There are literally millions of dog bites and attacks reported yearly in the United States, many of them resulting in fatalities. In over half the cases, the victims are children – in fact, dog bites are one of the most common causes for emergency room visits by children, second only to sports injuries. Some important things to keep in mind when dealing with potentially dangerous dogs: they rarely attack while in the presence of their owners; they usually display aggressive behaviors before attacking; typically, medium to large-size dogs are involved in attacks; and regardless of breed or size, the attacking dogs are usually adult males that have not been neutered. Florida Statute 767.04 states that the “owner of a dog that bites any person while such person is on or in a public space, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by the persons bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owners’ knowledge of such viciousness.” Therefore, if you have been the victim of a dog…Read More
There are countless reasons to love motorcycles. They demand that you live in the moment, immerse you in every detail of your surroundings, and empower you to embrace your independence. Whether accelerating on a straight open road or leaning into every curve it throws you, one thing doesn’t change: you feel free. With its warm climate and scenic routes, Florida is one of the best places to ride. But it’s also been home to the highest number of fatal motorcycle accidents for several years. Like all good things, riding a motorcycle involves risks – much greater ones than stepping into a traditional vehicle. Despite motorcycles accounting for only 3% of all registered vehicles in the U.S., the fatality rate for motorcyclists is more than six times that for passenger vehicles. This is just one of several eye-opening motorcycle accident statistics. Why Are Motorcycles So Dangerous? One of the most apparent explanations is also what makes riding a motorcycle such a uniquely thrilling experience: you’re exposed directly to the world around you – without the protection provided by traditional vehicles (e.g., rigid frame, four wheels, airbags,…Read More
With our beautiful South Florida weather, motorcycle enthusiasts love to take to the roads. If you are one of them, make sure you are safe. According to reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one out of every ten fatal motor vehicle accidents in the United States involves a collision with a motorcycle, resulting in approximately 6,000 people killed in motorcycle accidents every year. One of the most logical steps to reduce the risk of serious injuries while riding a motorcycle is to always wear appropriate safety gear. While a helmet is the most important piece of equipment you can wear to reduce the risks of death and traumatic brain injuries, there are other additional pieces of gear that will help you be safer when riding. A good pair of gloves will allow you to grip the handlebar more efficiently, and also protect your fingers and hands in the event of an accident. Wearing a reinforced motorcycle jacket will not just make you look better while riding, but also protect your upper body from severe injuries. A sturdy neck collar will lend additional…Read More
Don’t Leave Money on the Table: Have a Car Accident Lawyer Get It for You We’re in the business of being fair, meaning we won’t lie to you: hiring a car accident compensation lawyer after an accident isn’t always necessary. If someone taps your bumper in a parking lot or stop sign at low speed, you likely won’t have any injuries, and there will be minor or no damage to either vehicle. In these types of situations, reasonable parties often agree not to file a claim. If you have minor injuries, like a scrape or bruise, filing a claim may be more trouble than it’s worth. However, there’s a big caveat: car accident injuries can be insidious, hiding at first before progressively worsening over days, weeks, or even months. If you are unsure whether you’ve been injured more severely than it first appears, the wisest decision is to seek medical attention and contact a car accident lawyer. For any collision involving more than minor injuries and/or vehicle damage, a car accident compensation lawyer is your wallet’s best friend and, for most people, an invaluable source…Read More
For tourists and locals alike, summertime in Florida usually means relishing the breathtaking beaches of Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, and West Palm Beach, perusing eccentric boutiques and enjoying world-class dining in Sarasota and Hollywood, or catching vibrant festivals and events in Orlando, Miramar, and Hallandale Beach. Unfortunately, it can also mean a surge in auto accidents. In 2021, there were over 400,000 traffic crashes in Florida, an increase of more than 17% from 2020. And according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Florida’s population grew nearly 2% from July 2021 to July 2022, making it the state with the fastest-growing population. With a growing population and rising auto accident rates, spending time in Florida this summer could land you in the same place as hundreds of thousands of others: reeling from the aftermath of a serious auto accident. Here are the top 5 advantages of hiring an experienced Florida attorney to handle your auto accident personal injury claim: 1) Professional investigative skills that can make or break your case. Not sure who caused the accident? Certain who caused it but can’t prove it? Either way, if…Read More
