Chiari 1 Malformation is also known as a herniation of the cerebellar tonsils.  In a normal brain and neck there is enough room around the base of the brain to allow Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSP) to flow in and out of the area without problem.  In a problematic neck that does not allow enough room for this fluid to flow effectively the cerebellar tonsils are forced downward down past the foramen magnum.  This becomes very dangerous and sprouts many of the symptoms discussed.

CSP surrounds not only the brain but the spinal cord as well.  The body is designed to allow CSP to flow freely throughout the brain and spinal cord to protect arguably the two most important segments of the body.  Unfortunately, when the flow is interrupted it could build up and form Syringomyelia, or a Syrinx.  A syrinx (forced buildup of spinal fluid inside the spinal cord) is extremely dangerous and will likely result in surgery to alleviate this condition.

The question becomes when and how did this malformation start or occur.  Assuming that the tonsilar herniation was present throughout an individual’s life then the question is, “If an otherwise symptom free individual goes their entire life without having manifested a known symptom of Chiari 1, and then is involved in a motor vehicle accident that caused an onslaught of symptoms, isn’t it likely that the onset of symptoms was caused by trauma? New reports and studies point in the affirmative.

As a Florida brain injury attorney, I have seen a number of Chiari 1 malformation cases and have become accustomed to the typical arguments propounded by the defense. Insurance adjusters and defense lawyers alike will point to the abundance of medical literature that suggests a Chiari 1 malformation is congenitive in nature.  However, several recent studies indicate that Chiari 1 malformations can be exacerbated and aggravated by trauma.  Further, there are many well documents instances of injury victims who were symptom free until a traumatic incident resulted in Chiari 1 related issues.  This lends credence to the belief that Chiari 1 can lie dormant for years until a traumatic incident such as a car wreck results in an asymptomatic condition becoming symptomatic.

To contact a Clearwater car accident attorney, or discuss your case with a Florida brain injury attorney, contact us (727) 451-6900 or email me at: Matt@dolmanlaw.com.

Your back is a complicated structure of bones, muscles, and other tissues extending from your neck to your pelvis. Back injuries can result from sports injuries, work, or most common, a car accident. The lower back is the most common site of spine injuries and back pain. Common back injuries include: sprains and strains, herniated disks, or even a fractured vertebrae. When injuries such as these are sustained, many doctors will recommend spinal fusion surgery.

What is Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Spinal fusion is the name of a surgical procedure in which surgeons “weld” or “fuse” two or more vertebrae together in order to help stabilize the spine. A lumbar spinal fusion is an open back surgery where cervical fusions are completed via a myriad of methods utilized throughout the U.S. Spinal fusion surgery can relieve a variety of painful conditions. The procedure, also known as spondylodesis or spondylosyndesis, is usually performed on the lumbar section of the spine but can also be used in the cervical and thoracic areas. In each case, the goal of surgery is to inhibit the motion of a spinal segment by fusing two or more vertebrae together or repairing a vertebra that has fractured. Neck fusions are generally performed to alleviate instability of the cervical (neck) spinal column. Lumbar fusions are performed both to alleviate instability and also prevent further damage due to a segment of the spine that is out of line.

The vertebrae may be joined with bone tissue donated by the patient or another donor. When the patient’s own bone is used, the procedure is known as an auto graft. When foreign bone tissue is introduced, it’s called an allograft. The joining is not immediate; a long and careful recovery is critical to ensuring that new cells cement the graft and permanently inhibit the moving vertebrae.

Who Gets Fusion Surgery?

• Spinal disc herniation or herniated discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Vertebral fracture
• Spinal disc bulge
• Severe back or neck pain
• Spinal stenosis
• Scoliosis
• Chronic spine conditions

At Dolman Law Group, we pride ourselves on having extensive medical knowledge garnered through attending countless seminars and learning from various spine surgeons and other related physicians on how a car accident can lead to significant pathology found in the spine. We are well regarded in the insurance industry for our dedication to zealously representing car accident victims with spine injuries. We understand that to effectively perform our service as personal injury attorneys, our knowledge of spine pathology must be well versed and up to date. For more information please contact us at: (727) 451-6900 or email me at: Matt@dolmanlaw.com.

As a Clearwater traumatic brain injury attorney, I am often retained to represent individuals who have sustained a mild traumatic brain injury or closed head trauma.  A traumatic brain injury is defined by medical practitioners as an injury to the brain as a result of trauma to the head.  An estimated 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury annually. Of the 1.7 million individuals: there are 52,000 fatalities, 275,000 are hospitalized, and 1.365 million, nearly 80% are treated and released from an emergency room. TBI is a contributing factor to a third of all injury-related deaths in the United States. Approximately 75% of TBI’s that occur each year are concussions or other forms of mild traumatic brain injury.

