Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyer

Risks Posed By Athletic Brain Injuries and How to Avoid Them

by | November 3rd, 2014

The risks associated with repeat traumatic brain injuries among athletes have come under heavy public scrutiny in recent years. Despite an increase in awareness of the problem, fatalities due to brain injuries continue to occur.

Take the case of a Mecklenburg County, Virginia, teenager who died as the result of blunt force trauma to the head sustained during a recent football game. Reports indicate the teen suffered a brain injury during a head-to-head hit that occurred just before half time.

According to CBS 6 News, the athlete was treated on the sidelines, but collapsed and began to suffer seizures before being rushed by ambulance to a local hospital. Unfortunately, the young man died before medical assistance could be administered.

Athletic committees and school boards from across the commonwealth have adopted policies aimed at reducing the risks of accidents like this, but one of the best ways that has been found to prevent serious head trauma is educating athletes about what they can do to stay safe on the field, including:

  • Wear Recommended Safety Gear– While football players are required to wear helmets, studies have shown some types of helmets offer better protection than others. For sports like soccer and field hockey, headgears have been developed in recent years to offer athletes better protection from brain injury.
  • Get Proper Training– Many football programs are now teaching a “heads up” hitting technique that’s aimed at reducing brain injury numbers among players.
  • Report Your Injury– While many athletes are compelled to return to the field as soon as possible—with many not telling coaches or trainers about injuries they’ve suffered—this may not be wise. If you’re hurt during an athletic event, report your injury to team management as soon as possible.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we recognize the risks athletes face on the field and our team of Norfolk personal injury lawyers hope these tips help to keep you or your athlete safe.

Is There a Connection Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Domestic Violence Among Athletes?

by | September 22nd, 2014

The National Football League and several of its players have come under heavy public scrutiny in recent weeks over allegations of abuse and domestic violence occurring in players’ personal lives. The league has also settled a string of lawsuits several months ago, stemming from players claiming to have developed degenerative brain disease after suffering repeated blows to the head while playing football for the NFL. This has led some to question whether these players’ behavior off the field is directly related to a traumatic brain injury they suffered on the field.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy—or CTE—is a condition of the brain that can cause loss of brain mass. This can result in the victim developing changes in behavior, such as increased anger and aggression, as well as loss of patience with certain tasks.

NBC News reports the chairman of the department of neurosurgery at the NorthShore University HealthSystem and co-director of the NorthShore Neurological Institute, Dr. Julian Bailes, stated he recalled two particular cases where an athlete suffering from CTE became violent then harmed themselves and others.

While violent behavior and traumatic brain injury seem to be associated somehow, there are experts who maintain there is no direct link between the two. They suggest that blows to the head don’t cause a person to become violent. Instead, they believe repeated blows to the head cause the victim to become less inhibited, and therefore more likely to display aggressive behavior.

One of the most important things for victims of traumatic brain injury to remember is that there is help available. At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we have a team of Norfolk personal injury attorneys who can help you determine the best course of action for compensation if you’ve been seriously harmed by a head injury. To find out more about what we can do for you, call (757) 459-CASH today.

Top 4 Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

by | March 3rd, 2014

March 3, 2014

Brain injuries are a health condition that affect as many as 1.7 million Americans each year. To help educate the public about the problems brain injuries can pose, the Brain Injury Association of America has declared March Brain Injury Awareness Month.

The Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley say one of the most common questions they receive is what are the most typical causes of brain injuries today. The team points to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that listed the following contributing factors as the most common causes of brain injury today:

  • Falls– Accounting for 35. 2 percent of all brain injuries, falls were the leading cause of such head trauma today. Falls accounted for more than half of the injuries sustained by young children and the elderly.
  • Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes- A total of 17.3 percent of reported brain injuries were sustained in collisions. These incidents also accounted for the largest number of brain injury-related fatalities, with 31.8 percent.
  • Struck By/Against Events– These accidents accounted for 16.5 percent of all brain injuries and include incidents that occur while playing sports.
  • Assault- Roughly 10 percent of brain injuries are caused by the violent act of another person.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers recognize the dangers posed by brain injuries and ask citizens to be aware of these risks as well.

