“Riddle Me This:” HGD Holds 2nd Annual “Brain Freeze Challenge” to Support Alabama Head Injury Foundation

The team at Heninger Garrison Davis held our second annual “Brain Freeze Challenge” in conjunction with our community partner, Alabama Head Injury Foundation (AHiF), to bring awareness to the many challenges faced by those who have suffered from a traumatic brain injury. Scott Powell, Executive Director of AHiF, was on hand to share the many benefits that the foundation provides to people who have suffered a traumatic brain or spinal injury. AHIF’s incoming Birmingham Regional Board president is HGD attorney, Brandy Robertson.

Michelle Lunsford and Brandy Robertson

One of the specialized practice areas for HGD is Brain and Spinal Injury, and the team often works with clients who have suffered devastating injuries. Michelle Lunsford was the special guest speaker who spoke to the staff of HGD about her experience with losing her daughter six months ago due to distracted driving. 

Distracted driving continues to be the number one leading cause of car accidents in America. Talking on the phone, texting, eating, reading, grooming, and talking are just some of the ways drivers get distracted behind the wheel. Additionally, motor vehicle accidents are the 3rd leading cause of Traumatic Brain Injury. Michelle’s message about distracted driving is an important and timely one. Dr. Tyler Bell and Dr. Ben McManus from the UAB TRIP lab were also on hand with the distracted driving simulator. 

Pam Rasberry, Honza Prchal, Dr. Tyler Bell and Dr. Ben McManus watch as Anna Carroll uses the Distracted Driving simulator from the UAB Trip Lab

One way to help with recovery from a TBI is to exercise the brain with puzzles, riddles, and other cognitive games. The theme for HGD’s Brain Freeze Challenge this year was “Riddle Me This, Riddle Me That,” and included a contest to solve a list of the Riddlers’ riddles. Jeanie Sleadd won the contest, and Brian Stack and Caroline Hollingsworth tied for 2nd place.

 

Ken Henry, Bill Bross, and Mary Phillips

 

Pam Putman, Jeanie Sleadd, and Desiree Dodd

 

Blair Clinton, Honza Prchal, and Lori Prince

One of the life-altering side-effects involved in a TBI is a similar aching in the skull to what is recognized as the “brain freeze” that occurs after consuming a cold item too quickly. For that reason, the Brain Freeze Challenge helps bring awareness to what those who are suffering from a TBI may experience, as well as highlight the AHiF resources available to those who have experienced one.

If you would like to contribute to the Alabama Head Injury Foundation, please follow the below link to make a tax-free contribution.

Brandy Robertson AHiF Giving Page

Pam Rasberry, Lisa Williams, and Tzena Gauldin

About AHiF:

A true 5013-C non-profit agency, AHIF employs Resource Coordinators across the state who work with clients and their caregivers.

Specific services include the following:
1.  Identification of local resources to aid with home modification and/or independent living.
2.  Support in securing appropriate Medicaid/Medicare/Disability payments.
3.  Financial Management
4.  Support in securing donated or discounted medical equipment
5.  Recreational Support Group meetings for clients and their caregivers.

6. AHIF provides respite care to caregivers, giving them, at no cost, a brief break from the demands of 24/7 care of a loved one.

7.  AHIF provides a weekend camp for survivors at Camp ASCCA.  Camp provides survivors with a special and unique time of recreation and fellowship.

