The top story of the two-story warehouse had already been taken down. The three workers were cutting a structural beam when it gave way and the remainder of the building collapsed, burying them in debris. The two workers who survived the New York construction accident were taken to a hospital with serious injuries.
Work on the project has been suspended while an investigation is completed.
]]> Demolition Company Had Checkered PastThe Breeze National Company was in charge of carrying out the demolition. Breeze has had its past difficulties. In 2007 the city refused to issue a license to Breeze to haul construction debris. The city put Breeze on a caution list and has avoided doing business with the company ever since.
In 2010, another Breeze employee died working on the same Columbia expansion project when he fell into an elevator shaft in another building. The Federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration investigated the death. OSHA later issued several safety violation citations for improper scaffolding, an open unguarded elevator shaft and general failure to safeguard workers.
In early March 2012, just days before the warehouse collapse, the Department of Buildings cited Breeze for failing to provide safety harnesses for workers and to notify the Department that it had started the demolition.
Families of New York construction workers killed or injured on the job are right to question whether their loved ones' safety was properly protected on the job. If an employer is found liable for an accident, those injured or surviving family could receive compensation to help pay for expenses incurred, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Source: New York Times, "Construction Worker Killed in Building Collapse in Manhattan," Al Baker, Mar. 22, 2012.
]]>While the tendency has been to associate PTSD to stressful experiences, new research suggests that it could be linked to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) as well. Scientists believe that blows to the head-like those sustained during a car accident-could change key parts of the brain, leading to a greater risk of PTSD.
Researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles recently published a study where rats were used to examine the relationship between TBI and PTSD. Their findings stem from the responses from the amygdala, a tiny bundle of neurons is extremely vulnerable to damage during a physical blow to the head. The amygdala regulates fear responses, and scientists can learn a great deal about PTSD from this area.
]]> In their experiments, researchers used physical force to cause TBIs among the rats in one group, while the other group was unharmed. They waited two days before exposing the rats to fearful experiences in order to separate the physical trauma from the psychological trauma suffered. Researchers wanted to know whether a TBI would have any impact on future PTSD risk, given the time between the experiences and the different circumstances involved.The rats in the TBI group reacted differently to fearful stimulus. According to Dr. Michael Fanselow, one of the researchers involved in the study, the TBI rats showed "inappropriately strong fear". He explained that it was almost as if the injury primed the brain for learning to be afraid. Meanwhile, the unharmed rats exhibited more appropriate reactions.
After their experiments, the team analyzed brain tissue from the amygdala of several rats. Among rats afflicted with a TBI, the amygdala had significantly more receptors for neurotransmitters that are involved in the learning process. Essentially, the physical trauma somehow caused these receptors to multiply, meaning that there are more of them available to be activated by neurotransmitters.
This suggests that when a person suffers a concussion or some other head trauma, their amygdala could expand as well. Thus increasing the chances of experiencing PTSD since the brain could be more capable of learning fear.
Of course there are other factors to consider in making a causal link between TBI and PTSD, including genetics, pain thresholds and other physiological experiences. However, it may give doctors more insight in how to treat both conditions.
]]>She is announcing an initiative to partner with medical schools to improve training for doctors treating veterans, in particular, who suffer from brain trauma as a result of combat.
]]> Under the initiative, civilian doctors and students will be provided the kind of training currently available to military doctors and surgeons. Both post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury training will be incorporated into the medical school curriculum at a number of levels and a number of training models. Since many veterans look for care for these conditions outside of veteran hospitals, this is particularly important.Brain injuries are a serious concern for our veterans. Currently, about 20 percent of veterans suffer from PTSD or TBI and many of them are young soldiers in their 20's or 30's.
Due to the number of veterans and other individuals who sustain PTSDs and TBIs each and every year, it's vital that education and awareness continue in order to help those suffering from these injuries.
