Archive for the ‘Pedestrian Accidents’ Category
Friday, May 20th, 2011
(On Behalf Gibby Andry Law, New Orleans, LA)
Spinal cord injuries may or may not result in total paralysis. Based on the damage, some injuries will allow for a complete recovery while others will cause complete and permanent paralysis. Motor vehicle accidents have been found to be the leading cause of all spinal cord injuries, accounting for approximately 40% of all reported since 2005.
In July of 2006, one such accident left a sophomore at Oregon State University paralyzed from the waist down. This baseball pitcher was reportedly reaching inside his car for his duffel bag when he heard a car speeding around the corner. He was struck by a hit-and-run driver and was left in the middle of the street. He remembers trying to crawl and then waking up in the hospital the next day. After being told he would never stand or walk again, he began what became years of physical therapy and rehabilitative treatment. His hard work and attempts to stand and walk again had failed. However, through the experimental treatment developed at UCLA and the University of Louisville, he underwent surgical implantation of a 5-1/2 inch long 16-electrode stimulation device in his lower back next to his spine.
Unbelievably, the now 25 year old has since regained the ability to stand and has even taken a few steps on the treadmill. He can voluntarily move his hips, knees, ankles and toes, and has also regained some bladder and sexual function. This is made possible through electrical stimulation to his damaged spinal cord. While electrical pulses have been used in the past, a computer sent the pulses to the brain to control the activity. In this type of treatment, the spinal nerves are made responsive to sensory messages sent from the legs. This breakthrough treatment may potentially help 10-15% of those with spinal cord injuries. While not a cure, it may certainly give hope to those who once believed they were facing a lifetime of total paralysis. Exciting news in the treatment of spinal cord injuries!
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury or other injuries as the result of another person’s negligence or carelessness, give me a call. The Gibby Andry Law Firm located in New Orleans, Louisiana, has extensive experience handling cases involving crippling injuries. Let us get to work on getting you and your family the compensation you deserve.
Tags: accidents, Car Accidents, catastrophic injuries, crippling injuries, New Orleans Attorney, paralysis, Pedestrian Accidents, spinal cord injury
Posted in Auto Accidents, Car Accidents, Catastrophic Injuries, Pedestrian Accidents | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 27th, 2011
In reading about National Public Health Week last month, it was interesting to note this year’s slogan, “Safety is No Accident: Live Injury Free.â€Â The campaign took the stance that injuries are not “accidents†and that we can prevent them from happening. It does make you think.Â
Each year, 150,000 people worldwide die from injuries and almost 30 million are injured serious enough to go to the emergency room. We can do our part to lower these numbers. We can add a measure of safety to help prevent accidents and injuries. Wearing a seatbelt or helmet, using properly installed child safety seats for children, storing cleaning supplies and medications in locked cabinets, and wearing protective gear at work obviously help to prevent injuries. There is so much more that we can do.Â
Doing simply one thing at a time is an almost laughable suggestion in this day and age but doing so and taking the time to focus on what we are doing can help prevent falls, medicine mix-ups, sports injuries, and auto or bike accidents, to name just a few. It also goes without saying that we should not drink and drive or drive when tired. We should save texting, eating, talking on the phone and self-grooming for when we are not behind the wheel.   Â
Take an extra moment. Be safe wherever you are.
Tags: accidents, catastrophic injuries, crippling injuries, devastating injuries, lawsuit settlements, New Orleans Attorney, personal injury, refinery accidents, slip and fall accidents, workplace accidents
Posted in Catastrophic Injuries, Electrocutions, Motorcycle Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, personal injury, Premises Liability, Workplace Accidents | No Comments »
Wednesday, April 20th, 2011
Each 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.Â
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.Â
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!
Tags: Bicycle Accidents, catastrophic injuries, crippling injuries, devastating injuries, lawsuit settlements, Motorcycle Accidents, New Orleans Attorney, personal injury
Posted in bike accidents, Catastrophic Injuries, legal settlements, Pedestrian Accidents, personal injury | No Comments »
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. Â
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.Â
Tags: accidents, Brain Trauma, Car Accidents, catastrophic injuries, crippling injuries, devastating injuries, lawsuit settlements, New Orleans Attorney, personal injury
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 »
Monday, September 20th, 2010
On an ordinary day last September, the life of one of our local postal workers changed forever. While standing on the side of the street, getting mail out of his truck in Uptown New Orleans, the dedicated and friendly postal worker was struck by one of two vehicles involved in an accident on St. Charles Avenue and Valence Street. The 37-year veteran lost his left leg at the scene and doctors were not successful in their attempts to save his right leg.
That day was indeed a tragic one. Here are some points to keep in mind if you were to ever witness an accident involving an amputation:
First, call 911. Try to calm the injured person down and reassure him or her as much as possible.  Care of the part of the body where the amputation occurred is important:
- * Be sure the injured area is elevated, while the victim lies flat.Â
- * Cover or wrap the injured area with a clean cloth until medical treatment can be administered. Apply pressure if bleeding.  Do not cut off the blood flow if the part is partially amputated. Pressure should be light – just enough to slow blood loss.
- * Gently splint the injured area to prevent movement or further damage.
- * Stay with the injured person until help arrives.
