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March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, an important time dedicated to increasing public understanding and support for the millions impacted by brain injuries. What can we do to prevent these injuries, support affected individuals, and create a society that's better informed about brain injury risks and consequences? This article will walk you through preventative measures, support networks, and the Brain Injury Association of America's (BIAA)’s vital role in this annual observance. Understanding Brain Injury Awareness Month Brain Injury Awareness Month shines as a beacon of hope and education, connecting with service members, veterans, family members, and healthcare professionals. Its mission is to: Enlighten people about brain injuries, their consequences, and methods of prevention Promote awareness through the Provide storytelling toolkits to inspire individuals to share their personal experiences The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) is spearheading this initiative. The "My Brain Injury Journey" campaign significantly contributes to this awareness initiative. They encourage individuals and service members to use social media as a platform to share their personal traumatic brain injury tales, thereby raising greater awareness. Throughout the month, the BIAA hosts various events, including webinars that explore topics like health literacy, care disparities, and treating brain injuries as chronic conditions. The essence of Brain Injury Awareness Month lies not only in the efforts to spread awareness but also involved in fostering an empathetic and informed community, aiming to raise awareness about various types of brain injuries. So, whether it's a head injury, stroke, or concussion you're dealing with, knowing that you're not alone can be incredibly empowering. Impact of TBI Injuries Traumatic brain injuries are a worldwide issue, with millions affected. According to the National Library of Medicine, there were approximately 27.16 million new cases and 48.99 million existing cases globally. In the U.S., a brain injury happens every 9 seconds, resulting in at least one death and 2.8 million new traumatic brain injuries each year. With 5.3 million adults and children in the U.S. living with disabilities due to brain injuries, the long-term effects of these injuries are profound. These can manifest as: Memory loss Impaired reasoning Problem-solving difficulties Changes in sensory processing Changes in physical capabilities Quick action is essential when symptoms like headaches, confusion, dizziness, or nausea appear after a traumatic brain injury, as conditions such as concussions may present immediate symptoms with the potential for delayed symptoms to emerge. A diverse team approach, incorporating specialists from the following fields, is often necessary for the treatment of traumatic brain injuries: Physical medicine Rehabilitation psychology Physical therapy Occupational therapy Speech therapy Social work While traumatic brain injury rates are dropping globally, socio-demographic differences still impact how common these injuries are in different places and access to healthcare. Acquired Brain Injury: Causes and Prevention Acquired brain injuries occur post-birth and are not attributed to genetics, birth trauma, degeneration, or congenital conditions. These injuries can be caused by various factors such as accidents, infections, or strokes. They can be categorized as traumatic or non-traumatic. Traumatic brain injuries typically arise from an external force resulting in trauma. Some common causes of these injuries include: Slip and Falls Road injuries Conflict and war On the other hand, non-traumatic brain injuries can result from internal events like strokes and infections or exposure to toxins or certain drugs. Avoiding non-traumatic brain injuries involves managing health conditions like hypertension to prevent strokes, getting vaccinations to prevent infections, and avoiding exposure to brain-harming toxins and substances. Reducing Risk: Practical Tips for Brain Injury Prevention Mitigating the risk of brain injuries is a simple task. It often boils down to simple, everyday life choices like using seat belts, refraining from impaired driving, and educating children about the importance of safety. Helmet safety in sports and removing trip hazards at home are two vital areas that can help significantly reduce the risk of brain injuries, especially among older adults. Helmet Safety and Sports Participation Whether tearing down a ski slope, riding a motorcycle, or participating in contact sports, wearing appropriate headgear is a non-negotiable safety measure. It not only prevents head injuries and concussions but also shields your brain from potential damage. For optimal protection, a helmet should be worn correctly. Here are some guidelines to follow to wear helmets well: It should sit level on the head and low on the forehead. The straps should form a 'V' when buckled under the ears. The straps should be snug but comfortable, especially when the mouth is wide open. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your helmet provides the best possible protection. But not all helmets are created equal. Always ensure that your helmet meets the safety standards appropriate for the specific sport or activity. Look for relevant certifications to ensure the helmet provides reliable head protection. Fall Prevention for Older Adults Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries worldwide, underscoring the importance of fall prevention, particularly in older adults. Strategies to prevent falls encompass: Exercise to enhance balance and coordination Hazard-proofing homes Reviewing medications Wearing suitable footwear Healthcare providers hold a significant role in preventing falls. They can recom mend assistive devices, conduct regular eye exams and check-ups, and discuss specific fall prevention measures with older adults. Brain Injury Awareness Month is a timely cue of the importance of f all prevention to avoid brain injuries in children and older people. Educating and rallying community support can collectively mitigate the risk of these potentially life-altering incidents. Supporting Individuals with Brain Injuries Providing support for individuals with brain injuries extends beyond medical treatment. Financial support for long-term care can be a lifeline for many with acquired brain injury. Emotional support is equally important. Support groups offer a break for families and caregivers, a crucial resource for relieving caregiver burnout. Comprehensive information about brain injuries, their treatment, diagnosis, and available support can be accessed through the BIAA's website and helpline. In addition, the BIAA provides individuals with advocacy tools like the Policy Corner newsletter and letter-writing campaigns. These empower individuals to contribute to policy changes for brain injury support, making them active participants in the cause. Participating in Brain Injury Awareness Month Events There are numerous ways to participate in Brain Injury Awareness Month events. Sharing personal brain injury stories can empower survivors, reduce stigma, and foster greater understanding. The BIAA's #MyBrainInjuryJourney campaign encourages using specific social media hashtags to amplify these personal narratives. Throughout March, Brain Injury Awareness Month, the BIAA and its affiliates sponsor numerous virtual and in-person events. These events aim to educate the public about traumatic brain injury, spreading awareness and encouraging support. Advocacy initiatives, like letter-writing campaigns, are also predominant during Brain Injury Awareness Month. These initiatives support legislation such as reauthorizing the Traumatic Brain Injury Act, enabling individuals to contribute to meaningful policy changes. Uniting for Brain Injury Prevention and Support Advocacy From understanding the significance of Brain Injury Awareness Month to exploring research on the impact of traumatic brain injuries, we've delved into the multifaceted world of brain injuries. We've uncovered strategies for prevention, critical tips for risk reduction, the importance of support, and how participation in awareness events can make a difference. With Brain Injury Awareness Month, it's crucial to remember the impact of our actions. Whether sharing experiences, promoting helmet use, or advocating for change, every effort matters. Let's persist in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and prioritizing prevention. Each step is a stride towards a safer, more informed community. At Recovery Law Center, we offer support and legal guidance to those affected. Together, we can shape a future where brain injuries are minimized.

