Archive for April, 2012

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26
Apr

Retired Soldier Works To Shed Light On “Invisible Injuries”

April 26, 2012

In a military healthcare system that’s being bombarded with patients at a rate faster than doctors can treat them, many soldiers with “invisible injuries,” such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and traumatic brain injuries, are beginning to fall through the cracks.

The U.S. Office of Veteran Affairs said this week that while the number of service members seeking mental health care has increased nearly 40 percent over the past seven years, the Veterans Health Administration (VA) is failing to meet its goal of seeing each patient within 24-hours and beginning treatment within two weeks.

According to KESQ News, a 42-year-old retired Army master sergeant is now battling this growing problem by speaking to fellow soldiers returning from tours of duty overseas about the importance of getting the help they need, regardless of how long it takes to get through the system.

He spent several years overcoming the traumatic brain injuries he suffered from two explosions during his several tours in Iraq. He says it’s important that soldiers “Don’t let pride get in the way. Pride’s going to kill you. Take that warrior mask off and if you need to, get help. Get it in the beginning stages, and not later.”

The California Veterans Disability Benefits Lawyers with the Walter Clark Legal Group applaud this soldier’s effort and agree that any soldier who’s suffering from mental or emotional problems after a traumatic incident should speak to a doctor immediately.

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19
Apr

Bicyclist Killed At Rancho Mirage Intersection

April 19, 2012

An alleged drunk driver has been arrested after an accident yesterday that killed a bicyclist and left another motorist injured. According to CBS 2 News, the crash happened at 12:15 p.m. at the intersection of Ramon and Da Vall Roads in Rancho Mirage, California.

Deputies with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department stated that the bicyclist had approached the intersection and stopped when the light turned red. Meanwhile, a westbound black pickup truck passing through the intersection struck a white van. The impact of the collision sent the van towards the side of the road where it struck the bicyclist and a Nissan sedan.

The bicyclist was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center with serious injuries, but died a short time after arrival. The driver of the white van was also taken to the hospital to receive treatment for moderate injuries. The drivers of both the Nissan and the pickup truck were uninjured in the accident.

Cathedral City Police say that while the 60-year-old driver of the pickup truck was placed under arrest on suspicion of DUI, they do not believe that he is responsible for causing the accident.

The California Bicycle Accident Lawyers with the Walter Clark Legal Group would like to remind bikers that the best ways to protect yourself from injury when riding on busy streets is to always wear a helmet, utilize reflectors and lights to make you visible, and always wear light-colored or reflective clothing.

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12
Apr

Palm Springs ATV Accident Leaves Man Seriously Injured

April 12, 2012

Because of southern California’s proximity to miles of mountainous wilderness trails, the area is extremely popular with riders of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVS) and dirt bikes. The high volume of riders in the area this time of year is potential for serious accidents.

For example, the York Region News reports that a Stouffville, Ontario, man was seriously injured in an ATV accident in the desert mountains just outside Palm Springs, California, when he was riding to the top of a ridge, with his son following close behind on a dirt bike, and the ground began to give way. He slid down the side of the mountain.

As the ATV began to slide down as well, the man said he tried to jump off, but his foot got caught and the 500-pound machine landed on top of him. Luckily, his son was able to lift the ATV off of him and get him to a location where a helicopter picked him up and took him to a local hospital.

He was treated over the next two weeks for numerous injuries including a collapsed lung, lacerated liver, ruptured spleen, six broken ribs, torn shoulder ligaments and concussion. He said the only thing that saved his life was the helmet he was wearing.

This is why the California Accident Attorneys with the Walter Clark Legal Group ask that you always wear a helmet whenever using any mechanized mode of transportation.

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5
Apr

NHTSA Launches Campaign To Protect Kids From Heat In Cars

April 5, 2012

Last year, 33 children died of heatstroke after being left in a car during warm weather. The year before, 49 other children died, and with temperatures already unseasonably warm across the United States, experts are concerned the number could be even higher this year.

That is why the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has announced its first-ever campaign against car-related heatstroke deaths called “Look Before You Lock.” The campaign will feature television and radio advertisements aimed at educating the public of the dangers of leaving children in the car alone. It will also be conducting a grassroots educational movement by offering parents tips to help them from inadvertently forgetting a child in the car, such as using a reminder, like putting a purse in the backseat or a stuffed animal on the dashboard.

Children are not only at extreme risk of death when left in hot cars, but can also suffer serious and permanent heat-related injuries, such as:

  • brain injury,
  • loss of hearing,
  • and blindness.

The Palm Desert Wrongful Death Lawyers with the Walter Clark Legal Group would like to remind parents and children’s caregivers of the importance of never leaving a child alone in a vehicle, even if the windows are cracked and the air conditioner is running. Also, teach your children never to play in a vehicle. Following these tips will greatly decrease the chances your child will be injured in a heat-related vehicle accident.