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Beacon House: A Sanctuary for Traumatic Brain Injury Victims

Emily Mapp Brannon — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:59:31 GMT

Where do you go after suffering a serious brain injury and the life you used to lead has changed forever? You need help, but don’t know what to do or who to ask. Well, there’s a place in Hampton Roads that is providing assistance to nearly a dozen local people who have suffered from a serious brain injury and found comfort at Beacon House, a community-based clubhouse program for people living with the effects of brain injury, according to The Virginian Pilot.

At Beacon House, individuals can learn, or regain, skills necessary to live a productive and empowering life. Through contributing to every aspect of the clubhouse, members gain confidence and self-respect.

Many of these folks suffered a traumatic brain injury. A traumatic brain injury or “TBI,” is defined by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control as an injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Of the 1.4 million who sustain a TBI each year in the United States, 50,000 die; 235,000 are hospitalized; and 1.1 million are treated and released from an emergency department.

TBI’s not only effect the victim, but also their friends and family. Someone who suffered a TBI could endure behavioral and psychological changes that require constant attention and care. Some victims may even need assistance feeding and clothing themselves. It takes an emotional toll on everyone around them.

An example of this is the founder of the Beacon House, local resident Matt Buckley. He created the Beacon House to honor his wife, Mary Buckley. Mary was operated on at Sentara Bayside in 2004 for a routine bunion removal surgery. During the procedure, Mary’s heart stopped briefly and she was placed in a drug induced coma to prevent additional brain damage. Mary remained in a vegetative state for two years before she passed. Matt wanted to do something for other people who suffered like him. That is when he started the Mary Foundation and worked to get funding from local and state government.

The Beacon House is almost like a sanctuary for victims of TBI and Matt’s work should be celebrated. He endured a terrible tragedy, but persevered and is doing something to help numerous Virginians cope with the challenges of a brain injury.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm (VA-NC law offices) edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono service to consumers.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Emily Mapp Brannon

Beach Attorney Recognized for DUI Prosecution Efforts

Rick Shapiro — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:20:00 GMT

Local prosecutor Charisse Black last week received a national award for keeping alcohol- and drug-addled divers off the streets of Virginia Beach.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving tapped Black as one of 15 recipients of its 2009 President's Criminal Justice Award for "her thorough gathering of facts, complete knowledge of current Virginia DUI laws and her ability to convict the majority of the cases she presents." Black's supervisor, Commonwealth's Attorney for Virginia Beach Harvey Bryant also praised Black for "seeing that those who drive drunk are convicted and punished without delay.' Bryant also said that "Charisse embodies the ‘get tough’ attitude that this office has toward drunk drivers."

I am happy to add my congratulations to Black and to express my appreciation for her work. Drunk and drugged drivers cause untold tragedy in our area and across the United States. While statistics on fatalities, injuries and monetary damages caused by drivers impaired by drugs and alcohol are kept, those numbers do not come close to telling the story of how DUIs can ruin and end lives.

Prosecuting drunk and drugged drivers is only part of the solution, of cpursse. Drivers need to take responsibility and stay out their cars if they have been drinking or doing drugs. Also, as we kickoff the holiday party season, hosts and guests need to watch their friends and head off potential drunk drivers by ensuring safe rides homes for those who need them.

Until people do assume their full responsibilities, however, it is good to know that prosecutors like Black are protecting us.

About the Editors: The Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm, whose attorneys work out of offices in Virginia (VA) and North Carolina (NC), edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as pro bono services.

EJL

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Shapiro

Road Kill: Pedestrian Accidents Often Result in Wrongful Death

John Cooper — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:52:25 GMT

When a pedestrian gets hit by a car or truck, the injuries are typically quite severe, including broken bones or even the death of the pedestrian. The pedestrian has the right of way in Virginia if they are inside of the cross walk. If you have to cross anywhere other than an intersection, then the duties on the pedestrian include going across the road in the most direct manner.

Here are some tips to try to avoid being hit by a car as you are walking:

-Make eye-contact with the drivers of oncoming cars, to make sure they see you.

-Follow the age-old advice of "looking both ways before crossing the street."

- Avoid distractions, like talking or texting on your cell phone, or listening to music. You might not notice a car barreling towards you if you are distracted by other things.

- Always watch for traffic, especially cars turning the corner, while you are in the road.

-If you are walking on the side of a street that does not have sidewalks, walk facing the traffic, so that you can see what is coming towards you.