Source: http://www.medpagetoday.com/PublicHealthPolicy/MilitaryMedicine/30601
]]>The Optical Society published the team's results in an open-access journal. The team concluded that the handheld device would be a faster and less expensive way to predetermine whether or not haematoma is occurring in traumatic brain injuries. Presently medical personnel use CT scans and MRI testing to look for signs of TBI including swelling, bleeding in the brain and leakage into the surrounding tissue.
]]> The Biomedical Optics Express reported the importance and impact this handheld device would have on patients and medical staff, particularly during the initial emergency transport of a TBI accident victim.The use of the handheld device will use near-infrared imaging to detect the sense of urgency in each individual patient.
Researchers say the device uses instrumental motion technology as the main detection signal. The device utilizes one main source in order to have a very simple technology that's dependable and has a very quick result.
The single-source model uses a dual detector that actually finds changes in the volume of blood and uses that information to decide whether bleeding is occurring in the brain or spinal cord.
The new technology could potentially be the next big breakthrough to detecting TBIs and mitigating the effects of brain injuries.
]]>The blast impact of roadside bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan have caused untold harm to soldiers on patrol, and opened up a new area of study for doctors and medical scientists.
]]> Explosions from IED's and other explosive devices send off powerful energy waves that are absorbed by the body. Even if a soldier did not suffer an impact to the head, loss of consciousness or damage from flying debris, a severe head trauma may have still occurred. In many cases the result is a mild concussion-but far too close for comfort nonetheless.According to a New York Times article on soldiers and mild traumatic brain injuries, it took several years before the Defense Department and VA began to devote screening policies and serious research funding to tackle the problem. Service members who deploy for more than a month now must undergo neurocognitive testing to create a baseline for future assessment of brain injury effects.
People injured in auto accidents, construction accidents, athletic events or any other circumstance that cause a blow to the head or whiplash injuries should always seek out immediate medical attention-no matter what.
Head injuries from concussions or other TBIs can have lasting effects on a person's life. Long-term medical expenses, loss of employment prospects, and negative impacts on family relationships are just a few aspects of a sufferer's life that become affected.
Seeking the help of a traumatic brain injury attorney who can advise you of the available options under the law is advised.
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/26/us/26tbi.html?ref=traumaticbraininjury
]]>The primary issue associated with paralysis is a lack of voluntary control of the body's muscles, a common consequence of which is the inability to walk. In addition to lack of muscle control, a variety of secondary issues related to SCIs can profoundly affect a paralysis victim's health and lifestyle. The parts of the body that are affected by these secondary issues, and to what degree, are dictated by the location of the SCI.
]]> Blood ClotsWalking and leg movement promote blood circulation, but when the legs lack that ability, the risk of blood clots increase. Blood clots are common in the first few months after injury and whenever illness occurs. They can be life-threatening if they reach the lungs, heart or brain.
Autonomic dysreflexia is over-activity of the autonomic nervous system. It is triggered from irritating, painful or uncomfortable stimuli below the level of injury that causes an abrupt and dangerous rise in blood pressure. Symptoms of AD may include severe headache, sweating, hypertension, slow pulse, flushed face and clammy skin.
Pneumonia is a possible complication with cervical and mid-thoracic level SCIs as a result of the inability to cough effectively enough to prevent the buildup of secretions in the lungs.
Pressure sores can develop when prolonged pressure decreases blood flow to certain areas of the body, usually the bony areas. Pressure sores range from stage 1 (skin discoloration) to stage 4 (life-threatening complete skin and muscle breakdown).
Spasticity is a side effect of SCI that is caused by damage to the portion of the spinal cord that controls voluntary movement. Spasticity includes muscle stiffness, muscle jerks, involuntary spasms and uncontrollable leg movements. Spasticity can interfere with daily living activities.
With paralysis, the normal systems of both bladder and bowel control are affected, often becoming either spastic or flaccid. The most common method of bladder management involves catheterization, while the bowels are managed with a regimented 30-60 minute bowel program done at least every other day.
