A recent article is highlighting innovative new medical treatments for those suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Civilian contractors working in dangerous areas overseas commonly suffer from TBI, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Depression. The article highlights how “a new nonprofit organization is seeking to cut the time it takes for brain injury and post-traumatic stress research to transform into …
New PTSD Treatment Options
There has been an increased focus and attention on mental health issues in the media, in particular the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the long-term management of PTSD. This is of particular importance to civilian contractors working overseas. Many contractors develop PTSD as a result of their work in challenging overseas environments. the ailment can subsequently wreak havoc …
Questions About the Treatment of Those Affected by PTSD
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) commonly affects all those who work in difficult environments overseas, including members of the military and civilian contractors. Unfortunately, the treatment of PTSD sufferers falls far below fair and reasonable standards. Advocates are beginning to ask questions about the support provided to these individuals in the hopes of spurring change. New Investigations For example, U.S. …
Brain Imaging of Military Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injuries Shows Depression Signature
An important issue that has been the subject of many recent U.S. Presidential debates is the availability of mental health treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression among military veterans and civilian contractors working overseas. New medical and scientific research is providing health care professionals, in particular those that treat military veterans and civilians for mental health related issues, with …
New Efforts Underway to Quickly Assess Concussions and Other Brain Injuries
Diagnosing traumatic brain injuries (TBI) is challenging in that it typically requires fairly sophisticated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment and technology that is generally not available onsite. It often requires the patient to be transported to a specialty lab or some other capable facility. TBIs generally include structural injuries such “as a bruise or bleeding in the brain and what …
November 2015 Newsletter
The Discovery Process By Samuel Frankel, Esq. As many of our clients know, once a claim is referred to the Office of Administrative Law Judges, it is assigned to a Judge, a Notice of Hearing is issued with a trial date, and the Parties are permitted to begin formal discovery. The discovery process is something that is part of …
Long-Term Effects of Brain Injury: Misjudgement
An individual’s ability to accurately judge and perceive particular situations is important to his or her personal safety. This holds true for police officers, truck drivers, and those individuals serving in the military, where the ability to make a decision in seconds is often the difference between life and death. New medical research highlights the long-term implications of traumatic brain …
U.S. Embassy Warns of Terror Threat to Foreign Nationals in Bangladesh
This past week, U.S. officials have been warning U.S. military, civilians, and citizens of the heightened terrorist threat posed to Westerners in the country of Bangladesh. The government warned that, “as advised in previous security messages for U.S. citizens, reliable information suggests that a terrorist attack could occur against Westerners in Bangladesh, including attacks against large gatherings at international hotels.” …
Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
New scientific and medical research relevant to military veterans, civilians, and independent contractors shows that there is a potential correlation between the onset of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The University of Iowa Center for Comprehensive Access and Delivery Research and Evaluation, by way of a recent journal article, has set forth that although there …
Class-wide Tort Claims Not Cognizable Pursuant to the Defense Base Act
Brief Case Background In the case of Brink v. Continental Insurance, 787 F.3d 1120 (D.C. Cir. 2015), plaintiffs comprising thirty-one individuals asserted a class action lawsuit related to worker compensation benefits owed to class members pursuant to the Defense Base Act 42 U.S.C. § 1651 et seq. and resulting from injuries sustained while working as government contractors in Iraq and …
Drawdown of Forces Leaves Afghanistan Exposed to Growing Violence
Soon after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Afghanistan was a principal target for the United States’ mission to root out terror. Today, as international and United States military and civilian forces withdraw from the region, Afghanistan is showing signs of returning to its violent and turbulent past, which tarnishes the sacrifice and legacy of those working in Afghanistan …
What Civilian Contractors Need to Know About Overseas Injuries
For some, the prospect of working overseas for a United States government contractor can be exciting and a great career move. There are many benefits to working as a civilian government contractor overseas. These include a higher rate of pay, good benefits, increased marketability, and depending on your station, an opportunity to see and experience different parts of the world. …
