Blogs

The health benefits of green tea have long been a source of study and research. So far, research has shown that green tea is healthier than most alternative teas. Antioxidants found in green tea are claimed to be at least 100 times more effective than vitamin C in protecting cells and DNA from damage by … Read more

Tracy Morgan, the actor injured recently when a Wal-Mart semi rear-ended his limousine, is said by his lawyer to have suffered a severe brain injury from the accident. However, there is little clarity on exactly what type of TBI the actor suffered, his prognosis or the specific nature of his complaints. Car Crashes Most Common … Read more

When someone is injured in an accident, he or she may delay in hiring a personal injury attorney or filing a claim. This is often because the victim does not believe he or she has a case or is confused about the process of filing a personal injury claim. Additionally, insurance companies may cause delay … Read more

Personal injury lawyers hear certain statements quite frequently, and one that is often repeated in a personal injury attorney’s office is, “But I did not think I was injured!” This statement is usually in response to a question such as, “Why did you refuse medical treatment?” or “Why did you not go to a doctor?” … Read more

An incredible discovery may have long-term impact on the treatment of spinal cord injuries or SCIs. A man who was paralyzed after a knife attack is up and walking after he underwent surgery to implant nasal cells responsible for the sense of smell into his spine, according to recent report. Darek Fidyka, 38, was stabbed … Read more

A recent crash between a school bus and a car in Anchorage serves as a good reminder that school is back in session and drivers and students alike need to be very careful to avoid injury. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured in the accident which took place at the intersection of Northern Lights Boulevard … Read more

Most people know that Christopher Reeves, the actor made famous for his role as Superman, suffered and died from a debilitating spinal cord injury after a horseback riding accident. What many people do not realize, however, is that his son Matthew has carried on the support of research into SCIs and is heavily involved in … Read more

Football is a sport with a high number of head injuries. Players are being affected from the NFL all the way down to high school football teams. The high rate of concussions suffered by professional players has left the NFL in a long-running legal battle as advocated attempt to improve the safety of players. The … Read more

According a proposed study, a simple blood test may be on the horizon that could help doctors determine if someone has suffered a traumatic brain injury and, if so, the type of treatment that would be most beneficial. A $17 million grant from the Department of Defense will fund the study that may find answers … Read more

Girls who suffer from traumatic brain injuries or TBIs may react differently than boys who suffer the same injuries, a recent study shows. TBIs are more likely in boys than in girls, but girls who participate in sports often suffer from these injuries as well and may be more susceptible to behavioral problems such as … Read more

The National Football League hired actuaries to analyze and prepare data related to brain damage in players as a result of the blows to the head they receive in the contact sport. The league has long disputed evidence that their players have high rates of brain damage. However, they are now changing that opinion to … Read more

Researchers at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation released a report this month that suggests a correlation between ethnicity and the rate of success of physical therapy for patients who suffered Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). According to the institute based in Greater New York, Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites reported more success in terms of self-care after … Read more

Owners of the Mall at Sears in Anchorage settled a lawsuit brought by a woman who was injured when she walked into a large piece of glass at a remodeled entrance to the mall. Personal injury attorneys Barber and Associates, LLC represented the woman. They contended in their complaint against the mall owners, Carr-Gottstein Properties, … Read more

A sightseeing tour by plane can be a memorable and special experience. Wild northern Alaska is perfect for sightseeing flights as you admire the isolated landscape and the stunning views. However, a crash can lead to serious injuries and leave victims with little chance of recovering compensation. Officials confirmed that a sightseeing flight crashed recently … Read more

Woodpeckers can be as one of the most annoying creatures in the animal kingdom. They sound like a miniature jackhammer and their noise can ruin a quiet peaceful morning. The woodpecker uses its beak to search for food such as insects that are hidden within the tree sap. While this sound may annoy some, new … Read more

Lifebridge Health recently announced that The Sinai Rehabilitation Center and the Comprehensive Sports Concussion Program at the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain and Spine Institute will be hosting their annual fall conference. The conference will focus on mild traumatic brain injuries and concussions and the series will be called “The Evolving landscape in Treatment of … Read more