Michelle Lunsford, Scott Powell, and Brandy Robertson

 

Anna Carroll, Donna Hunter and Erik Heninger

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5 Simple Measures to Help Prevent Medication Errors

Of the people who are 65 years of age or older in this country, 90% take at least 1drug per week, more than 40% take at least 5 different drugs per week, and 12% take 10 or more drugs per week. This high volume of drug intake leads to many challenges in managing and implementing accurate dosing. Having a medication management plan is crucial. Studies have shown that adverse drug reactions are the cause of 3.5 million physician visits yearly and the cause of 1 million emergency department visits yearly. 30% of those hospitalized will have at least one issue regarding prescription medication. This issue is particularly evident in the elderly community, as studies have shown that one third of this population is hospitalized each year due to medication errors. Much of these errors could be avoided using the simple practices listed below:

1. Always take notes during doctors’ visits and be aware of the medications you are taking.

Ask your doctor simple questions like:

• What is this medication for?
• How long do I take it/when do I take it?
• Are there any likely side effects? What should be done if these occur?
• Is this medicine safe to take with other medication as well as nutritional and dietary supplements?

2. Make sure your actual prescription from the pharmacy matches what your doctor prescribed.

Doctors and pharmacists are human, too. Mistakes are often made regarding the strength and even type of medication. Double check the prescription your doctor prescribed when picking up medications from your pharmacist to make sure it is a match to the name and strength.

3. Alert your doctor to all of all your medical history, including all medications and supplements you are taking AND any allergies or previous adverse side effects from medications.

First thing let your doctor know of any allergies you have to medicataion, prescription and or nonprescription. Also, older people are more susceptible to the side effects of drugs  due to several biological factors. This includes not only prescription medications, but over the counter medications, dietary supplements, and nutritional supplements such as vitamins and herbs.

4. Find the best way to organize your medications that works for you.

Utilizing weekly pill organizers can prevent taking the same medication too frequently or not taking it at all. Ask you pharmacy if they offer a pill pack type service. If available, the pharmacy will put together all of your daily medications into one simple packet for you with instructions on when to take by day and time, including any over the counter vitamins and medications.

5. Be aware of time administration and set up reminders to insure you take all medications as prescribed.

Medications come with directions that are clear and concise. Following the administered time and frequency of medication as ordered by your doctor is critical. Physicians and health care providers often suggest setting reminders for taking medications on your phone, computer or daily planner.

Prescription drugs can help us all live a more healthy and productive life— if they are managed and taken correctly. Older age alone does not make people less likely to take drugs as directed. However, up to half of older people do not take drugs as directed. Adding the suggested measures above can help to prevent you or a loved one from improperly taking a prescribed medication.

 

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4 Heninger, Garrison & Davis, LLC lawyers named to 2019 Best Lawyers® list

L-R: Steve Heninger, Erik Heninger, Lew Garrison, and Callen Sparrow

August 14, 2018 — Heninger, Garrison & Davis, LLC is pleased to announce that 4 lawyers have been included in the 2019 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. Congratulations to Lew Garrison, Erik Heninger, Steve Heninger, and Callen Sparrow.  This marks the 30th year that Steve Heninger has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America.

Best Lawyers has published their list for over three decades, earning the respect of the profession, the media, and the public as the most reliable, unbiased source of legal referrals. Its first international list was published in 2006 and since then has grown to provide lists in over 75 countries.

“Best Lawyers was founded in 1981 with the purpose of highlighting the extraordinary accomplishments of those in the legal profession. After three decades, we are proud to continue to serve as the most reliable, unbiased source of legal referrals worldwide,” says CEO Phillip Greer.

Lawyers on The Best Lawyers in America list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers on the basis of professional expertise, and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing.

Heninger, Garrison & Davis, LLC would like to again congratulate the following lawyers named to 2019 The Best Lawyers in America list:

• W. Lewis Garrison – Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
• Erik S. Heninger – Litigation – Insurance
• Stephen D. Heninger – Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
• J. Callen Sparrow – Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs

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HGD Wins $1.4 Million Judgment in Electronic Bingo Case

HGD recently achieved a $1.4 million judgment in an electronic bingo case in Greene County, Alabama. The judgment resulted when defendants refused to produce responses to discovery requests for documents or respond to any orders compelling them to produce evidence. The case involved breach of contract and fraud involving the electronic bingo. Steve Heninger represented the plaintiffs in this case.

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