Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

Slip and fall accidents can often be prevented, and there are a myriad of helpful devices on the market that can help you if you feel as though you might fall. If you feel unsteady on your feet and nervous about slip and fall accidents, these devices can help you regain your independence. Your doctor can refer you to a physical or occupational therapist who can help you find the devices that might be helpful to you. When it comes to walking aids, you do have many choices:

1) A cane or walker. Both canes and walkers stabilize you as you walk, which is a great help if you experience muscle weakness or if you are walking on uneven surfaces. Today’s canes and walkers often have adjustable heights and foam or fitted grips that offer even more stability. Some walkers have baskets that allow you to carry items easily and safely. When selecting a cane or walker, make sure that the length fits you well, so that your elbow is at a comfortable angle. An incorrect height can actually make you more unsteady. Work with a physical therapist to select the right cane or walker and to learn to use the aid properly.

2) A grabber or reacher. A grabber is a device that lets you remove light items from high cupboards and shelves. In many cases, a reacher can help you prevent falls and personal injuries because it discourages you from getting on a chair, stool, or ladder. You can easily find a reacher at most department stores. Ask a salesperson to help you find a grabber that has a good grip and a long handle. Some reachers have telescopic handles that make them more flexible in use.

3) A cell phone or cordless phone. Having a phone that you can take with you prevents you from rushing to answer the phone. Rushing often causes falls. Look for a portable phone that has a long battery life and a handset that is easy to use.

4) Grab bars. Grab bars are similar to very short railings. They are firmly attached to the wall near places where you need some added support – typically, in or beside the bathtub and beside the toilet. Grab bars give you something you can hold onto as you stand up or move. Select grab bars with a firm grip and make sure that they are very securely attached to the wall.

These simple devices can help prevent slip and fall accidents and the many injuries – including spinal cord injuries, head injuries, and other serious injuries – that can result from these accidents. If you are fearful about falling, speak with your doctor about devices that you can use to help you prevent falls.

If someone’s negligence has caused you to fall, Florida law ensures that you may receive help so that you can get the best medical treatment possible as you heal. If you need to speak to a Florida attorney, arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with a qualified Florida lawyer by calling 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN).

Experts estimate that as many as 6 out of every 10 slip and fall accidents occur in the home. Partly, this is because many of us spend so much time at home. Partly, this high rate of accidents may stem from the fact that we may take our safety at home for granted, and therefore are not as cautious as we might be when out in public. Whatever the underlying reasons for this statistic, though, experts agree that many falls can be prevented with simple changes to the home.

To make your home safer, try these tips:

1) Eliminate or reduce safety hazards. Many of us overlook common household fall hazards, including small furniture, pet bowls, cords, slick floors, rugs, clutter, and other small items. However, all of these can lead to serious personal injury. To make your home safer, make sure that all your walkways in the home are very clear and furniture is sparse enough to allow for easy movement. Secure rugs firmly to the floor to reduce sliding and falling and place no-slip strips on any slippery surfaces – do not forget the inside of your shower or bathtub. If you wax your floors, switch to a non-skid wax and make a contentious effort to wipe up any spills on the floor right away. Outdoors, place salt or sand on any walking surfaces or have someone do this for you.

2) Make lifestyle changes. Wearing sturdy shoes with good traction outdoors is a smart precaution. If you feel a little uncertain on your feet in the snow and ice, especially, a cane or walker can help prevent many falls. If you are taking any medications, speak with your doctor about any side effects -- such as muscle weakness -- which can contribute to falls.

3) Get good lighting. Ensure that the lighting at entrances, walkways, and inside each room is very good. You run the risk of more slip and fall accidents if you cannot see properly. Lighting on stairways can be especially tricky, which is why having light switches at both the top and bottom of stairs can be useful. Nightlights are useful if you need to use the washroom at night. Keeping flashlights in convenient locations around the house can also help if the electricity goes out suddenly.

4) Install handrails or grab bars in your home. Walkways, stairs, bathtubs, showers, and toilets are all good places for handrails or grab bars. Place them on both sides of walkways or stairs, so that you can securely grab the rail or bar even when one arm is carrying something. Grab bars securely fastened to the walls beside the bathtub, shower, and toilet are also helpful in avoiding accidents.

5) Eliminate the need for stools and ladders as much as possible. Place all the items you need so that you can easily reach them without having to stand on a stool. You may not end up using every cupboard or shelf if you do this, but that is much more practical than suffering a head injury or spinal cord injury as a result of a fall. Inexpensive drawers and shelving can make items easier to reach.

Do you have these risk factors for slip and fall accidents:

1) Age. Those over 65 are more likely to suffer from slip and fall accidents and are more likely to sustain serious personal injury as a result of the accident.

