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Archive for the ‘bike accidents’ Category

So You Think You Have a Concussion?

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

(On Behalf of Gibby Andry Law, New Orleans, LA)

So You Think You Have a Concussion

Did you know that some concussions can be classified as traumatic brain injuries? That’s right – a traumatic brain injury!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1.7 million people receive traumatic brain injuries each year. About 75% of those are concussions or other mild brain injuries.

What’s to blame?

You may have guessed that motor vehicle accidents account for many concussions. Many of those accidents can be avoided by simply obeying the laws and speed limits, refusing to text and drive, and avoiding driving while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or lack of sleep.

You may not have realized that common activities like football, baseball, soccer, skateboarding, riding bikes, playing on the playground, being involved in a fight or a fall are some of the other major culprits. Be sure to wear the protective safety gear and helmets. Prevention is key!

It’s just a bump!

Is it just a bump? Has your child suffered a bump or blow to the head recently? If it shook the head hard enough, he or she could have received a concussion. Look for these classic symptoms:

  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Sleepiness
  • Memory Loss
  • Slurred Speech
  • Nausea or Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety

Most think those who have suffered a concussion will lose consciousness, but this is not always the case. In fact, many with a potential traumatic brain injury may not even realize it. The symptoms may not present themselves until weeks later. While it is true that the severity is usually determined by how long the symptoms continue, it is best to get to the doctor sooner rather than later.

Give it time.

The brain needs time to heal. Don’t rush back to normal activities, whether it is school or work, and do not return to physical activities, driving, or operating any type of heavy machinery. Recovery typically takes a couple of weeks. Most concussions heal quickly and completely but some can be severe and may put you at further risk. It’s best to wait for a full recovery and get a doctor’s release before returning to normal activities.

If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion or other traumatic brain injury as the result of someone else’s carelessness or negligence, call me at (888) 696-6049  The Gibby Andry Law Firm located in New Orleans, Louisiana, has extensive experience handling cases involving traumatic brain injuries. Let us get to work on getting you and your family the compensation you deserve.

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May is Bike Safety Month

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

Bike SafetyEach year, in May, bicycle riding and bicycle safety is promoted. Riding a bike provides good clean fun and exercise for all ages; however, safety still needs to be of the utmost importance. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2009, 630 cyclists were killed and 51,000 were injured in traffic crashes.  Fatalities and injuries may be prevented by taking the necessary precautions. 

A Properly Fitted Helmet

A properly fitted bicycle helmet should fit snuggly.  Ensure that it cannot rock from side to side or forward and backward.  Sizing pads may be used to be sure the fit is secure.   The helmet should sit level on the head and low on the forehead.  To ensure proper placement, look up – the bottom rim should be visible and there should be no more than one or two finger widths from the eyebrow to the rim of the helmet.  The left buckle should be centered under the chin.  A “V” shape should be formed under the ears, and if the slider can be locked, do so.  Buckle the chin strap and tighten until snug with no more than two fingers fitting under the strap.  Finally, open wide!  The helmet should hug the head when the mouth is opened wide.  The fit should be comfortable but secure.

Proper Equipment

The bike should be the right size.  Our feet should be able to touch the ground when we are seated. The tires should be properly inflated, the brakes should work, the gears should shift smoothly, and the reflectors should be secure.

Follow the Rules

Be informed and let’s be sure our children are informed.   We need to know the rules of the road.  We can seek out bicycle safety and skills classes to learn how to operate and maintain our bicycles.  We can also help to further mutual respect among bicyclists, motorists and pedestrians as we share the road.

 Enjoy the ride!

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Motorcycle Deaths

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011

Motorcyclists in the News

Just learned of another motorcyclist who lost his life. Sadly, this gentleman apparently lost control of his bike, struck the guard rail on the Pontchartrain Expressway, was ejected, and fell to the lower level of the expressway. It is unknown whether he was wearing a helmet or other protective gear at the time of the accident. Just weeks prior, another motorcyclist died after striking a pole on I-10 in Gentilly.