-Never walk behind a vehicle that is backing up. You could be in their blind spot.

-If you are walking at night, try to wear bright colors or reflective clothing.

-If you see a "DO NOT WALK" signal, then you should not walk.

-Always make sure that any children in your care are safely accounted for, and preferably holding on to your hand as you cross the street.

Follow these simple safety tips, and you can improve the odds that you and your loved ones stay safe while crossing the street.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by John Cooper

Early Evidence Shows Red-Light Cameras Are Making Virginia Beach Safer

Jim Lewis — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:37:30 GMT

"Virginia Beach police say red light violations have declined at intersections that have been monitored by cameras since March," begins an Oct. 31 Virginian-Pilot article. Some intersections at which cameras operate have seen a 69 percent reduction in cars speeding through stop signals.

Having written previously about the need to enforce traffic laws at busy intersections, I was pleased to learn that drivers in the Resort City have taken to heart the not-at-all subtle reminder--and threat of being ticketed--to always stop at red lights. At the same time, a fatal accident on General Booth Boulevard in mid-October in which the driver at fault appears to have run a red light sent an even greater message that no intersection can ever be completely safe when drivers do not follow traffic laws.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety created this profile of red-light runners: "younger, less likely to use safety belts, ... poorer driving records, and drove smaller and older vehicles." Demographic data portrays the "typical" Virginia Beach resident as a 33-year-old with an annual income of just under $30,000. Seat-belt wearing behavior and driving history must be left to speculation, but the typical Beach resident seems young and at least potentially likely to own an older car-- to speed through an intersection when he or she should stop.

This is not to say that most people who live in Virginia Beach ignore stop signals. The recent reductions in red-light running shows that city residents will follow traffic laws when prompted. And that is great to know.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law, and our attorneys have handled thousands of car and truck accident cases. Check out our case results to see for yourself. In addition, check out our FREE Best Guide to Car Accident injuries in Virginia and our special report on distracted driving. Our primary office is in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA), but our lawyers also hold licenses in NC, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now, and we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations. Call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube. Further, our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as pro bono public information services.

EJL

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jim Lewis

X-Ray Risks: Steps You Need To Take to Reduce Radiation Exposure

Rick Shapiro — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:59:00 GMT

X-rays, by in large, are a great medical tool which assist doctors in making diagnoses and provide an internal view of the human body without making surgical incisions. However, this technology is not 100 percent safe. There are inherent risks due to the fact that X-rays rely on radiation (as the name implies). As an injury lawyer who represents people adversely effected by radiation exposure, this issue is important to me.

The most disturbing risk is the development of cancer. High frequency and exposure to radiation has been shown to cause genetic damage which leads to cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Studies show that young people are at a higher risk due to the fact that they accumulate more radiation exposure over the years. Surprisingly, women are more susceptible to cancer development from X-ray exposure than men, even with the same level of exposure.

Here’s a video discussing the risks associated with X-rays:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWqfAjpr1iQ

There’s also a chance of developing cataracts and skin burns from X-rays. Once again, this usually occurs when you’re exposed to high levels of radiation and with fluoroscopy (i.e. continuous x-ray imaging) procedures, according to the FDA.

These risks do not mean you should avoid X-rays. Here are some simple steps you should follow when it comes to handling X-ray exposure:

Ask if you can use a lead apron or shield can be used
Don’t always ask for an X-ray
Ask your dentist if they use E or F speed film for X-rays since these films are much more efficient and reduce exposure
Remain aware of your X-ray history

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and our attorneys have experience handling medical malpractice cases. Check out our case results to see for yourself. In addition, check out our FREE special reports on the Top 10 Tips from a Medical Malpractice Insider and the top 5 surgical errors you must know about. Our primary office in based in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA) and we also have a North Carolina (NC) law office. Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . Furthermore, our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Rick Shapiro

Virginia investigators studying boat collisions

Jim Lewis — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:11:17 GMT

Virginia authorities are crashing boats – on purpose.

The collisions are part of an effort to learn more about how recreational boat collisions happen and how to prevent them, the AP reported.

"It gives officers a chance to see it, because very few times do police officers have the opportunity to witness a traffic crash, let alone a boat collision," Jim Getz, a coordinator for the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, told the AP.

The controlled collisions happened in September on an isolated part of the James River near Richmond. The collisions were recorded and photographed, with materials to be disseminated across the country.

