Harmony Legal Associates, LLC

These car accident symptoms suggest brain injury

2023-11-22T15:15:17Z

If you become involved in a motor vehicle collision when another vehicle hits you on a Georgia roadway, it is important to monitor your health beyond the initial medical attention you may receive at the scene or upon transport to a nearby hospital. In fact, it is best to continue this monitoring for several weeks and to seek additional medical support if new symptoms arise. Certain symptoms, which may experience a delay, can be signs of traumatic brain injury, which may be life-threatening in some cases.

The force of impact in a car accident places immediate strain upon your body. Your head might hit against a hard surface or be violently shaken back and forth. Just because you remain conscious does not necessarily mean you have not suffered a brain injury. This is why it is important to know what to look for in the days and weeks that follow a collision and to seek medical attention as needed.

Brain injury symptoms beyond headache

If your head hurts during recovery from a motor vehicle collision, you might have a concussion, which is a type of brain injury. However, if you experience any of the symptoms shown in the following list, it suggests severe brain trauma, such as a skull fracture, cerebrospinal fluid leak (clear fluid leaking from nose or ear) or bleeding on the brain:

Spasticity: Muscle spasms or rigidness, inability to relax a muscle
Pseudobulbar Effect: Uncontrollable bouts of crying or laughter
Swallowing: Difficulty swallowing or chewing
Sensitivity: Discomfort, pain or general sensitivity associated with exposure to light or sound

In addition to these symptoms, your body may be showing signs of a brain injury if you experience severe lack of appetite, insomnia, extreme fatigue, or feelings of depression, aggression or impulsiveness. If such symptoms arise in the days or weeks following a car accident, it is always best to seek medical attention and to make sure the medical team knows that you were recently involved in a collision.

Holding drivers accountable for negligence

If you suffer a traumatic brain injury in a Georgia motor vehicle collision that was caused by another driver’s negligence, state law allows you to seek justice in court. When evidence proves that an accident would likely not have occurred, except for the other driver’s disregard of traffic laws or otherwise reckless behavior, the court can hold the individual accountable by ordering him or her to pay compensation for damages.

Car accidents and children: 3 ways to reduce the risk of injury

2023-08-08T22:10:56Z

The transition into parenthood is life changing. We see that little bundle of joy and realize that there is little we wouldn’t do to keep them safe. These young humans depend on us for everything — food, love, safety. Yet keeping them safe is no easy feat. It seems dangers are present everywhere we look. Want to go for a walk? Better make sure that stroller is in good working order and that you have the right gear for sun protection. Thinking of visiting grandparents? Check that they have the right crib or pack and play so the child is not at risk for suffocation while they sleep. Not to mention the need for electrical outlet protectors and gates when the child starts moving. If you have had any of these concerns, you are not alone. Although warranted, medical professionals point out that the most dangerous activity for children ages three to fourteen is travel. Getting into a vehicle puts children at the highest risk of unintentional injury-related death compared to any other activity. There are steps we can take to reduce this risk. Three of the most effective include:

Use the right car seat. Five-point harness, high back booster, booster … there are a lot of different styles of car seats not to mention the many brands and designs. Some of the differences are aesthetic, but others are important. There are federal standards to help guide parents to choose the right seat for their child, often based on age, weight, and height of the child. Make sure you are using the right one and update the seat as needed.
Put the car seat in the right part of the car. Car seats are generally not allowed in the front seat. This is because in the event of a crash the impact could trigger an airbag which would hit the car seat and could injure the child. Make sure to put the seat in the right part of the vehicle, generally a back seat.
Do not leave children unattended. A stop at a store is quicker without the child in tow but leaving them in the car can result in heatstroke and other dangers.

Even when we take these steps accidents can happen. If that accident results in injury to the child, you may be able to hold the other driver accountable for the related expenses through a personal injury claim. An attorney experienced in these types of claims can review the case and provide guidance.

Understanding the adjustment of status process

2023-05-22T21:36:20Z

As an eligible relative of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent relative (LPR), you have a couple of ways to become an LPR yourself. This status can help you join your family members in Georgia and pursue a new life in this country. If you are already in the United States with a visa, applying for an adjustment of immigration status from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the next step on the path to LPR status. If you are not yet in the country, your citizen or LPR relative starts the process by petitioning USCIS and providing information confirming your familial relationship.

