Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

Every holiday season, Florida burn injuries spike. Ranging from mild burns to life-altering severe burns that affect mobility as well as appearance, burn injuries are a devastating injury. These burns can lead to severe pain as well as disfigurement. Worse, many insurance companies refuse to compensate Florida burn injury patients for skin grafts and other treatments, since such procedures are considered “cosmetic.” In order to prevent these types of injuries, it is important to know the risks of burn injuries:

1) Candles. Many people choose to decorate with holiday candles during this time of year, but candles are a fire hazard. They also cause many Florida injuries to minors and children each year, as children are often curious about candles and draw too near the flame. A better option is to light electric ornaments in the shape of candles. If you do decide to use candles, select quality candles that contain no lead and only burn them for short periods of time, when you can supervise the candles closely. Take extra care to extinguish the candles before leaving the room and the house.

2) Holiday lights and displays. While holiday lights and electric displays may be safer than candles, they still do pose a serious risk of Florida personal injuries. Always read the instructions that come with your holiday decorations carefully. If an electric display is intended for indoor use, for example, it is important to never use it outdoors – moisture and rain can pose an electric hazard. As well, check periodically to make sure that your holiday lights do not burn too hot. Older holiday lights, especially, sometimes do burn hot enough to pose a fire hazard. Periodically check for any damage to your lights and displays. Any frayed or worn cords should be replaced at once.

3) Cooking. During the holidays, many of us cook more and often cook in unusual ways. For example, we may cook outdoors as well as indoors to accommodate a large crowd or we may add hotplates to our kitchen to cook more dishes. When cooking that special holiday meal, make sure that the kitchen is well supervised. As well, if you are using several cooking surfaces – such as outdoor surfaces, for example – check all the cooking areas regularly to make sure no fire starts. Set up good detectors in your home and ensure that they work well.

4) Absences from home. When you drive out to visit friends and family, you need to ensure that stoves, fireplaces, candles, and other hazards are not in use. Walk through your home, ensuring that you have not left anything on which might be a hazard. Consider turning off your holiday light displays, too, since these can burn hot if you leave them in for days at a time.

Continue reading "Florida Burn Injuries During the Holiday Season" »

Much has been written in recent years about the dangers of driving while fatigued. Tired drivers not only contribute to many Florida car accidents and traffic accidents, but they often make errors that lead to pedestrian accidents, too. Fatigue is common during the holiday season, when many of us face daunting to-do lists and hectic schedules, but fatigue can be a danger during the holiday season because it can lead to many types of accidents and injuries:

1) Injuries to minors and children. Children need constant supervision, especially during the holiday season, when they are home from school. Tired parents simply cannot keep up with smaller children, leaving children to their own devices – and free to get into any number of accidents.

2) Burn injuries. Being too tired and out of focus can mean leaving candles burning or a stove on, which can all too easily lead to a fire. Every holiday season, some Florida burn injuries and fires are caused by individuals who simply forget to unplug holiday decorations or blow out that candle.

3) Premises liability claims. With more guests arriving at our doors, it is important to keep our homes safe – no matter how long our to-do list is already. Clearing sidewalks, keeping our walkways well-lit and generally maintaining our property helps prevent Florida slip and fall accidents as well as other incidents which can easily lead to a lawsuit.

Sleep may be at a premium during the holidays, but it is important to remember that fatigue clouds our judgment and slows our response times. In fact, this is why driving tired can be as dangerous as driving drunk. When we’re tired, we also have a hard time keeping a handle on the minor dangers in our lives and we sometimes forget to take the small steps that can help prevent an accident or injury.

Continue reading "Holiday Fatigue Causes More Than Just Florida Car Accidents " »

The holidays generally mean travel, and since more people are on the move to attend holiday gatherings and family events, added congestion can mean more accident risks. To travel safe this holiday season, consider:

1) Taking public or alternate transit. If you are tired or will be driving in unfamiliar surroundings, especially, it can be safer to travel by something besides car. Florida train accidents, bus accidents, and plane accidents are far less common than Florida car accidents, so consider alternate travel.

