Hundred’s of accidents happen every month in Georgia, some of them serious. We hear about the injured being taken to the hospital in the news, but that isn’t the end of the story. Do you remember June 12, 2003? Eric Redmon does. You may not know Eric, but June 12th changed his life forever and he will never forget the day. Born January 20, 1987 in Commerce, Georgia Eric led the life of any other high school sophomore. He played football, wrestling and golf. But, on that fateful day Eric’s life changed. He was on his way to a friends birthday party on Highway 326 when he lost control of his Ford Explorer. Flipping over several times, Eric was evacuated by helicopter to Grady Memorial Hospital. Even though Eric was wearing his seat belt he suffered what is known as a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). 1.

In Eric’s case a blood vessel was pinched, which later released into the brain causing permanent damage to his brain. According for the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia:

Of the 1.4 million who sustain a TBI each year in the United States:
* 50,000 die;
* 235,000 are hospitalized; and
* 1.1 million are treated and released from an emergency department.

The Brain Injury Guide states:

There is also an “odd” thing that the brain goes through during a car accident. The brain, which is very soft, is thrown against the front part of the skull, which is very hard, and bruising can happen. But the injury process is not over. The brain, and rest of the body, fly backward. This bouncing of the brain first against the front of the skull and then against the back of the skull, can produce bruises in different parts of the brain. Thus people can have a bruise not only where their foreheads hit the steering wheel, but other areas of the brain as well. Doctors call this a “contra coup” injury.

People seemingly okay following an accident can suffer from these “closed head injuries” to the brain. In Eric’s case it was very obvious he was injured. But, sometimes the brain injuries aren’t so obvious. some brain injured get more and more confused following an accident until they eventually lapse into a coma. You can see why Emergency Medical Technicians at the scene of the accident are so anxious to have people go to a hospital following a car accident. And as a Georgia personal injury law expert, I would urge you to always follow the recommendations of emergency personnel at the scene of an accident. You may “feel” alright, but it is a good idea to go to the hospital if that is what the E.M.T.’s are suggesting.

Eric’s struggle didn’t stop when he was released from the hospital. You see, Eric suffered a brain injury which affected his short term memory and muscle control. Because an area of Eric’s brain was damaged, constant signals are sent to his muscles causing them to be in constant spasm and tightness. Over seven years following the accident Eric still deals with the affects. Not to be deterred, Eric has dedicated himself to raising awareness of those injured by Traumatic Brain Injuries. As a motivational speaker he especially likes to speak with High school students. His message is one of appreciation for what life has to offer, because it could all change in an instant. Eric’s other message is one of hope for the future and the will to change and affect it. His mission continues as he hopes to one day set up a non-profit organization to help those with brain injuries.

We would like to commend Eric Redmon whose passion for life is an inspiration to us all.

Post sources:
http://www.mainstreetnews.com/archives/11604-Accident-victim-promotes-brain-injury-prevention.html
http://ericredmon.com/story.asp
http://www.tbiguide.com/howbrainhurt.html
http://www.biausa.org/aboutbi.htm