Recreational boat accidents are an ever-present danger in Hampton Roads, and I support any efforts to make boating safer. In May, my colleague David Hurt wrote about a boat capsizing near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, an incident that left one man dead and another injured.

And my colleague Emily Mapp Brannon wrote less than a month ago that boating accidents were steeply rising throughout Virginia.

In 2008, 709 people died in recreational boating accidents, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Of those 709, 60 were killed in collisions. Another 856 people were hurt in collisions.

In the latest project, 12 pairs of boats were crashed into each other. All were donated and were crashed by remote control.

"It is a complex, very dynamic event, and the only way to fully understand it is to study actual collisions, where you know what actually happened and can carefully examine the aftermath," accident investigator and consultant Miles Beam told the AP.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and we have experience handling wrongful death cases. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Our primary office in based in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Our attorneys have handled numerous wrongful death cases and we understand the difficult circumstances which accompany these types of cases. Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . Furthermore, our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

(MM)

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jim Lewis

Virginia Homeowners Need Help Handling Toxic Chinese Drywall

John Cooper — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:34:00 GMT

Toxic Chinese drywall is affecting thousands of homeowners across the nation but especially in the south including Mississippi, Florida, New Orleans, and Virginia (VA). Some estimates indicate over 100,000 homes were built with the hazardous drywall, though no one really has an exact number. The problem just continues to grow.

Virginians in Hampton Roads are taking the brunt of the toxic Chinese drywall problem. For example, Elizabeth and Steve Heischober bought a house in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA) back in 2006 and discovered the symptoms of toxic Chinese drywall – a rotten egg smell and the destruction of appliances due to chemicals. The Heischober’s would need to spend over $200,000 out of pocket to fully replace the drywall and effected appliances, according to WAVY.

As an injury lawyer who works for a firm that regularly represents people who’ve had their lives adversely affected by toxic substances, I find it outrageous that more hasn’t been done to help these homeowners. Most people don’t have $200,000 sitting around to spend on home repairs.

Most insurance companies are preparing to deny claims related to the toxic drywall because it’s considered a pollutant and, therefore, not covered by a general policy.

So what can be done? The government is making some effort. The Foreign Manufacturers Legal Accountability Act of 2009 is a bill floating around in the Senate that would require foreign companies doing business in the United States to agree to participate in litigation in U.S. courts. Unfortunately, this would not help those currently struggling with the drywall issue.

Virginia Beach Congressman Glenn Nye (D) is planning to submit legislation which would expedite financial support to Virginia (VA) homeowners. Nevertheless, the U.S. government is not responsible for this quagmire. The Chinese government needs to take responsibility since nearly 16 companies who supplied the toxic drywall were apparently owned by the government.

Here's a video of Congressman Nye meeting with the Heischober's about their troubles with toxic Chinese drywall...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZphmKlww44

Thousands of lawsuits are being filed in connection to the contaminated Chinese drywall and it’s clear this issue is gaining national attention. Justice needs to be served. Far too many people are having their lives ruined because of this noxious drywall.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton is a law firm which focuses on injury and accident law and we have experience handling toxic substance cases. Check out our case results to see for yourself. Our primary office in based in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA). Our lawyers hold licenses in NC, SC, WV, KY and DC. We are ready to talk to you by phone right now—we provide free initial confidential injury case consultations, so call us toll free at 1-800-752-0042. Our injury attorneys also host an extensive injury law video library on Youtube . Furthermore, our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard and Norfolk Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by John Cooper

Feds Get Serious About Cutting Texting While Driving

Randy Appleton — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 09:52:46 GMT

I’m not used to hearing a federal official describe much of anything as a “menace” these days. But that is exactly the word U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood choose to describe texting while driving. LaHood also called distracted driving in general an epidemic in the days leading up to, and throughout, a two-day Distracted Driving Summit in Washington, D.C., this week.

The candor was refreshing regarding a problem that led to a significant proportion of the 515,000 car cashes in which people got injured during 2008. Nearly 6,000 of those accidents involved at least one distracted driver and one fatality.

Just in case there is any doubt that texting while driving constitutes a—to agree with Secretary LaHood—menace, I’ll point to a recently published study from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. The researchers found that texting commercial truck drivers were 23.2 times more likely to have an accident than nontexting truck drivers. People driving cars were 2.8 times more likely to crash while dialing their cell phones.

