TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES (TBI)
There are many types of TBI. A skull fracture is a fracture of the hard, bony covering of the head. A closed skull fracture is occurs when there is a break in the bony covering of the skull without a break in the skin. An open skull fracture occurs when there is also a break in the skin or scalp. A contusion occurs when the force of an impact forces the brain to hit the skull. A coup contusion occurs at the point of impact with the skull. A contrecoup contusion occurs opposite the point of impact with the skull. A concussion is
DOES ‘SPRING FORWARD’ INCREASE CAR ACCIDENTS?
Will car accidents increase in the week beginning March 8, 2020? According to a recent University of Colorado Boulder study published in the Current Biology journal, the change to Daylight Savings Time in the spring results in a 6% to 8% increase in fatal car accidents during the following week. The relevant factors are the decrease in sleep, circadian misalignment and driving to work in the darkness are important factors. This effect is more pronounced in the western part of the time zones. Several states are considering abandoning the switch between Daylight Savings Time and Standard Time.
BRAIN INJURIES
March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month. The Brain Injury Association of America has sponsored this campaign for over 30 years. The Association estimates that 153 persons die in the United States every day from this injury and that more than 280,000 persons are hospitalized per year. There are different categories of brain injury. Some occur at birth, either by genetics, congenital or birth injury. Others are acquired, or occur after birth. An acquired brain injury can be either traumatic or non-traumatic. There are many types of non-traumatic brain injuries, some of which are caused by: stroke, lack of oxygen, drug overdose
CLAIMS AGAINST BUSINESS AND PROPERTY OWNERS FOR VIOLENT CRIME
If you, a relative or friend were injured by a criminal assault or other crime in a store, a shopping mall, a parking lot, a bar or tavern, an apartment building or other such commercial establishment, you should consider consulting an attorney for a possible claim against the property owner. Actual or constructive notice of past criminal activity on or near the premises is an important factor in these cases. A grocery store customer was stabbed and robbed in their adjacent parking lot where the store had actual or constructive notice of prior criminal activity in and around the store including
PENNSYLVANIA VICTIMS COMPENSATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Pennsylvania law provides that persons who are the innocent victim of a crime may be eligible for compensation including: medical expenses, counseling expenses, loss of earnings, loss of support, relocation expenses, funeral expenses, crime-scene cleanup, transportation expenses, childcare, home health care expenses, and stolen case. Pain and suffering and most stolen or damaged property is not covered. The overall maximum award shall not exceed $35,000 except in limited cases. The crime must have occurred in Pennsylvania. The crime must be reported to the proper authorities or a Protection From Abuse order filed within 3 days of the crime, with limited exceptions.