Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

Each 4th of July, while many people across the country are celebrating their country, many people are being admitted to emergency rooms with serious burn injuries and other injuries caused by Independence Day festivities. Have a wonderful holiday, but use these tips to stay safe, as well:

1) Use extra caution with fireworks. Every Independence Day, fireworks cause many serious injuries, including eye injuries and burn injuries. Unfortunately, injuries to minors and children are the most common with fireworks-related injuries, since children are often fascinated by fireworks but often do not know how to prevent serious injury. Firefighters recommend that families attend public fireworks displays organized by professionals. This is the safest way to view fireworks. If you decide to enjoy your own fireworks, use caution and always follow all precautions in the instructions very carefully.

2) Keep your children safe. Children can easily get injured this weekend around pools, bonfires, fireworks displays and boats. Have fun, but ensure that your children are carefully monitored by a responsible adult at all times.

3) Use extra caution on the water. Many people take their boats out for Independence Day or head out swimming. If you do go swimming, make sure that you have someone with you in case you get fatigued or ill in the water. Swim in designated swimming areas. If you take your boat out, make sure everyone has a life vest on and only head out on the water if you are completely sober.

4) Don’t drink and drive. Across the country, police forces will be monitoring the roads more carefully for drunk driving and other traffic violations. Unfortunately, the 4th of July weekend often means more drunk driving arrests, in part because so many people are heading out to gatherings and driving home when they have been drinking. If you go out, make sure that you take a taxi or alternative form of transportation if you have been drinking. If you are hosting an Independence Day event, do not allow your guests to drive under the influence.

5) Use caution when drinking. Whether you are setting off fireworks, driving, taking your boat out on a lake, supervising swimmers, having a bonfire, or taking part in any other 4th of July activity, staying sober will allow you to do all these activities safely.

In Florida, lighting is the main weather-source killer, killing more people than all other weather causes of fatalities combined. There are more lighting fatalities and injuries in Florida than in any other state. While across the country the chances of being struck by lightning are about 280,000:1, in Florida those chances are 80, 000:1. In addition to the injuries and deaths caused, lightning also causes about $5 billion worth of damage each year. Usually, this is as a result of fires and property damage caused by lightning.

Lightning can cause lifelong personal injuries as well as severe brain injuries and burn injuries. One bolt of lightning is much hotter than the surface of the sun, at 50,000 degrees, so there is a high potential for severe injuries. The period between June and August sees the most lightning injuries and fatalities. In fact, over 70% of all lightning deaths occur during these few months.

There are several things that everyone can do to help prevent lightning related injuries:

1) Know how to avoid lightning if you're stuck outside during a storm. If you hear thunder outside, try to move inside. Buildings that are completely enclosed and have plumbing and wiring offer the best protection from thunder. Tents, porches, picnic shelters, sheds, and temporary buildings are not a good place to hide during a thunderstorm. If you cannot find a building, stay inside of a metal vehicle with a hardtop. Close all the windows. If you cannot get to either a building or a car, stay away from open areas. As well, stay away from tall towers, utility poles, and tall trees that are away from other trees. Lightning will generally strike the tallest object in any specific area. Avoid being the tallest object and don't stand near a tall object. Get out of the water if you are swimming or boating and avoid any metal objects, including fences or wires.

2) Stay alert about the weather. During the summer, listen to the forecast. If you are planning an outdoor activity but thunderstorms are predicted, consider rescheduling or moving your event indoors. If you see flashes of lightning, increasing wind, and darkening skies, it can mean that a thunderstorm is on the way. Stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities if at all possible.

3) If you're outside, evaluate how close the lightning is. If you hear thunder and see lightning, count the period of time between the lightning and the thunder. Thunderstorms that have a window of 30 seconds or less during these two events can be dangerous because they're close enough to injure you with lightning. Go indoors or find a shelter and wait until the thunderstorm passes. You should wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash before re-emerging outdoors.

4) Practice safety indoors as well. Just because you're indoors, that does not mean that you are completely safe from lightning. People are injured indoors during thunderstorms all the time. Electrical equipment and wiring as well as plumbing can conduct electricity from lightning. For these reasons, use only cell phones and cordless phones if you need to speak on the phone during a thunderstorm. Do not use a corded phone unless there is no other option. Avoid using sinks, showers, or bathtubs during a thunderstorm, since water pipes can conduct electricity from lightning. Avoid wiring and electrical devices as well.

Summer is a time for vacations, and while vacations and trips usually mean lots of fun, they also pose some hazards. Many of us completely unwind during vacations, but trips are no time to forget safety. Here are some basic ways to make sure that you and your family stay safe while at your summer destinations:

1) Check hotel room fire escapes. All hotel rooms have fire escapes and safety information posted. Make sure that you read the directions and familiarize yourself with the nearest escape route from your hotel room. Also, identify the closest fire extinguisher. You can often help prevent burn injuries and other serious injuries if you know where to exit during a fire.

2) Check accommodations for safety features. Before selecting your accommodations, find out about safety features. Does a hotel have 24-hour security, sprinkler systems or other features that can mean a safer stay? Check the safety record of your hotel or place of stay.

3) When flying, make sure you know where the emergency exits are. Listen to the flight attendants while they go through the safety demonstration at the beginning of the flight. Even if you have heard it before, it is a good review. Locate your emergency exits. If you do need to use them, you will be able to get to them more quickly if you know where they are.

4) Learn about your destination. Each destination has its unique features and hazards. Determine what the potential for injury is at your destination and take steps to prevent any problems.

5) Have the right documents with you. Make copies of your identification documents and any documents relating to your health coverage. Keep these copies in a safe place in case your original documents are lost or stolen on your trip. This is especially important if you will be traveling outside of the country, where you will need identification and the right documents to get most services.

Continue reading "Avoid Personal Injury on Your Vacation " »

In the summer, many of us are more active, taking part in more outdoor activities and more sports. While this can mean that the summer is one of the times when we are at our best physically, it can also mean a few more injuries, including more cuts and scrapes and more serious injuries, such as burn injuries. It can be a good idea to assemble a first aid kit to be ready for the inevitable bruises and bug bites. Items you should include in your first aid kit for the summer include:

1) Emergency phone numbers. Your emergency phone numbers should be right inside the first aid kit. They should include the phone number of your local police stations, your doctor, your pharmacist, your poison control center, your dentist, and your vet. You should also include contact information for every member of your family.

2) Thermometer. A thermometer is useful in detecting fevers, which can signal anything from a flu to a serious allergic reaction to heat stroke.

3) Ice packs. Ice packs can soothe any swelling or burns.

4) Hydrocortisone cream. This skin cream is useful for minor scrapes and minor skin irritations.

5) Sunscreen. You should have bottles of sunscreen in your car, medicine cabinet, first aid kit, purse, and by your door, so that you remember to spray often.

6) Bug spray. Bug bites can cause serious allergic reactions and can spread diseases such as the West Nile Virus or Lyme disease. Keep small spray bottles of bug spray with you at all times during the summer.

Continue reading "Summer Personal Injury Kits" »

The summer is when many people decide to open their cottage or vacation home for a relaxing summer. You want to be able to enjoy your home away from home, but if you have been away for a while, you want to make sure that your cottage or vacation home is a haven, not a danger. Here’s how to avoid injuries as you get ready for the summer:

1) Check for insect nests and animals. While you have been away, bats, raccoons, rodents, birds, and insects may have decided to make your cottage a home. Always check carefully for signs of pests and have them removed immediately by a professional exterminator. Insects can swarm, while animals can spread diseases, so you want to make sure your home is free of any animals and insects.

2) Get your vaccinations before you travel. Get inoculations against tetanus and make sure your vaccinations are up to date so that you can have a worry-free summer. If you need medications or may require allergy medication, make sure you bring these items with you to the cottage.

