury statistics
Whiplash injuries have become increasingly common due to the increasing traffic on the roads. There are about 200 such injuries reported each day in most states of United States and Canada. Most injuries occur often at a speed below 10mph. Also, there is a possibility of a serious injury without the car getting damaged.
About 10% of victims of whiplash injuries are disabled permanently and over 60% of them need long-term medical treatment.

Whiplash Treatment Help

admin — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 23:27:38 +0000

If you have recently suffered a whiplash injury, the good news is that most whiplash injuries can be treated and the victim will often return to normal. Whiplash is a term that is used to describe a number of different injuries to the neck. Whiplash is not a medical term but is a commonly used term that encompasses a variety of injuries. Whiplash is generally caused by sudden extension (backward movement of the neck) and flexion (forward movement of the neck). This type of injury is often the result of vehicle crash. The speed at which the impact happened may make the injury more severe, but even slow impact crashes can result in a whiplash injury. Severe whiplash can also include injury to the intervertebral joints, discs, ligaments, cervical muscles and nerve roots.

Once you have been diagnosed with a whiplash type injury, there are a variety of different treatment options that your doctor may use to treat your injury. Much of the decision regarding treatment will depend on exactly what type of injury you have suffered and the severity of the injury. One of the first things your doctor may do is to fit you with a cervical collar. You may have seen someone wearing one of these in person or on television. The purpose of the cervical collar is to limit the movement of your neck. By limiting the movement you will hopefully prevent further injury or damage to your neck and allow the muscles, ligaments and tendons to begin the healing process. A cervical collar may need to be worn for 2-4 weeks after the injury or longer according to your doctor’s recommendation.

Your doctor may also recommend heat therapy to relieve muscle tension and inflammation. Pain medication and/or muscle relaxants may be prescribed to help with any pain or discomfort you are feeling and to help relax the muscles. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also be prescribed to help reduce the inflammation caused by the injury. Physical therapy and range of motion exercises may be ordered by your treating physician. At home cervical traction can also be used to help stretch your neck back to where it was before the injury.

If you continue to have pain after a few weeks, your doctor may order more extensive testing to determine whether you suffered a more sever injury to your neck such as a herniated disc. X-rays or an MRI may be ordered by your doctor. If your whiplash injury is actually a more serious injury to your neck then more aggressive treatment may be needed such as cortisone injections into the injury area. Surgery is not usually needed for a whiplash injury; however if the injury turns out to be more sever than initially thought or worsens over time you may require surgery to repair the damage.

If you are concerned you have suffered a whiplash injury, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Once you have started your medical treatment, you should consult with an experienced whiplash injury attorney. In California, the victim of a whiplash injury is entitled to compensation for those injuries. The California whiplash injury law firm of Ledger & Associates has been representing whiplash injury victims for over a decade. If you would like to schedule a free and detailed evaluation of your potential whiplash injury case, please contact the team at Ledger & Associates by calling 1-800-300-0001 or visit them online at www.ledgerlaw.com.

How to Find The Best Whiplash Lawyer For Your Whiplash Injury Case

admin — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 04:49:05 +0000

If you have recently been in a California car accident, there is a good chance that you suffered a whiplash injury. Whiplash is a non-medical term that is used to describe a variety of injuries to your neck. Statistics show that the most common cause of a whiplash injury is a vehicular accident. The reason for this is that when you suffer an impact during a car crash, your neck is thrust forward and backward at an abnormally high rate of speed causing you neck to flex farther than normal. As a result, you often incur injuries to the tendons, ligaments or muscles in your neck. Many whiplash injuries so not present symptoms immediately after the impact but can cause severe pain and soreness in the days or weeks to follow. If you have recently been in a car accident and are having pain or soreness in your neck you should seek medical advice and treatment as soon as possible. You should also seek legal counsel as soon as possible from an experienced California whiplash injury attorney to assure that you receive the compensation to which you are entitled. Finding the right whiplash attorney for your case is a highly personal process, but there are a number of things that you may want to consider when making the decision.

