According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS, http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/tbi.htm, 2007), symptoms of traumatic brain injury include such things as problems with:

• • cognition (thinking, memory, and reasoning),
  • sensory processing (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell),
  • communication (expression and understanding), and
  • behavior or mental health (depression, anxiety, personality changes, aggression, acting out, and social inappropriateness).

Severe head trauma may also result in stupors, comas and vegetative states. All of this can severely impact an individual’s way of life. If someone you love has been involved in an accident, it is imperative that you seek medical attention and keep an eye on your loved one’s behavior, noting any unusual behavior.

Once you have received appropriate medical care for your loved one’s injury, you should consider consulting a brain injury lawyer to recover damages (see Types of Damages). If a traumatic brain injury is the result of someone else’s negligence, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help you receive compensation for such things as medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of ability to provide/earn income, and the costs of lifelong assistance needed by someone with TBI. A personal injury lawsuit may be your best course of action if your loved one’s TBI is due to someone else’s behavior (see Understanding Personal Injury Lawsuits).

Since traumatic brain injury can be difficult to detect immediately after an accident and may only become evident with time, it is important to not only seek medical attention right away, but also legal advice. A brain injury lawyer should be able to tell you what documentation you will need to make a strong case for a personal injury lawsuit. Such things would include, an accident report, medical records, a neuropsychological report that details future care needs, a life care plan that will help determine the economic needs of a TBI victim throughout the remainder of their life, and a record of the financial burden a TBI has had on your family. A brain injury lawyer should be able to advise you on the specific information that you will need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

If a loved one has been the victim of an accident or intentional act that resulted in traumatic brain injury, choosing a good personal injury lawyer is crucial (see What to Look for in a Personal Injury Lawyer). Be sure to choose a brain injury attorney who has experience handling traumatic brain injury claims. Your ability to recover the maximum amount of compensation for your loved one’s injury may be directly related to the quality of the lawyer you choose. If you are concerned about the cost of hiring an attorney, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingent fee basis. That means, your attorney will not receive compensation for his or her work unless they are successful in recovering money for you (see Understanding Attorney Fees).

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is mined throughout the world and is known for its ability to withstand fire and heat. Due to its fire resistant quality, asbestos has been used for purposes such as building insulation, lamp wicks, drywall, and fireproof clothing. While the peculiarities of asbestos have been known and used since ancient times, the first record of the potential health risks of asbestos exposure was not documented until the early twentieth century (although some sources state that the hazardous effects of human exposure to asbestos can be traced back to the first century AD where the Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder attributed the deadly lung disease commonly found in slaves to exposure to asbestos dust).

Mesothelioma (cancer caused by asbestos) is a painful disease where the cells of the membrane that protects many of your body’s organs (mesothelium) become abnormal and start dividing uncontrollably. Mesothelioma from asbestos exposure usually starts in the membrane lining the chest (the pleura), but is an aggressive cancer that is difficult to control and can easily metastasize and affect other parts of the body.

Some of the symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest pain, and a dry cough. Symptoms like these often resemble other diseases, such as viral pneumonia, which can lead to a delay in diagnosis. While the symptoms of mesothelioma are generally non-distinct, diagnosis is usually determined by a chest x-ray. If the x-ray reveals that fluid is present, a fluid sample is often taken to determine if it is benign or malignant. Sometimes a needle biopsy is used to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma.

Since mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos and the hazardous nature of asbestos has been well-known since the early twentieth century, if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may have a personal injury laim (see Understanding Personal Injury Lawsuits) against the source of your asbestos exposure (i.e., employer, landlord, restaurant, school, etc.). For example, personal injury lawyers have recovered billions of dollars for people with mesothelioma because the victim’s employers did not take the proper measures to protect them from exposure to asbestos (see What is a Tort?).

If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is essential that you talk to a personal injury lawyer with experience handling mesothelioma claims. Even if it has been years since you worked in an asbestos environment, it often takes decades before any of the symptoms of mesothelioma are experienced; therefore, you may still be able to file a claim for damages (see Understanding Statutes of Limitations). An experienced personal injury lawyer who is familiar with mesothelioma claims can help you know and understand your rights.

• Headaches
• Eye, nose and/or throat irritation
• Vertigo
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Sensitivity to odors
• Dry or itchy skin

Symptoms can vary greatly between occupants of a building and are usually only present when a person is in a building; symptoms are generally relieved immediately upon leaving the building. Illnesses caused by a sick building are most likely related to poor indoor air quality due to poor building design, improper building maintenance and occupant activities; but finding a specific cause of illness is often difficult to determine.

Prolonged exposure to toxic mold and other substances (i.e., cleaning chemicals, asbestos, etc.) that produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can result in serious health conditions. You may be eligible to sue for damages if you develop a serious illness as a result of prolonged exposure to a toxic environment.