3) Check for signs of wear and tear on appliances, stairs, plumbing systems, and other major systems of your vacation home. Shaky stairs can lead to broken bones and falls. Damaged power cords can be a fire hazard. Always check to make sure that everything is in good shape and get any repairs completed before you move in for the summer.

4) Check for damage to overhead power lines. Branches can easily fall on power lines, creating a hazard, especially to curious children.

5) Remove debris to avoid slip and fall accidents. Any debris and overgrown weeds should be removed from walkways and frequently used pathways. You don’t want someone to trip over a forgotten rock or a fallen branch.

Continue reading "Avoid Personal Injury When Opening Your Cottage or Vacation Home" »

Outdoor decks are a common feature on most homes. Unfortunately, they are also an increasingly common issue in hospital emergency rooms. In the past five years alone, about 30 deaths and 300 personal injuries have been linked to decks and experts expect that number could grow. Most homeowners do not realize that decks have an expected life span of 10 to 15 years. Decks have been a popular feature of homes for about two decades now, so many decks out there are past their prime, and many homeowners do not realize the dangers lurking in their own backyards.

As decks age, the wood supports can weaken and rot, eventually leading to collapse. In some cases, pests may get into the wood and compromise the structure of a deck. Boards can become loose and nails and screws may rust or fall out. Unless a homeowner checks their deck carefully, however, these changes and dangers may not be obvious until it is too late.

According to the Wood Materials and Engineering Laboratory at Washington State University, deck accidents are very preventable. Professional, licensed home inspectors, for example, can quickly tell a homeowner whether a deck is safe or whether it needs some repairs to be safe. If it has been a few years since your deck was installed, call a qualified inspector. New safety codes may be in place that make parts of your deck obsolete.

Most experts also agree that if you buy a new home, you should have the deck carefully inspected before you step out on it. Many decks are DIY projects and while many homeowners build perfectly safe and sound decks, construction varies widely. If the previous homeowner knew little about building but wanted to quickly put together a deck to make the home more attractive to buyers, you could be in trouble if you assume that your deck is safe.

An unsafe deck can cause anything from skin injures (caused by splinters or undismayed pieces of wood) to serious, permanent injuries. If the deck collapses while you are on it, you could sustain brain injury, broken bones, spinal cord injury, and other serious injuries. If your deck is made from certain pieces of pressurized lumber, it could pose a hazard to your health. If someone else is injured on your deck, you could be held liable. It pays to exercise caution.

Even if your deck was safe last year, you still need to inspect it carefully. The ground under the deck may have eroded, causing the deck to shift. Pests might have moved into the wood or under the deck. Moisture from rains and weather might have caused pieces of wood to rot. In some cases, dry weather can cause the wood to crack. When checking your deck, look for corrosion, rot, loose nails or connections, and cracks. Any one of these may be a sign that it’s time for a professional inspection.

In the summer, the heat can be a serious cause for concern. While most of us are happy to see more sunshine and nice weather, the high temperatures that are common in a Florida summer can be a serious hazard, especially to the young and the elderly. Very hot summer days can cause heat stroke, sun stroke, skin blistering, dehydration, and even death. Here’s how to stay safe this summer:

1) Never leave an elderly person, a child, or a pet alone in a car. Even with the windows open slightly, the heat inside a car can climb rapidly in just a few minutes. Being left alone in a car on a hot day is a common injury to children and children have died after being left alone in a car on a hot day.

2) Burn injuries are common in the summer. Keep in mind that seat belt buckles, playground equipment, toys left outdoors, car seats, chair surfaces, tables, and other items left outdoors can be hot enough to burn.

3) Know the signs of heat distress. Red, dry, and hot skin with no sweat is a sign of heat stroke, as is a high body temperature, strong pulse, headache, nausea, dizziness, and confusion. Anyone who appears to be in distress or who feels unwell because of the heat should get medical help immediately.

4) Stay hydrated. Even if you are not thirsty, sip water throughout the day. You may be dehydrated even if you show no symptoms. Keep in mind that caffeine and alcohol can cause you to become more dehydrated. If you drink caffeinated or alcoholic drinks, drink more water or avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks completely on very hot days.

5) Make sure you and your loved ones wear sun block. A sun block, hat, and sunglasses all offer protection from the heat and sun. If you are sensitive to the sun, consider staying out of the sun between the late morning and early afternoon, when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. Also, check your medications. Some medications make you more susceptible to sunburn or heat-related illness.

Each summer, almost 3 million emergency room visits will be made involving children ages 14 and under who have sustained a serious injury due to pedestrian accidents, car accidents, trips and falls, and other incidents. Many emergency room staff are actually preparing for the summer season, sadly expecting to see more children in the emergency room. Experts predict that about 2000 children will die due to preventable injuries during the summer months.

To keep your children safe and healthy this summer:

1) Practice active supervision at all times. Active supervision means that adults and parents are not only present, but are also fully engaged in watching children during their summertime activities at all times. This means that the adult supervisors are not reading, talking on the phone, or taking part in other activities. The supervisor is alert to any possible dangers at all times, and ready to act quickly in the event of an injury.

2) Practice pool smarts. Pools pose a serious drowning hazard for children. If you have a small, pool, or hot tub, you need to have a sturdy gate and a fence around the pool that is at least 4 feet high. Your pool or hot tub should have a safety valve and release as well as a drain cover that has an anti-entrapment device or feature. Many people feel that inflatable pools do not pose a danger, but they're just as dangerous as full-sized pools. They need to be surrounded by a fence or emptied out completely when not in use. Even small inflatable pools have enough water for a child to drown.

3) Give your kids the right gear for their summer activities. Helmets for sports and bicycling, for example, can help prevent brain injuries. If you will be traveling with your child this summer, make sure that they have a booster seat or car seat. To prevent boating accidents, make sure that your children have a well fitted life jacket at all times when you are on your boat.

4) Stay safe on the playground. If you have your playground at home, make sure that there's at least 12 inches of soft surfacing -- such as sand, mulch, shredded rubber, or another synthetic product -- at least 6 feet around all equipment. No matter what playground equipment your child is playing on, make sure that your child is not wearing any drawstrings or any hoods that can pose a choking hazard.

4) Take a look around your home and property. Remove any poison or toxic material from your home. If you have cleaning products, for example, place them in a secure and locked cabinet. Outside, remove poisonous plants, pool chemicals, and pesticides from any area where children have access.

5) Always check your car and walk around your car before locking it. Each summer, up to six children die because they're left unattended in a hot car. A car can become warm enough to seriously injure or kill a child in just minutes on a hot day, and even on overcast or mild days, temperatures inside a car can be dangerous to a child's health.

According to most experts, the summer season means more personal injuries resulting from playgrounds and playground accidents. Playground injuries can range from simple bumps and scrapes, to serious head injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and even fatalities. Each summer, many children visit emergency rooms as a result of injuries incurred on playground equipment.

There are many ways that injuries can happen at the playground. Loose clothing can become caught on monkey bars or other playground equipment, posing a choking hazard or trapping a child. Children can easily fall from slides, ladders, and other equipment on the playground. Even with a soft cushion around the equipment, injuries can result. Children can also bump into the wood and metal that most playgrounds are made from, harming themselves.

Germs are another major concern at most playgrounds. According to research conducted in 2007 by ABC News, 59 of 60 playgrounds researched had harmful bacteria on playground equipment. This bacteria could lead to infections and illnesses. Many parents do not think about wiping playground equipment before a child uses it, but it can be a good precaution. At the very least, have wipes handy so that your child can wash their hands after playing on the equipment -- before he or she eats a snack.

Since playgrounds often contain many germs, it becomes important to disinfect any wounds that develop at the playground. A simple scrape can tale a long time to heal if it is exposed to bacteria from playgrounds. Disinfectant wipes, antibiotic cream, and good washing are all important when treating minor injuries at the playground.