First, remember that there is no substitute for experience. An experienced whiplash injury attorney can make the difference between receiving the compensation you deserve and receiving little to nothing for your injuries. Many people are under the impression that a whiplash injury is not serious and therefore the victim is not entitled to much in the way of compensation. An experienced whiplash attorney understands that all injuries are serious to the victim and that all victims are entitled to be compensated for their injuries. Look for an attorney that has the experience to negotiate a favorable settlement for your injuries and that has the trial experience to take your case to trial if necessary.

Ask the attorneys that you speak to what areas of the law they practice in. While an attorney can technically handle any type of case he wants once he is licensed, it is in your best interest to find an attorney that focuses his practice in the area of personal injury law. By focusing on one area of the law an attorney gains invaluable experience and knowledge in that area.

When you interview a prospective attorney, start the interview the moment you make the first phone call. An attorney’s staff can make all the difference during your representation. You may spend a considerable amount of time communicating with his staff so make sure they appear to be professional and competent.

Convenience is another factor to consider. Look for an attorney that has an office close to where you live or work and that has office hours that are convenient to your schedule. You may already have lost a considerable amount of time from your job so try to find an attorney that offers flexible appointments that do not cause you to lose more time.

In the end, make sure you are comfortable with your attorney and that you are convinced he is capable and competent. If you would like to make an appointment with the California whiplash injury law firm of Ledger & Associates for a free and detailed evaluation of your case, please call 1-800-300-0001 or visit them online at www.ledgerlaw.com.

Car Accidents Often Cause Whiplash

admin — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 09:06:25 +0000

Is a Whiplash Injury Enough to Receive Compensation in a Car Accident?

admin — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 06:09:45 +0000

Most victims of a car accident do not have a thorough understand of personal injury accident litigation. Understandably, most people have never had any reason to understand how a personal injury accident case is handled. If you have been in a recent California car accident and believe that you have suffered a whiplash injury, you may be under the impression that a whiplash injury is not serious and therefore you are not entitled to recover financial compensation for your injuries. While each car accident case is unique and presents a different set of facts, in general a whiplash injury is compensable meaning that you may indeed be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

First, an understanding of what a “whiplash” injury is can help. Whiplash is actually a non-medical term that is used to describe pain or injury to the neck. A whiplash injury is caused when the neck is thrust forward and backward at an unusually rapid rate and with more force than it is accustomed to. The most typical cause of a whiplash injury is a car accident. When you are involved in a car accident, you are frequently struck by the other vehicle unexpectedly causing your neck to “bounce” forward and backward – often hitting the steering wheel or the head rest in the process. Contrary to popular belief, the vehicle that impacts your car does not need to be traveling at a high rate of speed to cause a whiplash injury. Studies have shown that at rates of speed as low as 15 miles per hour can cause a whiplash injury. The impact from the accident causes the tendons, muscles and/or ligaments in your neck to flex beyond their normal capacity causing injury. Many whiplash injuries are not symptomatic immediately following the accident but can be extremely painful the next day and for days or weeks to come. Additionally, a whiplash injury may be indicative of a much more serious underlying injury that can cause permanent damage to your spine.

Whether your injury is truly a whiplash only injury or a much more serious injury you may be entitled to compensation for your physical injuries as well as any pain and suffering that accompanies the injuries. The state of California entitled victims to compensation for medical bills, hospital visits, lost wages from time missed at work as well as compensation for the pain and suffering that the injury caused you. A typical whiplash injury can cause the victim to suffer for days and even weeks after the accident. If you believe that you have suffered a whiplash injury, seek medical care immediately. The sooner you begin treatment for the injury the sooner you will begin to heal and the better your chances are of avoiding long term damage to your neck. Additionally, a thorough medical examination can rule out the possibility of a more serious spine injury that could have serious long-term consequences.

If you have been the victim of a California car accident and have suffered a whiplash injury, please contact the California personal injury accident team at Ledger & Associates for a free and detailed evaluation of your case to assure that you receive the compensation to which you are entitled. To make an appointment please call 1-800-300-0001 or visit them online at www.ledgerlaw.com.