The first evidence of a causal link between traumatic brain injury and an increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder has been illustrated by scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles. The study suggests that individuals who experience even as little as a mild traumatic brain injury face a higher risk for developing an anxiety disorder and should try to avoid stressful stimulus for awhile. Many individuals who experience head trauma following a car accident, may exhibit signs of PTSD. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that 40% of people who suffer serious injury in a car accident display clinical signs of PTSD within a year of the crash. This is due largely to the fact that an accident is a major event that can result in catastrophic injuries or the loss of life.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a real illness. You can get PTSD after living through or witnessing a traumatic event, such as war, a hurricane, physical abuse, and of course a car accident. PTSD causes the individual to feel stress and manifest anxiety long after the danger has been removed. It affects both your quality of life and the people around you.

PTSD can result in difficulties like:

•    Flashbacks, or feeling like the event is happening again
•    Trouble sleeping or nightmares
•    Angry outbursts
•    Feeling worried, guilty or sad

Victims often present with symptom weeks, months or even several years after the incident. When left untreated, it can have devastating consequences on the sufferer and keep them from being able to function normally in life. It can also have dire effects on their relationships with their families, friends and co-workers. Treatments for PTSD and TBI should be symptom-focused and evidence based in concurrence with current practice guidelines. Early data suggests that treatments have worked well in Veterans with PTSD alone, such as cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure or SSRI’s.  Such treatments have also worked well for those who suffered a mild traumatic brain injury as well as emotional trauma. Memory aids can also be useful in this population. Patients can also benefit from occupational rehabilitation and case management, depending on the severity of their injuries. Patients should be referred to specialists, such as neurologists, neuropsychologists, and substance abuse or other specialized treatment as needed.

A traumatic brain injury can have a pronounced effect on your quality of life including the ability to interact with loved ones and friends as well as the ability to work. Please contact a Florida traumatic brain injury lawyer for a free, no obligation, and confidential evaluation of your case. As a Clearwater personal injury attorney, I consistently deal with insurance adjusters, Florida insurance defense lawyers and even physicians who are unfamiliar with the mechanisms behind a TBI and the relationship between a closed head injury and whiplash. Many practitioners are mistakenly under the assumption that the head must strike an object with force in order to sustain a closed head injury. It is essential to retain an attorney who is not only familiar with TBI’s but also the latest science in this rapidly evolving area of medicine.

Pinellas County Traumatic Brain Injury Attorney

Dolman Law Group is a Pinellas County personal injury law firm that routinely handles claims and litigates cases involving closed head injuries as a result of an automobile accident. We actively litigate auto accident and motorcycle accident related cases in Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Sarasota County, Manatee County and Pasco County. Located in central Pinellas County (Clearwater), Dolman Law Group is easily accessible to injury victims in St. Petersburg, Tampa, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, New Port Richey, Pinellas Park, Largo and Kenneth City. Our satellite office in Bradenton is easily accessible to all consumers located in both Manatee and Sarasota County.

For more information on the relationship between a brain injury and an automobile accident or motorcycle accident, please contact: matt@dolmanlaw.com or call Dolman Law Group at: (727) 451-6900. Matthew A. Dolman, Esq., Christian Myer, Esq., and Bryan C. Hannan, Esq., are experienced and aggressive Florida traumatic brain injury attorneys who are often called upon by their colleagues to co-counsel head injury cases throughout the State of Florida.

• Brain injuries cause:
• Cognitive problems
• Motor function problems
• Behavioral changes
• Impaired sense perception
• Mental health changes

Car accidents are the second leading cause of TBI. Any trauma or blow to the head can lead to a brain injury.

The implications of a brain injury are far reaching. After suffering a brain injury, the victim may be unable to concentrate or remember things clearly. TBI can also impair your fine motor skills, and may lead to depression and anxiety. This type of injury can cause lifelong physical and mental disability, in which the victim may lose full use of his or her body and cognitive faculties. Other TBIs can cause a person to be in a persistent vegetative state, in which a person remains in an unconscious state for more than a month. Some brain injuries prove fatal. Although no amount of compensation can erase the harm and negative impact of a brain injury, it may reduce some of the stress placed upon you by providing a way to pay your medical expenses and offset lost income.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, the brain injury attorneys at the Philadelphia personal injury law firm of Wapner, Newman, Wigrizer, Brecher & Miller will fight to get you the settlement or jury verdict that you deserve.

• Authenticate their claims – If they claim to be a certified legal expertise, verify it. It’s quite obvious for them to claim that they hold a kind of degree, but always confirm what they say. Make it a point to ensure that their assertions are legitimate. Verify with the local bar association to check if their names exist in the list of current members.

• Test their proficiency – There are various fields that they may select to focus in. Whether it’s a big organization or small, you need to give preference to those that are regarded as professionals in that particular field.

• Conduct a background check – Your first step should be to give them a call. This gives you a chance to ask different questions and receive answers that are crucial in settling upon a personal injury lawyer. Find out the authenticity of the organization and the experience they have had in such cases. You’ll also be required to fix an appointment.

• Testimonials – Look for testimonials of consumers who may have taken help of a personal injury attorney. This will aid you in choosing one who will completely understand the complexities of your case and also be alert to your requirements.

• Arrange a personal meeting – See if you feel at ease when you are with them and discussing about your problem. Utilize this time to talk to them about the details of your case and they might provide you with a clear plan of what they intend to do.