One major problem with playground injuries is that parents are less prepared for them. While at home many parents have a first aid kit and easy access to a telephone in order to call for help in the event of an injury, at a playground these items may not be so handy. It is a good idea for families to carry cell phones so that they can call for help in an emergency. It is also a great idea to have bandages and antibiotic ointment on hand in the event of a bump or scrape at the playground.

It is important for parents to check the safety of playgrounds in their area. All playgrounds should have a soft surface such as sand, shredded rubber, or another surface, that is at least 12 inches deep. This soft surface should extend well beyond the edges of all equipment. Playground equipment should be well constructed, sturdy, and in good repair. Unsafe playgrounds should be reported at once to the municipality where you live.

When you or a loved one is injured because of the recklessness or negligence of someone else, your main concern, naturally enough, is recovery. However, the decisions you make immediately after the injury can affect your recovery a great deal. Florida law protects you from the high cost of injury caused by someone’s negligence or recklessness. If you have suffered lost income, high medical bills, property damage, and other costs as a result of your injury, Florida law allows you to seek legal redress so that these costs do not come from your own pocket. Seeking legal help can ensure that you have the assistance you need for medical costs, living costs, and other associated costs. However, to safeguard yourself legally after an accident or injury, you need to:

1) Seek out a consultation with a qualified Florida injury lawyer. As soon as possible after your accident or injury, consult with a Florida attorney to learn about your options and your rights. You should schedule this consultation before you sign any papers from insurance providers or other attorneys. Many attorneys – including the law firm of Flaxman & Lopez – offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation, so you incur no costs or obligations by speaking with an attorney.

2) Start gathering information as soon as possible after your injury. Immediately after your injury or accident, you may be disoriented and frightened. However, as soon as possible, you should start securing information that can help your attorney. Take down the names of witnesses, doctors examining you, and possible defendants. Take photos of injuries, property damage, and the scene where the accident or injury took place. Start a journal as soon as possible after your injury and keep track of everything – any costs you incur as a result of your injuries, anyone you speak with about your injury, anyone who visits you and sees your injury, any treatments you get. Secure copies of your medical reports and police reports, if applicable. The more information you can provide, the more your attorney will be able to help you. Whether you have sustained a head injury, broken bones, burn injury, spinal cord injury, or another injury, information gathering is important.

3) Start establishing a good relationship with the attorney who will eventually handle your case. When you first schedule an interview with an attorney, make sure that you ask questions about your attorney’s qualifications. You may wish to ask where an attorney studied law, what their status is with the Bar Association, how many injury claims they have handled, and what sort of trial experience they have. You want someone with the education and the experience to pursue your rights aggressively. When you first speak with an attorney, you also want to be clear about the legal costs and fees involved in your case.

4) Make a decision about what legal steps (if any) to take. Once you have found a qualified attorney and have discussed your situation, you will need to make a decision about whether to pursue legal action. This decision will be based on what you and your attorney have discussed and on what you, personally, feel.

If you do make a decision to pursue legal action, you will need to continue building a good relationship with your attorney through good communication. Your attorney will guide you on the steps you need to take to safeguard your legal rights. This may involve keeping more records of your injuries or it may involve allowing professional investigators to explore the circumstances that led to your injury.

Personal injuries, whether caused by car accidents, workplace accidents, or other accidents, can be quite serious and can have a lasting impact on a victim’s lifestyle. Some injuries, such as brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, for example, can lead to permanent injuries that affect a victim’s ability to work or lead a normal life. In addition, even smaller injuries can wreak havoc on a person’s lifestyle and finances. The costs of lost income and treatment options can be overwhelming. The price of renovating a home to accommodate a permanent injury can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars.

If an accident was caused by someone’s recklessness or injury, Florida law provides a system through which victims can recover more quickly. This system uses the law to ensure that victims have adequate compensation to pay for lost income, medical treatment, and other expenses. Compensation can often mean the difference between full recovery and complications, since compensation often allows a victim to get better medical treatment.

Unfortunately, many victims are reluctant to even learn more about filing a claim that the law gives them every right to file. Insidiously, many companies make victims feel guilty about filing claims and some victims are made to feel greedy or unreasonable if they want to even seek legal help. The truth is, however, that the law gives us all a right to be free from injuries and damages caused by others. If someone’s recklessness or negligence has caused an injury, by law that person may be held financially responsible for some of the injuries and damage they have caused.

Also, there is nothing greedy about seeking legal recompense for an injury. The legal does not simply hand out cash for injuries. Rather, Florida law is designed to help victims return, as much as possible, to the state they were in before an accident. For example, if you have sustained a spinal cord injury and have been left unable to walk, the legal system will provide you with the money for treatment, rehabilitation, services, and other products that will allow you, as much as possible, to lead a lifestyle that is similar in quality to what you had enjoyed before. For example, if you can still get around with the help of a wheelchair, a legal claim can help you pay for the expense of a wheelchair so that you can enjoy mobility again. This is far from greedy.

One problem is that many victims have some misconceptions about filing legal claims after an injury. Many people assume that they are “suing” a company or person. In fact, a lawsuit usually affects an insurance provider rather than an individual. For example, if you have been injured on a friend’s property, you are not taking a friend to court. Rather, an attorney will work with your friend’s insurance provider to reach a settlement. In many cases, the situation will not even reach a court room and will instead be settled out of court.

Perhaps the biggest mistake many victims make is not getting legal advice before they make decisions that could affect them for life. If you have been injured, you should always speak to a qualified attorney before you sign anything. There is no obligation if you speak to an attorney and get legal advice, and some experienced personal injury attorneys in Florida offer free initial consultations, so that you can learn about your options at no cost.

The American Red Cross recommends that all families have disaster preparedness kits or emergency kits that allow families to avoid some of the more preventable personal injuries that result when tragedy strikes. A few simple precautions and a good family plan can help prevent serious injuries, such as burn injuries in a fire or serious injuries to minors and children when a natural disaster strikes.

The cornerstone of any emergency preparedness kit involves an escape plan. Your family should be prepared to escape from your home safely and quickly in the event of a fire or major disaster. To develop an escape plan, go through your home and find two escape routes from every room in the house. At least twice a year, practice your escape route with your entire family. Designate a location away from the house where your family can meet once they have left the home. If you have a two-story home, purchase escape ladders or another method of escape so that people can escape safely from the upper portion of your home. Make sure that everyone in your home can use the ladders and fire routes effectively. With your children, practice crawling low to avoid smoke elation in the event of a fire. Teach your children to check the doors for warmth before opening them in the event of fire.

In addition to an escape plan, you will also want to develop a kit that helps you in the event of an emergency. This kit should be easily accessible and you should be able to grab this kit when you are escaping from your home. Keep all your kit items in one space, in a large sturdy box with good handles. Items that should be included in your kit are:

1) Non-perishable foods. You should have a three-day supply for every member of your home. The items should be easy to prepare, and you should check the expiration dates regularly. If you have packed cans, make sure you have a manual can opener in your emergency kit as well.

2) Water. Allow one gallon per person for every day, and make sure that you do have at least a three-day supply for everyone in your household. Don't forget about pets -- they need water as well. Consider adding some water purification tablets so that if you run low on water, you may be able to convert or clean some water for safe drinking.

3) Flashlight and radio with extra batteries. Look for a hand-crank radio or battery-powered radio that allows you to get emergency information from authorities in the event of emergency. Look for a high powered flashlight with a long battery life. Tuck several extra batteries into your emergency kit as well.