Neurosurgery Magazine released a study of “Mechanical Tissue Resuscitation” Which suggests that vacuum pressure applied over a brain’s injured area may create a safe and effective treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The procedure’s possibility was announced in a report by Wake Forest-University based researchers. However, the procedure requires more research and development before it … Read more

Whiplash is a neck injury that can result in serious harm. Whiplash injuries commonly occur during rear-end automobile collisions and contact sports such as football. Motions caused by accidents such as these can stretch your neck muscles and ligaments to a point beyond their regular range, causing damage. Whiplash injuries can be minor, requiring just … Read more

Chicken Soup for the Soul, a popular series of inspirational books, has a new author and voice of empathy for those suffering from brain injuries. Kim Conrad, a published writer of inspirational poems, has suffered from Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI since 2007 when a one-ton commercial truck smashed into the back of her car … Read more

Facet Syndrome is one of the most common causes of back pain. It involves persistent, chronic pain anywhere from the neck to the lower back. There are small joints located between each vertebra that are called facet joints, which stabilize and add flexibility to the spine to accommodate activities such as running and bending. To … Read more

The discs are the pads between the vertebral bodies that act as “cushions” and minimize the impact of movement on the spinal column. They resemble the shape of a jelly donut, with a soft center called a nucleus pulposus. If the nucleus is abnormally ruptured, it results in a disc herniation. Disc herniation often occurs … Read more

Alaska State Troopers were called to investigate a hit-and-run accident that occurred on July 27th in Seward. A taxi driver, Jack Walganski, was driving his white Chrysler Voyager cab east on Nash Road. The vehicle is a curious sight in Seward as the taxi’s front and rear are entirely covered in golden ducks with duck … Read more

The statistics released by the National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep in America poll paint an alarming picture of the state of driving while tired in America. At least 60 percent of adult drivers, or about 168 million people, say that they have driven a vehicle while feeling drowsy in the past year. What is even more … Read more

Former NHL defenseman Jon Rohloff, who played for the Boston Bruins, was the lone plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit tied to concussions against the NHL. The suit was filed in U.S district court in Minnesota. Rohloff believes that the league concealed the real dangers about head injuries did not pass enough rules in an attempt … Read more

The NCAA finally agreed to settle a class-action head injury lawsuit led against them by several states such as Georgie and South Carolina. The deal requires that a $70 million fund be put aside to help pay for the diagnosis of thousands of current and former college athletes if they believe they have suffered from … Read more

A vintage railroad company had to suspend its operation on July 24th due to a derailment that was under investigation. The White Pass and Yukon Route tourist train that hauls thousands of passengers a year along the route of the historic Klondike Gold Rush from Skagway into Canada derailed on its afternoon run. Railroad President … Read more

A recent July weekend saw an increase in the number of people driving or using the water around the central Kenai Peninsula area. This may have been the factor that led first responders to observe a rise in reported accidents. Trooper Spokesperson Megan Peters said that between Friday and Sunday, Alaska State Troopers responded to … Read more

As a driver, you need insurance protection not only to protect yourself but also others who may be involved in an accident along with you. If you do not understand how various insurance policies protect you and others, you may find yourself with problems if you are involved in an accident. The attorneys at Barber … Read more

Alaska State troopers received a REDDI call in which the caller reported a driver that was under the influence of drugs. The car was spotted at mile 169 of the Parks Highway. The call was received at 4:50 p.m. and troopers responded by attempting to locate the suspect’s vehicle. Unfortunately, before they could track the … Read more

The Alaska rodeo community is a close-knit group, and when it came time to help their fellow rodeo riders Michael Sunderland and Ryan Palmer, the community came out in full force. Sunderland and Palmer were injured in an automobile accident on June 3rd when their vehicle rolled off an embankment and hit a tree. Both … Read more

In late June 2014 Madison County woman Dawn Ferguson filed suit against her deceased husband’s estate, seeking over $50,000 for medical bills and injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident. The lawsuit alleges that the accident was caused by her late husband, Michael T. Ferguson. Mr. Ferguson lost control of his motorcycle and veered off of … Read more

A head-on collision involving a van and an SUV in Anchorage, Alaska, may have been due to alcohol use on the part of one driver. One vehicle was traveling north on Seward Highway when another vehicle pulled out and hit the first vehicle head-on. The two drivers of the vehicles were transported to the hospital … Read more

