Ponca City Personal Injury Law Blog

When you encounter aggressive driving or road rage on an Oklahoma roadway, you are probably not too concerned with the differences between the two.

Stopping at a red light is such a basic traffic rule that children understand the concept, but there are still many drivers who fail to comply.

Many people assume that traveling by bus is one of the safest forms of transportation, and there is truth to this assumption.

There was a time when cruise control and seat belts represented the latest and greatest in automotive safety features, and airbags came along just a few years later.

Getting proper medical care is a priority after any accident, and this is certainly true for employees who are hurt on the job.

Being involved in a car accident is already a devastating experience, so it is frustrating to learn that the motorist responsible for hitting you is not legally authorized to drive.

It is not surprising that e-scooter sharing services have exploded in popularity in Tulsa just as they have across the US.

Motor vehicle crashes claim lives and cause thousands of injuries, but it is important to remember how expansive the list of casualties may be.

Even if you rely on other forms of transportation to get around for long distances, everyone is a pedestrian sharing the road with motorized vehicles at some point during their daily routine.

Truck accidents comprise less than 5% of the total traffic crashes throughout Oklahoma every year, but they tend to cause significant damage and destruction when they do occur.

In short, there is never a legal requirement that you retain a car accident lawyer after being injured in a traffic crash.

Car accidents remain a threat on Oklahoma highways, state roads, and city streets of Tulsa, but a look at the data puts things into perspective in terms of the risk.

Truck accidents are among the most destructive, devastating types of traffic crashes on Oklahoma highways, and statistics indicate that they happen quite frequently.

Unintentional injuries are a leading cause of fatalities and injuries in the US, and there is a wide range of accidents that impact victims.

Like all other US states, Oklahoma traffic laws impose certain duties upon motorists who are involved in traffic crashes.

There is a saying that summer is road work season in the US, but the truth is that there are various projects going on across Oklahoma throughout the year

Oklahoma roads and adjacent spaces are designed for many types of road users, so traffic laws must also accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians in addition to motorized vehicles. Instead of enacting a separate set of rules, state laws do apply and exist for the safety of all – including bike riders.

The dangers of texting and driving have been known for many years, prompting lawmakers in Oklahoma and many other US states to enact legislation regarding use of cell phones behind the wheel.

Statutes banning drinking and driving have been on the books in every US state for decades, yet statistics indicate that DUI collisions remain a threat to all road users.

You get rear-ended by another driver. You try to give them your insurance information, but they refuse to give you theirs. Instead, they offer you a wad of cash. What should you do? Should you accept it?

When an employee is injured while performing their work duties, they can receive workers’ compensation benefits under Oklahoma law. But what if you suffer a workplace injury, inform your supervisor, and are subsequently terminated? Well, that is where things get a bit tricky.

You just got into an accident while riding your motorcycle. You were wearing a helmet, so you escaped with just a few bumps and bruises. You think you will be fine.

A serious accident can suddenly leave you unable to work. You may be paralyzed or disabled in some way. You may have suffered from head trauma, a spinal cord injury, or other long-term injury.

Liability in a car accident is typically based on negligence. Negligence often means not following traffic laws, such as running stop signs or speeding. It could also mean engaging in distracting behaviors, such as texting, reading, dealing with children, using your navigation, or eating while driving.

It can be frustrating to be injured on the job. You may have a lot of questions about the workers’ compensation process. On top of everything else, you may be concerned about your medical treatment, especially if you suffered a serious injury.

If you have become disabled and unable to work due to a medical condition or serious injury, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. These benefits are available for those who have a debilitating medical condition or injury that is expected to last at least one year or result in death.

Semi-trucks are a constant presence on Oklahoma freeways and other roadways. They need to get from place to place as they haul produce, cars, clothing, building materials, and other essentials for daily life to various stores across the country.

Your boss lets you drive the company car to and from work. This can have many benefits, especially when it comes to saving money. Your boss pays for the gas and wear and tear on the vehicle while you keep your car at home in pristine condition.

If you have been injured in the workplace, you can file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ comp benefits help pay for medical bills and lost wages caused by a workplace accident.

Car crashes can come in a wide range of varieties. They can be minor fender benders or major accidents that result in catastrophic injuries or death.