Unfortunately, SCIs happen all too often all across the country because of auto accidents. And, the risk increases in particularly heavily populated places like New York. It's important for individuals who sustained a spinal cord injury in a New York auto accident to contact an experienced attorney.
Source: http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.mtKZKgMWKwG/b.4514605/k.96D0/Secondary_Issues.htm#
]]>Almost three years ago, a flight that took off from Newark, N.J and set to land in Buffalo, N.J. took an unfortunate detour when it crashed into a residential home in the city of Clarence, New York. The plane allegedly went into an aerodynamic stall before falling. Everyone on board, along with a bystander on the ground, perished. The families of the deceased have since filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Pinnacle Airlines, the parent company of Colgan Air.
]]> Newly surfaced evidence, however, could be potentially damaging to the defendants. Email correspondence between Colgan Air managers show that Capt. Marvin Renslow, the pilot of the crash, failed to earn the promotion needed to pilot a Q400-the type of plane that crashed. The emails were sent six months before the crash.The families told the Associated Press that "Colgan put profits ahead of safety by choosing to promote Renslow to a larger, more complex plane even though they knew he wasn't ready."
Unfortunately, safety is all too often put behind profits and result in an unnecessary loss of life. Kevin Kuwik, a college basketball coach who lost his girlfriend in the crash, seemingly agrees. "This is a shining example once again that this was a very avoidable and preventable accident," he told the AP.
The cases are currently pending before the U.S. District Court in Buffalo. The AP indicates that the wrongful death lawsuits not settled out of court will proceed to trial in March 2012.
]]>Many accident victims suffer severe head injuries, even if they haven't hit their head on anything inside the vehicle. Many victims experience what's known as "deceleration injuries" or injuries that occur when a change in momentum causes the brain to move around inside the skull.
For example, when a vehicle traveling at 30 mph is hit head-on by another vehicle, both vehicles stop immediately. However, simple physics dictate that the drivers and passengers will not. As a result, they fly forward and rebound backward causing their soft brain tissue to slam against the hard bones of their skull.
]]> Three Main Types of Brain InjuriesBruising, tearing and swelling are the three main types of brain injuries that typically occur as a result of an auto collision.
Bruising in the brain is similar to bruising anywhere else on the body. The brain contains many delicate blood vessels and when it strikes the skull bone, the blood vessels tear triggering the brain to bleed and bruise. Since the skull can't expand, the blood pushes down on the brain and certain parts of the brain stop working. In severe cases, the pressure can cause those areas of the brain to die.
The brain has a consistency only slightly firmer than Jell-O, so its tissue can easily tear when caused to rapidly move back and forth. Tearing can sever the vital connections that make the brain work.
Finally, a deceleration injury can cause the brain to swell. Much like a bruising injury, the skull cannot expand to accommodate the swollen brain. The skull will exert pressure on the brain that can cause vital functions like breathing and heart rate to stop.
Unlike external injuries that bleed or bruise, brain injuries aren't always apparent right after a car accident-and this can be dangerous. Some people seem fine for a while, but then they will suddenly lapse into a coma. And, if too much time passes, possibly even die. The good news is that many brain injuries are treatable if detected early. Unfortunately, some Albany car accident attorneys say, in some cases, permanent damages results.
Individuals who suffer brain injuries as a result of auto accidents are advised to contact an auto accident attorney.
]]>The victim in the remaining case, a professional hockey scout, was killed when a United Airlines airplane, in which he was a passenger, hit the World Trade Center. His family filed a wrongful-death lawsuit in New York against United Airlines and its security contractor, Huntleigh USA, alleging that they were grossly negligent in their security operations that resulted in the victim's death.
]]> Specifically, court documents maintain that the security screeners and their managers allegedly failed to respond appropriately to suspicious behavior by two of the eventual hijackers, who could not respond to security questions. The family also asserted that additional screening would have raised red flags over the hijackers and ultimately revealed that their carry-on bags contained knives and pepper spray. Had United Airlines and Huntleigh USA used proper security measures, they said, the victim's life and thousands of others would not have been lost.The victim's twin brother told the Boston Globe that the family's lawsuit was about "wrongful death, gross negligence and a complete lack of appreciation for the value of human life."