For relatives already in the country

Having already entered the country lawfully as a visitor, you may ask USCIS to adjust your status by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Immediate relatives of the person who is a citizen or LPR may obtain permanent residency with this form, meaning that you get your Green Card. Other relatives, as long as they have an available and current visa number, could also receive USCIS approval with this form.

For relatives outside the country

As a citizen or LPR, you can start the immigration process for your relative by sending Form I-130 to USCIS. Known as the Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130 allows you to explain your relationship with the eligible relative. You will provide evidence of your U.S. citizenship or LPR status. In addition to proving your status, you must submit your relative. To petition for a spouse, you would supply a marriage certificate and records of living together as married people. For your children or parents, you would send in the birth certificates. The immigration agency will examine your petition and either approve or deny it. In the case of approval, your relative may then move forward with the paperwork to get a Green Card.

Common Traffic Citations Given for Accidents in Georgia

2023-04-13T06:17:49Z

Driving in Georgia can be a great experience but can also lead to unfortunate accidents. When an accident occurs, one of the first things that law enforcement does is issue a traffic citation. These citations can be quite expensive and even result in a driver's license suspension.

Speeding citations

Speeding is the most common traffic citation given for accidents in Georgia. Speeding increases the likelihood of an accident and is a major factor in many collisions. If you are caught speeding, you may face fines, points on your license and even the suspension of your license. You may also face criminal charges if you are involved in an accident while speeding.

Reckless driving: a disregard for safety

Another common traffic citation given for accidents in Georgia is reckless driving. Reckless driving is defined as driving with a disregard for the safety of others. This can include excessive speeding, aggressive driving or even driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you are cited for reckless driving after an accident, you may face criminal charges and your license may be suspended.

Driving under the influence: a serious offense

Running a red light or stop sign is another traffic citation commonly given for accidents in Georgia. When you run a red light or stop sign, you are not only putting yourself in danger but also other drivers and pedestrians. You may face fines and points on your license if you are cited for running a red light or stop sign after an accident.

Obey traffic laws for safe driving

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is another traffic citation commonly given for accidents in Georgia. If caught driving under the influence, you may face criminal charges, fines and the suspension of your license. If you are involved in an accident while under the influence, you may also face additional criminal charges and need a criminal defense for traffic tickets.

Serious consequences

The top traffic citations for accidents in Georgia include speeding, reckless driving, running a red light or stop sign and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you are cited for any of these violations, it is important to take them seriously and address them appropriately. Remember that traffic citations can have serious consequences, so driving safely and obeying traffic laws is important.

You can refuse a Breathalyzer in Georgia, but should you?

2023-04-13T06:17:54Z

In the state of Georgia, you can legally refuse a Breathalyzer if you've been pulled over for suspicions of driving under the influence. However, the thing to keep in mind is that you can still be made to take a blood test.

Georgia Supreme Court opinion

In other states, if you refuse a Breathalyzer test when an officer asks you to in a traffic stop, it's a one-way ticket to getting arrested. But that's not the case in Georgia after the Georgia Supreme Court issued its decision on the matter. It used to be the expectation among Georgians that any officer's request to test your level of intoxication by use of a breathalyzer test would be enforced by law. Now, the Georgia Supreme Court's new opinion gives drivers the right to legally refuse to take this test, and it won't damage their DUI case.

What happens if you refuse the test?

Members of the district attorney's office have warned drivers throughout Georgia that in spite of this opinion from the state's highest court, they should remember that law enforcement still has other methods at their disposal to impaired drivers. If an officer can manage to find some other reason besides your refusal to take the breathalyzer test, they will be able to pursue probable cause to obtain a search warrant and test your blood for alcohol.

An end to implied consent

Prior to this Georgia Supreme Court decision, the state had an implied consent law as soon as you were issued your driver's license. This is what gave the police the right to perform arrests after the driver fails a field sobriety test. This decision reflects the fact that a more holistic approach is called for in police traffic stops, and whether or not someone is willing to take a Breathalyzer test shouldn't be the only thing that counts. This is an opinion that some members of Georgia's police force have expressed publicly who are in favor of this move by their Supreme Court.