After a car accident or other type of personal injury, it is a good idea to seek medical care as soon as possible. This is especially true if you plan to file a claim for compensation, as you will need proof of your injuries.

Nobody wants to get into a car accident, but the reality is that crashes happen daily. The average driver is bound to get into an accident at some point in their life, so it is important that every motorist knows what to do if they are involved in a crash.

Dash-mounted cameras have been equipped on vehicles of law enforcement for many years, but this technology is increasing in popularity among motorists due to the numerous benefits it delivers.

Car accidents are common in Oklahoma. The state ranks high for having a high number of fatalities caused by crashes, with a rate of 11 crashes per 100,000 residents.

As the second-largest city in Oklahoma, you can expect that a high percentage of fatal and injury-causing car accidents occur in Tulsa.

It may not be welcome news if you cannot work due to a disabling medical condition, but the Social Security Administration (SSA) does deny benefits to applicants on a shockingly frequent basis.

After a car accident, slip and fall, or other type of serious personal injury, you will want to receive compensation for your damages. It may be clear to you that you were injured in the accident, but how can you prove that to the insurance company and courts?

While the vast majority of car accidents in Oklahoma are caused by careless acts behind the wheel, there are some motorists whose conduct rises to the level of reckless driving.

A statute of limitations refers to the deadlines imposed upon private parties or government, restricting the amount of time they have to take action in a legal proceeding.

Regardless of the primary transportation you use to get around for personal or professional reasons, everyone is a pedestrian at some point in time.

Any auto collision can lead to serious harm to victims, but severe, catastrophic injuries and fatalities are more common in multi vehicle accidents.

You probably realize the risks when walking around traffic and surrounded by much larger, heavier, faster vehicles, but you may still be shocked to learn statistics on pedestrian accidents.

If you were injured in an accident that was not your fault, you may be aware that there are legal remedies to recover compensation for your physical, financial, and emotional losses.

Building a strong case for a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim related to a motor vehicle accident begins with promptly getting medical attention and then contacting a car accident lawyer.

As of the fall of 2021, Oklahoma does not consider COVID-19 infection an occupational disease, and therefore COVID-19 illnesses are not compensable under Oklahoma’s workers’ compensation laws.

Truck accidents tend to cause more property damage and more severe injuries than car accidents, and the party legally responsible for a truck accident is usually the company that owns the truck and employs the driver.

Truck accidents tend to cause more property damage and more severe injuries than car accidents, and the party legally responsible for a truck accident is usually the company that owns the truck and employs the driver.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, staying in a vacation rental such as you might book through Airbnb may seem like a safer option than staying in a hotel because you would not come into close contact with people outside of your traveling party.

If you have seen commercials on TV for personal injury lawyers, you probably considered hiring one after an accident left you with serious injuries that prevented you from returning to your job.

In some car accidents, it is one person’s word against another’s about who is at fault for the accident, but in drunk driving accidents, proving that the other person was negligent is straightforward.

Movies and TV series show lawyers delivering show stopping arguments at trial, thereby securing big wins for their clients, but that is not how most legal cases turn out, especially not personal injury cases.

Workers’ compensation may or may not cover accidental injuries that took place in the parking lot of your workplace or while you were running work-related errands, depending on whether you were on the clock.

The bike share company is only liable if a defect in the bicycle contributed to the accident; otherwise, the money for your accident-related medical bills could come from the at-fault driver’s insurance or your own MedPay insurance or underinsured motorist coverage.

Legal responsibility for a car accident involving a rideshare car depends on who was at fault for the accident and which work duties, if any, the driver was performing at the time of the collision.

If the police arrive at the scene of a car accident and find that the people involved are bleeding or unconscious, they will know that calling an ambulance is the only responsible thing to do.

Bike share services are an economical and convenient way to ride bikes for fun or exercise, but whether the bike you are riding belongs to you or to a bike share company, bicycles leave you vulnerable to serious injuries if you get into a collision with a car.

In a personal injury lawsuit, the plaintiff is trying to prove that the defendant’s negligence caused the plaintiff’s injuries. The economic damages the plaintiff is seeking are past and future medical expenses and past and future lost income.