2) Footwear. Shoes with smooth leather soles, high-heeled shoes, and backless shoes can all contribute to falls. Poorly maintained shoes – such as shoes with soles unevenly worn down – can also contribute to poor foot health and falls. Wearing sturdy, well-fitted shoes with good treads increases the likelihood that you can avoid a fall.

3) Sensory problems. If you cannot hear, see, or smell properly, you may miss important environmental cues about dangers. For example, you might not see a small warning sign or miss the smell of fresh asphalt before you slip in it. Walking in well-lit areas and having a doctor supervise your medical conditions can help.

4) Confusion. Even momentary confusion can cause you to misstep and fall. If you feel disoriented, rest and wait before resuming walking.

5) Medicine. Some medication causes side effects such as weakness, confusion, low blood pressure, disorientation, drowsiness, and dizziness. In other cases, drug interactions can cause these side effects. Talk to your doctor about all the medication you are taking -- including over-the-counter medicines – to find out which ones might cause falls and what can be done to reduce the risk.

6) Illness. Some medical conditions – including infections, cardiovascular disorders, blood pressure conditions, Parkinson's disease, dementia, and others – can cause symptoms that can cause you to fall. This is why seeking medical advice after a fall is important, even if you have not been injured. Your doctor can tell you whether a condition is causing the falls and can help you combat the condition so that you are less prone to falling.

7) Environment. A slick floor, incorrectly lit or maintained sidewalk, or debris can all cause a fall. Making changes to make your home safer can be an important first step in preventing falls.

In cases where someone’s negligence has caused you to fall, Florida law protects you and ensures that you are eligible to receive help so that you can afford the best treatment possible. If you need to speak to a Florida attorney, you can enjoy a free, no-obligation consultation with a qualified Florida lawyer simply by calling 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN).

Florida has long been seen as a haven for retirees, who enjoy the warm climate, natural beauty, and many resources that the state has to offer. Unfortunately, Florida retirees, like older Americans everywhere, face a common danger: slip and falls. More than a third of all persons age 65 years or older fall each year. Annually, more than 1.6 million elderly U.S. adults visit emergency rooms as a result of fall-related personal injuries. In fact, falls are the leading cause of fractures, loss of independency, injury-related deaths, and hospital admissions for trauma among the elderly. Hip fractures among slip and fall victims are especially problematic. 50% of elderly adults who suffer a broken hip can return home and live independently after the accident.

Some elderly persons are so afraid of falling that they avoid common activities. If you are 65 years or older and worried about slip and fall accidents, talk to your doctor. He or she may suggest physical therapy which can help you regain strength and confidence in walking. Also, be sure to speak with your doctor about conditions such as low blood pressure and diabetes, which can lead to falls, and talk about any medication you are taking. These are some of the more preventable causes of falls.

If you do have a fall, even a minor one, speak with your doctor. He or she can examine you to make sure that there has been no minor personal injury that might flare up over time. He or she may also recommend physical therapy, a walking aid, or other measures that can help you prevent similar accidents down the road.

You can also help prevent falls by exercising regularly. Speak with your doctor about exercises you can do that can improve your agility and strength and can give you more confidence as well. Muscle weakness leads to many falls, so making sure that your muscles are strong can help you avoid falls and accidents. Exercise can also help strengthen your bones, so that they are less likely to fracture if you do fall. Make sure that you have your eyes tested regularly, as well. Good eye sight can help you see and avoid possible dangers as you walk.

Another way to increase confidence in walking is to become familiar with walking routes and to become proactive in pointing out dangers. Once you become familiar with a walking route, you can gain confidence in your ability to navigate that walk. You can get to know a new route by walking it a few times with a friend. If you notice poorly-maintained sidewalks or other dangers to pedestrians, call your city to find out where you can report these dangers.

If you do have a slip and fall accident that has been caused by someone’s recklessness, you can still maintain your independence. Florida law protects you and ensures that you may be eligible to receive assistance that can help you recover fully and continue to live independently. If you need an experienced Florida attorney because you have had a slip and fall accident, arrange for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN).

Even the most careful parents cannot prevent every childhood injury. In many cases, injuries to minors and children occur even when a parent has done everything possible to be cautious. If your child’s injury is a burn injury, this is what you must do:

1) If your child has sustained a thermal injury by touching a source of high heat, such as a flame, hot liquid, steam, or hot appliance:
*Take your child away from the source of heat and either turn the appliance off or put out the flame.
*If the injury is severe, call 911 and follow the direction provided by the dispatcher until help arrives.
*If possible, remove burned or hot clothing.
*Place the affected area under running water within 30 seconds of the injury.
*Halt any bleeding, using a clean cloth or sterile gauze pad.
*Keep the child’s body temperature constant.