What is A Whiplash Injury?

admin — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 02:17:45 +0000

The term “whiplash” is used frequently to describe an auto accident injury. Most people have heard the term on a television program at one time or another. Typically, an accident victim is portrayed with a large neck brace and we are told that she has suffered a “whiplash” injury. Auto accidents do frequently result in the victim experiencing a whiplash injury – but what exactly is whiplash?

The human body is an amazing machine. Our spine, for instance is a highly specialized and amazingly strong structure. Our spine plays a number of important roles such as protecting our spinal cord, allowing our bodies to bend and move, supporting our bodies when we are upright an acting as a shock absorber. At the top of our spine we find the neck. The spine curves at the top to allow our necks to bend forward and backward. Under normal circumstances, that flexibility allows us to turn our heads and bend them backward and forward without injury. In an auto accident, however, that normal flexibility can be stretched to the limit or beyond causing a whiplash injury.

Whiplash is a hyperextension (over-extension) injury to the neck, often the result of being struck from behind, as by a fast-moving vehicle in a car accident. The mechanics of whiplash injury are thought to be as follows: The victim may be first pushed or accelerated forward, pushing the body forward, but the head remains behind momentarily, rocking up and back, and some muscles and ligaments may be stretched or torn. These muscles, in a reflex action, contract to bring the head forward again, to prevent excessive injury. There may be overcompensation when the head is traveling in a forward direction as the vehicle decelerates. This may rock the head violently forward, stretching and tearing more muscles and ligaments.

What this medical definition means in layman’s terms is that in an auto accident your neck is thrown forward and backward at an abnormally fast rate and with more force that normal. Just as when you stretch a piece of fabric, the tendons and muscles that are found inside your neck start to stretch, tear and even break as the individual threads in a piece of fabric do when stretched. Whiplash injuries can cause an enormous amount of discomfort and can be a symptom of a much more serious underlying injury. Because much of the inflammation the results from a whiplash injury doesn’t take place until a few hours or even days after the initial injury, many of the symptoms of a whiplash injury do not present themselves until some time after the accident itself takes place.

If you have been in an auto accident and believe that you may have suffered a whiplash injury, you should have an immediate evaluation by a medical professional. If you would like to have your California auto accident case evaluated by an experienced auto accident law firm with a free and detailed evaluation, please contact the team at Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001.

Exactly what would be the most beneficial doctor to choose for those who have whiplash!?

admin — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:04:28 +0000

Most with the professionals that do very well in Whiplash restore tend to be really wonderful from massage. They may be sometimes Neuropathology or Chiropractors or Therapeutic massage practitioners or even Bodily practitioners or even Acupuncturists. It depends on your city or condition. On the other hand, the top with the top all agree that people help your system guide itself. This isn’t our concept or even degree which determines exactly how prosperous we are from healing your entire body, but rather, exactly how excellent we’re from listening to your own system and answering exactly what it will be you (your system) is actually asking for.

