Man Struck by Cement Truck Earns $1.5 Million in Brain Injury Damage Settlement
After being hit in the head by a 50-pound cement chute, John Penner, a normal, hard working married man at age 43, underwent a complete change in character. With the help of Michigan attorney Terry Cochran, the Penner family received $1.5 million in a civil settlement.
Livonia, MI (PRWEB) May 19, 2004 -- John Penner has been granted a $1.5
million settlement as a result of a traumatic brain injury received while
working on a road improvement project for the Wayne County Road
Commission.
But more important than the settlement is that Penner as a
result of the litigation has received the necessary treatment and therapy to
restore him to his family and community after living through a nightmare, says
attorney Terry Cochran who represented Penner and wife Cindy.
"A
traumatic brain injury often is misunderstood by victims, family members,
employers and the public," says Cochran, partner in the law firm of Cochran,
Foley & Associates, PC of Livonia, MI. "What happened to John Penner is a
classic example of how much there is to learn about traumatic brain
injuries."
Penner, 43, of Westland was working as a road field engineer
on May 3, 2000, on a road improvement project on Grand River between Fenkel and
Greenfield. While working Penner was struck on the back of the head by a
50-pound cement chute being lowered by an employee of Koenig Fuel & Supply
Co., Inc.
Penner was knocked to the ground, momentarily lost
consciousness, felt head pain, and was taken to the hospital where he received
five stitches to close the external wound. He returned to work the next day, not
to learn until at least a year later that the accident had caused a traumatic
brain injury.
In the weeks following the accident CAT scans and MRIs were
administered to Penner and the tests showed the brain was normal.
Within
six months of the accident, Penner began to show signs of mood swings,
behavioral disorder, and personality change in addition to headaches, nausea,
ringing in the ears, forgetfulness, and sleeping problems.
After being
diagnosed as being manic-depressive, Penner underwent several treatments
including electroshock therapy and being admitted to a psychiatric hospital
before the traumatic brain injury was diagnosed. The cause of the injury also
was traced to the work accident on May 3, 2000.
"Most often CAT scans and
MRIs do not detect a traumatic brain injury which is a shearing, bruising or
tear done to the brain itself," explains Cochran. "We ordered a Neurological
Psychological Evaluation administered over 6-8 hours by a certified
neuro-psychologist. That test showed what the injury was, what parts of the
brain was not functioning, and what treatment would be
effective."
"Today, John Penner is a contributing member of society who
has been restored to his wife and two children," says Cochran. "When diagnosed
early, traumatic brain injury victims can receive immediate help. Unfortunately,
John Penner suffered greatly and went through a lot in two years but today he
has a very bright future.
For more information about Cochran, Foley
& Associates call 800-322-5543 for a free consultation. Learn more about the
law firm by going to www.cochranfoley.com.
The Law Offices of Cochran, Foley
& Associates, P.C. is dedicated to representing individuals and families who
have suffered catastrophic losses as a result of injuries, disabilities and
death. The firm does not represent insurance companies or corporations but
instead bases its practice upon representing individuals and families.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/5/prweb126898.htm