It can be difficult to prove sick building syndrome as symptoms can greatly vary among occupants of a building and can also be attributed to stress and other socio-psychological factors. For this reason, it is important to hire an attorney with experience representing sick building syndrome cases. An attorney should have access to medical doctors and health inspectors who can testify as to a building’s toxicity; be able to determine who should be accountable for a sick building based on careful investigation; and organize a class action lawsuit if appropriate.

If you believe that you suffer from sick building syndrome, contact an attorney right away. A qualified attorney can give you the advice you need to make informed decisions about your situation and help you determine if you have a case against an employer, builder, building management company or landlord.

What is mold?

Molds are fungi that are present both indoors and outdoors. They reproduce by releasing tiny spores into the air which can grow on just about any organic substance. Mold spores enter homes and buildings through open windows and doors and even through people and pets to whom spores have been attached.

Where does mold grow?

Moisture is the culprit for most mold growth in homes and buildings. Any type of water damage can create the perfect condition for mold growth, including problems with plumbing, leaking roofs, flooding, high humidity and condensation.

What is toxic mold?

Toxic mold is the unscientific name given to mold that is dangerous to human health. You see, molds in themselves, are not toxic, but certain molds can produce airborne toxins called mycotoxins. While some people are allergic to all molds and will begin to experience an allergic reaction when any mold is present, certain mycotoxins are believed to cause serious health conditions in otherwise healthy people.

There are several types of toxic mold, but the two main types of molds that can be hazardous to human health are stachybotrys and chaetomium. Stachybotrys is a mold that is present in many water-damaged buildings, particularly those that have sustained flood damage. Chaetomium is commonly found in soil and decaying plants and causes cellulose products, like paper, to deteriorate.

How do you get rid of mold?

If you have a mold problem in your home or building, it is important to take care of the problem as soon as possible; identifying the type of mold is not as important as getting rid of it. For small patches of mold growth, you can remove the mold with a rag and soapy water. After washing the mold away, it is a good idea to use a bleach and water mixture to kill any mold that may be remaining. For larger areas, it may be a good idea to have the mold professionally removed.

Once you remove mold, it is important to address the problem responsible for causing the mold so that you can prevent it from returning. Installing dehumidifiers, insulating pipes and fixing leaky roofs can go a long way to combat mold.

Unfortunately, toxic mold can form in places where it is not visible, like under carpet or on wallboard. This can make toxic mold difficult to detect before it causes serious health problems. Some believe that toxic mold can be responsible for conditions like chronic bronchitis, heart problems, cancer and multiple sclerosis.

Should I contact an attorney?

Establishing a direct link between a mycotoxin and a disease can be difficult. For this reason, it is important to hire an experienced attorney to help you seek damages for the health issues you face as a result of toxic mold. An attorney can conduct an investigation to see if defective construction, improper maintenance of a rental property or inappropriate building materials is the root cause of a toxic mold problem and help you hold the responsible party accountable for your poor health.

Unfortunately, the most common victims of dog bites are children. Dog bites sustained by children can result in devastating injuries, like scarred faces, that require extensive treatment and reconstructive work. Not only do children, and adults, suffer physically from dog bites, but there is often severe emotional trauma that must be overcome. A dog bite can truly change a person’s life forever.

Most dog bites can be prevented by practicing good animal etiquette. To do your best to prevent dog bites, make sure both you and your children understand how to interact with animals. Below are some tips recommended by the CDC that can help reduce your chances of being bitten by a dog:

• Stay away from dogs that you do not know.
• Do not run from a dog or show signs of fear (like screaming).
• Remain still when a strange dog approaches you.
• Avoid making direct eye contact with a dog.
• Do not disturb a dog who is eating, sleeping or caring for puppies.
• Allow a dog to sniff you first before you try to pet the animal.
• Roll into a ball if you are knocked over by a dog

A dog’s owner is responsible for any destruction or harm caused by their pet. Most homeowner’s insurance offers coverage up to $100,000 for dog bites. If a dog owner refuses to pay for costs you incur as a result of being bitten by their dog, it’s important to contact a knowledgeable dog bite attorney. An experienced attorney should be able to help you determine if you can hold a dog owner responsible for your injuries and uncover any insurance the dog owner may have.

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog and require medical treatment, it is important to speak with an attorney to learn if you can fight for compensation from the dog’s owner.

Two Types of Paralysis

There are two types of paralysis: quadriplegia and paraplegia. Quadriplegia occurs when a person experiences significant paralysis, often affecting both arms and both legs. Paraplegia occurs when a person’s injury results in paralysis to the lower half of the body.

Impact of a Spinal Cord Injury

How a spinal cord injury affects you generally depends on where the injury occurs and how severe the injury is. Generally, the higher the injury occurs to your spinal cord, the more paralysis you will experience.

In addition to the location of an injury, the severity of the injury also plays a role in how a person’s life may be impacted. There are two types of spinal cord injuries:

Partial Injuries—these injuries are incomplete, allowing the injured person to retain some movement and sensation below point of injury. People with a partial spinal cord injury may see improvement in their condition over time.

