Pulley, Watson, King, & Lischer, P.A. - Attorneys at Law

Pulley, Watson, King & Lischer Brings Awareness to Brain Injury

The Pavilion at The Durham Central Park was filled with families, bicycles and activities on Saturday, March 28. As part of Brain Injury Awareness Month, Pulley, Watson, King & Lischer, P.A. sponsored "Bike Head First", a bike helmet safety festival.

Chris from The Bicycle Chain fitting a helmet.

Mike O'Foghludha, Managing Partner of the firm,
says he was overwhelmed with the turnout. "As a law firm, we've seen injuries that bike riders can sustain, and want to keep them to a minimum. We wanted to do something to stress the importance of making sure that children never go out and ride without a helmet." Pulley Watson gave away 75 free child-size helmets at the event, and had a drawing for two free bikes.

The Durham Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit enjoyed participating in the event. "We applaud Pulley Watson for their efforts to promote safe biking in the community", said Officer Tammy Schultz. Kids enjoyed an obstacle course run by the Durham City Police, free Ben & Jerry's ice cream, bike helmet fittings by The Bicycle Chain, BB the Clown and a puppet show put on by the Brain Injury Association of North Carolina.

Officer teaching kids bike safety.

Young biker on obstacle course.

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Bike Safety Tips

Bike riding is a lot of fun, but accidents happen. Every year, about 300,000 kids go to the emergency department because of bike injuries. Some of these injuries are so serious that children die, usually from head injuries.

A head injury can mean brain injury. That's why it's so important to wear your bike helmet. Wearing one doesn't mean you can be reckless, but a helmet will provide protection for your head and brain in case you fall down.

Here are some safety tips for riding your bike:

1. Obey traffic signs and signals – The same laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists. Obey all traffic control devices, such as stop signs, lights and lane markings. Always use hand signals to indicate your intention to stop or turn.
2. Never ride against traffic – Bikers should ride behind one another and with the flow of traffic.
3. Follow lane markings – Don't turn left from the right lane. Don't go straight in a lane marked "right-turn only".
4. Don't pass on the right – Motorists may not look for or see a bicycle passing on the right. Learn to scan the road behind you while riding. Look back over your shoulder without swerving, or use a rear-view mirror.
5. Scan the road behind you – Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance or swerving. Be aware of your surroundings.
6. Keep both hands ready to brake – You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain, since brakes are less efficient when wet.
7. Wear a helmet and never ride with headphones – Always wear a properly fitted helmet. Never wear headphones while riding a bike.
8. Dress appropriately – In rain wear a poncho or waterproof suit. Dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes. Wear bright colored clothing. Wear a sturdy helmet to protect your head.
9. Use hand signals – Hand signals tell motorists and pedestrians what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, of courtesy and of self-protection.
10. Ride in the middle of the lane in slower traffic – Get in the middle of the lane at busy intersections and whenever you are moving at the same speed as traffic.
11. Choose the best way to turn left – There are two choices: (1) Like an auto: signal to move into the left turn lane and then turn left. (2) Like a pedestrian: ride straight to the far side crosswalk. Walk your bike across.
12. Make eye contact with motorists – Eye contact is important to let them know you are there.
13. Avoid road hazards – Watch out for potholes, cracks, rocks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks or anything that could make you lose control of your bike.
14. Be visible – Wear brightly colored clothing at all times. At night, use a white front light, red rear light or reflector and reflective tape or clothing.
15. Keep your bike in good repair – Adjust your bike to fit you and keep it working properly. Check brakes and tires regularly. Routine maintenance is simple and you can learn to do it yourself.

Above originally published on WSDOT website.

Download Symptoms PDF

When Your Child's Head Has Been Hurt

Many children who hurt their heads get well and have no long-term problems. Some children have problems that may not be noticed right away. You may see changes in your child over the next several months that concern you. Below are some common signs that your child may have a mild brain injury. If your child has any of the problems on this list – AND THEY DON'T GO AWAY – see the "What to Do" box.

Headaches Including: Headache that keeps coming back Pain in head muscle Pain in head bone (skull) Pain below the ear Pain in the jaw Pain in or around the eyes Sensory Changes Bothered by smells Changes in taste or smell Appetite changes Ringing in the ears Hearing loss Bothered by noises Can't handle normal background noise Feels too hot Feels too cold Doesn't feel temperature at all Blurry vision Seeing double Hard to see clearly (hard to focus) Bothered by light Sleep Problems Can't sleep through the night Sleeps too much Days and nights get mixed up Pain Problems Neck and shoulder pain that happens a lot Other unexplained body pain Trouble Communicating Changes the subject, has trouble staying on topic Has trouble thinking of the right word Has trouble listening Has trouble paying attention, can't have long conversations Does not say things clearly Has trouble reading Talks too much

Balance Problems Dizziness Trouble with balance Behavior and Feelings Changes in personality, mood or behavior: Is irritable, anxious, restless Gets upset or frustrated easily Overreacts, cries or laughs too easily Has mood swings Wants to be alone or away from people Is afraid of others, blames others Wants to be taken care of Does not know how to act with people Takes risks without thinking first Is sad, depressed Doesn't want to do anything, can't "get started" Is tired, drowsy Is slow to respond Trips, falls, drops things, is awkward Eats too little, eats all the time, or eats things that aren't food Has different sexual behavior (older children) Starts using or has a different reaction to alcohol or drugs Takes off clothes in public Thinking Problems Has trouble remembering things Has trouble paying attention Reacts slowly Thinks slowly Takes things too literally, doesn't get jokes Understands words but not their meaning Thinks about the same thing over and over Has trouble learning new things Has trouble putting things in order (desk, room, papers) Has trouble making decisions Has trouble planning, starting, doing and finishing a task Has trouble remembering to do things on time Makes poor choices (loss of common sense)

We have only listed the problems we see most often when a child's brain is hurt. Not every problem that could happen is on this list.