West Virginia Injury Lawyer Blog

The NFL season is half over and college football season is hitting its stretch run, but while the Mountaineers' and the Thundering Herd's regular seasons are ending soon, the investigation regarding head injuries sustained playing America's game will continue. Our collective consciousness has been raised considerably over the past year due to the severity of injuries sustained by players and the news stories that have come out regarding the long-term effects of repeated concussions. The concern has extended to the youth levels of the sport, where West Virginia University Medical School's own chairman of neurosurgery Dr. Julian Bailes has become the chairman of Pop Warner's national medical board. The board is tasked with ensuring that the league's rules are preserving the safety of the children who play Pop Warner football.

While football gets most of the press in the discussion about the dangers of concussions and brain trauma, there are many people who sustain brain injuries off the gridiron. Car accidents, slip and falls, and workplace mishaps can, and in many instances do result in serious brain injuries. Brain trauma can have a significant negative impact on a victim's life after they have suffered the injury. Chronic headaches, memory loss and changes in the victim's personality are just some of these adverse effects.

Whether you or someone you know has sustained a traumatic brain injury through no fault of your own, you should consult a West Virginia brain injury attorney as soon as possible. While not every brain injury gives rise to legal liability, a trained lawyer can evaluate the circumstances leading to your trauma and explain your rights and options. If the facts of your injury constitute a strong legal case, an attorney serves as an invaluable resource and advocate who can help get you compensated for the damages you have already suffered and will continue to suffer.

According to the Mayo Clinic's website, the risk of falling after the age of 65 is about one in three. While most falls aren't serious in nature, they are still the leading cause of injury and injury-related death among older adults, says the site. In addition, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) reports that nearly 2 million elderly Americans are treated for falls annually in emergency rooms in the U.S.

Ways to Reduce Risk of Injury from Slip and Fall Accidents
Given the severity of the injuries that elderly West Virginians can incur as the result of slip and falls, it is important to minimize risk whenever possible. One good way to do this is to keep living areas clear of clutter, bulky furniture and loose rugs that can slide. Another way is to install handrails in tubs, on stairways and in other high-traffic areas. Finally, elderly citizens should always make sure that steps and sidewalks are repaired to eliminate cracks or other uneven surfaces that could lead to falls.

Health wise, elderly men and women can also help themselves by staying active. Just a few minutes of physical activity a day can help seniors improve and maintain their dexterity and balance to prevent falls. Further, taking calcium supplements and/or medications to combat the effects of osteoporosis can also be very helpful. As we age, bone density decreases, increasing the risk for fractures from falls.

Sometimes, though, slip and falls are caused by the negligence of another person or business. If you're caring for someone who has been injured in a slip and fall accident, be sure to contact a reliable personal injury lawyer right away. The law limits the amount of time you have to file a claim against another party, so don't delay.

A "slip and fall" is a personal injury that usually occurs because of the negligence of another person or business. In 2004, more than 8 million people were injured, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Some slip and fall accidents are minor, only resulting in cuts, scrapes or occasional broken bones. For example, if a business fails to put salt or sand down on the front steps on an icy day in January and you sustain a broken arm after falling, the business may be held liable for your injuries.

However, some slip and fall injuries can be gravely serious, such as falls from dramatic heights or falls that involve secondary injuries when victims are impaled on objects. In more serious cases, victims may have recurring health problems as a result of their injuries. Over time, these nagging (and often debilitating) injuries can impair quality of life. Constantly having to return for doctor exams, procedures/surgeries and treatments can not only take valuable time away from your home and work commitments, but it can also take a toll on your emotional wellbeing.

Particularly for people who have sustained long-term injuries like spinal cord or brain injuries, life is often never the same. Research suggests that losing the ability to be independent in early to middle life can even cause early onset of Alzheimer's and dementia as well as shorten the expectancy of life, according to a recent Mayo Clinic study.

Personal Injury Settlements Account for Loss of Quality of Life
Some people may wonder why or how lawyers in West Virginia are able to obtain such high recovery amounts for clients who have been in personal injury accidents. Most likely, it's because the victims have suffered life-altering injuries that will irreparably make their lives more difficult. Negligent companies have a responsibility to make life comfortable for people they injure, and although it's not a cure for any condition, a sizeable settlement can help make life more bearable.