Researchers Find New Way to Identify Traumatic Brain Injury in Patients

by | January 28th, 2014

January 27, 2014

One of the most difficult parts of a doctor diagnosing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is being able to properly identify the condition, considering many of the symptoms of a TBI are not visible to the naked eye. The Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley say researchers at the University of Virginia may have developed a solution to this problem.

An article from YottaFire explains the team is using positron emission tomography (PET) scans and immune responses to identify changes in the brain at a molecular level, thus allowing the team to identify changes to brain biology and chemistry that can confirm a TBI has occurred.

Typically, less advanced imaging systems are used on TBI patients, which leaves doctors to heavily rely on patients describing their symptoms to diagnose their conditions. Now, the PET scan allows physicians to note when a compound similar to the structure of a radioactive tracer attaches to a white blood cell known as neutrophils. When a TBI occurs, the neutrophils attach to the brain at the site of the injury, allowing the team to collect images of the injury.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley applaud the advancements being made in the treatment of TBIs and are hopeful to see further research conducted in the field of brain injury treatment in the future as well.

Lawmakers Consider Expanding Brain Injury Regulations for High School Athletes to Recreational Leagues

by | November 18th, 2013

November 18, 2013

Despite numerous regulations being put into place in recent years to protect Virginia’s high school athletes from the dangers of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), a large number of participants in the state’s sports programs are still suffering dangerous blows to the head. In fact, the Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley point out that a single doctor at one hospital in the city states he sees roughly 20 new TBI cases per week.

According to a story from WAVY 10 News, these numbers have prompted state lawmakers to consider further regulating sports in the region to help reduce TBI numbers. Laws are in place that create standards of care and education regarding TBIs for athletes participating in high school sports, but no such policies are in place for recreational sports leagues. That is why a group of legislators want to reform laws to include these organizations in the steps being taken to protect athletes from injury.

These changes would force recreational sports athletes, coaches, and parents to take an educational course on how to recognize the symptoms of a TBI. Furthermore, any athlete suspected of having suffered such an injury would be pulled from participation immediately until they could be cleared to return to the field by a trained medical professional.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers are hopeful the decision that is reached in the matter will help to better protect children from the dangers of brain injuries.

 

Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyers Discuss New Treatment for Veterans Suffering from PTSD

by | November 4th, 2013

November 4, 2013

Brain injuries are one of the most common injuries reported by soldiers returning from combat. The Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyers say these injuries can lead to victims suffering from a number of conditions, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

While there are currently several treatment options in place for individuals suffering from traumatic brain injuries and PTSD, none have proven highly effective. Now, according to an article from ABC 13 News, one doctor has stated he believes he has found a cure for these conditions using a technique typically used on scuba divers who surface too quickly.

Dr. Paul Harch has been using Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Therapy to effectively treat PTSD in soldiers and veterans. The treatment works by placing the subject in a chamber where air pressures are changed in order to allow the blood to absorb more oxygen. Harch says increasing in the body’s oxygen is the key to healing victims of PTSD.

However, it is important to remember that the treatment has not been approved by the FDA and comes with several dangers to the patient, including death.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are aware of the need for better treatment options for soldiers and veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries. The firm is here to help anyone suffering as a result of an injury sustained during service to our country.

 

Lawsuits Claim Mold Contamination To Blame For Brain Injuries In Norfolk

by | October 14th, 2013

October 14, 2013

While the Norfolk Brain Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer Stanley concede there can be numerous causes for serious brain injuries, perhaps one of the most uncommon would be mold; however, a U.S. District Judge in Norfolk, Virginia, has stated that a lawsuit alleges mold in military housing was responsible for causing just such an injury.

