WSFA-TV 12 reporter Bryan Henry recently shared information with viewers about the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even mild TBI’s, like concussions, can have lasting long-term effects, and all brain injuries affect victims physically, mentally and emotionally. For the news story, Henry spoke with Beasley Allen employee Carol Stanley, whose son, Jason, suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of an assault. In helping Jason deal with the lasting effects of his injury, Carol has become an advocate for awareness about brain injury, and also works to strengthen laws to prosecute those who commit violent crimes like the one in which Jason was injured.

When storms ravaged much of the Southeast on April 27, thousands of people were left without power. In emergencies like this, people often turn to portable generators for electricity. The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning this week to caution users about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from these devices. They offered a number of tips to ensure folks remain safe during this time of crisis, or any emergency that requires the use of a portable generator.

In his role as President of the American Association for Justice, Beasley Allen Shareholder Gibson Vance keeps an eye on legislation before Congress. In this video, he expresses his concern about H.R. 5, which is currently pending in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill would place a cap on damages even in wrongful death cases at $250,000. This means companies that place dangerous, defective or otherwise harmful drugs, devices or products in the stream of commerce would not be held to a reasonable standard of liability. Sadly, for many corporations, it is primarily the fear of taking a hit in their bottom line – their profit – that spurs them to do the right thing. This legislation would free them from that burden, and put everyday people in danger. Please call your Congressional representative and ask them to vote “NO” on H.R. 5.

Beasley Allen Law Firm filed a second lawsuit on behalf of a family whose loved one died after receiving tainted IV fluids. In this clip, WSFA-TV12 anchor Bob Howell shares the news with viewers, and provides an update about the cases, which caused at least 9 deaths and 10 serious injuries in Alabama hospitals. A Birmingham-based pharmaceutical company, Meds I.V. LLC, is named as the primary defendant in the lawsuit.

Recent statistics compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor indicate construction workers suffer the highest number of fatal injuries of any other industry in the private sector. Employers are required by law to provide a workplace free of known dangers. They are required to meet protective workplace safety and health standards. Unfortunately, this is not always the case and an unsafe workplace can lead to serious injuries and even deaths. Workers have a right to a safe workplace.

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.

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.