Former Qualcomm marketing executive Michael A. Copeland was piloting a single-engine Cessna plane last August when he crashed into a twin-engine Sabreliner business jet while the two aircrafts were on approach to Brown Field Municipal Airport. Copeland, as well as four people on the jet, were killed.

Copeland’s family filed a lawsuit alleging that New Jersey-based Serco Inc. — which contracts with the U.S. government to provide air traffic control services at Brown Field — and a manager at the airport’s control tower were negligent because the air traffic controllers cleared both planes to land at Brown Field and failed to maintain a proper, safe distance between the two aircrafts. According to the family’s attorney, the air traffic controller gave the OK for Copeland to conduct touch and go landings, an exercise in which a pilot briefly touches down and then accelerates to take off again. But, the Sabreliner jet was also given permission to land at the same time. The lawsuit also names defense contractor BAE Systems Technology, which owned the jet and employed the men inside. Other lawsuits make similar claims against Serco. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages.

While the litigation process is underway, the financial burden caused by the death of a loved one can seem endless. Litigation funding can ease the financial burden while victims wait for a fair settlement. Litigation funding is an emergency cash advance to assist plaintiffs in getting back on their feet, financially, after losing a loved one or suffering a devastating injury. It is often used to pay mortgage payments, car payments, groceries, rent, tuition and other necessary expenses caused by death or serious injury. Once those important financial obligations are taken care of, victims are able to stay the course in their litigation; they are able to see the case through to a fair and just conclusion.

Funding approval is based solely on case strength. There is no credit check, no monthly payments to make, no upfront fees and no employment requirements. Best of all, litigation funding is contingent upon the outcome of the case – if the case is successful, Litigation Funding Corporation is repaid the principal plus profit. If the case fails, repayment of the lawsuit cash advance is waived.

No one should have to face the choice of losing their home or their case. If you are seeking litigation funding call Litigation Funding Corporation at 1.866.LIT.FUND for a free, case evaluation or apply online. We have more combined litigation and litigation funding experience than any other company in the lawsuit finance marketplace.

In response to the rising number of deaths due to distracted driving every year, app developers have been working to devise a way to stop drivers from texting while driving.

It is addictive to chat with friends, family, lovers, roommates and relatives on the go, but it is not worth it to respond or send messages that can wait until later when the risk of death or injury is high. Texting while driving, even if it only takes five seconds to type “OK,” has the potential to kill the distracted driver and others. Virginia Tech Institute’s research shows that in five seconds a vehicle can cover the length of a football field, 120 yards (110 m), while not paying attention to the road.

What is the latest app to stop people from driving while distracted? It is called Canary, and it tracks every time a cell phone is unlocked, the speed the vehicle is traveling and its location. Reports on the use of the phone are sent to parents or whoever is concerned when the phone is used. During field tests involving teens and their parents, Canary proved to be an eye-opening app for several reasons. It shocked parents to see how often their children were using a cell phone while driving, and it made teens aware that they used it far more than they thought.

The next step after awareness of the habit is to do something about it, which is the most difficult part of the equation. Cell phones are addictive and people do not want to give them up despite the fact that they may cause death or serious injury to themselves or others.

After the field trials, some teens who participated said they were planning to drastically reduce or stop using their phones while driving. However, there are still many hurdles to cross before people stop texting and driving. The app alone does not solve the problem, but it is a place to start.

Lee, Gober and Reyna – If you need a personal injury attorney or help with an auto accident, motorcycle accident, wrongful death, or burn injury case, contact Lee, Gober and Reyna by visiting http://www.lgrlawfirm.com or calling 512.800.8000

People with ADHD are people with special needs. They are people with a neuro behavioral disorder that improves or deteriorates based on circumstances. It is linked to many neurological factors that have only become evident in the last two decades with the advent of advances in technology and multidisciplinary, integrated studies. Yet, in the classroom, the workplace, home and social settings, there are still many incredulous and uninformed people who perpetuate the suffering of those with ADHD.

