The Halifax Chronicle Herald recently ran a story titled “Armstrong Can Be Hero Again, Oprah Says“. The story was reporting on Oprah Winfrey’s recent interview with Lance Armstrong where he discussed his use of performance enhancing drugs while he was racing in the Tour de France.
According to Oprah:
“…if he is willing to do the work … he can be a real hero.”
Distracted Driving Presentations for Halifax Students
I have been volunteering with EndDD.org doing presentations for students at Halifax schools about the dangers of distracted driving. So far we have talked to more than 700 students at 5 different schools.
My goal is spread the message to students at every JHS and HS in Halifax. If you are a teacher or part of a Parent Teacher Group (PTG) or a member of your schools’ School Advisory Committee (SAC) and you would like to have us give the presentation to your kids’ school, please contact me through this blog.
The results of a study done by the National Institute of Health (NIH) on the brain of legendary NFL linebacker Junior Seau revealed symptoms consistent with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
Seau, a 12-time Pro Bowler, committed suicide on May 2, 2012. An autopsy revealed no illegal drugs or alcohol in Seau’s body.
Seau’s family offered his brain for the study. The NIH conducted a blind study of 3 brains, one of which were Seau’s, found that Seau’s brain had signs consistent with those found in people who have been exposed to repetitive head injuries.
I recently read an interesting post by my colleague Erik Magraken who writes about injury claims in British Columbia. The article Defence Medico-Legal “Vacuum” Defeats Post Trial Costs Application discussed a claim for costs by ICBC (British Columbia’s provincial auto insurance fund) against a plaintiff who had won at trial but failed to beat a pre-trial settlement offer.
Loser Pays Rule
Canada has what is commonly referred to as a “loser pays” rule. In other words, the party that loses a trial is usually ordered to pay a contribution to the winning party’s legal expenses and out of pocket costs.
I have been asked to post a copy of the article I wrote for the December 14, 2012 issue of The Lawyers Weekly magazine.
Representing Injured Athletes in Canada
Nothing went well for the Detroit Tigers in the World Series, but it could have been worse. I’m talking about game 2 when Tigers pitcher Doug Fister took a line drive to the head from Gregor Blanco.
CTV News is reporting that Halifax Police are investigating three separate car-pedestrian collisions in Halifax in the last 24 hours.
Pedestrians Hit in Crosswalks
All three of the injured pedestrians were in crosswalks when they were hit.
In 1993 Jeffrey Wigand was interviewed as part of an investigative report by 60 Minutes. His efforts to hold the tobacco industry accountable became the subject of a Hollywood movie starring Al Pacino and Russell Crowe.
Last week he took another major step toward bringing down big tobacco, when he testified in a Montreal class action that cigarette companies have been downplaying the potential health risks of their product.
Biggest Class Action in Canadian History?
Caffeine May Help Fight Brain Injury
A short while ago I wrote about the positive effects caffeine can have in fighting Alzheimer’s disease : Don’t Forget the Coffee!
Too Much of a Good Thing?
Hulk Hogan and the Lovely Liz
My youngest son is a big fan of wrestling. So when my wife Liz and I saw superstar wrestler Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea) at a restaurant in Florida, I just had to ask him if I could get a photograph of him with Liz and an autograph for my son.
As you can see, Mr. Bollea was very understanding and patient with my wife and I (and all the other fans who wanted to pose with him for a picture).
Last month Oakland Raiders wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey was on the receiving end of a crunching helmet to helmet hit that saw him unconscious on the field for ten whole minutes. While Heyward-Bey gave the crowd a “thumbs up” as he was stretchered off of the field, it comes as no surprise to anyone that he was later diagnosed with a concussion and neck strain.
Fortunately the young wide receiver is expected to make a full recovery.
If you have watched much football you have likely heard the echoing crunch that comes from a helmet on helmet collision. As a brain injury lawyer I can’t help but cringe every time I hear that noise.