Next month has been proclaimed Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. This national campaign sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which runs through the month of May, attempts to bring awareness to the safety of all motorcyclists. If you are considering the purchase of a motorcycle or currently ride one, take some extra precautions for your safety. (more…)

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What is TBI?

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010

A traumatic brain injury is caused by an outside physical force, like a bump, blow or jolt to the head.  Falls, motor vehicle related accidents, collisions, and violence account for the leading causes of such an injury.  Injuries may be mild, such as a concussion, or severe, such as long-term amnesia.  A traumatic brain injury diminishes or alters the victim’s state of consciousness, disrupting the normal function of the brain, and results in impaired physical function and/or cognitive ability.  Behavior and emotions are also likely to be affected.

What to Look For

While being knocked unconscious is the classic sign of a concussion or head injury, it is important to note that a loss of consciousness may not always be present.  Look for confusion, loss of memory or concentration, headaches, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, slurred speech, agitation, convulsions, clear fluid drainage from nose or ears, or changes in the eyes (blurred vision, crossed eyes, one pupil larger than the other).  In addition to these symptoms, changes in complexion, changes in breathing, and twitches may also be signs of a traumatic brain injury.

Preventing a Brain Injury

Taking precautions is the key to prevention.  Wearing a seatbelt and a helmet, avoiding drinking and driving, and storing firearms in a safe place are some common recommendations.  Around the home, it is a good idea to keep stairs free of clutter, improve the lighting, install and use handrails, remove any area rugs, and add non-slip mats to your bathtub.  

If you or a loved one has received a serious head injury, please call me at (504) 799-0663 or Toll Free at (888) 696-6049.  We have experience in handling traumatic brain injury cases.  We will investigate the accident and get to work on getting you the compensation you deserve. 

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Posted in Auto Accidents, bike accidents, Car Accidents, Catastrophic Injuries, Motorcycle Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, personal injury, Premises Liability, Refinery Accidents, Slip & Fall, Truck Accidents, Workplace Accidents | No Comments »

Helmets Required for Motorcycles, Low-Powered Cycles, and Bicycles

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

The current law in Louisiana requires that all drivers and riders on motorcycles wear a helmet. Although House Bill 639 would allow cyclists over the age of twenty-one the option of not wearing a helmet, the measure has been held up in the Senate Health Committee for seemingly obvious reasons. While proponents compare cycling to skydiving or mountain-climbing, or any sport that comes with risks, opponents believe safety comes before freedom of choice, and liken this law to the strict seat-belt law which protects individuals from avoidable injuries.

It is important to note that Louisiana’s current helmet law also applies to drivers and riders on low powered cycles, such as motor-driven cycles, mopeds, scooters, or other two-wheeled cycles. Additionally, bicyclists eleven years old and younger are required by law to wear a helmet.

It seems these laws are in place with good reason. In the United States, approximately one million cyclists sustain serious injuries as a result of bicycle-related accidents each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that a bicyclist is fatally injured every six hours, and nearly half of all the people killed in bicycle accidents are children under the age of 16. Head injuries account for 75% of all serious injuries and deaths from bicycle accidents. Contrary to popular belief, most bicycle and motorcycle accidents are not caused by careless drivers. They result from other drivers not keeping a proper lookout, not respecting a cyclist’s equal right to the roadway, faulty traffic lights or signs, or roadway defects. It is also not uncommon for bike riders to be injured by car doors.

Even if a cyclist is wearing a helmet, a bike accident can cause serious injury such as a head injury, concussion, fractured bones, spine injury or paralysis. These types of serious injuries are certain to adversely affect your life, and possibly the lives of your loved ones.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a bike accident, give me a call.  The accident will be promptly investigated and we will get to work on getting you and your family the compensation you deserve.

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