2) Know how to travel safe. If you must travel by car, make sure that you are prepared to do so. Do not drive tired or distracted. Get a good night’s rest and turn off your mobile device before getting in the car. Consider sharing the driving with someone else and take frequent breaks to rest.

3) Assess the dangers of your mode of travel. If you are traveling by car, Florida car accidents are your biggest risk. If you are traveling by plane, you will need to follow airline safety rules. If you are taking a long flight or train trip, consider making a plan to take frequent breaks in order to stretch your legs. When you sit for long periods of time, especially in a cramped space such as an airplane seat, you may be more at risk of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis.

4) Familiarize yourself with your route. The more you know about your route, the more likely you are to predict possible dangers and problems before you encounter them. For example, if you are traveling to a remote area of the world by plane, consider the special safety precautions you will need to take as well as the insurance you may need to get to your destination safely.

5) Wear the right clothing. Comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes that offer plenty of support are important. Each year, Florida slip and fall accidents take place on trains, airplanes, buses, and in driveways. Good shoes and sensible clothes allow you the freedom of movement you need to get to your destination safely – no matter how you are getting there.

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During the holidays, childhood injuries and Florida personal injuries sustained by children are all too common. There are many hazards which can create dangers for younger children, especially:

1) Candles and burn hazards. At this time of year, many of us decorate our homes with holiday lights and even with candles. Unfortunately, candles, especially, do pose a serious risk. Children are admitted to emergency rooms during the holiday season in many cases because they have sustained a Florida burn injury after being drawn to a flame. If you have young children at home, you may want to avoid candles entirely. If you do use candles, keep them well out of the reach of children. While holiday lights are safer, they can still pose a burn hazard. Make sure that your lights burn cool and replace any worn or damaged lights promptly.

2) Toy hazards. For children, toys are a large part of the holiday season. However, all too often, they can also be a hazard. Each year, children choke on toys or are injured by dangerous toys. Make sure that any toys your children receive are in good condition, not on a recall list, and age-appropriate. Carefully review toys before allowing your children to play with them and dispose of toy packaging promptly, since plastic wrapping around toys does pose a choking hazard for small children.

3) Car accidents and drunk driving accidents. Unfortunately, Florida drunk driving accidents spike around the holiday season, as many people go to holiday parties and make poor decisions after drinking. It is not just vehicle drivers who get injured in these accidents. All too often, children are also injured as they are passengers in vehicles.

4) Choking hazards. The holiday season is often full of choking hazards for very small children. Loose toy parts, ornaments, wrapping materials, even candies and treats can all pose a choking hazard. It is important to keep all small items away from very young children and to practice good child supervision, even during the very hectic holiday season.

5) Food-borne illness and other illnesses. Children take some years to develop a strong immune system, simply because they have been exposed to far fewer illnesses than adults. Children are also more prone to have serious complications from even standard seasonal illnesses, such as colds and flu. Further, the holiday season means eating, and that can mean more food-borne illnesses, especially in cases where food is not cooked or preserved correctly.

Continue reading "Avoiding Childhood Holiday Injuries" »

A 2007 study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology revealed that bus accidents are far more rare than most other types of accidents. According to the study, the annualized injury rates for motorcycles was 10, 336. For bicycles it was 1,461 and for cars it was 803. The annualized injury rates for walking was 216 and for buses it was 161. The conclusion the researchers reached was that those riding a bus are far less likely to be killed than motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians.

There are many possible reasons for this. The sheer size of a bus protects passengers inside of it in a collision, especially if that collision is with a smaller vehicle, such as a passenger vehicle. As well, the size of the bus may distribute the force of a crash differently than a smaller vehicle, protecting passengers. As well, buses tend to travel more slowly, which can contribute to the fact that Florida bus accidents are rarer than Florida car accidents and other traffic accidents.

According to the 2007 study, the fatality rates for different vehicles also vary widely. For motorcycles, the fatality rate is 537, while for bicycles it is 21 and for pedestrians it is 14. For a car, fatality rates are 9 and for a bus only 0.4, according to researchers. The researchers further found that there are differences in fatalities and injuries by age. For example, for children under the age of 4, virtually all traffic-related injuries occur while walking or in a car. This may be because parents are less likely to take their children aboard public transportation. However, it can also be because buses are a safer way to travel overall, resulting in fewer injuries.