2) If your child has sustained a chemical burn by touching a powerful acid or base such as pool chlorine, bleach, concrete mix, or some other substance:

*If the injury is severe, call 911 and follow the direction provided by the dispatcher until help arrives.
*Read the label on the chemical to learn of any special instruction in case of skin contact. Follow any directions given.
*Rinse the injured are with cool, running water. Do this for 20 minutes or more. If the burning agent is a powder, dust it off thoroughly before rinsing.
*Even if you haven’t called 911, talk to your local emergency room, doctor, walk-in clinic or poison control center. With a chemical burn, you have no way of knowing whether the chemical has penetrated. A bad reaction can occur later on if the injury is left untreated.

3) If your child has sustained an electrical burn by coming into contact with powerful electric currents, burn injuries may not be noticeable. However, you must:

*Call 911 and follow the direction provided by the dispatcher until help arrives.
*Evaluate to see whether the child is still in contact with the electrical source. If he or she is, do not touch the child.
*Shut off the electrical current or pull the plug on the appliance, if safe to do so.
*Give CPR if the child is not breathing.
*If there are any obvious burns, cover clean cloth or gauze. Avoid using any fluffy material, as it can make the burn worse.
*Avoid moving the child unless instructed by a medical professional. The tissues in the body may be damaged by the electricity.

If your child has suffered a burn injury due to someone’s recklessness or due to a possible product liability case, you need to contact a qualified Florida attorney to prevent others from being injured in the same way. You will also want to get the best possible help for your child, and a good Florida lawyer can ensure that you get this help. If you need an experienced Florida attorney, arrange for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN).

According to the Shriners of North America, fire is responsible for 600 deaths of children 14 and under each year. Another 3,400 children experience burn injuries as a result of fire. Almost half of children who sustain fire-related injuries are younger than 5 years of age. According to the Shriners of North America, parents can safeguard their children by:

* Installing smoke detectors on every level of a home. It is especially important to place smoke detectors on the ceiling just outside bedroom doors. Always follow manufacturer’s directions when positioning and installing smoke detectors. One a month, test the detectors and replace batteries once a year.

*Develop a fire plan. Instruct your family on how to escape from each room. Have at least two ways to escape from each room. If you children’s rooms are on a second or third floor, provide chain ladders which can be used in event of an emergency. Practice the fire plan at least twice a year.

*Have a first aid kit in your home and replace items as they expire or are used up. Place emergency numbers and information in the kit or near your phone for easy access.

*Develop a safe home. Keep lighters, matches, and appliances out of reach of children. Never leave appliances such as fryers or burning items such as candles unattended, even for short periods of time. Store propane and gasoline outdoors, in a well-ventilated area. Unplug electrical appliances when not in use and check periodically to see whether the appliances you use have been recalled due to product liability claims or fire hazards. Set your water heater to 120-125 degrees Fahrenheit.

*Supervise children constantly. Many serious personal injuries to minors and children occur because a child was left unsupervised for just a short while.

*When bathing your children, make sure that you add cold water and then gradually hot water. Do not allow your children to play with the faucets.

Many injuries each year occur in homes. You can make your home safer for yourself and your family by using this checklist to accident-proof your home:

*Does your homes have enough smoke detectors and are the alarms in good condition? Batteries should be replaced frequently. Smoke detectors are your first defence against a fire and can allow you to escape your home before burn injuries and other serious injuries occur.

*Are all the electrical extension cords in your home in good condition and being used properly? Electrical extension cords should not be stretched across heavy traffic areas of your home and should be replaced at first sign of wear.

*Are your electrical outlets in good condition and not overloading? Your unused outlets should be covered or locked to prevent accidents, as well.

*Are your fuses replaced with the proper size fuses? Pennies and other substitutes are only for short-term replacement.

*Can you turn off your electricity and gas? Knowing how to do this can prevent accidents and injuries in the event of an emergency.

*Are your floors in good condition and made with a non-skid surface? Many slip and fall accidents occur in the home, so fix slippery surfaces, floor covering that are loose, and other hazards at once.

*Are your fireplaces secured? There should be a good screen affixed to your fireplace and if your fireplaces are used, you should have chimney cleaners check your fireplace and chimney regularly to help prevent fires.

*How are you using candles? Candles should be well away from flammable surfaces (this includes walls!) and should rest on sturdy, fire-resistant candle holders. If you have children or pets, only burn candles when you can watch them constantly. Leaving a candle and toddler alone for a few minutes while you answer the door is enough to cause a burn injury.