Georgia’s dangerous highways

2023-04-13T06:18:03Z

Georgia remains a state with a growing population, which means more traffic on the roads. Both locals and visitors may benefit from being aware of which routes come with added hazards so that everyone can stay safe.

Dangerous roads in Georgia

I-285 stands as the most dangerous road in Georgia as is evidenced by the number of traffic accidents occurring on the interstate. In 2015, 20 people lost their lives on I-285. Be mindful that I-285 includes 1,248 miles of interstate and stretches 59,425 miles. Accidents happen on highways; this highway covers a lot and has 2 million drivers traveling on it daily. I-85, I-75 and the I-85/I-75 connecter also experience high crashes. Interstate 20 lists as number five, completing the top five most dangerous roads list. Drivers should be additionally careful on these roads, considering their reputation. However, safe driving behaviors often prove wise on any road. The same applies to parking lots and driveways.

Accidents and their causes

Accident prevention sometimes relies on knowing why collisions occur. Whether driving in Georgia or elsewhere, some behaviors increase the chances of motor vehicle accidents. Speeding contributes to accidents across the United States as do tailgating, illegal turns, excessive lane changes, and other dangerous behaviors. Distractions may lead to crashes, especially on highways where things happen without warning. Or the opposite may occur. A driver might not pay attention and fail to notice how traffic slows down. Rear-end collisions may occur in such instances. Victims could sue for compensatory and punitive damages if negligence contributed to a car accident. An insurance settlement may cover the claim although negotiations might be necessary.

Importance of chiropractic care after a car accident

2023-04-13T06:18:06Z

Chiropractic is a field of health that deals with the diagnosis, care and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions and the effects these disorders produce on the function of the nervous system and health in general. The nervous system is directly related to the performance and health of the body in general, therefore a better functioning of it will provide you with a better quality of life and a better state of health. The nervous system is the communication between the brain and the body. The nerves go through the vertebrae of the spine to all the organs and tissues of the body. Sometimes we are not able to adapt to the physical and emotional stress that our body constantly experiences and this results in muscular tension that in turn displaces the vertebrae out of place and causes irritation to the nerves that pass through them. This irritation not only causes pain, but also influences the normal functioning of other body systems, and consequently health. Now, let’s talk about how a car accident can affect general health. After a car accident, the pain and discomfort may not manifest immediately, which is why regardless of how insignificant you may think the accident was, it is a must to consult with a health professional. The force of the impact that causes an accident can cause, among other things, a lot of stress in the neck, shoulders and back area. One of the most common injuries in car accidents is known as whiplash injury. A whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck. This forced movement causes the muscles and ligaments in that area to tense and cause pain in the neck, shoulders, arms and even the head. Many people believe that they do not suffer any damage after an accident because the injuries are not visible to the naked eye but if an injury is left untreated, not only does it delay the treatment that you will inevitably have to receive, but it can lead to future complications that can greatly challenge your everyday life. Visiting a chiropractor quickly after a car accident is essential to diagnose the presence of any injuries and begin treatment to restore the individual’s original health. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive form of alternative treatment used to treat a wide variety of injuries. Chiropractic treatment consists of spinal adjustments, manipulations of the extremities, and spinal decompression to relieve pressure on the nerves. Many chiropractors also use physical therapy to speed up the rehabilitation process. The most used physical therapy modalities are: hot /cold packs, electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, laser, as well as strengthening and stretching exercises to restore the functioning of the muscles. Such treatments help reduce irritation and swelling around the tissues in the affected area and can also restore strength, mobility, flexibility and optimal functioning of the nervous system, which may reduce or eliminate the symptoms and improve the patient's heath overall. You should visit a chiropractor if you experience symptoms such as headache, back pain, neck, shoulder and arm pain, stiffness, numbness and tingling, ringing in the ear, blurred vision, or unexplained dizziness. Chiropractors evaluate patients to see if an underlying injury or possibly an underlying illness exists and is causing the symptoms. Remember that every time the body is in a car accident, the spine and spinal cord receive most of the impact and trauma.

