Philadelphia Injury Attorney Blog

Recently traumatic brain injury has been in the news as it applies to athletes, most notably football players, as well as more concentrated focus on efforts by the United States government as indicated in a press release from the White House on January 11, 2012. In the White House press release, First Lady Michele Obama announced a major coordinated effort by America’s academic institutions to address and combat PTSD and traumatic brain injury. The White House announced a commitment to an initiative of the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine to leverage missions in education, research, and clinical care to meet unique health care needs in military and veterans communities which involves PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and TBI (traumatic brain injury).

Diagnosis and treatment of PTSD and traumatic brain injury has long been swept under the carpet and the understandings that arrive from research were not widely distributed. Researchers are now working and developing new major imaging that allows visualization of brain wiring in high definition which could lead to new breakthroughs in the diagnosis of TBI. Many unknowing victims have been diagnosed with TBI, and in the case of professional athletes, many players stated that they would try to hide brain injuries rather than leave the game. Many sports fans and team owners claim if brain injuries are part of the game then at some point there would be no game. Tragic circumstances surrounding the incident in which U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head have also significantly increased awareness of traumatic brain injury.

Millions of Americans live with a traumatic brain injury and it is estimated that millions of cases of TBI occur and go unreported each year. Although most of the TBI’s are considered mild, they do have a tremendous cumulative effect on the lives of the victims.

If you have been involved in a serious accident and sustained a blow to your head by virtue of a bus crash, auto accident, motorcycle accident, sporting accident, slip and fall accident, amusement park accident, and notice dizziness, loss of focus, ringing in the ears, imbalance, or sensory deprivation, you should present to an emergency room immediately and contact an experienced TBI professional.

The Philadelphia traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder lawyers of Reiff and Bily salute increased government attention focused on TBI and PTSD and understand how the complexities of the issues faced by victims of accidents that suffer from TBI and PTSD. We have over 30 years of experience representing victims who have suffered traumatic brain injury and understand the assistance that is necessary to put TBI victims on the same footing they were prior to the incident that caused this unfortunate diagnosis. We always offer a free, no obligation consultation toll free at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.

For over thirty years, I have worked closely with the medical community in my capacity as a lawyer investigating and litigating cases involving closed head traumas and mild to severe brain injuries, as well as intracranial hemorrhages. Many times individuals who do not possess proper medical insurance do not receive adequate or proper screening after an accident or violent impact to their head. Left untreated, a mild TBI or intracranial hemorrhage can have a considerable impact in the reduction of one’s quality of life and can many times lead to death if improperly diagnosed.

Studies and statistics have indicated that African-American and Hispanic children are less likely than Caucasian children to receive cranial CT scans in emergency departments following minor head trauma according to a study presented at the 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics national conference. Many physicians that I have discussed this situation with claim that those who sustain a minor head trauma “are probably at low risk anyway” for a clinically important brain injury. However, one’s socioeconomic status or lack of insurance or ignorance of the insurance and billing systems should not stand in the way of a proper diagnosis and the safe practice of medicine. Many times an impact to the head is the result of a car accident, product defect, or other type of negligence, and third party’s and third party insurance companies may be responsible for medical bills and resulting financial, emotional, and payment of medical bills. Simply stated, I have noted that many individuals contact our office with symptoms of traumatic brain injury and closed head trauma and have not received proper medical treatment because they were afraid that they would be responsible for paying the bills and did not have adequate personal medical insurance. In fact, many hospitals and physicians will not treat these people unless there is a letter of protection from a lawyer representing them or the lawyer’s office has done the ground work to secure funding for the diagnostic testing. What we do know is that individuals with a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury have a much lower health-related quality of life at times compared to others. It is important to immediately diagnose and effectively treat a brain injury.

Continue reading "Why Is It That Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries and Intracranial Hemorrhages Are Not So Readily Diagnosed. Is It A Patient Or Medical Issue?" »

On the last day of a Bahama honeymoon, a tragic parasailing accident took the life of a newly wed wife of Victor Rodriguez, age 22. The 22-year old bride Crystal Rodriguez died after her parasailing harness apparently snapped while she was being towed sending her plunging more than 200 feet into the sea. Both Crystal and her husband were being towed by a speed boat with a parachute billowing behind them when the accident occurred on the final day of their 10 day honeymoon. Her broken hearted husband was wheeled onto a jet on a gurney with oxygen after spending the last five weeks with extensive internal injuries in a hospital in Orlando, Florida.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims and their families and as an amusement accident and parasailing accident attorney, accidents like this are always the most hard hitting.

