Snowboarding Accident Provides Tragic Reminder of Serious Risk of Brain Injuries in Athletic and Occupational Environments

San Francisco, CA (Lexis Nexis) January 14, 2010 -- The tragic accident that occurred on New Year's Day, in which top-ranked American snowboarder Kevin Pearce suffered a severe brain injury during training for the Olympic qualifying events, should serve as a poignant reminder of the serious risks of brain injuries in everyday environments, according to renowned brain injury lawyer (http://brain-injury-lawyer.com/) Clifford A. Blackman.

Pearce was injured when he hit his head during a training run in Park City, Utah. The 22 year-old from Vermont is a top-ranked snowboarder in the halfpipe event and is considered to be one of America's top athletes in the sport. He sustained a "severe, traumatic brain injury," according to the physicians caring for him at the University of Utah Hospital's intensive care unit, and is currently in stable condition.

"There are obviously a large number of veterans returning from military conflicts abroad with serious brain injuries, but this tragic accident illustrates that brain injuries also occur in a wide range of accidents in various recreational and occupational environments as well," said Blackman (http://brain-injury-lawyer.com/attorneys/clifford-blackman/), founder and chief executive officer of Blackman Legal Group, a nationwide brain injury law firm. "Anyone who has a friend or loved one who has suffered a brain injury needs to be aware of the serious, lifelong implications of these traumatic injuries. In the rare event that the injury was the result of someone else's negligence or if there is a dispute regarding insurance coverage, these families need to take careful consideration of their rights."

According to Blackman, brain injuries differ (http://brain-injury-lawyer.com/practice-areas/brain-injury-causes/) from other sorts of personal injuries in a few important ways. First of all, they are typically permanent because relatively few of these injuries completely heal. Second, they often involve lifetime economic losses since it's unlikely that the accident victim will be able to return to a high-functioning job. Third, they frequently require long-term assistance as most individuals with brain injuries will need therapy or even permanent medical care for the remainder of their lives.

"Based on our substantial experience with these unique cases, our traumatic brain injury attorneys (http://brain-injury-lawyer.com/practice-areas/identifying-brain-injury/) work with medical specialists and rehabilitation experts from around the country to gain a clear understanding of the extent of a client's brain injury and the effect it will have on their families," explained Blackman. "Our firm has a track record of substantial financial settlements for those who have suffered closed head injuries or traumatic brain injuries."

For more information about the Blackman Legal Group, please visit www.brain-injury-lawyer.com or call 866.528.8115.

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