Another factor that can affect bus accident rates may also be the risk factors associated with other types of vehicles and modes of transport. Most modes of transportation have serious vulnerabilities. Florida pedestrian accidents, for example, often lead to serious injuries and fatalities because pedestrians are virtually unprotected in an accident – their bodies bear the direct brunt force of a large vehicle. Bicyclists and motorcyclists similarly have little protection when compared with bus passengers. Car drivers, on the other hand, can easily take risks which can lead to an accident while bus drivers are carefully trained and monitored to avoid such risks.

While bus accidents are rare, they can occur. During the holiday season, it is important to exercise extra caution. Buses may be more crowded with holiday shoppers and steps may get slippery as the holiday weather arrives. It is important to travel wearing sturdy shoes and comfortable clothes. Where possible, sit down in a bus or grip a bar or overhead bar in order to secure your position. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before walking towards an exit.

Continue reading "Florida Bus Accidents are Rare, But Other Traffic Accidents are a Problem " »

While the holidays can be a time for gratitude, family, and friends, they can also be a time when certain injuries and accidents are more likely to happen:

1) Slip and fall accidents. Many Florida slip and fall accidents take place during the holiday season. The weather sometimes gets very wet at this time of year and there tends to be more pedestrian traffic in public places, such as malls. At the same time, there are more visitors and gatherings, where slip and fall accidents can also take place. Wearing sturdy shoes and cleaning up spills or obstacles quickly can help prevent these types of accidents.

2) Burn injuries. Fires and Florida burn injuries are common during the holiday season. As we run around more to get holiday errands done and as we leave our homes for extended periods of time, we sometimes forget to blow out candles or unplug appliances, which can result in fires. As well, more of us burn candles at this time of year as part of holiday décor. Having a working smoke detector and using extra caution with candles can help prevent these types of accidents.

3) Injuries to children and minors. Children and minors are more vulnerable to injuries at this time of year. Out of school, children may receive less supervision at this time of year. At the same time, gifts, holiday decorations, and extra travel all pose risks and potential hazards to children. Careful supervision and child-proofing are important.

4) Drunk driving accidents. Many holiday parties serve good cheer as well as alcoholic drinks, and this can cause Florida drunk driving accident rates to peak during the holiday season. It is vital to always have at least two alternative means of getting home if you are going to a party. As well, if you are throwing a party, make sure that you provide guests with safe ways of getting home. Many communities have special shuttle and bus services during the holiday season just for this purpose.

5) Pool accidents. Many people associate Florida pool accidents and near-drownings with summer, but in fact the holiday season represents a real risk. When homeowners go away for the holidays, children and intruders can easily access a pool area unless that pool area is secured locked and gated. It is important for homeowners to check their pool gates, locks, and fences to ensure that the pool area is completely secured at this time of year.

Continue reading "Holiday Injuries You Can Avoid " »

Medical errors can happen just about anywhere. Each year, Florida personal injuries occur when healthcare professionals are negligent or when these professionals make an error. Medical malpractice suits are common when patients are injured at the hands of the medical professionals they trust. Patients have a great deal of power, however, when it comes to stopping negligence and mistakes:

1) Choose doctors carefully and work to establish good communication with your doctors. A good doctor or specialist is very important, so choose carefully. Ask for recommendations and make sure that your doctor or specialist is in good standing with a professional organization. Find out whether your doctor or specialist has any pending lawsuits against them. Interview a few doctors and specialists to find one who is caring and who is willing to listen to and answer your questions. Once you find the right doctor or specialist for your needs, work at maintaining good communication. Note down any medical history, any symptoms, and any medicine you are taking. If you have switched doctors, make sure that your medical records are forwarded so that your new physician has all the facts he or she needs to ensure quality care.

2) Review the basics. Often, medical mistakes happen because a health care professional does not review the basics – such as patient allegories, medical conditions, and medications. Each time you submit to a treatment or are given a new medication, be sure to ask whether the treatment or medicine is fine for you, based on your allergies, medications, and conditions.

3) Take good care of your health. A healthy lifestyle can help prevent many illnesses, ensuring that you need to rely on health care less.