Oklahoma requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, but there is a good chance that at least one driver with whom you shared the road today did not have it.

Getting workers’ compensation to cover your medical bills for a work injury or occupational disease is supposed to be easy, but sometimes employers and their workers’ compensation insurance companies go out of their way to pay injured workers as little as possible.

TV commercials for personal injury law firms assure you that a car accident lawyer can help you get money to pay the medical bills associated with the injuries you sustained in the accident, but it is only when you meet with a lawyer that you find out that determining whom to ask for the money is not as simple as it seems.

In April 2021, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed into law House Bill 1674, which protects from civil and criminal liability a driver whose motor vehicle hits pedestrians at a protest demonstration, provided that the driver hit the pedestrians unintentionally and that the driver was driving near pedestrians in order to escape the threat of violence from a riot.

There is no harm in approaching people who witnessed your car accident and asking for their contact information, but the most valuable evidence will come from people who were in the car without you and those who treated you for your injuries.

Beware of trying to resolve accident-related car repairs without reporting the accident to your insurance, especially if you are injured.

Local drivers are used to encountering semi-trucks in traffic, but few are aware of the risks they pose. Semi-truck accidents in Tulsa are common and often leave the motorists involved with serious personal injuries.

Car accidents in Tulsa can happen to even the safest and most experienced of drivers. In many cases, the reckless actions of others is to blame.

Accidents are always unexpected. You can experience an injury anywhere, at anytime. Most people do not know what to do after an accident and whether they need to talk to a lawyer.

A new Oklahoma law, which was filed on February 1, 2021, would change the rules for obtaining workers’ compensation benefits for first responders who acquire COVID-19 while performing their duties.

Winter weather conditions, including snow, ice, and sleet, increase the risk of car crashes in Oklahoma. According to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, winter weather is responsible for 24% of all motor vehicle accidents.

If you witnessed a car accident in Oklahoma, chances are you do not know what to do next. Witnessing an auto accident can be a stressful experience. The primary thing you need to think about is your own safety.

Federal employees are seeking workers’ compensation benefits for contracting COVID-19 at work. In July 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General Audit issued a report saying that about 4,000 federal employees sought workers’ comp benefits on the grounds that they contracted COVID-19 in the workplace.

When you sustain an injury in a motor vehicle accident, the cost of medical treatment can add up quickly. You may need to undergo medical treatment, surgery, or other procedures, and purchase medications.

If you have been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other damages.

Even the most careful and attentive driver can get into a motor vehicle accident. Following an auto accident, it is not uncommon for people to panic and lose their cool.

If you have sustained an injury in a car crash in Oklahoma City or other parts of the state, hospital and medical bills can add up quickly.

However, as testing continues on public roads with civilians, there are considerable safety questions. Self-driving technology for large trucks carries many of the same risks as it does for passenger vehicles.

It is important to ask yourself whether you need a lawyer to assist with your personal injury case, but some crucial information should persuade you that hiring legal counsel is the best move.

3D printing offers a wide range of capabilities for any industry, but you might be surprised to learn the role it can play to support the claims of accident victims. See how.

In response to the truck driver fatigue, some companies are creating and actively promoting devices that can alert truck drivers when they have become too tired to safely operate the vehicle.

A team of cell phone developers are now taking a different approach. This App Saves Lives is a free application that can be downloaded onto your phone. Here is how it works.

As experienced Tulsa, OK employment law attorneys, we want you to be aware of your rights in this situation and the guidelines that must be followed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your workplace.

While stay-at-home orders have been lifted and life is slowly beginning to return to normal, it is important to be mindful that case counts of COVID-19 in Oklahoma continue to climb. Those returning to work have valid concerns regarding the transmission of the virus between employees.

As the state begins the slow process of reopening, many are being called back to work. At the same time, new cases of COVID-19 continue to be reported each day. The changing natures of the situation has people collecting workers’ compensation benefits and those seeking to file claims rightfully concerned.

In the midst of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, essential workers are required to remain on the job. Many positions require contact with the general public, putting workers at a higher risk of contracting the virus.

Hundreds - if not thousands - of people are tragically succumbing to COVID-19-related conditions each and every day in the United States. Losing a loved one while you are prohibited to see them in the hospital only adds to the grief experienced by families in Oklahoma and throughout the U.S.