Rotator cuff tear injuries

2023-04-13T06:18:11Z

There are three causes of rotator cuff tears: trauma, extrinsic compression and intrinsic degeneration. As one gets older, the condition of tendons and the amount of blood supplied to them decreases, thus the tendons are vulnerable to injury, that is known as intrinsic degeneration. The extrinsic compression is a combination of anatomy and lifetime wear and tear. As one elevates the arm, the acromion bone rubs the rotator cuff causing wear of the muscles. With years of repeated rubbing, the muscle and its tendon eventually tear. It should be noted that while there is a considerable number of people in the elderly community with torn rotator cuffs, the majority of these people show no symptoms. The most common symptoms are lack of mobility, weakness and pain in the shoulder, especially with overhead movements. This pain the patient experiences is usually described as dull, but then the pain is exacerbated when people reach arms overhead. In essence, the larger the tear, the poorer the function. In Georgia, a person may recover for a pre-existing injury that prior to the motor vehicle collision or fall was not symptomatic. In other words, if a person has a rotator cuff tear with no symptoms from wear and tear over the years, but is then in a traumatic accident, such as a car accident or fall at the grocery store, and post-accident are experiencing pain and symptoms or their condition has been made worse, than they may be able to recover damages under Georgia law. It is important to consult with an experienced litigation attorney that specializes in Personal Injury Law before trying to handle a personal injury claim on your own or just assuming you would not have a case because of a pre-existing condition. Harmony Legal Associates has helped clients with rotator cuff tears get the compensation they deserve despite pre-existing or degenerative conditions being present in the joint. In order to properly diagnose these injuries, a physician will perform orthopedic tests as well as diagnostic imaging such as X-ray, MRI and/or ultrasound. The initial treatments for rotator cuff tears are usually conservative, as long as the tear is not severe. These treatments include: rest, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections or physical therapy. Corticosteroid injections are administered in the shoulder joint to relieve pain and decrease inflammation. These corticosteroid injections often provide patients with temporary relief; however, if used too frequently, the shots can have the adverse effect of tendon weakening. As a result, later use of surgery as an option can be less successful on the tendons. Physical therapy will restore your range of motion, muscle strength, and coordination, so that you can return to your regular activities. In some cases, you may learn to modify your physical activity so that you put less stress on your shoulder. Surgery is recommended if conservative treatment fails or if there is a severe tear (more than 3mm). Surgery is also recommended in most tears that occur as a result of trauma. There are a few options for repairing rotator cuff tears, including less invasive procedures. The type of repair performed depends on several factors such as the size of your tear, your anatomy, and the quality of the tendon tissue and bone. The most commonly used techniques for rotator cuff repair include arthroscopic repair, open tendon repair and tendon transfer. With arthroscopy repair procedure, the surgeon inserts a camera and instruments through a small incision. The procedure is used to affix the bone with the damaged tendon. If the tear is large and complex, the surgeon may make an incision over the shoulder and detaches one of the shoulder muscles to better see and gain access to the torn tendon. When the torn tendon is extremely damaged the surgeon may decide to affix a nearby tendon, rather than the torn one. Depending on the type of procedure the surgeon uses on a patient, the recovery from surgery will vary. Another factor that causes variation in recovery time are the general health of the patient. Studies have shown recovery times to be four to six months post-surgery, especially when considering more strenuous workouts such and weight lifting and regular participation in sports teams. A full return may not occur between nine to twelve months after surgery. Rehabilitation plays a vital role in getting you back to your daily activities. A physical therapy program will help you regain shoulder strength and motion. There are three phases of recovery: immobilization, passive exercises and active exercises. Each and every phase is important to recover and return to any activity, sport or occupation. Don’t forget to seek professional help if you had a trauma in the shoulder or if you have any symptom associated with rotator cuff tear since it can deteriorate over the time and may require surgery when maybe was not necessary at the first place.