LaHood, backed by President Barack Obama, has decided to act on his understanding of the seriousness of the texting and driving problem. By Executive Order, no military personnel or federal employees can text while driving a government vehicle or conducting official business. Federal laws prohibiting bus, tractor trailer and train operators from texting while driving are promised.

Virginia was somewhat out in front on curbing texting while driving. I would like to see federal laws banning the practice move quickly to bolster and extend the protections the Virginia law gives drivers.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), near the Northeast North Carolina (NC) border. Lawyers with the firm practice primarily in the southeastern U.S. and handle injury law cases, including car, truck and railroad accidents, medical negligence cases and more. The firm’s website is hsinjurylaw.com. Lawyers with Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton also edit the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard and host a YouTube injury law video library with more than 50 videos covering many FAQs on personal injury subjects. The firm’s lawyers are licensed in VA, NC, SC, WV, DC and KY.

EJL

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Randy Appleton

Trauma 1 v. Trauma 2 Hospitals, What's the Difference to A Person Hurt In An Accident?

John Cooper — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:32:15 GMT

A trauma center is hospital capable of rendering medical care to patients suffering traumatic injuries. Yet, there are several different levels. A trauma center can be either a level one, two, three, or four. In order to qualify as a trauma center, a hospital is required to meet criteria set forth by the American College of Surgeons. There are a few factors that determine what level a center is classified as. These factors include the type of resources available at the particular center, as well as the amount of patients admitted annually. Each level classification must adhere to certain national standards.

A level one trauma hospital maintains a wide range of specialists and equipment, which are available 24-hours a day. These centers must also meet annual volume requirements for admitting severely injured persons. One criterion that places a level one center above others is that the center must have a program of research and be a leader in the field of trauma education/injury prevention.

A level two hospital works collaboratively with a level one hospital. This center provides care which supplements the medical expertise of the level one center. A level two center provides 24-hour services. However, the services only include the essential specialties, personnel, and equipment. Unlike level one centers, the minimum volume requirements for level two centers are dependent upon local conditions. Also, level two centers are not required to maintain a research or surgical residency program.

A level three trauma hospital maintains the basics. While they do not have the same amount of specialists as a level one or two, they are capable of meeting the needs for most trauma patients, including emergency resuscitation, surgery, and intensive care. These types of centers have a transfer agreement with either a level one or level two center so that back-up care may be provided in extreme situations.

A level four hospital provides essential care, such as stabilizations and treatment, where no alternatives exist. These centers are often located in remote areas. It’s important to understand the differences among trauma hospital classifications.

Even though all levels are capable of stabilizing patients, specialty care may only be available at certain hospitals and thus, may require you to transfer. Consider the following:

Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital: Level Two trauma center
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital: Level One trauma center
Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville, NC: Level One trauma center

As attorneys specializing in accident cases, our most seriously injured clients are often inpatients at one of these three facilities. People in car wrecks in South Hampton Roads and the Outer Banks are most likely to be treated at these Sentara centers. Pitt Memorial serves as the main trauma center for much of North-East North Carolina.

Level Four:

Level Three:

Level Two:

Level One:

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by John Cooper

Couple Tragically Killed in Car Accident

John Cooper — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 22:26:00 GMT

Bob and Reggie Wade, two active citizens in their 80s, were killed in a car accident. They were driving home to Valley Forge when their Cadillac was struck by a Dodge Durango, according to philly.com. The driver and passengers in the Durango were not seriously injured.

The Wade’s were a couple that enjoyed life to the fullest and spent Fourth of July weekend in Virginia (VA). They were surrogate parents to nine nieces and nephews with a passion for enjoying the company of friends and family.

Working for an injury law firm which represents clients hurt in car accidents, I’m always saddened to hear about good people dying in these terrible crashes.

Nearly 70,000 people were injured in car accidents last year in the state of Virginia (VA) and over 800 were killed, according to the DMV.

Here are some general safety tips to follow when driving. These may seem rudimentary, but it’s always good to keep them in mind…

1. Wear your seatbelt
2. Follow the speed limit
3. Don’t drive while impaired
4. Exercise caution at intersections, red lights, and stop signs
5. Always signal your intentions

About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm is based in Virginia (VA), near the NE North Carolina (NC) border and handles car,truck,railroad, and medical negligence cases and more. Our lawyers proudly edit the Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono public information service. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by John Cooper