Now that sworn testimony from more than 200 security screeners, their managers and security officials has been made public through the lawsuit, the brother said the family feels they have been able to give the victim-their beloved son and brother-a voice.
It remains to be seen what the outcome will be for the three remaining master cases to close-or how long they will take to close.
]]>The New York State Department of Labor recently indicated that safety and operational requirements were not followed by the ride operators. The rules were posted and visible at the entrance to the Ride of Steel. These rules require that riders have both legs, because the safety devices restrain the legs, shins, and lap to hold the rider safely in the ride's car. Reports indicate that Sergeant Hackemer was not wearing his prosthetics when he was helped onto the ride.
]]> After investigating the accident, the Department of Labor determined that all rider restraints were functioning properly. However, the restraints were essentially ineffective for someone without legs, and that such riders are prohibited from boarding the Ride of Steel. The Department issued two violations because the ride operators were not properly trained on safety operations and rider restrictions.While the Park will not see any monetary sanctions or penalties from the State of New York, Sergeant Hackemer's family has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit. They claim that the ride operators were negligent in allowing him to board the roller coaster without his prosthetic legs, and that such reckless disregard for his safety ultimately lead to his death.
(New York wrongful death attorneys indicate that, in a nutshell, negligence is a party's failure to take reasonable care to avoid causing harm or injury to another.)
This was the second death suffered on the Ride of Steel. In 1999, a man suffered multiple rib fractures and later died after riding the coaster, named "Superman" at the time.
]]>In mid-July 2011, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill making texting (sending, receiving or writing) while driving a primary offense. This means that law enforcement officers can pull over and ticket drivers who are texting while driving solely for texting while driving. Formerly, texting while driving was a secondary offense, meaning that drivers could only be ticketed after being pulled over for another driving offense.
]]> Along with making texting while driving a primary offense, the new law would add two points on their licenses and up to $150 fine for drivers caught texting. Another provision of the bill increases the number of points on drivers' licenses for not using hands-free technology to talk on a cell phone while driving from 2 to 3 points.While the potential penalties for texting while driving may seem harsh, they are strict for good reason. The penalties are meant to deter drivers from activities like distracted driving in order to save lives.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 20 percent of car accidents in 2009 involved a distracted driver. Further, the NHTSA reports that 5,474 people were killed and approximately 448,000 more were injured as a result of distracted driving in 2009. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) notes that drivers using a hand-held device, such as using a cell phone to text or check email, are four times as likely to be involved in an injury accident.
New York car accidents attorneys say that while fines are harsh, texting and other distracted driving bans are implemented for safety reasons.
Source: http://www.landlinemag.com/todays_news/Daily/2011/Jul11/071111/071311-02.shtml
]]>Since then, a heated conflict has raged between Daniel Schuler (Diane's husband) and the families of other victims about the true cause of the accident. Michael Bastardi Jr., who lost his father and brother in the tragic accident, blames Diane Schuler for reckless and impaired driving. However, a new lawsuit filed by Daniel Schuler on July 25, 2011 alleges that the state of New York is truly at fault for allowing unsafe roadway conditions.
]]> Daniel Schuler's AllegationsDaniel Schuler filed the lawsuit on behalf of his son Bryan, who was injured but survived the wreck, and his daughter Erin's estate.
According to suit, the state negligently permitted unsafe conditions on the Taconic State Parkway. Specifically, Mr. Schuler blames negligent design and maintenance, and the state's failure to provide adequate markings, warning signs and barriers. These deficiencies, claims Schuler, allowed his wife to drive the wrong way into oncoming traffic on the Taconic.
Just days after Diane Schuler's crash, speculation about the Taconic's safety began circling - it is, after all, a narrow highway that lacks a shoulder. However, the outcome of Mr. Schuler's lawsuit against the state is far from certain.