What to expect at your first visit and treatment in a chiropractic office

2023-04-13T06:18:16Z

During your first visit to a chiropractic office, the doctor will perform a medical history intake and then a physical exam will be carried out. It is important that when taking your medical history you mention all the details about your condition in order to determine your state of health based on the deteriorations that may be present, the activities that you stopped doing due to your condition and how this affects you in your daily life . It is important to mention that in the case of detecting a health problem that cannot be solved by your chiropractor, you will be referred to a different specialist. After the history intake, a physical examination will be performed. This exam consists of mobility tests, orthopedic exams, functional evaluation and neurological evaluation. Then an x-ray of the affected region will be taken to rule out any fracture or pathology as well as to quantify the extent of any potential spinal misalignment. Finally, the treatment plan along with its objectives will be determined. It should be noted that each treatment plan is different and unique according to each individual patient’s needs. The duration of the treatments are usually three to five months, depending on how compliant the patient is with the treatment and how the body responds to it. Neck and lower back pain are two of the most common conditions treated by chiropractors after an accident or fall. These can be due to either an injury, herniated vertebral discs, poor posture, muscular tension or vertebrae out of place causing irritation to the nerves (radiculopathy). It is important to know that it is possible to have cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) radiculopathy without experiencing any pain in the area. The symptoms of radiculopathy are sensory problems such as sensation of tingling or numbness, and motor problems such as lack of coordination, muscle weakness and loss of reflexes in the arms. With cervical radiculopathy the symptoms can spread to the shoulders, arms, or hands, while lumbar radiculopaty can produce similar symptoms that can spread to the back of the thigh, calf, and into the bottom of the foot. The most common treatment for neck and lower back pain is manual manipulation performed by the chiropractor either with the hands or with specific instruments. Manual manipulation consists of moving a joint back to its normal place in the affected region thereby reducing nerve irritation and stimulating proper motion. The specific name of this manipulation is called a chiropractic adjustment. A chiropractic adjustment is a subtle, specific movement and it does not cause any pain. If the pain is due to muscle tension, a fall or an accident, in addition to the chiropractic adjustment, a chiropractor can utilize physical therapy techniques such as hot/cold packs, laser, electrical muscle stimulation and/or ultrasound in order to accelerate healing and reduce pain. The chiropractor may also use mobility and stretching exercises to speed your recovery. Spinal decompression is also used for lower back pain. Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy consists of separating the vertebrae of the spine in an intermittent and controlled manner using a traction table. This process reduces pressure on the spinal disc, thus on irritated nerves, and promotes the passage of nutrients into the disc to promote a better recovery environment and to decrease pain. At the end of the treatment plan, patients are advised to remain under chiropractic care as a preventive method of other injuries or deterioration of the musculoskeletal system. It should be noted that the frequency of chiropractic wellness care is less than that of injury treatment and has many benefits for general health. We invite you to seek treatment for your injury and to maintain a healthy lifestyle after your recovery.

How to prepare for your deposition

2023-04-13T06:18:21Z

Preparing for your deposition can be a stressful and scary process, but it doesn’t have to be. Being prepared and familiar with the process is the best way to ensure your deposition goes well. A deposition is an opportunity for opposing counsel to take your sworn testimony under oath in the presence of a court reporter and your attorney of record. This means that any testimony you give in the deposition could be potentially put into evidence at trial. The court reporter will be taking down what is said word for word in the deposition to create a transcript for the record. Thus, it is vitally important that you take a moment to think about the accuracy of your answer before you give it. Many people rush through the process trying to give an answer to every question. In a deposition accuracy is key. If you don’t understand a question ask the attorney to clarify or rephrase. If you don’t know the answer to the question it is best to say you don’t know the answer. It is also important to verbalize all of your answers and be clear in what your answer is. For instance, don’t shake your head or say uhuh. Just say yes or no. Another thing important step you can take to prepare for your deposition is to review all of the answers and records you provided in discovery. The written responses you provided to the interrogatories are the most important thing you could review in preparation for your deposition. This helps you to remember any prior testimony you have given, may remind you of the timeline and facts of the case as well. Finally, make sure that you are dressed appropriately for the occasion and wear what you would wear to an interview. You don’t want to wear anything too revealing or show off a tattoo at your deposition. The better the impression you give the higher the value that is assigned to your case. The defense attorney is evaluating your ability to articulate your damages and connect with a potential jury. You remaining calm under pressure and being able to recall important facts of your case will help assign additional value to your case.