FORE!!!!

Jon Lewis — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:12:29 GMT

Ever consider the dangers of golf carts? Apparently, researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) have. According to an article in the Birmingham News, there are 1,000 people injured every month while riding a golf cart. Half of these injuries occur while on the golf course, but since golf cart use has increased in neighborhoods by adolescents, teenagers, and senior citizens, injuries are occurring more often.

The study found that fractures and head injuries are the most common injuries. These injuries occur most often in children aged 10-19 and men older than 80. Why do these injuries occur? Golf carts have short wheel bases, and as a result, they are susceptible to flipping over. Additionally, many people who ride in golf carts do not wear helmets, and no seat belts are provided.

Notwithstandingthis known hazard, what would happen if someone were injured in a golf cart and a lawsuit were to be filed? Would the person and attorney be ridiculed for filing a frivolous claim? Would the claim be frivolous? I would say, depending on the facts, no. If researchers at UAB have determined that 1,000 injuries occur per month on average, it's a known problem, and those who are in charge of manufacturing golf carts and maintaining the golf carts should take care to reduce such injuries. When they don't, they should be held accountable.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jon Lewis

What is traumatic brain injury?

Michael Roberts — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:39:15 GMT

A brain injury suffered in an accident may lead to devastating and disastrous consequences for an injured person and his or her family. Often, the true effects of a brain injury might not be apparent until long after the accident.

Patients who sustain brain damage often have experienced an altered state of consciousness, but doctors who specialize in this field explain that a person can have significant brain damage even if they have not been “knocked out” or completely lose consciousness.

An accident victim might initially be diagnosed with a concussion at the emergency room, or in a follow-up doctor visit.

Sometimes the effects of a concussion resolve over a short period of time. But in some instances the victim begins showing signs of personality change or difficulty with thinking, called cognitive impairments. He or she may or may not even initially realize that an injury of any seriousness has taken place and may not realize that his or her behavior is changing.

A recent case handled by our firm involved a client who, although shaken up in a wreck, did not realize any need for medical attention until his wife noticed that he was having trouble remembering things, and made him see a doctor a few weeks after the wreck. Unfortunately, he was later diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, or closed head trauma, and his impairments turned out to be progressive, gradually getting worse over time, and permanent.

If you suspect a loved one has experienced any type of impact involving the head and observe behavioral changes, such as difficulty with memory or personality changes, get them to a doctor or a hospital as soon as possible.

MLR/cb

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Michael Roberts

Alabama Personal Injury Blog - Head & Brain Injuries

FORE!!!!

What is traumatic brain injury?