*Do you have a fire extinguisher in good condition on each floor?

*Do you have an emergency kit – with cash, ID, insurance polices, spare keys, and emergency numbers, in an easy-to-access spot in case of an emergency?

*Do your closet and bathroom doors have safety release locks to prevent someone from becoming trapped inside?

*Is all your paint lead-free? If you are not sure, have an expert in to check?

*Have you checked your appliances and children’s products to see whether they are affected by recent recalls?

*Are your windows securely fastened?

*Are hallways and stairway approaches free of throw rugs and clutter?

*Are stairs in good shape? All the stairs in your home should be in good repair and should have steps of the same height and width. Each staircase should have sturdy railings or banisters. If you have children, gates at the bottom and top of stairways are a must.

*Is your home well-lighted?

*Is your kitchen safe? Your curtains should not be close to any heating appliance (such as a stove or toaster) and appliances should be disconnected when not in use. Any gas appliances should have flue ventilation and any larger appliances should lock so that children cannot get trapped inside.

*Are your heating systems in good shape? Furnaces and flues must be inspected regularly and air ducts and filters must be cleaned regularly.

*Is your home well-ventilated, especially when the heating is on?

*Is there a non-smoking policy in your home? There should be – smoke leaves toxins that can linger in your home for months, and cigarettes cause many home fires each year.

*In your bathrooms, are your tubs and showers supplied with non-skid mats and non-stick surfaces? You might want to add grip bars, especially if your bathrooms are used by an elderly person.

*Are medications and chemicals stored securely? Are chemicals and foods thrown out by their best-before date?

*Are electrical appliances in your home kept away from water?

*Is your walkway, driveway, sidewalk, and outdoor areas kept free of debris and snow?

Any of the more than a quarter million patients in the US with spinal cord injuries have a difficult time adjusting to their injury. Arguably, though, Florida patients may suffer from being in a naturally pleasant environment that they no longer experience the same way. Before a spinal cord injury, Florida residents can enjoy staying active in the mild climate of Florida. After such an injury, however, sports and many other activities become challenging or not possible.

For many people, no matter where they live, a spinal cord injury (SCI) is simply traumatic. Often caused by a car accident, violence, or some other injury that is traumatic of its self, a SCI can hamper a person’s movement and sensation. Plus, many SCI patients also develop complications and other health problems as a result of their injury. Most patients also need to develop a great deal of strength just to perform daily activities after a SCI.

As a result of the trauma that most patients face, most victims of a SCI experience a great deal of emotional upheaval and stress. Many grieve for their lost mobility and movement. Many also react with denial and extreme sadness. A number of patients fall into a deep depression and require therapy or counselling in order to deal with their grief. Others react with anger, especially in cases where someone’s negligence or recklessness caused the injury. These emotional upheavals can contribute to high blood pressure – already a concern for SCI patients -- and stress. The emotions that patients experience can also place a strain on the relationships that patients need for support after their injury.

Recovering from a brain injury takes both emotional and physical healing. It is important to give yourself time to recover and to give yourself realistic personal goals to achieve. If you have been injured for a year or more and have not yet recovered emotionally or started to cope with your injury, you may want to seek help. Many therapists use Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) as well as other therapies to help people with serious personal injury and permanent injury recover emotionally. REBT is based on the idea that it is not the events that we experience so much as our beliefs about these events that cause our emotional states. Therefore, if you are telling yourself that normal life is over for you because of your spinal cord injury, a therapist trained with REBT may help you find alternative ways of thinking about your injury and about the contributions you can still make.

It is especially important to keep an eye on possible unhealthy behaviour after a serious spinal cord injury. If it is taking you some time to recover, you may be tempted to isolate yourself, deny yourself healthy and fun activities, or even deny yourself proper medical care. Some patients with serious spinal cord injuries turn to substance abuse. In fact, the rate of alcoholism among SCI patients is twice as high as among the non-injured population. Some patients grow so depressed that they attempt to injure themselves or even commit suicide. If you suspect that you may be addicted to alcohol or drugs or if you think you are engaging in unhealthy behaviours, it is important to seek help immediately. Drugs, alcohol, and other forms of risk-taking can slow down your recovery progress and can even lead to new injuries.

If you have been injured as a result of someone’s negligence or recklessness, it can be especially hard for you to adjust to life with a spinal cord injury – particularly if the person responsible for your injury is unharmed. You may wish to speak to a qualified Florida attorney about your situation. A good Florida lawyer can investigate the circumstances that led to your injury and can help you get closure as well as the help you are entitled to under the law. An attorney can ensure that you have the resources you need to recover as fully as possible. To speak to a qualified Florida attorney, call 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN). You can set up a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation.