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The exciting and intriguing new developments in long term traumatic brain injury (TBI) has arisen thanks to new research which have been revealed recently in the USA by a group of medical facilities and universities.

Although based on a very small sample of cases (only six TBI patients throughout the whole of the States took part in the trial and one of those failed to complete it), the results from the five who did are being hailed as remarkable and included someone who had survived a 450-feet fall.

The experiment was revealed initially in the magazine Nature Medicine and was then taken up by the Harvard Gazette which hailed it as “as a win for science, and patients, against brain injury nihilism”. A professor at Harvard’s Medical School helped to design the study.

The programme took as its theory the suggestion that messages may still be able to travel round a damaged brain if its channels of communication are subjected to electrical stimulation. Battery powered devices were therefore implanted under the patients’ skin and then linked to the thalamus, which routes messages from one part of the brain to another.

The patients were then given a standard test involving attention, inhibition, reasoning, problem-solving and other key aspects of mental processing, and all of them showed improvements of between 15 per cent and 52 per cent.

The volunteers had all suffered moderate to severe TBI from either a motor vehicle accident or a fall which had occurred between three and 18 years earlier, long enough for the patients to be past the immediate post-injury phase when most healing takes place. Each had recovered enough to perform normal daily tasks, but had not regained pre-injury levels of work, study, and social activities.

The usual view of brain injury is that damaged cells cannot regrow, leading to permanent disability. In these research cases, however, the researchers tested an alternative theory that some injuries may disrupt signalling between parts of the brain, and it is sometimes the loss of communication, rather than cell death, that causes much of the TBI damage.

The five volunteers received deep-brain stimulation for 12 hours a day for three months. By the study’s end, the patients had produced an average improvement in test results of 31.75 per cent. The greatest gains, more than 40 per cent, were seen in the two patients who had suffered falls and had the worst initial problems.

Even those with mild impairment improved by more than 20 per cent. Two participants, one injured in a car accident and a second hit by a car while riding a bicycle, regained some ability to work and socialise.

None of the patients were completely cured and the researchers looked upon the implant as having a long-term role like that of a cardiac pacemaker. All five participants still have their devices, and some have had new batteries installed.

The findings have been welcomed by Philip Coulthurst who says: “At Coulthursts, our whole work ethic is about improving the future life hopes and expectations of our clients with TBI, so anything that might enhance our efforts has got to be a good thing.

“We are constantly on the look-out for new developments and cutting-edge treatments that can enhance our client’s long-term outlook, both as part of the recovery and rehabilitation and compensation journey, so we will be watching this progress with Interest.”

For further information, visit A win for science, and patients, against brain injury ‘nihilism’ — Harvard Gazette

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A new nationwide research system costing £9.5 million is underway to revolutionise the way those who have experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are diagnosed and treated, by collating the results from different studies in the UK for the first time.

The scheme, which is being led by the University of Cambridge, is expected to improve the recovery of TBI patients by making more research information available to enable doctors to predict more accurately how those patients are likely to react to different treatments.

The system, which has been named TBI-REPORTER, has created a great deal of interest because TBI is the biggest cause of death and injury in the UK among people under the age of 40 and can leave young patients incapacitated with conditions like epilepsy, dementia and poor mental health for the rest of their lives.

As a result, the scheme will consult closely with the public, patients, and their families through the UK Acquired Brain Injury Forum (UKABIF). In addition, it will actively support research among disadvantaged groups of people who have previously rarely been studied, including prisoners, the homeless and victims of domestic violence.

The programme is being funded jointly by the Medical Research Council (MRC), the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the Ministry of Defence and Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Other educational bodies helping to co-ordinate the work are Imperial College London and the Universities of Glasgow, Sheffield, and Swansea. The eventual aim is that TBI-REPORTER will help to establish a network of hospitals specialising in neuroscience which will share their development of better ways of treating people with TBI.

The intention is that all research data will be shared and will be made available to UK and international researchers. It is hoped that this, in turn, will lead to more people being treated more effectively as doctors become able to predict how a certain injury is likely to affect a patient with TBI, with a view to offering them individually tailored care.