Also be alert of the various rates that might be charged by the firms. You could also be charged on an hourly basis or something. Ensure that everything is clear and you don’t have any confusion later on.

1. What Do You Need?
Do you need 24/7 monitoring or just a maintenance program? IT consulting
firms can be a couple of guys working from home or larger companies that
work with mid size firms who want their budget to go toward their core
business, not IT infrastructure. Company size seems to vary somewhat by
area. When looking at California IT Consulting San Diego seems to have many
firms specializing in mid size firms. Looking at IT Consulting Los Angeles has
several small companies specializing in firms with less than 20 employees.

2. Write a Good Request for Proposals (RFP)
While bidding out work is time consuming, it’s essential for ensuring
businesses get what they need. The RFP makes you focus on the most
important elements so IT consulting firms can tailor their proposal to your
business.

3. Industry Knowledge and Personnel Quality
While reviewing the proposals, be sure to look at the company’s strengths.
Some companies require all personnel to hold Microsoft or Cisco
certifications. Others hire personnel from other vendors who have
specialized knowledge in a particular area. Ask how long they’ve been in
business and the average tenure of their employees. While reviewing firms
providing IT Consulting San Diego companies showed an average of 12 years
in business with the vast majority requiring certification.

4. Commitment to the Relationship
Your data is your business. Be sure that the company you want to trust with
one of your most valuable assets is committed to keeping your IT department
up and running. The vendor should be as committed to your business as you
are. In reviewing IT support Los Angeles or IT Support San Diego firms appear to hold this as one
of the most important aspects of their business.

5. Anticipate the Future
What will your business look like next year or in five years? When
outsourcing IT, you need a vendor who can meet your needs now and in the
future. By providing vendors with a projection of future needs, they can
write a contract that’s fair to both you and them.

The decision to outsource IT is important. Take time up front enables
companies to get an IT vendor that keeps them running without eating up the
bottom line

Calculate Cost Savings

Draw a graph on a piece of paper. Label the vertical part of the graph as
“Costs” and the horizontal part of the graph as “Work.” Make a point on the
graph for the initial fixed costs of the work required. Make a second point
for the final cost of the work required.

Make a point on your graph for the initial outsource costs of the work
required. Make a second point on the graph for the final cost of the work
required for a IT Solutions Los Angeles firm.

Draw a line across the graph starting at your initial in-house cost to the
final cost as the volume of the work required increases. Draw a line
starting at your initial outsourcing cost to the final cost as the volume
of work increases.

Mark on the graph where the line for your in-house costs and outsourcing
costs intersect. When you see the costs for work required exceed this
point, you will save money by outsourcing your IT services. If the costs
for work required are below this point you will not save money by
outsourcing.

Subtract your final in-house costs from your final outsourcing costs.
Divide this result by your in-house costs to find the cost savings from IT
services outsourcing.

Tips

Outsourcing is a good option if you do not have an IT support staff
and IT Services available to handle the transactions or work that is required for your
business enterprise.

Small enterprise businesses searching for IT solutions Los Angeles may not
benefit from outsourcing. The work that is required may not be at the
volume levels to see any significant cost savings

According to the lawsuit, one ambulance, from Fort Drum, NY, was waiting on the side of the road for the Philadelphia area ambulance, to facilitate the transfer of a patient. The Fort Drum ambulance pulled out from the side of the road and allegedly made a u-turn into the path of Durham’s car. The crash killed Durham’s mother who was a passenger in her vehicle. Durham herself suffered broken ribs, a lacerated wrist and injuries to her knees requiring surgical repair.

The lawsuit alleges that the defendant ambulances acted negligently by failing to activate their emergency lights and for failing to arrange their meeting place at a safe location. In addition, the lawsuit alleged that the ambulance blocked the road, prohibiting Durham from taking action to avoid the crash. However, investigation by a local sheriff department found that the ambulance did in fact have its lights and sirens activated. The ambulance’s driver was not issued a traffic citation nor has he been charged with a crime.

In response to the lawsuit, the defendants have disclaimed liability, asserting the crash was caused by circumstances beyond their control. Further, the defendants allege the driver of the car was injured through her own fault, as she was not wearing a seatbelt and have asked that the court reduce any award accordingly. Finally, the defendants claim the law permits emergency vehicles to stop, stand or park where other vehicles may not.

If you or someone you know has suffered serious injury or death as a result of a motor vehicle collision, you may want to consider contacting a personal injury lawyer to explain and protect your rights.

About the Author: Annie Reynolds is a practicing attorney at Sheridan & Murray, a personal injury law firm in Philadelphia, PA. Annie provides legal counsel and representation for victims, including those involved in car accidents, such as the one featured in this story.

York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and portions of other states. The Marcellus Shale is believed to contain one of the biggest deposits of natural gas in the world. The Delaware River Basin Commission is scheduled to vote later this month on whether to open the Delaware River watershed to hydraulic fracturing. New Jersey, Maryland and New York have implemented
bans on fracking.

About the Author: Annie Reynolds is a Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyer at Sheridan & Murray, a well-respected personal injury litigation law firm in Pennsylvania.