Tag: Brain Injury Law

Xenon Gas May Help Prevent Cognitive Damage in Traumatic Brain Injury Cases

by Edu-Advisor, posted in Protectors

Brooks Schuelke, Esq.
Schuelke Law PLLC

Austin, TX (Law Firm Newswire) June 13, 2019 – Traumatic brain injury researchers are constantly searching for new ways to help treat brain damage. Yet another discovery may help TBI victims – Xenon gas, a human anesthetic with few side effects.

A new study has shown promising results for preventing cognitive damage after a traumatic brain injury (TBI). While the study involves mice, it may well have significant ramifications for humans. Xenon gas, an anesthetic drug, apparently prevents long-term cognitive impairment, protects against brain tissue degeneration and increases life expectancy in the wake of a TBI in mice.

In fact, almost two years after a TBI, the animals were still performing well, an indicator that the gas may improve the human survival rate and help cognitive decline in humans. According to the study, the gas stopped the loss of brain cells in the hippocampus and reduced brain inflammation. The hippocampus is a small, curved brain formation that forms new memories and is associated with learning and emotions. Due to the fact that the human brain is lateralized and symmetrical, it actually has two hippocampi.

Statistically, the leading cause of disability and death in those under the age of 45 is attributed to TBIs. When someone sustains a primary brain injury, it is often followed by a secondary injury leading to physical and mental disabilities. TBI survivors also tend to have a shorter life expectancy and a higher risk of other forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s.

What makes Xenon gas work? While there is no definitive answer to that question yet, it appears that animal studies have resulted in the gas protecting and restoring the brain in the wake of lack of blood flow to the brain and areas of TBIs. It is speculated that Xenon works by limiting the stimulation of glutamate receptors.

“In order to see if the working scientific theory is valid, researchers need to replicate the studies with Xenon gas in humans. If those investigations turn out to be successful, the world of medicine may have another alternative to help those with TBI cope and get well,” said Austin traumatic brain injury attorney, Brooks Schuelke. “If you have sustained a TBI, talk to me and find out what your legal options are to recover compensation.”

Schuelke Law PLLC
3011 N. Lamar Blvd
Ste. 200
Austin, TX 78705
Call (512) 476-4944

    Jury Returns 30.1 Million Dollar Verdict Against Driver’s Wife After GEICO Only Offers 147K in Damages

    by arthurhamilton, posted in Protectors

    Tampa, FL (Law Firm Newswire) March 21, 2019 – All things considered, Randy Willoughby has a good life. Every day he spends time with his wife, Kayliegh, and their beautiful two-year-old daughter. When he’s not playing with his daughter, Randy can be found feeding his horses, playing video games, or enjoying his passion for cooking. But through it all, Mr. Willoughby suffers from a severe traumatic brain injury caused by a 2012 car wreck.

    On November 2, 2012, Mr. Willoughby, 20 at the time, and his girlfriend, Kayliegh Lewis, were on their way to dinner when an elderly driver ran a four-way stop sign and T-boned Ms. Lewis’ vehicle on the passenger side where Mr. Willoughby was sitting. His injuries were severe, including a Grade III diffuse axonal brain injury.

    In 2013, he filed a lawsuit to recover the damages caused by the wreck against the driver of the vehicle that hit him, as well as the driver’s wife as a co-owner of the vehicle. (Under Florida law, a co-owner of a vehicle is vicariously liable for damages caused by the negligent use of that vehicle.) Both defendants were insured by GEICO.

    Mr. Willoughby eventually settled with the driver, thus leaving the driver’s wife the only defendant responsible for Mr. Willoughby’s damages. Before trial, GEICO prevented the driver’s wife and Mr. Willoughby from settling the case for $4.8 million. GEICO even refused to let the parties agree to any amount of damages more than $147k in past medical expenses. As a result, Mr. Willoughby and the driver’s wife proceeded to trial to obtain a determination of the full amount of Mr. Willoughby’s damages.

    On Friday, March 15, 2019, a Florida jury returned a verdict for $30.1 million in Mr. Willoughby’s favor, which included $7.2 million in economic and over $22.9 million in non-economic damages.

    Mr. Willoughby was represented by Swope, Rodante P.A. attorneys Brandon Cathey, Brent Steinberg and Daniel Greene. At trial, the defendant co-owner was represented by attorneys Jim Thompson and Troy Holland of the defense firm Goodis Thompson & Miller, P.A.

    About Swope, Rodante P.A.

    As advocates of justice, Swope, Rodante P.A. is dedicated to fighting for the underdog, protecting our clients’ rights, and recovering compensation for clients to help rebuild their lives. Founded in 1979, Swope, Rodante P.A. has grown to meet the unique needs of our clients and the challenges of today’s legal environment. The firm’s focus is complex litigation, insurance bad faith and catastrophic injury cases, including brain and spinal cord injuries. With a Tampa office located in the historic Florida Brewery building, Swope, Rodante P.A. handles cases across the Southeast and Nationwide.