Getting hurt on Halloween can be more than scary. You can protect your children by following these eight Halloween safety tips from our Honolulu personal injury lawyers at Recovery Law Center. Tips for Staying Safe on Halloween 1. Costume choices It’s not just about winning a costume contest. A frightening statistic reveals that pedestrian motor vehicle crashes kill more children on Halloween than on any other day. Make your child’s costume safe by using reflective materials. Have your child use flashlights and blinking lights so that drivers can see them. In addition, make sure your child’s costume isn’t too long or bulky in a way that may cause a fall. 2. Paths and sidewalks Keep your group on sidewalks and paths wherever you can. Consider trick-or-treating in areas with light traffic. Cross the street carefully, using crosswalks whenever possible. 3. Safe footwear While ghosts don’t worry about slipping and falling, you don’t want a fall to bring trick-or-treating to an early end. Your child’s footwear is essential. Ensure their shoes fit properly and are equipped with treads and grooves that enhance grip and prevent slipping. 4. Masks Many Halloween costumes have masks, but they can create a danger if your child can’t see. Your child needs to see others around them, and they need to see cars. They need to see the ground where they’re walking. If your child wants to wear a mask, make sure they can see, or have them pull the mask off between stops. 5. Fire Jack-o-lanterns are fun to make and display, and they can also cause fires. Candles cause 2% of home fires. When you’re showing off your pumpkin-carving skills, always stay in the room with a lit candle. Move your jack-o-lantern away from drapes and other hazards. Paper bags with flames inside them are not a good idea, whether outside or inside. Use lights instead. 6. Driveway dangers If you expect trick-or-treaters at your house, remove trip and fall hazards. Remove slippery leaves, mulch and uneven mats that may cause a fall. 7. Vulnerable property Travelers Insurance reports a 17% increase in crime-related claims on Halloween. They say that people may think committing a crime on Halloween is okay. They may also be opportunistic, knowing that people are distracted or away from their homes. Secure your home, vehicle and, personal belongings. Remain aware of your surroundings. 8. Plan with your child Discuss the night’s plan with your child. If they’re young, go with them. If they’re going out independently on their own, discuss routes, timelines, who they’ll be with, and when to return. Remind them to use sidewalks and crosswalks. Tell them to slow down and be mindful. They should know how to reach you if they need help. Be Safe this Halloween! At Recovery Law Center, we make our community a better place by fighting for the rights of adults and children unjustly hurt. We’re in the recovery with you when life gets scary.

Recovery Law Center founding attorney Glenn T. Honda was recently profiled as a featured client in Crisp’s Game Changers Journal. Crisp, a company specializing in law firm growth and culture, highlighted Honda’s steadfast commitment to clients as a standout part of his Honolulu personal injury practice. “What is it that has kept Glenn on top of the personal injury game for over 25 years? It’s simple: He cares about his clients — and he’s never wavered,” the article says. “He’s put his clients before himself time and time again, and it’s paid off.” Recovery Law Center has represented over 5,000 clients in matters involving motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, and wrongful death. “We try to keep in mind that people are not in the best place when they come to us, so we try to use empathy and efficiency to enhance the client experience,” Honda told the Journal. Honda partners with Crisp to learn best practices for law firm management, balancing workloads, adapting to changes in a busy market, and developing strategies for personal and professional growth. The strategies he’s learned make him look forward to every day in the office. “It’s a privilege to help people through some of their darkest times and reach a positive outcome,” he says. “It’s not about how many cases we get. It’s about ensuring the cases we handle get results that make a difference in a person’s life.”