Following a whiplash you will have three or even 4 needs happening, such as discomfort, distress, dysfunction, shock, as well as much more pain. You desire the therapist who are able to deal with all of these types of at the same period. This genuinely takes a physician degree counselor, or at least a well-trained well-experienced experts stage therapist who are able to do the trick individually. In my state (Wa) Naturopathic medical doctors are commonly the most beneficial companies of the, however I’ve come across therapeutic massage therapists and chiropractic specialists that are prepared to go the extra kilometer in order to supply the concern you will need. Typically, the lousy whiplash may perhaps consider 5-10 several weeks to entirely alleviate, however I would recommend a person stay away from anybody who attempts to tell a person it’ll almost certainly take longer. Indeed, it can be true that it requires a great deal of visits, if you have an Unhealthy whiplash, however most people (99%) recover practically entirely (99%) within 5-10 months. Truly, a lot of people heal a lot faster for the reason that these people never possess Unfavorable whiplash. Identify a therapist with a decent effectiveness, lots of self-confidence in you, along with a humble viewpoint of the craft, and you will recover rapidly. Your own discomfort is actually actual, but so is your recuperation. PS: I might be positive as well as truthful as a result of I’m not being examined because of your insurance coverage provider or even attorney. They’d make me state substantially extra guarded, cynical things. PS: yes, a person need to obtain a lawyer. They’re in your aspect and so they perform for you personally. To choose 1, simply look in the yellow pages, and obtain one particular who specializes in Personal Injury, or even far better: ask your prospective counselor who they suggest. If they’ve Absolutely no suggestion they quite possibly have not carried out sufficient rehab to know a wonderful attorney and so they additionally don’t have the encounter to deal with a person. Main point here: Good therapeutic massage could be the top therapy (Client Reviews, mid 2001) but they may be difficult to unearth. Generally they are going to claim a special such as Feldenkreis or even Rolfer, as well as that is good. Chiros tend to be effortless in order to find, however they often don’t take the time to perform what you ought (Client Reports) and Natural Physicians (genuine ones-not phony) are rare, and they rarely focus on Bodily Medication. Every so often my patients possess gotten benefit from acupuncture, nevertheless its questionable. As well as Bodily Therapists might be very good if they’ve the knowledge. PTs are fantastic, but many never do the job within Whiplash. So for you, attempt away some therapeutic massage treatment, or even try yet another type, but help to make certain they are going to expenses your own insurance coverage — that is a different indicator that they may be knowledgeable.

Chiropractor in Naperville IL | Treating Neck Pain Requires Knowing The Source

admin — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:04:26 +0000

Neck pain comes from a variety of sources, and understanding where it stems allows you to treat it properly. Whether your pain stems from arthritis, disc issues, whiplash or muscular strains, you need to address the underlying pathology to be successful in treatment. Each type of neck pain has specific treatment modalities, here you will find a primer on these options. Whiplash
The most common source of whiplash injuries is a motor vehicle accident. When your car is struck by another vehicle, your neck is whipped back and forth, resulting in strains or tears to the muscles on the front of the spine as well as the rest of the neck. Symptoms can include stiffness, headaches, nausea, difficulty swallowing, paresthesis and shoulder and back pain. Whiplash doesn’t always present immediately, it can creep up on you in the days, weeks and even months following the accident, which sometimes makes it difficult to make the connection. Treatment usually includes NSAIDS, ice and heat, muscle relaxants and massage or physical therapy. If pain continues for more than a few weeks, x-rays are in order to check for spinal damage. Most people have a successful resolution. Disc Issues
If you have a herniated disc in you neck you may experience numbness and tingling in your arms and hands as well as neck pain. The discs are gelatinous structures that provide cushioning between the vertebrae of the spine. When damaged they can protrude and put pressure on nerves that run through and near the spinal column. A number of treatment options exist, and you and your doctor will come up with a plan that is best for you. Chiropractic treatment can help alleviate your symptoms with adjustments. Massage can ease the pain of straining muscles that try to maintain the appropriate spacing between vertebrae. Over-the-counter medications and prescriptions can help manage the pain and inflammation and injections can work as well. Physical therapists can provide relief through a variety of techniques and exercises. A final option is surgery to relieve the pressure caused by the bulging or herniated disc. Arthritis
Arthritis is defined as the inflammation of a joint. There are two causes of inflammation. In Osteoarthritis the cartilage between two bones has worn away causing an increase in friction. In Rheumatoid arthritis,, an autoimmune disease has attacked the joints. Early diagnosis of either of these conditions improves your odds of successful treatment. Rheumatoid arthritis needs to be treated aggressively. Specific drugs can help reduce the autoimmune response of the body. Other, biologic drugs are particularly effective in reducing the inflammation that RA produces. Each person’s response to the medications is unique, so treatment is a process of trial and error until the right combination is found. With osteoarthritis anti-inflammatory medications, exercise, and massage are your best bets for continuing with a good quality of life. Since there are no options to replace joints in the neck surgery like that performed for the hip or knee isn’t available. Some supplements can help according to research studies. Things like Glucosamine may help relieve some of your discomfort. Neck pain is, well, a pain in the neck. Proper treatment can help you resume normal levels of activity.