Continue reading "Prepare An Emergency Kit To Protect Your Family From Personal Injury" »

A new study by the University of Washington, the Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, and the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has found that traumatic personal injuries in many leads to post-traumatic stress disorder or depression. Researchers found that one year after a serious injury such as a spinal cord injury, brain injury or other life-altering injury, a high percentage of patients were diagnosed to have post-traumatic stress disorder or depression.

Specifically, the study found that of 2707 patients examined after a serious injury,
20.7% were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and 6.6% had depression a full year after their injury. As a result of these diagnoses, researchers found that patients were not adjusting to regular life after the injury.

Patients who suffered from either depression or post-traumatic stress disorder a year after their injury were three times less likely to be working than patients who had similar injuries but no depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Patients suffering from both post-traumatic stress disorder and depression a year after their injuries were up to six times less likely to have resumed work and other normal activities.

Researchers say that the study highlights the need for long-term follow-up with patients after a serious injury. The study highlighted that even in cases where a patient is recovering, mental health still needs to be considered. Acute care hospitals and treatment facilities, say researchers, need to screen patients who have been injured for signs of mental health issues and symptoms of depression or other problems.

The American College of Surgeons asks all level I trauma centers to provide alcohol screening on-site as well as some form of intervention services before trauma center accreditation is granted. The study suggests that these facilities may wish to put a greater emphasis on screening and intervention in the treatment of patients.

Haunted houses, trick-or-treating, costumes, and pumpkin carving are some of the reasons children love Halloween. Unfortunately, these same activities cause many injuries each year. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) suggests that parents use these tips to keep children safe during various activities at this time of year:

1) Select costumes carefully. Poorly fitted costumes and masks can lead to visibility problems that mean slips and falls, head injuries, bone fractures, dislocations and other serious injuries. Well-fitted costumes and face paint (rather than masks) are usually the best option.

2) Select trick-or-treat routes carefully. Unfamiliar routes in the dark increase the odds of slipping and falling. If your children plan on visiting unfamiliar areas after dark, make sure that there is an adult supervising them and that there are plenty of flashlights on hand to light the way.

3) Carve pumpkins carefully. This common activity leads to serious skin injuries and even injuries to bones and tendons each year. Children should not be allowed to carve pumpkins. Adults should use specifically designed carving knives rather than kitchen knives, which can slip on the pumpkin skin and cause injury. Adults should always carve using small cuts, pushing the knife away from the body. Carving should only be done in a well-lit area and care should be taken to keep all areas and surfaces dry to prevent the knife from slipping. Buying a pre-carved pumpkin is a good idea to prevent injuries.

4) Review first aid before carving a pumpkin. If you do decide to carve your family’s pumpkin, review what to do in case of an injury. If you cut yourself while carving, elevate the wounded area above the heart and apply pressure to the area with a clean towel or cloth. If there is excessive bleeding or if after 15 minutes the bleeding has not slowed or stop, have someone take you to the emergency. If at any time you cannot move your fingers or you experience numbness in the area of the injury, visit your local emergency room.

5) Keep children visible to motorists. While most motorists are cautious on Halloween, children are often excited about candy and can run out in the road, which can lead to car accidents. Flashlights and reflective clothing can help prevent some accidents.

As several tropical storms approach Florida and other regions of the country, residents are bracing for impact. Although people living in hurricane areas often become somewhat complacent about safety – especially after a few bad storms with no injuries – it is always important to treat each new storm warning seriously. Hurricanes and tropical storms can cause serious injuries, including drowning incidents, head injuries and spinal cord injuries caused by falling objects or crumbling homes, and other types of injuries.

To keep yourself and your family safe:

1) Stay alert to the news. Have a portable radio and listen to the latest weather forecasts and warnings so that you know what to do. If you hear an advisory or warning, be sure to follow the instructions you are given about evacuations and dangers.

2) Understand the risks prevalent with storms in your area. If you live near the water, tropical storms can cause tidal surges and flooding. No matter where you live, storms with powerful winds can compromise home structural integrity and can cause heavy objects (including power lines and poles as well as trees) to come crashing down.

3) Develop a formal emergency plan for hurricanes. This plan should include charted escape routes from each area of your home and workplace. You should also discuss safe meeting places near your home and outside of your neighborhood. That way, if your family is not together during a storm you can meet together and ensure everyone is accounted for. Have an out-of-town contact everyone can call so that someone will know that you are all safe.

4) Create an emergency kit. Include water – at least 2 liters per person per day -- and non-perishable food. You will also want to have a can opener, flashlight, portable radio, extra clothes, and cash in small bills. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist for a two-week supply of medicine and supplies. Pharmacies may be closed for some time after a hurricane, so make sure you are prepared. Your kit should also include important documents – including ID and detailed medical histories and reports about medical conditions and allergies for every member of your household. Take pet food and pet supplies with you if you have a pet.

5) Follow orders and do not take any risks. If you are told to evacuate, do so, following the routes designated by authorities. If you know that a hurricane or major storm is headed for your area but you have not been told to evacuate, stay in your home and make sure that everyone who can safely get home gets home. Do not drive or go outside if you do not have to. If you think a storm will be severe, board up windows ahead of time and secure any items outside. Once inside during the storm, stay away from any windows or from the side of the house where any large trees are. Stay calm and listen to the radio for instructions.

In Florida, summer can sometimes mean severe weather. While hurricanes, high winds, and thunderstorms can all cause personal injuries which can include head injuries, burn injuries, broken limbs, and even fatalities, the cleanup after storms can be just as dangerous in Florida. After a severe storm, many homeowners are faced with trees that have been blown down. In many cases, homeowners who try to remove these trees themselves injure themselves or create more property damage.

Chainsaw accidents are an especial concern for authorities after a severe Florida storm hits. Homeowners can reduce the risk of injury and property damage after a storm by:

1) Calling insurance companies first and taking pictures before removing trees. Sometimes, property owners go through all the trouble of removing debris and trees only to realize that they have removed valuable evidence in the process. If your home may be damaged and you may need to make an insurance claim, call your insurance provider before making any decisions regarding tree removal.

2) Contacting a professional. It is always much easier to contact a professional tree removal expert rather than attempt to get the job done yourself. Look for a professional who is fully insured and bonded. Many tree removal services are busy after a storm but many do have emergency services. It is often better to have a tree removed rather than attempt it yourself. Check with your insurance provider to see whether the cost is covered under your policy. Even if it is not, consider paying the cost out of your own pocket. It is always much safer.

3) Being careful with trees that fall over property lines. Removing a tree that has fallen onto a neighbor's property is tricky business. If you accidentally cause property damage or get injured while removing the tree, the resulting legal actions could sour your neighborly camaraderie. When trees fall across property lines, it’s always better to get professional help.

4) Registering chainsaws. If you do have a chainsaw, register the product and check recent recalls. Some chainsaw accidents are caused by product liability issues, so make sure that your chainsaw has been approved for safe use. Keep the chainsaw in good condition and avoiding using it if there is anything wrong mechanically with the product.

5) Proceeding with caution. If you absolutely must remove a tree that has fallen, take every precaution. Read the manual and instructions carefully and take your time when using the chainsaw. Take frequent breaks, since chainsaws are heavy and difficult to operate. Always work with someone who can help you with removing cut pieces of wood. This person can also call for help if you are injured.

In Florida, golf carts are a common sight at this time of year. Not only are golf courses doing brisk business, renting carts as well as other equipment, but many Florida residents are scooting around on golf carts rather than driving a car or using a scooter. With the price of gas inching upwards, fun and speedy golf carts – which don’t run on gas – seem like a cute alternative in the summer months. According to studies reported by The Associated Press recently, however, golf carts can pose a risk.