Professor David Menon, Head of the Division of Anaesthesia at the University of Cambridge, who is leading the project, said: “It is a privilege to lead this ambitious platform, which brings together a breadth of experts and draws on the lived experience of TBI survivors and their families. We also believe that our work, in combination with that of international partners, will re-energise drug development in TBI and deliver new treatments for patients.”

Professor John Iredale, Executive Chair of MRC, part of UKRI, said: “We recognise the devastating impacts TBI can have for its survivors and those who care for them, and are determined to improve the status quo.

“This award will capitalise on the UK’s unique scientific strengths to see research into TBI accelerated on a scale not seen before. This will lead to the discoveries we need to give survivors of TBI all around the world a much more hopeful future.”

Alzheimer’s Research UK is supporting the scheme because of growing evidence that TBI can ultimately lead to Alzheimer’s or dementia.

The project will coordinate the collection and processing of human blood and other samples such as dialysis fluid from brain pressure monitoring in critically injured patients with TBI. It is also aiming to organise the archiving of post-mortem and surgical tissue samples in specialist tissue banks.

For further details, go to www.ukri.org/news/research-platform-to-transform-treatment-of-traumatic-brain-injury/ and https://tbi-reporter.uk/

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Coulthursts have further strengthened their legal team with the addition of Jonathan Eastwood to its team of brain injury solicitors and lawyers.

Jonathan, who has nearly 30 years of experience in the personal injury sector, joins Coulthursts after 16 years specialising in assisting claimants with injuries of the utmost severity.

He is particularly skilled at dealing with complex high-value cases which involve clients who have suffered brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations and other severe life changing accidental damage. He also has a wide knowledge of cases involving multiple orthopaedic injuries and trauma, along with psychological damage and painful conditions.

“We are delighted to welcome Jonathan to the Coulthursts team and look forward to the great contribution we know he will make in supporting the increasing number of claimants that are engaging Coulthursts for our expertise and knowledge in the specialist area of traumatic brain injury,” says Coulthursts MD Philip Coulthurst.

Jonathan adds: “I was keen to join Coulthursts because of their ethos of specialising in brain injury work coupled with their unique funding of rehabilitation for clients while still pursuing their claims for damages through the courts.

“This combination of client focus and approachability complement how I like to work with clients, and I am committed to providing clear and helpful advice in guiding my new clients through their life-changing events, securing the best possible legal outcome and, ultimately, enabling them to live as independently as possible.”

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Princess Anne recently sustained a head injury and concussion in a suspected equestrian mishap while out walking on her Gatcombe Park Estate in Gloucestershire.

Firstly, the mere fact that nobody, including the Princess herself, can be entirely sure how the mishap occurred, is a matter of some concern in itself. For the Princess cannot actually remember what happened and that is often a classic symptom of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Secondly, at 73, the Princess is now entering the age group of more mature people who are at greater vulnerability of serious injury and are more likely to suffer serious consequences from knocks which may not affect younger people so severely.

The Princess was detained for several days in Southmead Hospital, Bristol, which is the major trauma centre for the region, and her next eight official engagements were cancelled including an official visit to Canada.

It is ironic that this stoic horsewoman, who competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics and was voted the 1971 BBC Sports Personality of the Year, should be injured not from a riding mishap, but by being kicked or head butted by a horse while she was out for a peaceful Sunday evening walk in the countryside.

The Royals can always be assured of recuperation against a secure financial background. In contrast, less fortunate people may have to do so at a time when their injuries prevent them from ever returning to work.  It is for people in such a difficult position that, when a claim for compensation may be possible, Coulthursts have developed their unique system for providing TBI patients with the up-front resources they may need to recover and rebuild their lives while they pursue a claim for damages.

In many instances of TBI, a claim is perfectly possible, for example if the incident is sustained at a riding school or if you are injured by someone’s horse while out walking in the countryside.

A concussion should always be taken seriously, especially as it has the potential to impact on the life of the person who has sustained the injury and their loved ones.

For further information and support email advice@coulthursts.co.uk

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By Karen Hayes

In the UK, the legal concept of “contributory negligence” is used in cases where someone claiming compensation is partly to blame for the incident in which they were injured. It refers to a situation where the claimant’s own actions contributed to their injury or loss.

The extent to which your own actions contributed to your accident will be considered by a judge when determining the amount of compensation you receive.