Personal Injury – Car – Auto Accidents – Slip & Fall Rhode Island FAQS by a RI Lawyer

admin — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:04:25 +0000

Question: When I meet my personal injury lawyer for the first time, are there any particular documents I should bring with me?

Answer: You should supply your attorney with as much information as possible. If your attorney has more information, he will be better able to properly advise you of your legal rights. You need to bring in all documents pertaining to your case. The accident report is a very important document that you should bring your attorney.

Also, if you have any eye witness statements or medical records or reports from your doctors, you should bring those to your lawyer. If you have any photographs of the accident or of your injury, please bring those to the attorney meeting. If you don’t have the documentation, your attorney may collect the documents for you.

Question: What type of information will the attorney request at the initial consultation concerning my Rhode Island personal injury or automobile accident case?

Answer: Your attorney will request general information related to your medical treatment. The attorney will attempt to compile a list of the name and address of all treating physicians and medical providers. This includes physical therapists, chiropractors, visiting nurses and other medical providers. The attorney may also ask you for a list of prior medical providers.

Question: What usually happens at the first consultation:

Answer: The personal injury lawyer that you have selected will tell you whether you have a valid legal claim. If you decide to hire that lawyer, then the lawyer will request that you sign a retainer agreement. The retainer agreement is an important legal document which a lawyer is required to obtain. At the initial consultation, it is extremely difficult for your lawyer to tell you the value of your case. The value of your case is dependent on many circumstances which include the amount of your medical bills, and the nature and extent of any pain and suffering. The value may be depend on whether or not your injury is permanent, whether or not there were periods of partial or complete disability, whether or not there was any disfigurement, scarring or other physical injury and the amount of your lost wages, etc.

After you have completed treatment or have reached a certain point in your medical treatment, the lawyer will provide a settlement demand with all relevant medical records and documentation to the insurance adjuster. If the insurance company believes the claim has merit and the insurance adjuster and the attorney can agree on a figure, then the case will be settled out of court. Despite the fact that the attorney will attempt to settle the case, the attorney will be preparing the case for court in the event that the case does not settle.

Question: What is necessary to have a valid personal injury case?

Answer: If you were injured as a result of another person’s or entity’s negligence or intentional act, then you have a potential personal injury cause of action. It is not always required to have a physical injury to bring a personal injury lawsuit. A personal injury lawsuit can be pursued based on the diminution of your reputation or an intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Question: What exactly is a settlement in a personal injury case?

Answer: If you settle a Rhode Island personal injury car accident or slip and fall case, you are agreeing to accept a sum of money in exchange for either not pursuing a personal injury case against the person or entity or dismissing a personal injury case against a person or entity. If the case settles, you will need to sign a release releasing any parties of any potential future liability. In order to determine whether or not you should accept a personal injury settlement, your attorney needs to assess the amount of damages you have suffered, the likelihood of prevailing at trial, and any other factors that the attorney deems appropriate.

A settlement can be reached at any time prior to the filing of the lawsuit or after the lawsuit is filed and any time up until the jury’s verdict. The case can even be settled after the trial if the case is on appeal.

At Slepkow, Slepkow & Associates, Inc. it is our firm philosophy that it is the client’s decision on whether or not to accept a personal injury settlement. We will certainly help you in making that determination by providing all of the essential information and answering any relevant questions that you have. We often will give our recommendation as to whether or not a settlement is fair. We always let our clients make the final decision whether or not to accept a personal injury or auto accident settlement.

Question: What if I am unhappy with the lawyer who is handling my case? In Rhode Island, do I have the right to obtain a new lawyer? If I obtain a new lawyer who will pay for the legal services rendered by the old attorney?

Answer: In Rhode Island (RI), if you are dissatisfied with your attorney’s legal representation, you have the right to obtain a new attorney at any time. Your old attorney may have a statutory lien against your personal injury case. If you prevail or the case is settled, your old attorney will have a right to be paid for the legal services that he provided you. However, you will not be required to pay the old attorney upon obtaining a new attorney. When your case is settled or when you receive funds as a result of a verdict, the old and the new attorney will equitably divide the contingent legal fee. In other words, it will cost you no additional funds, if you retain a new attorney. The old and new attorneys must come to an agreement as to the equitable share to be received by the old attorney.