Parasailing has been defined as a sport or recreational activity where one soars while harnessed to a parasail. The words “while harnessed” are the key words. Fortunately more than one can imagine, many people are wrongfully killed or tragically injured due to faulty equipment of the owner or operator or the parasail operation’s negligence. There is very little regulation or oversight of many of the companies that operate parasailing operations and they tend to operate for profit instead of safety.

Most victims who survive parasailing accidents have their lives forever changed due to injuries such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, quadriplegia, paraplegia, or even wrongful death due to a defective product or negligence on behalf of the company providing the parasailing service.

Continue reading "Parasailing Accident During Bahama Honeymoon Results In Death Of Wife And Serious Injuries To a Broken Hearted Husband " »

As July 4th officially kicks off the summer season many of us will be hosting or be guests at barbecues. Many of the newer barbecues utilize propane tanks to fuel the system. Propane is pressurized and put into the tank and safety dictates that one must make sure that the tank is not rusted or corroded and that all the fuel fittings are properly secured. Thirty liters of propane equals 750 mg of energy and 750 mega joules of energy is approximately equal to 170 kilograms of TNT or 8 millionths of a kilogram of nuclear grade uranium and has the energy equivalent and release of the force of 9 fully loaded semi-trucks being dropped from a kilometer high off the ground. Similarly enough energy is released to melt 2.25 tons of ice.

Typically propane tanks do not explode on their own. Generally human error or negligence is a primary factor contributing to any type of propane explosion and propane fed fire accident. If you are using propane to fuel your barbecue, make sure that you are using and storing it in accordance with NFPA requirements. You must fully understand that the integrity of the propane bottle must be maintained and one must always keep the propane cylinder away from an area where there is an extreme build up of heat or fire. Many times a fire or explosion can be caused by a leak near an ignition source such as a cigarette or spark. Many times propane fires or explosions occur due to negligent handling by an individual or refueling station or due to the defective manufacture and construction of the propane fuel. Obviously a propane explosion can cause catastrophic injuries
and wrongful death. Many times these injuries include amputations, blindness, loss of hearing, permanent scarring, spinal injuries, brain injuries, and paraplegia.

The fuel fed fire and propane explosion lawyers of the Beasley Reiff Law Group are stalwarts for consumer safety and suggest that if you are using a propane gas tank you should have it routinely inspected and maintained and make sure the tank is properly installed to reduce the risk of fire and explosion. If a propane tank is not properly maintained, there is a potential to suffer a tank and fuel delivery system failure and increases the risk of excessive heat or sparks coming into the tank which could ignite the gas and cause explosions.

Continue reading "A Defective Propane Tank Can Create An Explosion To Multiple Kilograms Of TNT Warns Experienced Pennsylvania Product Liability and Explosion Lawyer" »

With the arrival of summer public pool and private country club swimming pools are the place that many families and young children escape to to create summertime memories of fun.

Unfortunately in mid-June a special day for a family turned tragic after a 6-year old donned his goggles and prepared to dive for toys at the Woodhaven Country Club in Louisville. According to news sources, the 6-year old suffered a severe brain injury after remaining submerged underwater for an unknown period of time and according to medical records, the cause of death was consistent with drowning. Attempts were made to save the youth, however, he died the following day after medical staff at a children’s hospital disconnected him from life support.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of Keegan Adkins and as a parent and experienced swimming pool accident attorney who has witnessed this type of tragedy for decades no words can express the sorrow and loss we all feel when we learn of a catastrophic incident or drowning such as this.

Continue reading "Drowning Death of 6-Year Old At A Country Club Indicates Just How Quickly A Special Day Can Turn Into a Tragedy - Experienced Swimming Pool Accident Attorney Weighs In" »

A spinning coaster roller coaster ride with revolving cars resulted in the catastrophic fatal fall and death of a 34-year old man. According to news sources, the roller coaster ride occurred at Tokio Dome City attractions. The spinning roller coaster reaches a speed of 39.6 kph as it cruises a 305 meter long track. The victim was believed to have fallen from a height of 7 to 8 meters. This is the third major amusement park accident to hit the park in three months.

In another catastrophic amusement park accident, a 26-year old female worker lost three fingers while checking wires and motors at the top of the popular Tower Hacker amusement attraction. The Tower Hacker is an 80 meter tall tower that lifts riders to the top and lets them free fall vertically at almost a 100 kph.