4) Always get it in writing. If you get a diagnosis, test results, or instructions from a physician, write it down or get the doctor to write it down. That way, you can be sure you have your facts right.

5) Get to know your pharmacist and other health care professionals. Pharmacists can be crucial in helping you prevent medicine interactions and other problems. They can also offer an array of medical advice.

6) Get a second opinion. If you have been diagnosed with a serious illness or will need surgery, be sure to get a second opinion. This way, a second physician has a chance to notice any errors. Some Florida cancer misdiagnoses, for example, can be prevented with re-testing and a second opinion.

Continue reading "Avoiding Medical Malpractice Suits and Medical Errors" »

The University of South Florida will team up with five facilities that are part of the Hospital Corporation of America in order to create a Florida-wide trauma network.
At least of the facilities, Blake Medical Center, also plans to open a trauma center. The goal of the network is to improve care for trauma patients. Currently, only about 48% of trauma patients in Florida get care at a licensed trauma center. Nationwide, about 65% of trauma patients receive care at a licensed trauma center.

According to the Hospital Corporation of America and University of South Florida, the main cause of Florida trauma injuries is Florida car accidents. The two organizations also noted that Florida car accident fatalities are closely linked to distance from the nearest trauma center. In counties with a trauma center, the rate of Florida car accident fatalities is lower.

Improving access to trauma centers can help Florida spinal cord injury patients, brain injury patients, and other trauma patients. Currently, patients must sometimes travel long distances to reach a trauma center. For example, some trauma patients from Manatee County must travel to Tampa or St. Petersburg to access trauma facilities. Blake Medical Center hopes to have its trauma facility open by fall 2011. The center will have at least five specialists and surgeons skilled to handle pulmonary issues, pediatrics, cardiology, infectious disease, and other areas.

In addition to the Blake Medical Center, the new trauma network will also include Kendall Regional Medical Center, Lawnwood Regional Medical Center, Orange Park Medical Center, and Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. Currently, Lawnwood Medical Center has a trauma center while the remaining facilities have applied for trauma center designation.

Trauma centers may help patients survive serious injuries because these facilities group specialists and surgeons who are able to respond quickly to trauma injuries. In order for a facility to receive trauma center designation, there must be several specialty surgeons at the facility as well as a head trauma surgeon. The facilities must also have on-call specialists that allow them to deal with a range of trauma injuries.

Continue reading "Personal Injury Victims Will Have New Facility in Florida " »

Florida spinal cord injury patients often receive their injuries from Florida car accidents, swimming pool accidents, and other accidents. In some cases, the victims of such accidents are children and minors. According to University of Florida researchers, however, some children may be overlooked for a Florida spinal cord injury treatments which could help them.

At a Society for Neuroscience meeting, University of Florida researchers presented details of a Florida spinal cord injury case in which a child with incomplete spinal cord injury was diagnosed as unlikely to walk again. However, after taking part in a locomotor training program at the University of Florida, the child was able to regain walking ability within four years. The University of Florida researchers further presented three other case studies in which children with incomplete spinal cord injuries saw improvement with locomotor training, some regaining the ability to take steps.

The University of Florida researchers were taking part in the Kids Step Study, conducted by Brooks Rehabilitation and the University of Florida. The study, led by professors Andrea Behrman and Dena Howland, suggests that many children who sustain Florida spinal cord injuries are overlooked for these promising programs of treatment due to the way that spinal cord injuries are diagnosed.

Currently, many physicians diagnose injury and the possibility of recovery by determining whether a patient displays early leg movement. Patients who do not show early leg movement are considered unlikely to walk again. However, the University of Florida researchers found that even children who showed little or no leg movement were still able to make improvement with locomotor training.

The locomotor training program run by Behrman and Howland involves repetitive and intense practice of task-specific exercises. The aim of the exercise is to prompt the neuromuscular system into walking and muscle control. Even some patients who did not recover the ability to walk with the program, according to Behrman and Howland, increased trunk mobility and control. Currently, no other program exists to help patients with severe Florida spinal cord injuries activate the neuromuscular system to prompt recovery.

Continue reading "Treatment for Childhood Florida Spinal Cord Injuries " »