Sometimes children are the victims of personal injury accidents and when they are, it is up to their parents or guardians to protect their rights. Under the law, children cannot consent to any type of legal or binding agreement until they reach the age of 18. Therefore, a child who is injured in a personal … Read more

Recent studies are reporting findings that corroborate previous evidence that spinal cord injuries are more severe in elderly mice than in young adult mice. Researchers also found a previously unknown player in the repair of spinal cord injuries. Spinal Cord Injuries: The Unknown Factor Recent studies have revealed that a previously unknown factor may affect … Read more

Traumatic brain injury has become a hot topic among many medical professionals. Many new researchers have concluded that mild traumatic brain injury, often diagnosed as a concussion, can still have far-reaching physical and cognitive symptoms. If untreated, the traumatic brain injury can also potentially cause permanent brain damage. Missing TBIs? The topic of mild traumatic … Read more

A new study reveals that those who suffer traumatic brain injuries, including recent US veterans, are at a much higher risk for headaches, especially painful and sometimes serious migraines. The study researched 53 veterans who had suffered from traumatic brain injury during their deployment, as well as a control group of 53 veterans who did … Read more

Recent scientific studies have found that soccer is just as dangerous a sport for head injuries as football, ice hockey, lacrosse, and rugby. Soccer is a very high-contact sport, with much player-to-player, player-to-ground, and player-to-goalpost contact. Historically, people have claimed that heading the ball is the main reason for head injuries in soccer. However, Robert … Read more

Five years ago, Robert Wein and several other cyclists were hit by a reckless driver while participating in a 100-kilometer ride. Now that he is far down the road of recovery, Wein wishes to spread awareness about traumatic brain injuries and explore how they affect the body and memory. The after effects of a severe … Read more

A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)-related ER visits are on the rise. The study involved analyzing national trends regarding TBI-linked ER visits. Possible Reasons for TBI-Related ER Visits Though the number of ER visits seems to be on the rise, the study did note … Read more

The U.S. Department of Defense and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have recently announced a new collaboration titled the Concussion Assessment, Research and Education (CARE) Consortium. The collaboration has been described as “some of the most definitive studies on concussion that have been done to date,” according to Dr. Thomas McAllister, chairman of the … Read more

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a growing concern among Americans, but not just among athletes. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, approximately 2.5 million TBIs occurred in 2010, including both isolated injuries and those that were compiled with other injuries. The report went on to conclude that TBI is a contributing factor in … Read more

A fun day at an Alaska amusement park turned into a hospital visit for one man when a ride malfunctioned, causing injuries. Reports show that the slingshot-style amusement park ride, called the Ejection Seat, was set up in the parking lot of the Crazy Horse Saloon across from Sullivan Arena. The ride was built in … Read more

President Barack Obama recently opened a day-long summit on concussions at the White House, calling for more research into how concussions affect youth, according to reports. Brain injuries, including concussions, are to blame for nearly 250,000 youth emergency room visits every year. Concussions are particularly common and are a type of traumatic brain injury that … Read more

One of the things that many people wonder when they are thinking about filing a personal injury case is, “How much documentation should I have?” The answer to that is, “As much as possible.” However, what happens when you do not have all of your documentation or when you believe evidence may have been destroyed? … Read more

Not everyone who injures someone else is held liable, and not everyone who is held liable for an accident intended to hurt someone. This legal reality creates some confusion about just what liability is and how it is established in a personal injury case. The attorneys at Barber and Associates, LLC in Anchorage work with … Read more

It is difficult to say what type of personal injury cases are most common because the numbers can change from year to year. However, there are several types of personal injury that are extremely common everywhere. Barber & Baker in Anchorage see many of these cases every year and have formed a “Top 5” list … Read more

Those who have been injured in an accident sometimes ask the attorneys at Barber and Associates, LLC, “What if I am partially responsible for the accident?” These victims often feel that if they were at fault for an accident in any way they will not be able to collect any damages. This is not true; … Read more

The term “personal injury” is a very broad one that covers a variety of different case types. Victims of accidents or defective products of almost any type may be grouped together as “personal injury victims” although they may have very different cases. For example, there is not much similarity on the surface between someone who … Read more