New studies have found that golf carts have caused almost 50 000 injuries over a four-year period. The University of Alabama at Birmingham conducted on study of golf carts and concluded that approximately 1,000 Americans are injured on golf carts each month. People over 80 and men between the ages of 10 and 19 are most at risk. A research study conducted by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital found that the annual injury rates for golf carts increased 130% over 16 years. Part of the increase in injuries, researchers concluded, is because more people are using golf carts and using them in more ways. That study concluded that about 38% of injuries occurred when riders or drivers fell or jumped out of carts.

The most common personal injuries caused by golf carts include brain injuries and broken limbs. Golf carts have become more powerful and faster over the past decade, and some researchers believe that this has led to their popularity. Unfortunately, the added power means that golf carts do carry risks.

Golf carts can reach speeds of 25 mph, and while they are intended for leisurely zips around the greens, more and more people are using the golf carts in ways that they were not originally designed for. Despite this, researchers find that about half of all injuries involving golf carts do occur on golf courses or in other sports venues. Half of golf cart injuries occur on streets or on private property.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham study and the study conducted by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children's Hospital both found that golf carts are often seen as a toy, a safe alternative for teens and children who do not yet drive. This perception allows many people to use golf carts on public roads and streets, which the researchers concluded can be quite dangerous.

The study suggests that parents should not permit golf cart use on streets or on private property. Giving teenagers and children golf carts to ride around is not safe. Most golf cart manufacturers clearly state the intended purpose of golf carts in their manuals and instructions. These instructions should be followed carefully to prevent injuries.

Florida is known for its amusement parks and theme parks, and in the summer these parks see a lot of business. Unfortunately, each year personal injury and even fatalities do occur at theme parks. Unfortunately, because of the customers that theme parks attract, many of these incidents are injuries to minors and children. From broken bones to food poisoning, burn injuries, head injuries and spinal cord injuries, there are many potential risks at theme parks.

Theme park officials note that the rate of injury and death are small when the total number of visitors to theme parks is considered, but this is small consolation to those who lose a loved one or see a member of the family injured at a theme park. The Ripsaw Falls water-flume ride at Universal Studios caused three passengers back pain and neck pain within a four-month period. A man was pinned between vehicles on the DisneyWorld ride Peter Pan Flight. A 7-year-old child’s thumb was bitten by a dolphin at SeaWorld. Although these incidents did not often make the national news, these and other theme park injuries cost families stress, pain, and large medical bills.

It’s not just theme park guests who are at risk. Employees of theme parks are also vulnerable to injuries, especially during the busy summer months. In 2006, a SeaWorld trainer was attacked by a killer whale in California. The man was hospitalized for his injuries. Orlando DisneyWorld employee Javier Cruz was killed in 2004 when a float ran over him during a Magic Kingdom parade.

Florida does regulate ride safety at carnivals and fairs. However, larger theme parks – including DisneyWorld, SeaWorld and Universal Studios – are not subjected to state inspections. A ‘memorandum of understanding’ with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services allows these parks to regulate themselves and requires the parks to hire their own maintenance crews, conduct their own ride inspections, conduct yearly safety presentations, and report any accidents and deaths to officials.

There are several things that parents and families can do to stay safer at theme parks this year. Parents can ensure that children are supervised at all times. Any instructions posted on the rides – including warnings about maximum and minimum heights and body weights – should be obeyed. Any verbal instructions given by employees and park staff should also be followed to the letter.

Continue reading "In the Heat of Florida Summers, Many Overlook Personal Injuries At Theme Parks" »

Nothing says “Florida” quite like the state’s miles of beautiful beaches and shorelines. While many tourists and residents alike flock to white sandy beaches in Florida to kick back and relax, a recent list from Forbes.com suggests that personal injury and some dangers may be lurking near Florida’s waters. According to experts, the top risks on Florida sands include:

1) Shark attacks. The International Shark Attack File reported that there were 112 incidents of humans and sharks meeting in the waters in 2007. Only one of the incidents resulted in a human fatality. New Smyrna, Florida, had the most shark attacks. The single Florida inlet reported 17 shark bites.

2) Lightning. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that Florida is one of the most perilous spots when it comes to fatalities and injuries caused by lightning. 71 deaths in Florida were linked to lightning between 1997 and 2006, which makes Florida the leader in lighting-related deaths. Florida beaches, including New Smyrna and Clearwater, are especially dangerous spots when it comes to lightning. In fact, these two beaches are often closed for days on end when the risks related to lighting are especially notable.

3) Boating accidents. The U.S. Coast Guard's Boating Safety Division reports that Florida had 633 boating accidents and 68 fatalities in 2006 alone. This is the highest number of deaths and injuries caused by boating of any state. In addition to boating accident fatalities, Florida also reports serious injuries caused by boating accidents. These include broken limbs, brain injuries, burn injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other serious harm.

4) Drowning. Rip current drowning is an especial concern in Florida. The United States Life Saving Association reports that in 2007 10 people died in Brevard County, Florida from the rip current alone. Many more drowning accidents in the area were caused by other factors.

Continue reading "Florida Beaches Can Mean Personal Injury" »

Personal injury cases often involve a lot of potential money and fairly serious injury. Personal injury cases can involve spinal cord injuries that leave the victim paralyzed for life, or brain injuries that leave the victim incapable of taking care of themselves. In many cases, these sorts of lawsuits involve considerable loss of income for the victim. A personal injury attorney is what ultimately determines a victim's chances of getting legal assistance to cover medical treatments as well as lost income.

Insurance company attorneys want to pay victims the least possible amount, because paying out the least amount in damages is what keeps insurance company shareholders happy. Therefore, a good Florida personal injury attorney is essential when you're negotiating with an insurance provider. A good attorney is someone who does research carefully, represents you well in court, and is able to use concise, well-developed arguments to ensure that you get the best compensation possible. Finding such an attorney may seem like a tall order, but you can find one by:

1) Looking for a Florida personal injury lawyer that has many years of practice as well as a track record of successful negotiations in the same type of case you are involved in. Look for an attorney who has successfully been able to find compensation for victims in similar cases such as yours. A successful track record alone may convince the defendant in your case that your suit needs to be taken seriously, and a good track record generally proves that an attorney is able to successfully defend their cases in court.

2) Seeking out a personal injury attorney that will take your case on a contingency basis. Many Florida personal injury attorneys do this. It means that the attorney only takes out a legal fee at the end of the case and only if and when you win a settlement. If you don't get paid, you're not responsible for legal fees. Many attorneys will charge around 30% of the total settlement as a legal fee. Make sure that you understand what the legal fees will be once your settlement is reached, and make sure that you understand fully how the contingency fee plan will work with your attorney.

3) Speak to other people who have been clients of the same attorney, or seek testimonials from past clients. Once you've found a few attorneys who seem capable of taking on your case, either ask for recommendations, or ask friends and family to see who else has worked with the same attorney.

4) Speak to the attorney and make your decision based on ability as well as your overall impression of an attorney. An attorney who is highly respected in the field but who does not take the time to answer your questions or who does not seem interested in your case is unlikely to make you very happy. Even if your attorney is working on a contingency basis, you will eventually have to pay money for your legal fees, so you'll want to find an attorney you like. Find an attorney who listens to carefully, answers your questions, and returns your calls and messages when asked. Find someone who instills confidence in you.

There are lots of mistruths out there about personal injury cases, but perhaps the biggest misconception perhaps is that victims are somehow greedy or grasping for pursuing larger settlements rather than accepting the offers that insurance companies often make outright. Unfortunately, sometimes the media or even casual observers repeat these misconceptions and make injury victims feel guilty or bad about pursuing a larger settlement for their injuries. Of course, defendants and insurers are sometimes all too happy to repeat this notion. The truth is, pursuing a fairer settlement makes sense for many reasons:

1) The initial offer made by an insurance company often is made very quickly, before the full extent of the injuries and damage is known. There is simply no way to know the extent of the damage without a thorough investigation and professional evaluations. A good Florida attorney can ensure that these investigations are carried out so that all the facts are in place before a dollar sum is determined.