Complete Injuries—these injuries result in a person losing all motor function and sensation below the point of injury. People with complete spinal cord injuries are generally permanently disabled.

Identifying Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are not always readily apparent. Sometimes an injury causes swelling around the spinal column which can take days to weeks to discover. For this reason, it is imperative to have a thorough examination if you or a loved one has experienced any trauma to the spinal cord, especially the head, back or neck. Failure to diagnose a spinal cord injury early can result in permanent disability.

Common signs of spinal cord injuries include:

• Loss of Sensation

• Pain

• Muscle Spasms

• Difficulty Breathing

• Loss of Movement

• Numbness or Tingling

Life After a Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries are often devastating, affecting a person’s career, lifestyle and freedom; these injuries often require significant rehabilitation and on-going care for the rest of an individual’s life. While life may drastically change after a spinal cord injury, many individuals find new ways to enjoy life and experience the world around them.

Contacting a Personal Injury Attorney

If your injury was caused by another person’s carelessness or recklessness, you may be able to seek damages from them in a lawsuit (see Understanding Personal Injury Lawsuits). An attorney with experience in spinal cord injuries should be able to advise you on the best course of action to take to get the money you need and deserve. You may not only be able to sue for pain and suffering, medical bills, prescription drug costs, time missed from work, and punitive damages, but also for your ongoing care and treatment. For more information about how to find a personal injury, see What to Look for in a Personal Injury Lawyer .

]]> http://www.injuryinfo.com/blog/spinal-cord-injuries/feed/ 3 http://www.injuryinfo.com/blog/birth-injuries/ http://www.injuryinfo.com/blog/birth-injuries/#comments Fri, 23 Jan 2009 17:03:36 +0000 admin http://www.injuryinfo.com/blog/?p=14 Birth injuries can range from minor to catastrophic. They can be the result of the natural birth process or the error of a medical practitioner. Regardless of the reason, birth injuries are devastating to families awaiting the arrival of a new member. When a doctor or medical practitioner could have prevented an injury that your child sustained during or before birth, you may be able to seek compensation for the harm caused to your child.

Common causes of birth injuries include:

• difficult birth

• large babies

• premature births

• prolonged labor

Common birth injuries include:

• Brachial Plexus Injuries—The most common type of brachial plexus injury is called Erb’s palsy. Erb’s palsy stunts the growth in one of the child’s arms and results in partial or complete paralysis of the affected arm. The palsy is a result of stretching or tearing the nerves located between the neck and shoulder (brachial plexus nerves).

• Cerebral Palsy—Cerebral palsy is one of the most serious birth injuries. Cerebral palsy is a developmental disability. It is a neurological disorder that affects muscle control caused by abnormalities in the part of the brain that controls muscle movement. Cerebral palsy can be caused by a number of known and unknown factors, including head injury during delivery.

• Fractures—Bone fractures can occur as the result of negligent care of a medical practitioner during delivery or as a result of the natural birthing process. Care should be taken to set broken bones as soon as possible.

While complications can and do arise during child birth, when the complication could have been prevented with proper monitoring or an injury could have been avoided through proper care, you may be able to seek compensation for the damages you sustain. Birth injuries are complex medical malpractice claims that are usually very expensive to bring to trial (see Medical Malpractice).

If you believe that your child was injured during birth as a result of the negligence of a medical practitioner, it is important to speak with a medical malpractice attorney with experience in birth injury claims and the resources to handle such cases. Birth injury lawsuits are a highly-nuanced area of law and demand the expertise of a skilled medical malpractice attorney who not only has a deep understanding of the law, but the medical field.

Humans have three main layers of skin: the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis. The seriousness of a burn is determined by a victim’s size, age, the location of the burn and how many layers of skin are affected. Burns can be classified into three categories:

First Degree Burns

These burns affect the outermost layer of skin and are recognizable by pain and redness of the affected area. Scars do not usually occur from first degree burns.

Second Degree Burns

These burns affect the outer two layers of skin and are recognizable by pain, redness, swelling and blisters. Second degree burns may result in mild scarring.

Third Degree Burns

These burns affect all three layers of skin and are recognizable by charring and areas of dry white skin. Sufferers often feel little to no pain as nerve endings are often destroyed. This is the most serious type of burn and result in serious scarring and even death.

A tremendous amount of rehabilitation and surgery can be involved with serious burn injuries. Patients may need to go through painful skin grafts or dermabrasion to reduce the appearance of scars. Additionally, rehabilitation is often necessary to help patients achieve a quality of life. In addition to the physical healing process, victims must go through an emotional healing process as well. Victims must come to terms with their injury and work to accept the way they must now walk through life.

If you believe that your injury was caused by the negligence or recklessness of someone else, it is important to speak with a qualified attorney. A personal injury attorney can help you seek damages for your injury, to reimburse you for things like medical bills (including cosmetic surgery), prescription drug costs, rehabilitation expenses, time missed from work, and pain and suffering. An attorney should be thoroughly familiar with the unique nature of burn injuries and able to advise you on the best course of action for your situation.