Beasley Allen attorneys are investigating claims of patient deaths linked to tainted IV fluids in Alabama hospitals.  Nine people died and 10 more were sickened in six Alabama hospitals after receiving IV packs filled with liquid nutritional supplements that were contaminated. Here WSFA talks to Beasley Allen Founding Shareholder, Jere Beasley, about the possibility of additional incidents.

Beasley Allen attorneys are investigating claims of patient deaths linked to tainted IV fluids in Alabama hospitals.  Nine people died and 10 more were sickened in six Alabama hospitals after receiving IV packs filled with liquid nutritional supplements that were contaminated. Here WAKA talks to Beasley Allen Founding Shareholder, Jere Beasley, about liability claims and the possibility of additional incidents.

A project launched March 22 , 2011, to benefit Common Ground Montgomery (CGM) was featured on WSFA-TV 12's “Taking Back our Neighborhoods” segment. Anchor Bob Howell shares with viewers the details of the project, which will enlist volunteers to remodel a 4,300-square-foot building for the creation of a Youth Entrepreneurship Center. Beasley Allen is a sponsor of this project, donating funds for the renovation and volunteer hours, along with media partners WSFA, Faith Radio and Cumulus Broadcasting. After a 30-day renovation blitz, the new building will open April 19. CGM works to keep young people in school, helping to mentor them and providing a network of support and Christian relationships. 

Beasley Allen attorney Gibson Vance, who is serving as President of the American Association for Justice, talks with WHAM TV-13 News reporter Evan Dawson about the facts and fiction surrounding medical malpractice. A common public perception is that tort reform is necessary in order to reduce healthcare costs. However, Vance points out that it is essential that the public retains access to justice by jury trial in order to ensure best practices. “It would be fine with me if there were no cases of medical negligence, if no one was killed each year because of medical negligence,” Vance said. “What we're concerned about are the patients who are being injured, and if you have tort reform, you take away the accountability and you will have more people being injured.”

Recent studies reveal that people with repeated head injuries – even mild Traumatic Brain Injury, like concussion – are at risk for developing a condition called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, or CTE. In people with CTE, brain tissue degenerates and protein builds up in the brain. Symptoms include memory loss, aggression, confusion, depression, anxiety, difficulty completing tasks, and hopelessness. Patients with TBI and degenerative brain disease may not recognize their own symptoms. It is important for people close to them to be on the lookout for warning signs. There is no way to reverse CTE, but with proper care, patients can learn skills to help them cope with its symptoms.

Beasley Allen Law Firm is teaming up with Common Ground Montgomery (CGM) and local media partners WSFA, Faith Radio and Cumulus Broadcasting to create a Youth Entrepreneurship and Housing Redevelopment Center. The project will renovate an existing 4,300-square-foot building in West Montgomery to house two programs. The Youth Entrepreneurship Center will teach young people job skills and they will be able to operate a working storefront. At the Housing Redevelopment Center, adults can access programs providing instruction for financial responsibility and home ownership. The facility will be completed in 30 days.

Traumatic Brain Injury is one of the most common injuries facing veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Soldiers in combat in these wars have endured more blast attacks than those who have served in any other war. The resulting head trauma from concussive blasts results in a high number of TBIs. Estimates show as many as one-third of all Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have sustained a TBI. Unfortunately, many are never properly diagnosed. Without proper treatment, they may experience symptoms such as confusion, inability to concentrate, memory loss and emotional distress.

Many people don't realize that Traumatic Brain Injury can cause persistent behavioral challenges. Even people diagnosed with a “mild to moderate” TBI may have devastating long-term effects. Patients may experience mood swings, an inability to concentrate, and severe depression. Many times, people do not connect these symptoms to their TBI, and face serious problems if left undiagnosed and untreated. The suicide rate among people with TBI is increased two to three times.

Recent studies are uncovering evidence of serious long-term effects of concussions. Repeated brain injury, like those caused by concussions, can lead to degenerative brain disease, causing serious physical and emotional problems. Athletes at all levels, from youth sports to the pros, are at particular risk of repeated concussions. Athletes often wear protective head gear, like helmets, to help avoid brain injury. However, recent studies show helmets may actually increase the likelihood of head injury, because athletes tend to play more aggressively, feeling they are protected from harm.

Each year, millions of people in the United States sustain a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). A brain injury may affect the way a person thinks, acts and feels. It can change everything within a matter of seconds, and its lasting effects are often much more than physical. Changes may be temporary or permanent. Many people do not realize they have sustained a TBI, and may not link symptoms to a past injury. To raise awareness of TBI and its causes and consequences, March has been designated as National Brain Injury Awareness Month.