Earlier in 2020, lawmakers in Oklahoma introduced 17 pieces of legislation aimed at reforming the state’s workers’ compensation laws. In the months since, several of the bills have passed while others remain pending. Our Oklahoma City workers’ compensation attorneys detail some of the proposed changes and what they could mean for you.

Slips and falls that occur in public places can leave you suffering serious injuries. While often referred to as ‘accidents,’ they are generally caused by the reckless and negligent actions of property owners. In this situation, you are entitled to compensation for the losses you suffer.

As the wet, dreary weather of spring gives way to the dry, sunshine-y weather of summer, more and more motorcyclists are taking to Oklahoma roads. While there is nothing wrong with motorcycling, motorcycle operators and vehicle operators alike need to be aware of the very real dangers of the activity. Motorcycle Awareness Month strives to raise awareness on the matter.

With Tulsa and the entire state of Oklahoma on shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, local roads and highways have seen a dramatic decrease in traffic.

As coronavirus cases continue to climb in Oklahoma, the pandemic is having a dramatic impact on local businesses. State and federal laws have been revised to reflect the changing situation.

Marijuana reform is sweeping across the country. In Oklahoma, medical marijuana is permitted with a doctor’s referral. Despite having a valid license, your medical marijuana use may still be an issue on the job.

Chiropractic care focuses on improving your body’s alignment. It is a potentially useful therapy for workers who suffer back and neck injuries and practitioners claim it helps the body heal from a variety of ailments.

Amazon has been in the news a lot lately, especially with concerns about warehouse accidents and workers’ compensation claims. Amazon prides itself on keeping on top of its tight delivery dates, ensuring consumers get their products right away.

If your Oklahoma employer is bound to provide workers’ compensation coverage, then you are entitled to those benefits if you are injured in the course and scope of your employment. However, if you receive financial compensation from a third party in relation to this injury, then your employer also has the right to recover paid workers’ compensation benefits back.

In 2018, Oklahoma’s legislature legalized medical marijuana. Unlike other states, anyone who has a prescription from a physician can purchase and consume medical marijuana in any form. The law does not limit the use of medical marijuana to only certain conditions or certain forms, such as only allowing CBD oil.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a very serious crime in Oklahoma. It can result in jail time, high fines, and even a driver’s license revocation. However, these laws do not only apply to driving under the influence of alcohol in the state.

When an accident occurs between two vehicles, it is natural to assume that one of the drivers is at fault. In most cases, this is true. Drivers are typically responsible for ensuring they are driving in a safe manner, and that individuals in their vehicles are also acting responsibly.

In recent years, there has been a steady push for increased automation in newly manufactured vehicles. Self-driving cars and those with advanced crash avoidance systems are flooding the market and promise to reduce motor vehicle accident rates. Insurance companies are not yet convinced.

It is every driver’s worst nightmare: You are headed down the road when you spot red lights flashing in your rearview mirror. You pull over and the officer asks you to get out of the vehicle. If you are suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, the officer will likely administer field sobriety tests. If you fail these, you will be placed under arrest and charged with a DUI.

In 2016, state voters approved a measure that reduced most drug possession offenses to misdemeanors and doubled the felony threshold for property crimes. Now that Governor Kevin Stitt has signed enabling legislation, that measure goes into effect.

A Tulsa County teenager under 18, whose name was not released, is the Sooner State’s first victim of a vaping-related pulmonary illness, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

A drop in the average workers’ compensation claim amount probably means lower insurance premiums as well, which makes less money available for job injury victims.

Whoever came up with that “sticks and stones may break my bones” adage had obviously never been bullied. Words hurt, and in Oklahoma, bullying may be illegal.

When motor vehicle accidents occur, it is often due to the reckless behavior of one of the drivers involved. In these cases, you may be entitled to injuries you suffer either through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Dash cams provide valuable evidence of how the crash occurred in these types of cases. They can also help improve your driving skills, preventing collisions from occurring.

Driving a car is a complex task and nothing to take lightly. Considering the sheer number of other people on the road and the speed at which most vehicles are traveling, not taking the proper precautions and engaging in reckless behaviors can put you, your passengers, and others at risk. Reckless driving is a leading cause of motor vehicle accidents and can leave victims suffering from serious and often life threatening injuries.