You Don’t Need to Leave the House to Meet with Our Lawyers. Concerned About Coronavirus? We all have a duty to keep ourselves, our families, our neighbors, and our communities safe right now. This means temporarily reshaping the way we live our lives to combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). At Recovery Law Center we are taking this duty seriously and are practicing the “social distancing” guidelines recommended by health officials. To ensure you still have access to us, our lawyers are available to meet with you remotely so we can answer your legal questions and discuss your case. Across the nation, people are limiting in-person contact as much as possible to help slow the spread of the virus and allow our health care system to operate within its capacity. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to provide important guidance about what we all can do to protect ourselves and others from exposure. (Visit the CDC website for the most up-to-date information and recommendations.) During this challenging time, our attorney remains available to talk about your legal issues over the phone or via free video conferencing services such as: GoToMeeting Facetime Skype Zoom If you are ready to speak with a lawyer now, please contact us to schedule your free consultation. Our team can meet with you remotely and get started on your case immediately without having to talk in person. Our business is not being interrupted and we are available 24/7 via our website chat or phone. *Originally published March 2020, updated September 2020.

People travel from all over the world to visit the beautiful islands of Hawaii. For those of us who live here year-round, we enjoy experiencing all the events in Honolulu and beyond, especially around the holidays. Read more below to find out about some exciting events coming up on Oahu. Top Five “Can’t Miss” Events in Honolulu Get into the holiday spirit at Honolulu City Lights. This holiday lighting display has taken place every year since 1985. Enjoy concerts and family-friendly events through December 29, including on Christmas Day. Parking is free in the city municipal parking lot, with entry from the left lane of Beretania Street right after Alapai Street. Just because Christmas is over doesn’t mean the magic has to end. Attend the International Brotherhood of Magicians 185’s 8th Annual Hawaii Magic Festival on December 29. The event will be held in Honolulu’s Kaimuki High School Auditorium and starts at 7 p.m. This is a fantastic Hawaii event for families, so bring the kids and spend the evening being mystified by award-winning magic acts from around the islands. The Hawaii Bowl has been played at Honolulu’s Aloha Stadium annually since 2002. This year, the college football bowl game will take place on Christmas Eve and will feature the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors against the Brigham Young University Cougars. Out-of-towners fill the stadium with their team colors and energy, making for an exciting day. The Hawaii Convention Center is hosting Winter Wishes — A Holiday Festival through December 24. The event features an ice-skating rink, a gingerbread house competition, music, keiki activities and food and drink. Part of the proceeds will benefit childhood literacy in Hawaii in partnership with Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation. Don’t forget the Waikiki Beach Fireworks Show every Friday night. This is an event that you can enjoy all year long. The Hilton Hawaiian Village puts on this free fireworks show, which typically begins around 7:45 p.m. Start your weekend off with a bang by watching from the concrete pier in front of the Outrigger Reef on the Beach. Contact Recovery Law Center For over 25 years, Honolulu personal injury attorney Glenn Honda has helped locals, tourists, military service members and others injured in accidents in Honolulu and its surrounding communities. If you were harmed in an Oahu accident and believe someone else is to blame, you’ll find a sympathetic ear and solid legal advice with us. Contact Recovery Law Center today for a free consultation.

Customers should not have to be concerned with personal safety when shopping or visiting stores and restaurants. Business and property owners in Hawaii should always welcome visitors with a safe environment. Premises liability laws in the state of Hawaii and across the country say that property and business owners are responsible for the safety and protection of all visitors lawfully on their property. However, things like tools or water left on the floor from routine maintenance can turn into dangerous hazards that have the potential to cause injuries to customers. A woman and her child recently settled a lawsuit against a McDonald's restaurant in another state after a fall in the restaurant resulted in injuries. According to the lawsuit, the woman and her child visited the restaurant and encountered water on the floor. The woman claimed the water caused her child to slip and fall. The fall resulted in injuries to the child, the lawsuit claimed. The alleged injuries included right arm and right elbow injuries, as well as injuries to the child's knee and general body soreness. The lawsuit alleged that even though employees were aware of the potential hazardous condition, there was no signage displayed to warn customers. The lawsuit was recently settled out of court. The plaintiffs sought $1 million in damages. When hazardous conditions on a property result in injuries to legal visitors, business and property owners can be held liable. Those in Hawaii who suffer injuries due to the hazardous conditions on a property may be able to file a premises liability lawsuit. A successful claim could result in much-needed compensation to cover medical expenses and other financial damages accrued due to injuries. Source: setexasrecord.com, " Slip & fall against Beaumont McDonald's settles before trial, plaintiffs sought $1M in damages ", David Yates, April 2, 2018 Visit our Premises Liability Lawyer Office in Honolulu, HI Premises Liability Lawyer Office in Waipahu, HI