To inform the public, to support those with ADHD, and to provide a more hopeful picture for those in the ADHD community: those are some of the reasons to promote ADHD Awareness

When the ADHD Awareness Campaign first really got off the ground, there were three major ideas the coalition of ADHD communities wanted people to know:

· ADHD is Real

· There is Hope

· Where’s the Help?

The ADHD Awareness Campaign has changed and expanded its impact over the past eight years, although the message that ADHD is real, there is hope, and there are avenues of help, remains the same. The importance of awareness got some traction with the US Congress’ declaration of a single DAY, Sept. 17, 2005.

Five years later, the ADHD Awareness Campaign was sponsored by a coalition of groups serving the ADHD community. The Campaign was not just for one day. Rather, the first ADHD Awareness WEEK was celebrated in the US in 2010. And beginning in October of 2013, the Global ADHD Awareness MONTH Campaign will take place. This year, the ADHD Awareness Month theme is The Many Faces of ADHD.

What else should we know? ADHD can affect anyone of any age (not just children), in any family, of any gender (not just boys), race, ethnicity, occupation or status.

My ADHD coaching clients share their voices to help show you the many faces of ADHD, in honor of the Awareness Month theme:

1. ADHD is Real

• “Neurotypicals” are the majority on this planet, and get to make nearly all the rules. It’s very tough getting ahead in a system that’s optimized for people not like you. Keep that in mind when you come up with your rules and procedures, when you decide who deserves promotion or a raise, when you decide who’s “the best man for the job.” – From J.G., software engineer

• “I wish people would recognize ADHD symptoms for what they are, and see the genius and the hard work that those children put in their day to day activities. Instead people still judge children with ADHD as being wild, unmannered, lazy, stupid, disruptive and more.” –  From Y.E., nurse midwife

• “We’re human beings with feelings and intelligence. Having ADHD doesn’t make us incompetent, irresponsible, or lazy. We work extra hard to keep pace to make deadlines that people with intact executive functioning have no problems meeting.” – From G. K., school psychologist

2. There is Hope

• “Having a friend or a coach or a secretary (or two!) Who is non-judgmental but persistent is very helpful.” – From G.K., school psychologist

• “I prefer to invest my efforts into instilling my child with confidence, and shower her with love, and give her all the support and help that she needs to succeed” – From Y.E., nurse midwife

• “My own experience of ADHD is that it’s like juggling.  The best thing you can do for someone with ADHD is to let them know that it’s OK to drop the balls, even on purpose. It’s OK to leave some of the balls on the floor. It’s also OK to ask for help before you drop the balls. Even better, it’s OK to say “no thanks” when someone tries to toss another ball at them.” From S.H., “Fortune 500” corporate executive

3. Where’s the Help?

• What helps? Oddly enough, structured assignments but with some flexibility (if assignments have beginning, middle and end components spelled out or expectations clearly provided, that helps). It also helps to have tasks broken down into parts, small goals, not just one big global goal. Allow for creative approaches … If that doesn’t make sense, please ask for clarification.

What else helps?

• Day planners

• Personal Organizers

• Life Coaches!(dead serious) –  From P.M, licensed occupational therapist

More Help for ADHD Accommodations

Help also comes through the many faces of ADHD Awareness Month 2013 Coalition Members. These include:

• ADDitude Magazine
• ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO)
• Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
• Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD)
• National Resource Center on AD/HD

You can find help through other affiliate groups, and the medical and healthcare partners of the Awareness Campaign. For more detailed information, please visit http://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org/.

Many students with ADHD may also qualify for accommodations or special education and related services – through a Section 504 plan or an Individualized Educational Program. Parents who are concerned about their child’s educational performance should contact their school’s district’s Director of Special Education and refer their child to the Section 504 Committee or the Committee on Special Education, for evaluations and consideration of services. If your child simply needs accommodations, a Section 504 plan may be appropriate. But if the ADHD is impacting educational performance, the child may qualify for services under an IEP as a child with an “Other Health Impairment.”

