Course Description

 

The Analysis of Brain Injury Claims

 

The Analysis of Brain Injury Claims course is designed to familiarize adjusters and litigators with important aspects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) claims from a neurological standpoint.  The module is presented by Dr. Steven Carter, a Licensed Psychologist.

 

Dr. Carter begins by defining traumatic brain injury, identifying the causes and symptoms of TBI, and pointing out trouble areas in diagnosis. He also explains what insurance professionals should be looking for when reviewing medical records obtained during discovery.  The instructor next discusses the neuropsychological examination issues including the Glasgow Coma Score, structural imaging, functional imaging, electro physical techniques, and neuropsychological assessment issues.

 

After completing the course, the attendee will be able to better understand brain injury losses, the importance of certain types of discovery, the relevance and applicability of certain tests and imaging, and defenses to allegations of brain injury.  Specifically the attendee will be able to explain the mechanisms of mechanical injury such as from an auto accident or a fall; explain the importance of premorbid issues as they relate to claims for loss of neurological function; list causes of brain injury other than mechanical injury; list key terms one might find when reviewing medical records concerning TBI; list the elements required for an assessment of dementia due to brain trauma; explain the distinction between a closed head injury and TBI; list records that should be sought in discovery for purposes of establishing premorbid function; describe symptom latency and its relevance to recovery from brain injury; calculate Glasgow Coma Scores; list the components of the meninges and hemorrhage types found in the meninges; explain the types of neuroimaging techniques, their purposes, and the limitations of each; and list errors that can lead to incorrect neuropsychological assessment.

 

The course is designed for practitioners and insurance professionals working in the area of third-party liability insurance coverage and litigation.