Question: Is it a good idea to wait a period of time before I hire an attorney?

Answer: You should contact a Rhode Island personal injury attorney immediately after the accident. It is not a good idea for a person to be dealing with the insurance adjuster concerning their personal injury or car accident claim.

Question: Am I required to give a recorded statement to the insurance company upon their request?

Answer: There is no legal requirement for you to give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster. However, if the insurance company is your own insurance company, you may be contractually obligated to give a recorded statement. You should not give any statement unless you have legal representation present and you should acquire a copy of the transcript.

Question: What types of cases are typically handled on a contingent fee basis?

Answer: Car/auto accidents, slip & fall, trip & fall, premises liability, bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, boating accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, uninsured or underinsured, motorist claims, intentional infliction of emotional distress, dog bite claims, etc

Demographics and Preventing Traumatic Brain Injuries

admin — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:04:21 +0000

Scientists are continually doing research as to if certain demographics are at more of a risk for traumatic brain injury (TBI) than other individuals. It may seem as though mere statistics mean nothing but in actuality, the link is becoming stronger as to if age or gender play a factor in TBI prevention or occurence.

Traumatic Brain Injury: Who Is Affected?

Though studies vary slightly, it is generally accepted that at least 1.4 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury each year in the United States. However, this figure only reflects the number of patients who seek treatment at the emergency department of a hospital or other medical facility; the number who do not seek care is unknown. This “mystery factor” in TBI demographics is of concern since many of the effects of traumatic brain injury can take months or even years to develop and manifest.

Gender

Men have been found to be as much as twice as likely as women to sustain a traumatic brain injury. It was also discovered that men are more likely to have a positive and overal better outcome ater traumatic brain injury treatments. Medical professionals are unsure of the cause for worse brain damage outcomes in female victims; however, it may have to do with sex hormones or differences in brain structure.

Age

The population of brain-injured patients is generally acknowledged to skew towards the young side; actually, it was recently reported that the two age groups being 0 to 4 and 15 to 19 were more at risk and likely to suffer from TBI, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This is due to a high incidence of falls in the former group and motor vehicle accidents in the latter. Elderly individuals above 75 years of age are also more likely to suffer from traumatic brain injury due to slip and fall injuries connected to the aging process and medications.

What Are The Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury?

There are many causes for traumatic brain injury, but motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of TBI in victims across all age ranges and genders. Firearms and falls follow, but the causes of brain injury change depending on the age group in question. Children, for example, are usually associated with sustaining TBI due to in-home abuse while the elderly are highly affected by TBI after a fall rather than during an automobile accident. Another, often overlooked cause of traumatic brain injury, is attempted suicide. Alcohol plays a notable role in traumatic brain injury, with figures ranging from 32 to 73 percent of all TBI incidents involving some degree of alcohol abuse. Other causes of TBI include boating, swimming, and occupational accidents.

What Are The Costs of Traumatic Brain Injury?

The most expensive and dramatic effect of TBI is death: out of 1.4 million TBI cases are reported annually with nearly 50,000 of those reesulting in death. But there are other costs and complications of TBI, one of which is lifetime disability (80,000 of the 1.nearly 4 million cases of TBI will result in long-term disability. Though it is possible to survive a traumatic brain injury, the onset of disability has other consequences, which include personality changes and resultant family instability, financial insecurity due to the inability to work or hold down a job, and resulting lost productivity and reduced participation in activities of daily living.

Though perhaps nothing can put a dollar value on an individual’s loss of independence and daily life skills, there are distinct monetary losses associated with TBI. These include lost wages, inability to work, and social costs such as lost taxes and required state assistance. Some statistics estimate that traumatic brain injury costs the United States over $60 billion per year in combined costs.

If You’ve Been Affected by Traumatic Brain Injury

If you or a loved one has experienced the cost of traumatic brain injury, contact an experienced TBI attorney. A TBI attorney can offer assistance in developing brain injury litigation as well as seek monetary compensation for medical bills associate with TBI.