To learn more about Dr. Virginia Hurley, click here. For more information about our legal services, visit www.specialneedsnewyork.com.

As summer approaches, our children get excited for the end of school year and summer vacation. Summer is usually a time when adults can ease schedules and relax. If you are a parent of a school aged child with special needs, the arrival of summer is exciting, but it also comes with a sense of dread, significant stress and anxiety. Summer means a change in routine, excruciating amounts of down time, travel, visiting family and friends, outdoor outings, barbecues, too much noise, and too much food.

As a mother of a child with significant special needs, I have developed some coping mechanisms and methods to use summer as a learning opportunity for my child. I hope these are helpful to you!

Set and Stick to a Schedule and Keep Routines in Place
A break in routine can often lead to an escalation of behaviors or regression for some children. Even if your child receives Extended School Year (“ESY”) services from your school district, this program can often be different than the regular school year program and is often only six weeks in length.  During down time it is critical to stick to a schedule. Taking a few minutes to plan out the day or a week can be the secret to a successful summer vacation. Whenever possible, maintain as much of the usual structures. For example:

• Keep consistent bedtimes and wake up times even when there is no school and also try to keep similar limits set during school
• Keep “screen time” allowances limited
• Maintain reading routines
• Meals should remain around the same time

Keep up the Learning
Learning does not have to stop just because school is out for the summer.  The summer is a great opportunity to incorporate authentic learning experiences. Additionally, it is important to build time into your child’s daily or weekly schedule to research experiment and investigate a topic that interests your child. Choose activities that play to your child’s strengths not just their preferences. You can go to homeschooling websites to find various resources.

Set up Play Groups and/or Social Skill Groups
The summer can be a great time to get involved with other families with special needs children.  Create your own play or social skills group and plan dates for activities or field trips. It is important that your child has opportunities to continue to develop their social skills and not lose touch with their classmates.This can also be a good networking opportunity for parents.

Get Activities from School Personnel
Before the school year ends, ask teachers and therapists for activities that you can do with your child over the summer. This can help you establish a routine and can also help you understand, first hand, what your child has been working on and whether they can generalize skills.

Try to Schedule Ample Help
If possible, try to schedule extra help to assist you during the summer time. You can seek out special education teacher aides that work for a school district and have the summer off. They may have some time and you can enlist them for help.This help can also take the form of a “mother’s helper;” someone to come along with you to activities and gatherings. You may be able to find mother’s helpers through a local high school or college. One thing that I want to emphasize: it is OK to leave your child with special needs behind (with proper supervision) if you are attending an event that you feel will be difficult for your child. Many parents feel very guilty about leaving their child behind but it is usually preferable than putting him or her in a situation that would be overwhelming or difficult.

Keep Expectations Reasonable
We tend to have high expectations for summer vacations and want them to be “perfect” family times. Try not to get frustrated if the occasions do not go as planned. Instead of setting many goals for your special education child, set one goal or family project that you can all work on together.

It is a Good Time to See How Your Child is Truly Performing
We recently had or are about to have our annual CSE meetings. At this meeting, the teachers and therapists spoke about your child’s progress (or lack thereof) in certain areas. The summer is a good time for you to make an assessment of your child’s progress and see if you agree or disagree with the CSE. Take the time over the summer to really get to know how your child is doing and review his IEP for the upcoming year. You may find that the goals are not relevant or are set too high or low. You may want to call a program review at the beginning of the school year to address your concerns.

Use Time with Family to Discuss Plans for the Future
While visiting with family and friends over the summer, it is a wonderful time to discuss your plans for the future of your child with special needs. It is a good time for your extended family members to see, first hand, what it takes to raise your child and for you to see how these family members deal with your child. Use these family gatherings to discuss guardianship and other special needs planning ideas you may have.