Understand Your Risk & Know Your Workers’ Compensation Rights Another Florida summer is almost here, which means hot sun, humidity, and a higher chance of hurricanes. For many, it also means snagging seasonal work and gig jobs for extra cash. Lifeguard, summer camp counselor, construction worker, landscaper, package courier, special events seasonal assistant, recreation attendant… There’s no shortage of summer employment opportunities throughout Florida, whether you’re looking near Jacksonville, Tampa, or the tourist hotspots of South Florida, like Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and West Palm Beach. Unfortunately, summer is also known for more workplace injuries than any other season. What is it about summer that makes this true? 3 Reasons For The Summer Spike In Workplace Injuries Greater consumer demand for products/services. Greater demand for goods and services during the summer means greater demand for workers – those who can deliver on the company promises! Often, this translates to company owners and project managers placing higher-than-normal expectations on summer employees and offering incentives to work long hours when necessary. This can lead to fatigue, impaired concentration, sleepiness, and other conditions, significantly increasing injury chances. Inadequate training…Read More
We have no choice but to put faith in the medical professionals that treat us. With the advancements in modern medicine, our physicians and other practitioners are more equipped than ever to assist with healing our ailments and alleviating symptoms of various conditions. While most healthcare workers do their best to help overcome health challenges, there are situations where their treatment can fall short – which can cause significant harm to the patient. A 2016 study by Johns Hopkins estimated that over 250,000 deaths per year stem from medical errors in the U.S. This makes medical malpractice the 3rd leading cause of death in our country. This staggering statistic begs the question: what can we do to hold medical malpractice accountable and attain restitution for ourselves or loved ones that have been affected by it? Given the extreme consequences of medical malpractice, it is common for patients who have been injured to pursue legal action against the healthcare providers who are responsible. A medical malpractice lawsuit can provide significant financial relief for those dealing with the repercussions of their injury. This compensation can make up…Read More
Walking and jogging are the most common forms of exercise as a means to better fitness and health, but it is important to ensure that proper safety measures are followed. Wearing reflective gear and having the proper walking or running shoes can make a big difference. In addition, looking out for traffic and being aware of your surroundings, by looking for uneven pavement, cracks in the sidewalk or debris on jogging paths can prove to help in keeping you safe. Unfortunately, pedestrians are often at fault, quite often distracted by texting, talking on their cell phone, listening to music while walking, or simply not paying enough attention. Accidents, however, can occur even when walkers and joggers are following all the rules, such as staying attentive at all times, and crossing the road only at the designated crosswalks. Many factors (such as motorist negligence, poor road design and inadequate signage) often lead to serious or even fatal pedestrian accidents. Motorists must also do their part to help keep pedestrians safe by following some simple rules, such as driving slowly through neighborhoods and showing extra caution when…Read More
What To Do After A Florida Slip-And-Fall Accident? Florida is a popular destination, whether for a year-round home in Jacksonville or Sarasota, a winter oasis of warmth in Tampa or Orlando, or just the annual family vacation in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and beyond. It’s also a major economic hub, where thousands travel yearly on business. Whatever the reason for your stay in Florida, personal injury attorneys know too well the ever-present risk of getting injured. Slip-and-fall accidents are a leading cause of emergency room visits in the U.S. and a common occurrence in Florida. Unfortunately, many are unaware that they may be entitled to compensation for their injury, which could include treatment costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Slip–and-fall injuries can occur on residential property, like a family member’s home, or commercial property, like a gym or grocery store. Some of the most common causes include the following: Spills (e.g., orange juice on a grocery aisle floor) Poorly maintained structures (e.g., broken wood slats on a railing) Inadequate lighting (e.g., broken light bulbs in a motel stairway) Objects blocking walkways (e.g., boxes…Read More
A 5-Step Guide For Florida Car Accidents Each year, tens of thousands of car accidents happen in Florida. From West Palm Beach to Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and beyond, the Sunshine State is bustling year-round. Some drivers are headed to business meetings, some are hurrying home for the day, and others are vacationing, which means they’re even more likely to be distracted while driving in an unfamiliar place. When it comes to safety on Florida roads and highways, this combination of locals and tourists can become a recipe for a car crash disaster. Most people assume it’ll never happen to them… until it does. This article is meant to prepare you for that dreaded event that occurs when you least expect it: an auto accident that leaves you physically injured, financially strained, and stressed out. Crucial Steps To Take In The Aftermath Of A Florida Car Crash 1) Call for help. Even if you don’t immediately see or feel an injury, it doesn’t mean you haven’t sustained one. The same goes for anyone else at the scene. The health and safety of everyone involved should be the…Read More