How is a concussion diagnosed?
The initial diagnosis of concussion is based on evaluation of the symptoms a person reports, or someone else observes, after sustaining the injury. Concussion is commonly divided into three different types: Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3. The chart below distinguishes the features of each: [su_table] Grade Behavior Signs Time 1 Confused but remains […]
What exactly is a concussion?
When a bump, jolt, or blow to the head causes a change in the way the brain works, it is called a concussion. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that causes the brain to move quickly back and forth inside the skull. They are sometimes considered “mild” because concussions are not […]
What’s Coming
I am very excited to announce that I am offering a Workshop on Medical Records Review that will be offered for 4 hours of MCLE and limited to 30 people per workshop. You can purchase tickets or click here for more information on other dates.
January 2015 will bring an increase of our consulting and testimony rates. I strive to keep my rates competitive and reasonable at the same time.
Who Helped Us
In 2009 we started with 2 attorneys and by 2010 we had 16 clients; half of which were referrals or additional work from the original 2 attorneys. As of today, we have worked with approximately 350 individual attorneys and each year the list grows.
I have compiled a list of people who have used our services consistently throughout the years. First, I’d like to thank the three organizations that started with us early on and stuck with us for the years that followed.
Who We Are
We currently have seven Registered Nurses and three Physicians. Our three doctors are experts in the area of Psychiatry, Orthopedics and Emergency/Trauma.
We offer consulting services in areas of criminal law that include expert reports for the purposes of education and pre-trial discussions; preparation of trial questions for direct or cross of medical experts; mitigation reports; medical record organization and full chronologies of medical facts for review by testifying experts. We also review civil medical malpractice, elder abuse and personal injury cases to determine merit and identify issues in the case.
Where We Are Now
In December of 2013 I changed the company name to Godoy Medical Forensics. The purpose was to recognize the doctors that are working with me and to clearly state our services through our name: “Medical Forensics” indicates that we are experts in all areas of medicine and we bring our knowledge to all areas of law.
In terms of geographical growth for 2014, we added Indiana and Texas to our list of states; making it a total of 21 states in which we have provided services.
Mitigation: Psychiatric Symptoms
Mental health problems manifest in many ways. Depression, mania, addiction and psychosis have profound effects on behavior. Sometimes substance use and psychiatric disorders interact and amplify symptoms. Some psychiatric disorders are marked by poor insight. These patients may leave treatment and struggle to manage in the community. Some of the most dramatic psychiatric symptoms are […]
Mitigation: Substance Use
Early or heavy substance use can have a profound impact on an individual’s brain, with resulting changes in judgment and behavior. Substances can lead to acute impairment during periods of intoxication and withdrawal. Some substances (stimulants, PCP) induce a psychotic state during and shortly after use. These substances can mimic schizophrenia with delusions, hallucinations and […]
Mitigation: Immaturity
Some defendants are legally adults but are less-than-mature neurologically. Neurodevelopmental research tells us that brain maturation is not complete until mid-twenties. What are the implications of an immature brain? Impulsivity, poor judgment, decreased impulse control and susceptibility to peer influences. Young adults are more likely to engage in risk-taking and to abuse substances. These behaviors are […]
Mitigation: Life Experiences
Among the life experiences that are linked to adult problems, childhood adversity is the best studied and has the most compelling data. In study after study, early life adversity is linked to medical, mental health and other problems including substance abuse and involvement with the criminal justice system. The negative effects of early life experience […]