2) Florida laws governing personal injury cases exist not in order to make a profit for victims but to really help them. These laws help ensure that if someone was reckless or negligent and caused another person harm, the victim will not have to pay for the medical expenses and other costs associated with the injury. Why should the victim have to bear the brunt and suffer the financial consequences of someone else’s poor judgement?

3) Many injuries have long-reaching repercussions that can cost a victim many thousands of dollars more than they anticipated. A simple slip and fall accident, for example, can leave a victim unable to perform basic tasks and errands, which means that the victim must pay someone else to perform these basic services. It is scarcely fair that the costs for these services would come from the victim’s own pocket. Many injuries – including spinal cord injuries and brain injuries – require home care and other medical services not covered by health insurance. These services may be needed for many years or even a lifetime, and of course inflation must be factored in when considering the total cost of these injuries. Many initial offers from insurance companies consider only the immediate, known, and short-term costs. The victim who accepts this sort of compensation without an experienced Florida attorney by his or her side could find themselves in debt or even losing their home in a few years’ time, when the true cost of the injury becomes evident.

4) In many cases, there is a big discrepancy between the resources of the victim and the resources of the defendant. Many insurance companies have enormous resources that are designed to help victims of injuries. The victim asking for fair compensation for an injury is certainly not causing these companies any discomfiture and should never be made to feel guilty or wrong for pursuing a fair settlement.

5) In many cases, injuries have unexpected complications that must also be factored in when deciding on a fair settlement. If a bone does not heal properly, for example, it can take an injury victim many more months to return to work than anticipated. The loss of income can result in real financial distress.

Continue reading "How Common Misconceptions About Personal Injury Cases Hurt Florida Residents" »

Among teens, sport injuries are a serious problem. They can occur while playing team sports at a community center or while taking part in school activities. They can range from a simple bruise to a fractured limb to spinal cord injury and even fatal brain injury. Many sports-related personal injuries are quite preventable and are caused by factors such as improper training, lack of correct equipment, and rapid growth during the teen years (which can cause periodic awkwardness physically).

There are two types of sports injuries: acute traumatic injury and overuse injury. Overuse, or chronic injury, as it is sometimes known is caused by repetitive strain or training. Acute traumatic injuries are generally caused by a single blow from a force. Both types of injuries can lead to serious injury and ailments, but overuse injuries are the ones that tend to be misdiagnosed or under-treated the most, since athletes will often ignore minor, persistent pain.

Florida teens can prevent both types of sports injuries by:

1) Always wearing proper and correctly-fitted helmets for contact sports, biking, and in-line skating. Helmets are one of the best ways to prevent head injuries.

2) Men should wear athletic supporters, or a cup where appropriate, to protect the sex organs from injury. Women should wear supportive sports bras to help prevent injury to breast tissue.

3) Any swelling, numbness, pain, tenderness, stiffness, or loss of flexibility needs to be investigated by a good medical professional. Even if the symptom does not seem severe, the sooner it is diagnosed and treated, the easier treatment usually is. Any of these symptoms can suggest an overuse injury and simply ignoring the injury will not make it go away. Any unusual symptom or any accident or injury on the field should be reported to a doctor and to the coach – even if everything seems fine. Some ailments – including some forms of brain injury – may not manifest symptoms immediately, but can still prove dangerous.

4) Stop playing sports during an injury. Continuing to play while injured can complicate an injury and make it much worse. Seeing a doctor who specializes in sports medicine may be the best idea, as such a specialist can better estimate when it is appropriate to return to play. Returning to a sport too soon after an injury can lead to complications as well.

5) Know your limits. Play at the level of your experience and do not attempt to over-exert yourself. Always warm up adequately before practice and games. Never play beyond a pain limit. Once you start to feel pain, it is time to head to the bench or the locker room and maybe seek a physician’s opinion if the pain persists for a week. Overdoing it can cause serious injury to tissue, muscles, and ligaments.

The World Health Organization reports that injuries are the leading cause of preventable deaths among travelers. Each year, some Americans who travel internationally suffer from serious and even fatal injury. Car accidents are the most common cause of injury- related fatalities among US travelers, followed by homicide and drowning. Other common causes of injury to traveling Americans include natural disasters, civil unrest, terrorism, hate crimes against US nationals, slip and fall accidents, burn injuries, unintentional poisoning, drug or medication overdose, and suicide. Unfortunately, for US nationals traveling outside the country, ER rooms and emergency services vary widely and in some cases adequate care is simply not available, leading to complications.

Winter is a popular time to travel overseas. Many travel agents in Florida and other states offer January and February deals and many schools offer spring breaks, freeing families to travel. However, traveling overseas, especially to low-income countries, should be undertaken only with some precautions in mind. If you are planning a trip, make sure that you take these precautions into consideration:

1) Take care to avoid car accidents, the leading cause of fatal injuries among US citizens traveling abroad. Poor road conditions and unfamiliar terrain and rules can all contribute to car crashes. To prevent accidents, consider renting larger vehicles when traveling, as these offer additional protection in an accident. Always wear seatbelts in cars and helmets when on motorcycles, motorbikes, and bicycles. Take extra caution with taxis – choose only marked taxis with safety belts and tell the driver that you will provide an additional tip for driving in a manner you consider “safe.” Exercise extra caution when walking around, especially when crossing streets. Avoid excessive alcohol and avoid getting on buses that are overcrowded. If a vehicle looks unsafe, select another mode of transport.

2) Only swim in designated areas such as hotel pools and lakes clearly marked as safe for swimming. Never swim alone or while under the influence of alcohol. Measure the depth of the water before attempting a dive.

3) When staying at a hotel, determine the nearest fire exists to your room and ask about fire extinguishers in your room. In low-income countries, especially, building codes tend to be lax, which can lead to serious injury in the event of a fire. Consider booking a room on the first few floors of a hotel, so that you can escape in the event of a fire.

4) When traveling by plane, fly with recognizable, larger airline companies. Avoid unscheduled flights, small aircraft, night flights, and flights during bad weather.

5) Consider buying extra insurance – such as health and even evacuation insurance if you will be in a remote location without access to good medical care. If you are traveling to an area that requires this sort of extra precaution, think twice before taking part in any adventure activities such as rock climbing or skydiving. If the equipment is not safe and you are injured, you could face a long wait for adequate medical attention.

At this time of year, many people opt to take advantage of off-season travel deals in order to take trips. While you may be traveling for pleasure, however, illness and injury can ruin your vacation and even endanger your life. There are many ways that you can avoid illness and injury while away from home:

1. Talk to your doctor and do your own travel research. Read about travel health risks at your destination and talk with your doctor about any vaccinations or medicine that you will need for your trip. Arrange to get all your shots, vaccinations and medicine in advance of your trip. Some treatments need to be taken ten days before you travel to be effective.

2. While traveling, wash your hands often with soap and water or a an alcohol-based hand gel that contains at least 60% alcohol. Washing your hands can help prevent salmonella and other ailments.

3. Watch out for food and water. Drink bottled water, carbonated drinks, or boiled water. Avoid open containers of drinks, tap water, fountains, and ice cubes -- these can cause food poisoning. Eat only food that is completely cooked and only fruits and vegetables you have peeled. Avoid eating anything or buying any food products from poultry farms, bird markets, and other areas where live birds are raised.

4. Bring insect repellent if you are traveling to an area with ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects that are known disease carriers.

5. Avoid some of the common causes of traveler injury. Car accidents are a leading cause of deaths among travelers, so always take care to drive only with experienced drivers you trust. Swimming-related accidents are also a common personal injury among travelers. Be cautious when boating, diving, or swimming. Make certain that you swim with a friend, avoid dangerous swimming areas, and check water depth and safety before diving in.