Pedestrian accidents are an unfortunately common occurrence, both in Ponca City and throughout Oklahoma. With little to protect them in the event of motor vehicle accidents, the injuries pedestrians suffer have a tendency to be severe. While motor vehicle drivers are generally assumed to be at fault in these collisions, the fact is that there are actions the pedestrian may have taken which increased their risks or contributed to the crash.

Many of us lead busy lives and have hectic schedules. Having to juggle your time and multitask at home, work, or in your personal life is common. Unfortunately, this can easily leave you feeling distracted, drained, and generally out of focus. It can also make you more susceptible to accidental injuries and is particularly dangerous when behind the wheel.

The right to use marijuana for medicinal or recreational purposes is one of the most hotly debated issues of our time. While many states, including Oklahoma, do permit it for certain medical uses, federal laws still categorize it as an illegal substance.

When accidents involving injuries or property damage occur in Oklahoma, you may be entitled to compensation through an insurance claim. In these situations, it is important to seek help from our experienced Ponca City injury attorneys first, before making any statements to the insurer or their representatives.

Personal injuries can be caused by a number of different factors. Motor vehicle accidents, slips, trips, or falls, and getting struck by or against objects are all common examples of accidents that result in injury. When these types of injuries do occur, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses through a personal injury lawsuit filed against the at-fault party.

When on-the-job injuries happen, the impact on every area of your life can be severe. Even relatively minor injuries can prevent you from working while leaving you to face ongoing medical debts. In these situations, Oklahoma workers’ compensation benefits can provide financial security as you recover.

Work-related accidents and injuries can happen in any career field and on any type of job site. There are some occupations that are inherently more dangerous than others, however. In these situations, safety rules and regulations are put in place to protect employees.

Personal injuries are often incurred during events referred to as ‘accidents’. While they may have occurred unintentionally, the fact is they are often due to the reckless and negligent actions of another person.

Laws permitting the medicinal use of marijuana are sweeping the country. That said, while medical marijuana became legal in our area back in 2018, some states are still lagging behind. If you have a medical marijuana card, you may consider yourself entitled to use it in other places.

Self-driving cars have been making headlines across the nation. Originally heralded as a way to help reduce the high number of motor vehicle accidents that occur each year throughout the country, they are now the subject of controversy after a series of tragic and high-profile accidents. In a typical crash, drivers are generally liable for any injuries that result.

Construction sites are dangerous places. Hazardous materials and construction debris can put workers at risk, as can the massive equipment in operation and the variety of tasks they are required to perform.

Drunk driving is a common problem throughout Oklahoma and puts the driver and other motorists on the road at risk for potentially serious car accidents and injuries. For this reason, law enforcement officials are aggressive in apprehending offenders while prosecuting attorneys do their best to make DUI charges stick.

There are numerous scientists, researchers, and health care professionals who attest to the medicinal properties of the cannabis plant. In addition to medical marijuana, cannabis-based products have become increasingly popular.

Social Security Disability is a government program that pays monthly benefits to individuals who become disabled before they reach retirement age. The average person receives $1,234 per month in benefits, but the maximum one can receive is $2,861.

A vehicle passenger who sustains injuries in a car accident generally has an easier time recovering compensation for injuries than the drivers of involved vehicles. This is because the passenger does not have to prove fault — one of the drivers was at fault, so one of the drivers' insurance companies needs to foot the bill.

If you recently applied for Social Security Disability benefits, and if your claim was denied, you may feel hopeless and unsure of where to turn next for help. Though it may be difficult to not feel forlorn right now, remember that millions of people find themselves in the same situation each year.

The workers' compensation system is a no-fault system, meaning an employer's workers' comp insurance company must pay out a claim regardless of whether or not the employee is responsible for his or her own injuries.

Diversion programs are programs that offer first-time offenders, minor offenders, youth, and mentally unwell individuals the chance to receive treatment and/or right their wrongs outside of jail. If an offender successfully completes a diversion program, he or she may receive a reduced or deferred sentenced, or the judge may dismiss the charges entirely.