But even if you are partly responsible, it does not necessarily mean you cannot make a claim, although it might affect how much you receive. Either the parties can reach an agreement out of Court, or the Court can assess the degree of fault on both sides and apportion liability accordingly.

Here are a couple of examples:

Car Accidents

Contributory negligence in a road accident could be something like not wearing a seatbelt as a driver or passenger. It is deemed that you have not taken precautions to prevent your injuries. If your injuries could have wholly been prevented by wearing a seatbelt your compensation could typically be reduced by 25%, but if the injuries would have only been reduced by a seat belt, then your compensation may only be reduced by 15%.

When deciding who is responsible for an accident in which a pedestrian is struck by a car, the actions of both car driver and pedestrian are reviewed to determine who was mostly at fault. Factors which are considered in assessing pedestrian contributory negligence may include whether the pedestrian crossed the road at a designated crossing, whether they were paying attention to traffic, whether they were intoxicated or were too busy using a mobile phone. Even if the police are involved but do not prosecute the driver for any criminal offence, the pedestrian may still be able to make a claim against the driver’s insurance for injuries and losses if the accident was partly the driver’s fault.

Workplace Accidents

In cases of workplace injuries, if an employee fails to follow safety procedures, misuses equipment or does not use the safety equipment provided, their actions might be considered as contributory negligence. This can then affect their compensation.

Contributory negligence is not a complete bar to making a claim in the UK. Even if you are partly at fault, you may still be entitled to some compensation.

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As Action for Brain Injury Week (20-26 May) gets underway for 2024, this can often be a time of reflection for those who have either survived brain injury or are close to someone who has.

If you or someone close to you is recovering from a brain injury, there are numerous possible causes, which can include a Road Traffic accident, an accident at work, an assault, or a multitude of other types of brain trauma, then navigating through this challenging period can feel overwhelming.

At Coulthursts, our dedicated team are here to support you every step of the way at what is certain to be an extremely daunting time.

What sets Coulthursts apart is that we are not just another law firm; we specialise solely in brain injury cases, and our commitment to our clients goes beyond supporting the best possible outcome in legal proceedings. We believe in a personalised, client centric approach where we prioritise your wellbeing.

From the outset, we can often facilitate and fund early rehabilitation and treatment for our clients, tailored to your specific needs and those of your family. Whether it’s a few hours of support each week or comprehensive care packages, we recognise the critical role early intervention plays in achieving the best possible long-term outcomes.

Financial worries should not compound the stress of recovery. That is why we offer short-term emergency support, which can ease immediate concerns, such as hospital visit costs, and we provide comprehensive financial guidance, ensuring that the individual has the resources to focus on their recovery journey without additional burdens.

At Coulthursts, in addition to securing the best possible outcome with regards to compensation, we are also focused about securing the individual’s future.

We also understand the holistic nature of recovery, which is why we champion activities like art therapy for brain injury survivors. Painting, drawing and other creative outlets not only stimulate brain activity but also foster problem-solving skills, enhance concentration, and boost self-esteem.

Looking for further inspiration and support? Explore the offerings of your local brain injury charities, where you will find a wealth of activities, events and workshops designed to support your journey.

And as you start on your path of recovery, remember to prioritise self-care. Get plenty of rest and avoid activities that are physically demanding.

Together, let’s shine a light on the resilience and strength of brain injury survivors. Your journey is not defined by limitations but by the boundless possibilities.

For further information and support email advice@coulthursts.co.uk

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Coulthursts has strengthened its Business Development capability with the appointment of Melissa Allin, who in her new role as team Head will help the company to support even more survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Melissa joins Coulthursts from Xyla (formerly CHS Healthcare) where she was Client Partner and brings with her an extensive background in client relationship management.

“As Coulthursts continues to grow from strength to strength in providing free legal advice to those who have experienced a traumatic head injury, as well as funds to enable early rehabilitation, Melissa joins us with an extensive background in client relationship management and 19 years of invaluable experience in the field of business development, with a significant portion of her career dedicated to the healthcare sector,” explains Philip Coulthurst, MD.

“Melissa’s passion lies in making a tangible difference in people’s lives and forging long term relationships built on integrity, making her a perfect fit for Coulthursts who share these values.”