6. Avoid handling animals while on vacation. Dog bites and bites from other animals can pass on many diseases, including rabies.

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.

A study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine finds that the number of traumatic head injuries among high school football athletes is much higher than the number of the same personal injuries in college football. The study also find that high school players who sustain brain injuries such as concussions often return to the game too soon, often playing with the residual effects of their first injury, a choice that researchers point out is extremely dangerous. Florida parents should be wary: with more days of sunny weather, there are simply more options for Florida high school athletes to keep playing, which can spell trouble.

The study found that football-related brain trauma has decreased over generations, mostly due to better gear. In the 1950s and 1960s, football players in both college and high school were at much greater risk for brain injury than they are today, the study found.

The problem, the study concluded, is that some high school football player return to the field even while experiencing neurological symptoms. Researchers found that there is one severe football head injury for every 150,000 high school football players, which is about seven catastrophic head injuries every year. Researchers uncovered that high school players have over triple the risk of catastrophic head trauma when compared to college players. While high school football players suffered 0.67 such injuries per 100,000 players, college athletes sustained only 0.21 injuries per 100,000 players.

The younger age of the high school players may contribute to brain injury, some researchers have hypothesized, since the skull bone may be thinner and the brain less fully developed among teenage athletes. Others researchers have suggested that less medical coverage may be present at high school games.

Of the high school football players that researchers studied, 59% had had a previous head injury. 71% of these injured players had sustained their earlier injury in the same season. Roughly 40% of the players with head injuries continued to play football, even while experiencing symptoms from the previous injury. About 81% of the injuries occurred when players were involved in helmet-to-body or helmet-to-helmet collisions. Of the group studied, the injuries lead to 8 fatalities, 36 full recoveries, and 46 permanent brain injuries.

Researchers concluded that high school students should be strongly urged to report any possible symptoms of personal injury to their coaches, parents, and physicians. Additionally, the researchers concluded that football players should be strongly discouraged from "leading with the head" and from returning to the game until all symptoms are resolved. Finally, the researchers concluded that medical staff for high school athletes should be highly qualified.

If you or a loved one has experienced a traumatic brain injury as a result of sports or an accident, a qualified Florida attorney can help ensure that you get the best quality medical care possible. If you need to speak to an attorney, book a free, no-obligation consultation with a qualified Florida attorney simply by calling 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN).

In Florida and across the country, children are the most common victims of dog bites and attacks. There are many reasons for this, including the fact that many children and infants simply do not know how to act around dogs and may inadvertently make the dog feel threatened, causing the animal to attack. Experts agree that there are many things that parents can do to help avoid serious injuries that can occur with dog bites. This is especially important since children are more likely to suffer serious personal injury as a result of dog bites. For example, since dogs can be easily reach a child's face and head, severe scarring and even brain injuries can occur when a child is bitten by an animal.

If you want to own a dog for a pet, you will need to select the breed carefully, since children are statistically more likely to be bitten by their own dog. Speak with the veterinarian to learn about dog breeds and select one that will be least aggressive. The least aggressive possible dogs are neutered male dogs, so consider getting this type of pet, especially if you have small children.

Once you brought your dog into your home, take it to obedience school in order to train it how to behave around children. Make sure that your pet is regularly checked by a veterinarian and all immunizations are up-to-date. It is equally important, to teach your children how to behave around dogs. For example, you should always teach your children to never approach a dog -- and that includes the family pet -- when it is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.

Do not leave young children alone with the dog, even if the animal is the family pet. Supervised play should be encouraged, especially at the beginning when children and the pet have not yet become accustomed to one another. Similarly, it is important to always supervise children around the pet when your child's friends come over. Even if the animal is used to your own children, it may still react negatively when new children come into the home and are excited and loud around the dog.

If you have introduced a dog into your home, your children may feel more comfortable around dogs. Therefore, it is important to teach your children to never approach strange dogs. Explain that other dogs may not be as gentle natured or as used to them as the family pet is. Have children report any stray dogs or playing with any dogs to you.

Be sure to also teach children how to properly approach a dog. Show your children that it's important to let a dog first sniff them before they attempt to pet it. You should also instruct children not to tease dogs. This is important, because what many pet owners would see as “teasing” many children would simply see as playing with the dog. It's important that children know the difference. Similarly, it is important that children are taught not to play aggressively with the dog. Trying to wrestle with the family puppy, for example, will encourage that puppy to continue roughhousing even as it grows in size. This can lead to inadvertent biting as the dog grows up.

In Florida, dog bites occur every day. If you own a pet, your dog might bite either you or someone else. What you will want to do will depend on whether someone else is involved and on whether the bite can be explained. If your dog has bitten someone else:

1) Remove your dog from the scene of the attack at once. Restrain your pet and confine it.

2) Help the victim of the bite. Even if the bite occurred because the victim was teasing your dog, make sure that the victim seeks medical advice and knows the importance of washing any wounds with soap and water. If the personal injury seems severe, for example if it appears that the victim has suffered brain injury or some other serious injury as a result of the attack, call 911.

3) To either the victim or the paramedics, provide your name, address, information about your pet’s most recent vaccinations against rabies and other diseases, and other important information. Unfortunately, if your pet has not had rabies vaccination updated, local laws may require that your pet be euthanized or quarantined for rabies testing. In this situation, the victim of the bite will need to undergo treatment for rabies.

4) Always report the dog bite. Your local laws will stipulate who you should report the bite too.

5) Take your dog to the veterinarian to discuss the situation further. Your vet may have some tips about preventing similar behavioural problems in the future. If the dog attack seems to come from nowhere, your vet should test your pet for possible illnesses that may have provoked the attack. In some cases, pets who are in severe pain will be more prone to biting.

If your dog bites you, you should:

1) Call your veterinarian to determine whether your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date and schedule appointments with the veterinarian can see whether there is an illness that may result in your pet’s unusual behaviour. If your pet's vaccinations are not up to date, you need to go to see your doctor in order to get rabies treatment.

2) Get first aid for the wound. Wash the wound with soap and water or visit your local emergency room if the injury seems severe.

3) Consider seeking obedience classes for your pet to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released the findings of a study that suggests that travelers who travel for four hours or more double their chances of developing deep vein thrombosis. According to the WHO, almost one in 6,000 long-haul travelers is at risk for thrombosis, which can have some unpleasant and potentially serious consequences.

The WHO points out that very short travelers whose feet do not touch the ground and very tall people who are cramped in small seats are at most risk. Frequent travelers, women taking birth control pills, the obese, and those who have disorders related to blood clotting are also at risk of developing dangerous blood clots due to immobility during travel.

The assistant director-general for non-communicable disease and mental health for WHO, Catherine Le Gales-Camus, points out that whether travelers are traveling by car, bus, train, or plane, venous thromboembolism can occur when someone is not moving much for fours or more during travel.

The problem occurs because travelers who are immobile do not experience regular muscle contractions that would occur with movement. As a result, blood starts to pool in the legs, creating good conditions for blood clots, or thrombus, in deep veins. Some sufferers of thrombosis experience swelling, soreness, or cramps in the areas affected, while other victims have no symptoms. Whether a victim has symptoms or not, however, a blood clot can be very dangerous if it travels to the lung. There, it can block blood flow and cause pulmonary embolism. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing and chest pain may develop; the injury may prove fatal if the victim does not get medical help.

Health experts estimate that about 2 billion people travel by airplane annually; many more take trips by land. In both cases, these travelers sit still for long periods of time. Currently, studies suggest that one person suffers from thrombosis for every 20 long-haul flights with 300 passengers. Although aviation accidents are far more likely to cause personal injury to travelers, thrombosis can develop into a potentially life-threatening injury, and it is very easy to prevent.