Count Your Blessings
While it is hard to raise a child with special needs and you may wish you could just have a “normal” summer and not worry about all of the above, summer is an important time to try to stop for a moment and count your blessings and try to realize all of the gifts your special needs child has given you. Even though summer is a difficult time in my own home, I realize that I have become a better mother, a more patient person and a better attorney helping families with special needs, all because of my son. This makes me feel very lucky indeed!

Have a wonderful summer!

For more information, visit www.specialneedsnewyork.com.

The University of Utah National Center for Veterans’ Studies undertook the research because few others had investigated the link between traumatic brain injury and suicide, traumatic brain injury is one of the most common injuries sustained in Iraq and Afghanistan, and “[s]uicide is currently the second leading cause of death among military members,” the magazine reported.

In fact, 303 active-duty soldiers killed themselves in 2011 and another 349 killed themselves in 2012. This prompted 53 Congress members to pen a March 4, 2013, letter to the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, stating, in part, that the number of suicides has reached “unacceptably high levels.”

Though everyone has his or her own reason for contemplating suicide, as Frontline stated, and the study’s lead author, Craig J. Bryan, cautioned that his narrow research can’t prove that someone who suffers a concussion will contemplate suicide, a person who suffers repeated concussions does become “more sensitized,” and “it becomes easier for that individual to experience depression and suicidal (thoughts) as a result.”

Still, the assistant professor of psychology’s study revealed:

• 18 participants had never been diagnosed with a concussion, and none of those participants reported contemplating suicide;
• 58 participants had been diagnosed with one concussion, and seven percent of those participants reported contemplating suicide;
• 85 participants had been diagnosed with several concussions, and 22 percent of those participants reported contemplating suicide.

Further, “[s]ome service members sustained as many as 15 traumatic brain injuries while deployed,” and “[a]n estimated 20 percent of service members sustained concussions during basic training,” per Frontline. Others suffered head injuries playing sports before enlisting.

Interestingly, “mild head injuries tend to be more likely to lead to suicidal thoughts than more severe ones,” Bryan said. “Resiliency is the rule. I want those who have experienced traumatic brain injuries, no matter how many, to realize that things are going to be OK, and that there’s hope, and there’s services available, and that the treatment works.”

Below, Cleveland, Ohio, medical malpractice attorney Christopher Mellino discusses common causes of brain injuries and how the severity of a brain injury is measured.

Common causes of brain injury:

Can the severity of a brain injury be measured?

Melody Leonardo, the eldest daughter, made it all the way to Fresno to try out for the celebrated long-running trivia show with the host, Alicia Tribeca. She was a sure shoe-in to make it on the show, surpassing her peers after each level, for she was fed trivia questions when she was in her mother’s womb.

Her mother was a waitress at the local coffee shop and her father sold appliances at the mall, so she did not come from an upstanding intellectual household. However, her parents huddled in front of the TV every night to catch the trivia show at 7 p.m., competing with each other for the right answers as if they were on the show themselves. Her mother would bring books and cheat sheets to work and hide them in her apron and would study the answers on her break, and her father would do the same.

This shared obsession was what kept their marriage exciting. When the two children came, the more, the merrier. It became their family identity and they wore their crest proudly.

One day, as her mother was pouring a cup of coffee for Matt Lockhard, an independent California insurance agent, she helped him with a difficult crossword clue that boggled him for hours and was stunned to hear the lofty, unexpected knowledge come out of a waitress at a tiny coffee shop.

“How did you know that?” Matt asked her.

“What? Just because I wear this uniform doesn’t make me stupid,” she answered with a smile.

“Just between you and me, I received my master’s in linguistics from Harvard but addiction took over my life, so that’s why I am here. But don’t tell anyone, OK?” she said in jest as she teasingly nudged him with her elbow and the coffee pot in the other hand.

“Besides, my Melody is going to be on Alicia Tribeca’s game show tryouts tomorrow!” she said proudly and loud enough for the whole diner to hear. Everyone applauded.