In another roller coaster accident in December, parts from the Thunder Dolphin roller coaster injured a small girl on the ground.

As an experienced amusement park accident lawyer, unfortunately I am all too familiar with the fact that seemingly safe rides are often unknowingly dangerous forms of entertainment for families. Amusement park owners always advertise the newest thrill ride or adventure ride to increase popularity and revenue and many times the new thrill rides are not safe and cause many deaths as well as catastrophic injuries including broken bones, broken noses, broken legs, whiplash, brain hemorrhage , paralysis, quadriplegia, and death. Most times, amusement park owners will aggressively fight these claims and it is important to consult with an experienced amusement park accident and death lawyer. The amusement park accident firm of Reiff & Bily as of January 1, 2011 has joined forces with the Beasley Firm and together have been awarded over $2 billion dollars on behalf of their clients with scores of multi-million dollar awards. For a free, no obligation consultation, contact us online at www.reiffandbily.com or toll free at 1-800-421-9595.

In less than 24 hours, three different innocent individuals were either injured or killed when struck by snow plows. Other innocent property owners, including myself suffered plow related property damage by hit and run snow plow drivers.

In Delaware, 51-year old Denise McFadden was walking on the Washington Street Extension. The snow plow driver made a U-turn and fatally struck Ms. McFadden. She was pronounced dead at the scene due to severe head injuries.

In Milford, Police continue to investigate a hit and run accident that occurred at the intersection of High Street and Drain Place, where an unidentified woman was struck by a snow plow. The driver of the snow plow left the scene of the accident.

In Maryland, Richard Francis Ogles was walking along Mountain Road when he was fatally struck by a snow plow. The driver of the snow plow left the scene of the accident. Mr. Ogles was pronounced dead at an area hospital.

Extreme caution must be taken when operating a snow plow. Unfortunately, before, during, and after a snow fall, especially a large snow storm, both State and privately owned and operated snow plow drivers are working long hours, double time, and sometimes even triple time. In addition to driver exhaustion there could be decreased visibility due to the poor weather conditions. When you have the combination of driver exhaustion and poor visibility behind the wheel of a snow plow, it can only lead to a disaster.

Snow plow accidents can lead to traumatic brain injuries or head injuries, skull fractures, spinal cord injuries or broken backs, crush injuries, and other devastating injuries, including death.

Twice in the last two weeks, a snow plow charging down my road struck at least 3 mailboxes breaking off cast aluminum stands like they were toothpicks. Yesterday, I was forced into a snowdrift while another snowplow, driving seemingly beyond the speed limit on an icy downhill suburban road, took over the highway without due regard for anybody else on the roadway. After all of these incidents, the snow plows kept going without regard for the damages inflicted. When I filed a claim with the township, I was told that these events are not as uncommon as one would think.

Since 1979, the experienced Philadelphia wrongful death and negligence law firm of Reiff & Bily has aggressively represented clients and their families who have been injured or killed by negligent snow plow drivers. Effective January 1, 2011 the Reiff & Bily law firm has joined forces with the legendary Beasley Firm in Philadelphia who since 1958 has been awarded over $2 billion dollars on behalf of their clients and have hundreds of millions and multi-million dollar verdicts, settlements, and awards to their credit. Please contact us toll free at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com for a free, no obligation consultation.

On December 19, 2009, a full Devil’s Head ski lift suddenly stopped, sparked, and then sent the seats screaming backwards at a high rate of speed. Riders, fearing for their lives, jumped from their seats, seriously injuring 14 of the riders.

On December 28, 2010, while workers were trying to realign a ski lift cable at Sugarloaf Resort, the cable jumped its track, causing riders to plummet 25 to 30 feet below and sustain serious injuries.

Although rare, ski lift accidents do occur and when they do, they can cause catastrophic injuries and even death.

Ski lift accidents can occur due to negligence or faulty equipment. Many times, we will see cases where the ski lift operator did not stop the lift after a person fell, causing the next rider to collide with the skier lying on the landing base. In those cases, the ski lift operator was negligent. Other injuries are caused by faulty or defective equipment. Faulty or defective equipment can lead to the cable dislodging from its track, break failure, bullwheel failure, gearbox failure, back up break malfunctioning, and anti-rollback device failure that cause skiers to become thrown from their seats or fall to the ground. Faulty and defective equipment can also be caused by improper instillation or maintenance.

Ski lift accidents can lead to traumatic brain or head injuries, skull fractures, spinal cord injuries or broken backs, punctured or collapsed lungs, multiple bone fractures, lacerations and other devastating injuries, including death.