"What you say can and will be used against you…even if you said it online." That is not necessarily how the law reads, but it should. According to an attorney quoted by Forbes, social media is evidence and it is discoverable.

When an Oklahoma worker sustains in injury on the job, workers' compensation should cover the damages. This is true regardless of who is at fault for the incident, which is one way in which workers' comp claims differ from standard personal injury claims.

If you or a loved one sustained an injury because another person or party acted negligently, you may wish to recover compensation from him or her. Said compensation can be used to cover your medical expenses and costs of living while you recover and try to get back on your feet. However, while the law is generous in that it does provide the option to sue for remuneration, the judicial system is notorious for doling out justice in a painfully slow manner.

If you or a loved one was involved in a truck accident in Oklahoma, you know just how devastating truck accidents can be. Truck accidents often result in severe, debilitating, and lifelong injuries, if they do not result in death.

Children are a moving vehicle's most precious cargo and a parent's most precious asset. They also happen to be vulnerable and innocent and unable to make decisions for themselves.

As a fault state, Oklahoma requires its drivers to carry a certain amount of liability insurance to cover the costs associated with injuries and other damages.

Despite the numerous touted medical benefits of medical marijuana, the drug is still illegal in any form and any amount in Oklahoma, save for in select few circumstances. If a police officer catches you with the drug, the state may charge you with misdemeanor possession.

Oklahoma, like all other states, has what are known as "implied consent" laws. Per these laws, any person who operates a vehicle in the state is considered to have given consent to a blood alcohol concentration test, or breath test, if requested of him or her.

It is no secret that distracted driving has become more than just a nuisance – it has become a downright danger. That said, most campaigns geared toward putting a stop to distracted driving show vehicle occupants and drivers as the victims.

Many workers who are between jobs are eligible for unemployment benefits, which come in the form of weekly payments that are designed to help them fund their daily living expenses until they are able to find a new job.

Unlike other driving offenses or crimes, a DUI charge will be noted on not one, not two, but three separate records. First, it will be noted on your driving record. Next, it will be noted on your arrest record.

In any Oklahoma car accident claims case, the goal is to figure out who is at fault, or who was careless. In some cases, fault is not so obvious, and it takes a thorough investigation and a lot of back and forth to determine liability. In other cases, however, fault is obvious. One such case is a rear-end collision.

If you sustain an injury at your Oklahoma place of work, you may wonder if you should file a workers' compensation claim or a personal injury claim. You may also wonder what the difference is between the two.

Because Oklahoma is an at-fault insurance state, the insurer of a party who caused a car accident is financially responsible for damages. While this is great in that it holds the liable party accountable for his or her reckless behavior, it can pose some complications for the victim.

In a no-fault accident state, individuals are required to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage, a minimum amount of personal injury protection insurance, and a minimum amount of bodily injury coverage.

YIf you or a loved one is unable to work because of a disabling injury or condition, you may wish to find a financial assistance program so that you can pay your bills, put food on your table, and live in comfort regardless of your inability to work.

Generally speaking, you can not collect unemployment if your unemployment is the result of your own doing. "Quitting" would be considered the result of your own doing, in most cases.

You slipped and fell on the floor at work, breaking your arm. You informed your employer and filed a workers’ compensation claim. You thought everything was fine until you received a notice from your employer a month later stating that you had been laid off.

If you were injured on the job, you may assume that you are automatically entitled to workers' compensation. This is not necessarily true. While most on-the-job injuries are eligible for workers' comp, there are some—such as those caused by your own negligence, or those caused by unrelated third parties

If you were injured on the job, you may assume that you are automatically entitled to workers' compensation. This is not necessarily true. While most on-the-job injuries are eligible for workers' comp, there are some—such as those caused by your own negligence, or those caused by unrelated third parties

Medical professionals and researchers have known for some time that TBI (traumatic brain injury) affects the gastrointestinal tract. However, it is only recently that these professionals have discovered that the link between brain injury and gut damage goes both ways.

A recent study involving mice with an "experimental TBI" revealed that the injured animals experienced long-term changes in the colon over a month-long period following the injury. Interestingly, the study also found that the gastrointestinal dysfunction experienced by these mice increased "posttraumatic brain inflammation and associated tissue loss."