A teen who was visiting Anchorage for an extended vacation with his parents suffered both a broken leg in a motorcycle accident as well as a broken neck from diving into a pool. Isavra Basargin, 16, was staying in Anchorage at a hotel with his parents and dove into a pool with only five feet … Read more

If you have been the victim of an accident, the chances are good that an insurance company representative will be contacting you very quickly. It is also true that, no matter how nice this person seems to be, he or she does not have your best interests at heart. Insurance companies make money not by … Read more

Retaining a personal injury attorney can be the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones if you are injured in an accident. When you suffer a personal injury, it is important to collect as much compensation as possible to pay for your medical bills, your lost wages when you cannot work and other … Read more

Alaska State troopers have yet to determine the cause of a motorcycle crash that took the life of a 29-year-old Wasilla man when his bike collided with a Jeep Wrangler. The driver of the car does not appear to have been injured in the crash. This terrible tragedy reminds motorcycle riders everywhere of the importance … Read more

Everyone who has a child or children comes to understand that absolutely everything a parent says and does serves as an example to those who learn everything from us. Even seemingly unimportant things that we do are being noticed by our sons and daughters, and that includes our bad or even dangerous habits. That phenomenon … Read more

Many of the drunk driving safety awareness campaigns that have been put together and promoted over the years have been targeted at young people. That’s because people of this age are just learning to drive and they need to understand the extreme dangers brought on by consuming alcohol or some other intoxicant before getting behind … Read more

As we move into March once again, many of us are looking forward to perhaps having a green beer or an Irish whiskey as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Despite its Irish origins, St. Patrick’s Day has become something of an American tradition as well as pubs across the country are packed with revelers who … Read more

Driving a vehicle is a skill that over time we never fully master, but it is something that we tend to get better at as we learn and make more decisions. As such, most people would agree that someone with 30 years of driving experience would generally be considered more trustworthy behind the wheel of … Read more

The New England Journal of Medicine recently published an extensive study that looked at different types of distractions present for drivers in an attempt to measure just how much the risk of accidents rose as a result of each. The study used two groups of drivers – experienced and novice – and tracked them with … Read more

Driving is a skill that is learned over time, and it’s one that many people begin to take for granted when they feel that they have this skill mastered. Unfortunately, driving a motor vehicle is operating an enormous machine that moves at high rates of speed, and the loss of focus on such a task … Read more

Few things are more tragic than fatal car accidents. Otherwise-healthy people suddenly lose their lives because someone makes a mistake behind the wheel and surviving family members are forced to attempt to pick up the pieces and move on with their lives without their loved one. This is the greatest form of loss – the … Read more

Something goes wrong just prior to every car accident that occurs, and these problems can include environmental factors, problems with vehicles and of course human factors which are also known as mistakes. There are individuals and groups out there that work to compile data regarding car accidents with the hope that studying the data and … Read more

ADHD – or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder – seems like one of those health problems that is relatively new. For some, this condition seems like something that is not all that serious, even though estimates indicate that more than 5 million children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD. Despite this skepticism, ADHD can … Read more

Cultural changes in the United States tend to start relatively slowly. Over time, they begin to gather momentum. As they gather momentum, more people tend to accept what others are trying to change. Eventually, that momentum builds and what some see as radical changes ultimately become the norm. We can point to several different examples … Read more

At this point, after decades of tireless work by different advocacy and interest groups that have continued to try to bring awareness to the issues of drinking and driving, no one really has an excuse for not understanding these risks. Drunk driving is and for decades has been seen not only as reckless, but as … Read more

We all remember that day when we earned our driver’s license and we were finally able to legally get behind the wheel of a vehicle and enjoy a much greater degree of freedom.  Many people who are parents also remember that day when their child earned the right to drive a vehicle, and it was … Read more

There are few places in the United States that present more difficult and common driving challenges than Alaska. Obviously, the weather here can make any driving distance difficult if not impossible to handle for many motorists But the short days and long nights in winter only add to the hurdles that must be overcome in … Read more

As we move into the holiday season, many of us are already turning our attention toward the holidays.  Thanksgiving has already arrived and it’s only a few more weeks before even more celebrations commence. For Alaskans, the arrival of the holiday season has also meant that once again we are going to have to adjust … Read more