If the body part was completely amputated, recover the amputated body part, if possible. Transport it to the hospital with the injured person. If it cannot immediately be found, transport the injured person to the hospital and if later found, bring the amputated body part to the hospital as quickly as possible:Â
- * Gently rinse off dirt and debris with clean water, if possible, without scrubbing.
- * Wrap the amputated body part in a dry, clean cloth, or sterile gauze.
- * If possible, place the wrapped part in a plastic bag or waterproof container.
- * Keeping the amputated body part cool will help it to remain viable for up to 18 hours. If the amputated body part cannot be kept cool, it may mean that it would be viable for only 4-6 hours after the accident. The amputated body part may be kept cool by placing the plastic bag or waterproof container on ice. Do not cover the part with ice or put it directly into ice water. Doing so could cause damage.
An accident in which the injured person suffers an amputation is certainly a horrific one. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or an amputation as the result of another person’s negligence or carelessness, give me a call. We are experienced in handling serious personal injury cases. Let us get to work on getting you and your family the compensation you deserve.
Tags: accidents, Bicycle Accidents, Car Accidents, catastrophic injuries, crippling injuries, devastating injuries, lawsuit settlements, Motorcycle Accidents, New Orleans Attorney, Pedestrian Accidents, personal injury, Truck Accidents
Posted in Auto Accidents, Car Accidents, Catastrophic Injuries, legal settlements, Pedestrian Accidents, personal injury, Truck Accidents | No Comments »
Friday, August 27th, 2010
With all the new hybrids out on our streets these days, “stop, look and listen†has taken on a special meaning for pedestrians and bicyclists. Statistics show that crashes are 40% more likely with hybrid vehicles than with the non-hybrid counterpart – and that number increases to 50% on streets where the speed limit is 35 miles per hour and under. This is because when the hybrid operates on low speed, or when it is being maneuvered in or out of a parking spot, it operates on electricity only, substantially limiting the noise factor in comparison to the non-hybrid vehicle. This is a real concern for all ages, especially school aged children, the elderly, and the blind.
Pedestrian accidents often injure those who are most vulnerable. In fact, those 70 years of age and older are reportedly at the highest risk of death when involved in a pedestrian-automobile related accident. If a pedestrian is thrown in the air or on top of the car, its hood or windshield, serious injury such as brain damage; internal injuries to the kidney, spleen or liver; and injuries to the head, pelvic area and legs are most common. Leg injuries can range from torn cartilage and tendons to broken bones. While the seriousness of pedestrian injuries depends upon how fast the car was traveling at the time of the accident, pedestrian death can occur in an area considered generally safe, such as on sidewalks, crosswalks, and on medians.
If another person’s negligent driving has caused you or your loved one serious injury, 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.
Tags: accidents, Car Accidents, catastrophic injuries, crippling injuries, devastating injuries, New Orleans Attorney, Pedestrian Accidents, personal injury
Posted in Auto Accidents, Car Accidents, Catastrophic Injuries, Pedestrian Accidents, personal injury | No Comments »
Monday, August 23rd, 2010
The current law in Louisiana requires that all drivers and riders on motorcycles wear a helmet. Although House Bill 639Â 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.
Tags: accidents, Bicycle Accidents, catastrophic injuries, crippling injuries, devastating injuries, New Orleans Attorney, Pedestrian Accidents, personal injury
Posted in bike accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, personal injury | No Comments »
Tuesday, August 17th, 2010
On August 15, 2010, Louisiana’s law banning all drivers from text messaging while operating a motor vehicle was upgraded to primary enforcement status. What does this mean? It means that you can be stopped and cited solely for that offense. The fines can be hefty – up to $175 for a first offense and up to $500 thereafter. Your insurance company will also be notified of any such violation.
Drivers under the age of 18 should take special note as they may not use wireless devices at all while operating a motor vehicle, and may be cited for the use of a cell phone, text messaging unit, or computer while driving. Those drivers with a learner’s permit or intermediary license are prohibited from using cell phones while operating a motor vehicle, unless a hands-free device is attached. These laws have also been upgraded to primary enforcement status and drivers can be stopped solely for violating this law. The driver’s insurer will be notified in these instances as well, and the fines also range up to $175 for the first offense and up to $500 for any future offense.
The use of wireless devices is not uncommon. Statistics have shown that 50% of all drivers between the age of 18 and 24 admit to texting while driving. You are 23% more likely to be involved in an accident while texting and driving. Four out of five accidents are caused by distracted drivers. If those numbers are not enough, consider AAA’s report that “it takes just two seconds for a crash risk to double if a driver looks away from the road for any reason.â€
Text messaging is reportedly the most dangerous distraction as it takes the driver’s eyes off of the road, the driver’s hands off of the steering wheel, and the driver’s concentration off of driving.
If another person’s distracted or negligent driving has caused you or your loved one serious injury, 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.
Tags: accidents, Bicycle Accidents, Car Accidents, devastating injuries, Motorcycle Accidents, New Orleans Attorney, Pedestrian Accidents, personal injury, Truck Accidents
Posted in Auto Accidents, Car Accidents, Catastrophic Injuries, Pedestrian Accidents, personal injury, Truck Accidents | No Comments »