Melissa adds: “I found Coulthursts particularly appealing due to its mission of improving the lives of individuals affected by brain injuries.

“There is a clear opportunity to forge strong partnerships and develop business strategies aimed at empowering these individuals. My goal is to ensure they receive the necessary support for a brighter, more promising future, characterised by high-quality specialist care that optimises long-term outcomes, which is very much the aim of Coulthursts as the brain injury lawyers.”

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Coulthursts, the UK’s only law firm specialising entirely in pursuing claims for people with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), has moved to larger premises as part of a significant expansion plan to fight for fairer compensation for more survivors of TBI.

The brain injury lawyers have made the move to new offices in King Street, Manchester, to coincide with a staff recruitment drive aimed at increasing the depth of their legal expertise.

The firm, which supports claimants throughout the UK, has experienced a phenomenal increase in demand for its services since it pioneered a unique way of helping new clients by meeting some of the upfront costs for resources which kick start their rehabilitation before launching the legal process which will ultimately pay for it.

The scheme – which has been developed by the firm’s founders, experienced personal injury solicitor Philip Coulthurst, and medical practitioner Dr Richard Newland – has helped to speed up the process and greatly enhanced  the outcome for the firm’s clients.

At Coulthursts, the number of clients each lawyer has is very low, and much lower than many other firms. This has been a welcome surprise to the lawyers joining Coulthursts and means they have more time for each client and their families.

Coulthursts feel this is important on many levels, including to help avoid unnecessary delay and shorten the length of cases. It also gives each lawyer the time to focus on achieving the best result for each client, not only the compensation, but also the support, rehabilitation and quality of life

Brain Injury Solicitor Karen Hayes, who joined Coulthursts in November 2022, explains: “Over my 26 years’ experience of dealing with catastrophic and brain injured clients, for a variety of firms, I usually would have between 35-50 clients.

“Now, I only have around five clients to dedicate my time and focus my attention on. This is an anomaly, not an industry norm.”

Philip Coulthurst, who has more than 20 years’ experience as a solicitor, with a specialty in brain Injury, adds: “We are excited about our office move because it will continue serving our expanding needs.

“We are also excited about the quality of the people who make up our legal team and this will only become more enhanced as we continue to recruit.

“Enabling the recovery of our clients is always our first priority and this is why, long before any legal settlement is reached for them, we are often able to support their ongoing rehabilitation.

“Expediting the provision of therapy and specialist treatment for severely injured people not only speeds up their recovery, but also improves the quality of life they finally achieve. This is also why we work closely with a growing number of the UK’s leading charities and neurorehabilitation treatment centres in our specialist legal field of TBI.”

To ensure that the service provided to clients is the best possible, Coulthursts are always studying the latest developments in scientific research into the causes and treatment of TBI

They also keep a continuous watch on a panorama of changing social trends which could affect the legal rights of TBI patients. These can range from a greater understanding of long term sports injuries to the future implications of road accidents involving driverless cars.

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By Karen Hayes

In recent years, the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Parliamentary Group has played a vital role in raising awareness, advocating change, and supporting individuals and families affected by acquired brain injuries.  After a temporary hiatus, the group made a triumphant return in 2023, reinvigorating its efforts to address the pressing issues surrounding ABI.  In this blog, we will explore the significance of the ABI Parliamentary Group’s return and highlight some of the key accomplishments so far.

Re-establishing a Platform for Collaboration

The return of the ABI Parliamentary Group has provided a much-needed platform for collaboration among lawmakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and solicitors specialising in brain injury cases.  By bring together diverse perspectives, the group facilitates discussions on policy reform, resource allocation, and the implementation of best practices.  This renewed collaboration has already shown promising outcomes in terms of promoting a comprehensive approach to supporting individuals with ABI.

Raising Awareness and Advocacy

One of the primary objectives of the ABI Parliamentary Group is to raise awareness about acquired brain injuries and advocate for improved support services and legal frameworks.  Through targets campaigns, parliamentary debates and public events, the group aims to ensure that ABI is recognised as a significant public health issue.  By highlighting the challenges faced by survivors and their families, the group strives to influence policy decisions and secure necessary funding for vital services.