But when the time came, Melody was beat out by some uppity surfer kid.

“How did that happen?” Melody asked her parents. “I studied every waking minute!”

“It is the luck of the draw, sweetie,” her father said, “and in real life, that is the way it is. You can’t possibly know all the answers no matter how much you try. But what matters, is that you love to learn just like us. You’re one of us, Melody. Melody Leonardo, Da Vinci, Da Great!”

The Leonardos all huddled together as Melody silently wept and laughed.

To learn more please visit: http://www.mattsinsurance4ca.com

It’s pretty much a no-brainer that people should not be driving a lethal weapon while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Nevertheless, they do it anyhow. In most states, and certainly in Georgia, it is a punishable offense, with the punishment hinging on the severity of the offense and the driver’s condition when charged.

If arrested for DUI in Georgia, you will face a court hearing and depending on the nature of any injuries or damages involved, you may face a fine, a jail term or both. Your driver’s license may also be suspended and you may be ordered to attend court-appointed counseling.

While there are cases where there is no harm done to another, you might not think it is any big deal, especially if everyone is OK. Don’t even think for one minute that it is OK, because even if no one is hurt, you may still be punished based on your blood alcohol content, your condition and your behavior when arrested. For this reason, do not – and this bears repeating, do not – talk to the police when you are arrested, or even before you are arrested.

Do not get into why you were out drinking and driving, what speed you were or were not doing, how you feel or anything else. Be quiet and call an Atlanta criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can. Anything you have to say can be said to the lawyer. Anything you say that isn’t said to your lawyer has a mean way of coming back to bite you later. Remain silent until you get counsel, otherwise you could mess up your case.

Georgia has an involved process for DUI charges that mean a hearing session, appearing before a judge, a preliminary hearing, a pre-trial conference and criminal proceedings. Those criminal proceedings may mean charges of DUI felony. There is no way you can choose to represent yourself through this legal maze, which is why you will need a skilled Atlanta criminal defense lawyer.

Do not opt out of hiring legal counsel because you want to save money, because by the time you are done in the court process, without counsel, you will be paying out a large sum of money. Better you have the DUI criminal defense lawyer in your corner, who may be able to reduce charges or mitigate the whole case and get it tossed out. An experienced DUI lawyer is worth his weight in gold.

Robert Webb is an Atlanta personal injury lawyer with Webb & D’Orazio, a law firm specializing in Atlanta personal injury, malpractice, criminal defense, and business law. Learn more at Webbdorazio.com.

However, the flipside to the story is that some patients have dealt with lasting injuries brought on by negligence and malpractice from surgeons.

What is LASIK?

LASIK, which stands for Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, is a procedure that was developed about 20 years ago to combat astigmatism, myopia and other common vision issues. The surgical procedure is relatively simple and is undertaken by cutting a flap in the corneal tissue of the eye before a laser is used to correct the visual condition.

Typically, any complications disappear within a couple of weeks of surgery. Unfortunately, this is not the case for some patients. These patients have to deal with long-term complications ranging from pain to dry eye to light sensitivity to, in some cases, blindness.

How do you know if you have legitimate malpractice suit? Many of the complications have arisen not because of a botched surgery, such as an errant cutting of the flap in the corneal tissue, but because of poor pre-surgical screening. Some patients simply should not have been allowed to receive the procedure.

For example, people with thin or cone-shaped corneas are not good candidates for LASIK surgery, yet some patients were still OK’d for LASIK.

Complications from LASIK surgery can lead to a lifetime of problems and “visual exhaustion.” Sometimes victims can have difficulty driving or working as a result. Sometimes it affects their personal and social lives, too.

If you or someone you know has experienced a serious LASIK surgery complication, you should seek the advice of an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney who can help you seek justice for your injuries.

Robert Webb is an Atlanta personal injury lawyer with Webb & D’Orazio, a law firm specializing in Atlanta personal injury, malpractice, criminal defense, and business law. Learn more at Webbdorazio.com.