Generally, a state cannot guarantee the ultimate safety of a given roadway; the government's duty is only to keep highways in a reasonably safe condition. But, if a roadway defect was the actual cause of an accident, the state knew or should have known about the problem and there was ample opportunity to correct it, then a suit for negligent road maintenance could be successful.
The suit seeks unspecified monetary damages for the financial and mental suffering that the crash has caused. The New York Court of Claims is set to decide whether the state will be held liable.
]]>Pool attendees report witnessing the two men practicing underwater training exercises that included holding their breath for a period of time; a growing practice among both adult and young swimmers that leads to what's known as shallow-water-blackout. The practice involves swimmers holding contests in the shallow end of a pool to see who among the group can hold their breath the longest. The practice is dangerous because many swimmers lose consciousness due to a lack of oxygen to the brain.
The Staten Island pool incident is currently pending investigation by the city's health department.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are over 200,000 swimming-related injuries every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that 10 people die from drowning accidents each day.
However, many of these incidents are preventable if swimmers followed a few precautions and followed tips while swimming, particularly in a pool. Equipping the pool with conspicuous depth markers, keeping rescue equipment close at hand and requiring inexperienced swimmers to wear life jackets or stay in shallow areas are a few safety tips swimmers should abide by to reduce the risks of pool injury or death. Further, and probably most importantly, children should be supervised at all times, preferably by an experienced adult swimmer.
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/12/health/12brodysb.html?ref=accidentsandsafety
]]>In October 2006, Lidle and his flight instructor, Tyler Stanger, were aboard a single-engine, four-person, SR 20 aircraft. The plane lost control and crashed into an apartment building in Manhattan killing both Lidle and Stanger.
]]> Lidle's widow subsequently filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the maker of the plane. The complaint alleges that the flight control system got jammed and left both pilots unable to control the aircraft; therefore claiming that as a result of this system defect, Cirrus is responsible for the crash.Cirrus' attorney, however, indicates that neither the company nor the airplane is to blame for the accident, arguing that the accident was the result of the pilots' attempt to make a high-performance 180-degree turn.
However, dual controls come equipped in the SR20, so it remains inconclusive whether either pilot was operating the controls at the time of the crash.
The case is currently pending in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York.
]]>Given this, the August 2010 voluntary recall by DePuy Orthopaedics, a Johnson & Johnson company, of two of its artificial hip devices (ASRTM XL Acetabular Hip System and DePuy ASRTM Hip Resurfacing System) raised eyebrows. After all, almost 100,000 people globally have had these particular hip devices implanted.
]]> Most Americans assume that medical prosthetic devices like artificial hips and knees have been thoroughly tested and evaluated by government safety agencies. According to the New York Times, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (our main consumer protection agency) received complaints about these particular devices for a couple of years before the voluntary recall. Evidence was mounting of early failure rates, both from the U.K. and here in the U.S.For example, the devices may become loose or dislocated. Another big problem is the generation of microscopic metal debris from the metal-on-metal friction of the artificial ball and socket, causing pain, inflammation, tissue damage and decreased mobility.
The problems that prompted the recall are not only unsettling for those walking around in reliance on potentially faulty DePuy hip devices, but also disastrous for many patients whose defective hips have caused extreme pain, debilitation and second surgical procedures.
On April 13, Katherine Korgaokar testified before a congressional committee about her terrible experience with a defective DePuy hip device that had to be replaced. She spoke eloquently about her fears of the potential long-term effects of the toxic levels of these metals in her body after her doctor raised the specters of cancer, fetal harm and more.
DePuy says that it "intends to cover reasonable and customary costs of testing and treatment associated with the ASR recall, including revision surgery if it is necessary." However, many patients have taken or are considering legal action.
Presently, federal multidistrict litigation is being handled by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. (To save judicial resources, cases from across the country alleging the same harm by the same defendant are consolidated in one federal district for common fact-finding.)
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/27/business/27hip.html?_r=1
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