According to an article from the Hampton Roads Pilot Online, a private company signed a 50-year lease with the Navy in 2005 to privatize housing for military families in the region; however, nearly two dozen cases have been filed against the company alleging they have been negligent in failing to respond to claims of mold in the housing facilities. Complaints claim the mold is the result of “damp indoor spaces” that lack proper ventilation.

Some of the conditions plaintiffs say have resulted from the contamination include memory loss, personality changes, and difficulty concentrating, all of which are signs of serious brain injury.

Attorneys representing the company have stated the claims are exaggerated and added that settlements in the cases are highly unlikely; however, a trial date has yet to be set for the cases.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers recognize the serious harmed caused by both mold and brain injuries. That’s why the firm is hopeful a decision in the case will bring a sense of closure to the incident for the victims.

Dangers Brain Injuries Pose To Athletes Gaining Attention In Virginia

by | September 30th, 2013

September 30, 2013

The National Football League (NFL) recently reached a settlement in a lawsuit brought against the organization by roughly 4,500 former and present players, regarding a lack of warnings about the dangers traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) pose to their long-term health. The Virginia Brain Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain the decision was made following new information regarding how TBIs can cause the tissue of the brain to deteriorate, resulting in brain damage.

Both of these findings have led coaches and staff at all levels of athletics to become more concerned than ever with protecting their players from risky injuries. According to an article from the Daily Press, coaches at both Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia are being lauded for their stance on always taking precautions with potentially injured players.

Typically, this means that when a player is hurt, the coaches will pull the player off of the field until a qualified medical professional can examine the hurt individual to determine if and when they should return to play. Coaches, players, and staff are also required to take part in an educational program that offers instruction on how to recognize the symptoms of a TBI.

Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley’s team of Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers applaud the efforts being made to protect athletes from harm, but encourage anyone who does suffer a TBI to discuss their legal options with an attorney to ensure their rights are protected.

Researchers Discover Progesterone May Help Heal Traumatic Brain Injuries

by | July 22nd, 2013

July 22, 2013

Data indicates that as many as two million people per year are the victims of a Traumatic Brain Injury. The long-lasting effects of such an injury can be devastating, but scientists believe they have discovered a new and effective way of treating such injuries.

According to an article by KSAT News, researchers have shown that a certain hormone found only in pregnant women may help those who have suffered a brain injury heal faster. Reports indicate the study examined the effects progesterone may have on the victim of a brain injury. The hormone was given to the victim within eight hours of the injury and was then administered for another five days following the incident.

The team concluded those who received progesterone showed more rebuilding of the blood-brain barrier, a decrease in brain swelling, and less cell death than those who were part of a control group.

The team plans to continue their research by examining the recovery of the victims over the next six months. They also hope to expand their research to include more participants.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley applaud the discovery and the technological advancements that may accompany it. The firm is hopeful the research will lead to better treatments for those who sustain serious brain traumas.

Family of Norfolk Brain Injury Victim Awarded $10.9 Million In Damages

by | May 20th, 2013

May 20, 2013

A settlement has been reached in a Norfolk Brain Injury Lawsuit that was filed on behalf of a Virginia toddler who was seriously injured after falling at a Virginia Hotel. Reports indicate the child will be awarded roughly $11 million in damages.

The case stems from an incident that occurred on September 4, 2011, at a Ramada hotel in Norfolk. According to the Claims Journal, the child was playing near a railway on the second floor of the hotel when he suddenly went through the barrier and fell roughly one story.

The child sustained serious brain injuries as a result of the fall and will likely require specialized medical care for the remainder of this life due to the injuries.

The child’s parents filed suit against the hotel, claiming it was negligent in failing to better protect its guests from the hazards of a fall presented by the insufficiently protected walkway. Last month, a Norfolk County Circuit Court judge approved the settlement under the stipulations that roughly $4 million of the damages be used to pay unpaid medical bills and attorney’s fees. The rest will be dispersed to the child through a trust fund that was established.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley recognize the financial strain such a serious injury can place on a family. The firm is hopeful the decision will bring a sense of closure to the incident for the family.