Addressing Legal Issues and Reform

Solicitors specialising in acquired brain injury cases have long been at the forefront of advocating for legal reforms to better support their clients.  The ABI Parliamentary Group acts as a crucial ally in this endeavour, offering a platform to discuss legal challenges, proposed reforms, and the need for enhanced legal protections.  By collaborating with solicitors, the group helps shape legislation that addresses the unique needs of individuals with ABI, ensuring their rights are protected and their access to justice improved.

Supporting Research and Innovation

The ABI Parliamentary Group recognises the importance of research and innovation in advancing our understanding of acquired brain injuries and improving rehabilitation and support strategies.  By working closely with researchers, the group promotes investment in research projects, encourages knowledge sharing, and helps translate research findings into practical solutions.  This collaboration between parliamentarians, solicitors, and researchers contributes to a holistic approach that benefits individuals with ABI and their families.

The return of the Acquired Brain Injury Parliamentary Group marks a significant milestone in the ongoing fight for improved support and legal protections for individuals affected by ABI.  By re-establishing a platform for collaboration, raising awareness, addressing legal issues, and supporting research and innovation, the group is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of those living with ABI.

Coulthursts  Solicitors, is a specialist brain injury firm. We understand the impact that ABI has on not only those diagnosed with such an injury, but also their loved ones.  We obtain specialist treatment, care and rehabilitation to help those individuals with ABI to achieve their goals to enable them to lead their life to the fullest.

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By Karen Hayes

The Highway Code serves as a crucial set of rules and guidelines for all road users in the United Kingdom and helps to ensure the safety and efficiency of our roads. In 2022, several significant changes were made to the Highway Code, impacting both motorists and pedestrians.  Uniquely specialising in representing people with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI),  Coulthursts stays up to date with these modifications to effectively advise our clients involved in Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) and related legal matters. Brain injury solicitor Karen Hayes explores the key changes introduced to the Highway Code and discusses the implications.

1. Introduction of the ‘Dutch Reach’: One of the notable additions to the Highway Code in 2022 was the introduction of the ‘Dutch Reach.’ This technique involves using the hand furthest from the door (usually the left hand for UK drivers) to open car doors. By adopting this method, motorists are encouraged to check for cyclists and other vulnerable road users before exiting their vehicles. This change can impact cases involving ‘car door accidents’.
2. Priority for pedestrians and cyclists at junctions: To promote active travel and enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists, the 2022 Highway Code update introduced a change in priority at junctions.  This change was codifying the stance the Courts have taken for a long time in dealing with these vulnerable road users who are the people most likely to sustain a serious TBI in the event of an RTA. Motorists are therefore now expected to give way to pedestrians and cyclists waiting to cross or turning into their path. This shift could have implications for us handling cases involving accidents at junctions and potential disputes regarding right of way.
3. Increased penalties for mobile phone use while driving: With the aim of deterring distracted driving, the penalties for using a mobile phone while driving were significantly increased in 2022. Offenders can now face higher fines, more penalty points on their driving license, and even disqualification from driving in severe cases. Coulthursts is well-versed in the updated penalties and can provide accurate advice to our TBI clients.
4. Guidance on safe passing distances: To enhance safety for vulnerable road users, the updated Highway Code provided clearer guidance on safe passing distances. Motorists are now advised to leave a minimum distance of 1.5 metres when passing cyclists and horse riders, where possible. This change emphasizes the duty of care drivers owe to these vulnerable road users and may have implications when representing injured cyclists or horse riders who sustain a TBI after being involved in accidents.
5. New guidance for electric vehicle drivers: Given the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), the 2022 Highway Code update included specific guidance for EV drivers. It covers topics such as charging etiquette, parking considerations, and the importance of ensuring vehicles are left in a safe state while charging. We may encounter cases involving EV-related incidents or disputes, and familiarity with these guidelines will be invaluable in providing accurate legal advice.

As solicitors, it is crucial to remain informed about the changes introduced in the Highway Code, as they directly impact the legal landscape surrounding road traffic accidents and related matters. By understanding the 2022 modifications, such as the ‘Dutch Reach,’ revised priority at junctions, increased penalties for mobile phone use, guidance on safe passing distances, and specific guidelines for electric vehicle drivers, Coulthursts can effectively navigate and advocate for clients with TBI in these evolving legal scenarios.

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