Since 1979, the experienced Philadelphia product liability, wrongful death, and negligence law firm of Reiff & Bily has aggressively represented clients and their families who have been injured by a faulty ski lift or negligent ski lift operator. Effective January 1, 2011 the Reiff & Bily law firm has joined forces with the legendary Beasley Firm in Philadelphia who since 1958 has been awarded over $2 billion dollars on behalf of their clients and have hundreds of millions and multi-million dollar verdicts, settlements, and awards to their credit. Please contact us toll free at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com for a free, no obligation consultation.

It is an unfortunate fact that as the summer season comes, so do water and pool-related injuries and deaths. Approximately 10 water-related deaths per day are related to drowning. Additionally, 700 people die each year in boating-related accidents. According to the CDC more than 1 in 4 fatal drowning victims are children aged 14 and younger. For every child who drowns, another 4 receive emergency treatment for non-fatal submersion and brain injury. Non-fatal drownings often cause brain damage resulting in long-term disabilities including memory problems, learning disabilities and a permanent loss of basic functioning. The CDC determined that the major risk factors for swimming pool accidents and/or drowning are lack of barriers and supervision. Almost all young children who drown in pools were last since in the home, had been out of sight less than 5 minutes and were in the care of one or both parents at the time. All pools should have pool fencing which can help prevent children from getting access to the pool area without care giver awareness. With adult or adolescent deaths there is generally a ratio of alcohol use with a drowning or pool injury. Alcohol influences balance, coordination and judgment and its effects are often heightened by sun exposure and heat.

The experienced Philadelphia swimming pool accident and injury lawyers of Reiff & Bily recommend that you take the following steps to help prevent pool or water related drowning or injuries.

1. Designate a responsible adult to watch young children while swimming or playing in or around water. Adults should not be involved in any other distracting activity such as reading, playing cards, talking on the phone or mowing the lawn while supervising children.

2. Always swim with a buddy.

Continue reading "Protect The Ones You Love From Drowning" »

As a Philadelphia bicycle accident attorney and an active bicyclist for the last 45 years, I have been the victim of quite a few bike accidents and have represented many individuals who have been catastrophically injured as the result of a bicycle accident. Every year, injuries and fatalities from bike rides increase due to the fact that many motorists are not paying attention.

For many years when I rode my bike I never wore a helmet, enjoying the freedom. However, every year approximately 135 children die from bicycle-related injuries and more than 267,000 non-fatal bicycle accidents occur. It is a well known statistic that helmets can reduce the risk of head trauma and severe brain injury by 88%. However, studies indicate that only 15 to 25% of children 14 and under wear a bicycle helmet. Many states and municipalities are now requiring all bicycle riders to wear helmets at all times when riding a bicycle.

When selecting a helmet, one should purchase one that meets standards set by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. I suggest purchasing a helmet from a store specializing in bikes who understand that safety comes first. Of course, a helmet is of no great value unless it is properly fitted and put on correctly. Straps must always be buckled and the helmet should be positioned correctly on the head. For more information about bicycle safety, call 937-641-3385 or visit www.usa.safekids.org.

Continue reading "Bicycle Season Is In Full Swing - Make Sure You Wear A Helmet" »

Traumatic brain injury and closed head traumas are all to common in catastrophic car accidents. The Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Reiff & Bily recently received a call from a client whose mother sustained a closed head trauma and an acquired brain injury as a result of being a passenger in a serious car accident. When a catastrophic brain injury occurs, it does not affect individuals, it affects families. Many times brain injuries are an invisible disability and it is easy for the condition to be unnoticed, undiagnosed and unsupported and many doctors will state that no two brain injuries are alike. One of the main causes of brain injuries in the United States are car accidents. Most individuals who sustain a brain injury do not even realize that they have one. In our case, the victim began to display irregular and abnormal behavior patterns to her husband and daughter.

If you have been involved in a car accident or other catastrophic accident and suffer any one of the following symptoms, you may have suffered a brain injury:

loss of short term/long term memory
dizziness
agitation
blurred vision
loss of coordination
paresthesia
pins and needles in the limbs
weakness in the extremities
seizures
difficulty hearing
nausea/vomiting
irregular eye movement
loss of smell
loss of taste
affectation of cognitive thought process
convulsions

Continue reading "Invisible Brain Injury From Car Accidents A Hidden Danger That Can Destroy Families If Not Diagnosed" »