There are a few things that people can do to prevent thrombosis even on long-haul journeys. Travelers should move their calf muscles in their seats using up and down movements that move the ankle joints and feet, according to the WHO. Also, travelers might want to leave their seats and move around for a few minutes where possible. Travelers who are traveling by car may wish to pull over periodically to stretch their legs and walk around.

Passengers who are traveling by air or by overland transportation should avoid alcohol and sleeping pills, according to the medical experts at the WHO. Alcohol and sleeping pills do not encourage passengers to move around and may contribute to the ideal conditions for thrombosis. Passengers should also avoid wearing tight clothing, say the WHO experts. Tight clothes can constrict circulation and contribute to problems.

A new study reported in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggests that carbon monoxide poisonings at hotels and motels are not decreasing, although they are not a common malady for travelers. Researchers of the study found 68 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning at resorts, motels, and hotels across the country between 1989 and 2004.

The research indicated that 27 people died of these poisonings, and a further 772 people became ill as a result of the carbon monoxide. Researchers say that the odds of any one person becoming ill from carbon monoxide while traveling are quite low. However, Dr. Lindell Weaver of LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, who headed the study, points out that carbon monoxide poisonings are not decreasing in number and are fatal and serious when they do occur.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that is produced by heating systems, cars, gas ranges, and other appliances. In hotels, carbon monoxide can build up if a fuel burning appliance, furnace, water heater, or other item is not properly vented or is important condition. In some cases, defective products can lead to excessive carbon monoxide emissions.

Sufferers are of carbon monoxide poisoning may experience nausea, chest pain, confusion, and dizziness. If victims do not leave the area where excessive carbon monoxide is present, the gas will prove fatal. The problem with hotels, according to researchers of the study, is that many people sleep in their hotel rooms. If the gas is present in their room, the carbon monoxide may become fatal before the travelers have a chance to wake.

Federal law and the United States stipulates that resorts, hotels, and motels must have smoke detectors in every guest room. However, there are no national laws about the presence of carbon monoxide detectors. Some states require hotels, motels, and resorts to have carbon monoxide alarms somewhere on the premises of the property. However, none of the states require a carbon monoxide detector in each guest room.

Researchers however, point out to that carbon monoxide detectors only cost about $25 per unit. Therefore, the researchers argue that having carbon monoxide detectors which can prevent fatalities makes a great deal of sense. Despite this, the researchers from the study reported that of the 43 hotels, motels, and resorts they were able to contact which had experienced a carbon monoxide poisoning incident, only 12% had installed carbon monoxide detectors since experiencing a fatality or injury on site.

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Many people are using the last days of Florida summer in order to get in some vacation or travel time before the children return to school in the fall. While Florida travelers have a wealth of possible locations to visit and experience, is important to that all travelers be aware of the potential for illness and personal injury while abroad. If you are hoping to travel to other countries, make sure that you take some precautions.

If you wish to travel outside the country, it is important to see your doctor a minimum of six weeks before you leave for your destination. This allows you to have a dental and medical check op before you go. You may need to take extra prescriptions, medication, or vaccinations before you go. You will also certainly want to take a medical information bracelet, eyewear, first-aid kits, and other necessities before you go.

If you are leaving the country, you may need vaccinations in order to stay safe. If you are not fully protected, your doctor may recommend vaccinations against Hepatitis A or hepatitis A immune globulin, Hepatitis B, the flu, Yellow Fever, Polio, Japanese encephalitis, Measles, Mumps, Rrubella, Meningococcal meningitis, Pneumococcal, Rabies, Tetanus, Diphtheria toxoids, Typhoid fever, and Chickenpox. Based on your condition and the location you're traveling to, your physician can make specific recommendations for the type of vaccination you will need to stay safe.

As you travel, you want to take cautions to prevent personal injury. Keep in mind that other countries have different rules and regulations about liability and injury, so you cannot always rely on assistance and insurance claims if you are hurt. Your best defense is not to suffer an injury. Eat carefully when you are traveling abroad. Avoid raw or uncooked seafood, cold foods, foods from street vendors, unpasteurized dairy products, ice, and water served in glasses. Use bottled water to brush your teeth, and eat well cooked foods and restaurants.

Avoid swimming in streams, lakes, and other public water sources unless you can be sure that they are safe from bacteria and other hazards. Also, keep in mind that automobile accidents or boating accidents in other countries may be more common. Wear a helmet if you are riding a motorcycle, avoid taking transportation that is overcrowded, and always use safety belts.

One type of common personal injury sustained by many Florida victims in car accidents and other accidents is whiplash. This is a soft tissue injury to the neck that is caused by sudden flexion and extension of the neck. While whiplash is not usually considered serious, it does cause injury to ligaments, discs, intervertebral joints, cervical muscles, and nerve roots.

It is important to always be checked for whiplash if you have been in an automobile accident. This is especially important since the symptoms and signs of whiplash may not appear for several days until after the accident. Is also important to get a physical examination after any sort of possible injury to the neck area, because whiplash can cause serious symptoms that can affect your ability to work or go about your daily tasks.

Whiplash can cause neck stiffness, myofascial injuries, headache, dizziness, and shoulder or back pain. Some sufferers of whiplash also experience concentration impairment, problems sleeping, depression, fatigue, memory loss, and other like symptoms. These symptoms are serious and can cause acute suffering if not treated. Also, those who have been victims of whiplash also need to be examined for mild traumatic brain injury, which is sometimes overlooked in head injuries.

Whiplash is often treated with pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and a cervical collar. The collar may need to be worn for a few weeks and it can impede movement. In addition to this, patients may be required to take physical therapy or other treatments. Many patients take three months to recover, although many patients continue to have headaches and neck pain for some time afterwards.

Some patients experience pain and suffering as well as hampered movement for quite some time after suffering from whiplash. If you have experienced whiplash as a result of an accident, you should seek help at once. Since your injury may hamper your lifestyle and cost you a great deal in medical bills you may wish to seek help from qualified Florida attorney in order to get the help you need in order to recover fully.

If you have suffered a personal injury, such as a head injury, burn injury, fractured bone, scarring, spinal cord injury, or other injury caused by someone’s negligence, you may need a good Florida lawyer to represent you. Even if you do not want to go to court, a Florida attorney can investigate the circumstances leading up to your injury and can negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies and other parties involved. An attorney can ensure that you are not given a lowball settlement that does not cover the costs of your injury. Remember, insurance companies make a larger profit when they profit under-compensate injury victims, so you are not likely to get a good settlement without an attorney.

When hiring an attorney for your personal injury case, keep in mind that many attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means that they will charge you no money up front. In fact, their only fee is a percentage of your final settlement. This means that you will not be facing a huge debt with a personal injury attorney. You will pay if and when you win your case or settle out of court. Plus, since the attorney is getting a percentage of your settlement, he or she is highly motivated to ensure that you get the best settlement possible

When selecting a personal injury lawyer, look for an attorney who has a record of success with cases such as yours. For example, if you have been in a boating accident, look for a Florida attorney who has been able to get good settlements for injured parties in boating accidents. An attorney familiar with cases such as yours will have the knowledge needed to take care of your case well.

Secondly, you will want to find an attorney you trust. Set up a free, no-obligation appointment with a Florida attorney if you can and ask plenty of questions. Make sure that your attorney listens to you and seems to take your concerns seriously. Work with the lawyer who makes you feel comfortable. During your consultation, ask where your attorney is based. Look for a Florida lawyer in your area who is familiar with local juries, judges, and laws.

When you meet with a personal injury attorney, ask about his or her areas of specialization and about previous cases he or she handled that were similar to yours. Ask who will be working on your case, how long the case might take, and whether the attorney works on a on a contingent fee basis. Ask whether there are things you can do to improve your case and how often you will contacted with updates about the case. Ask whether the attorney has ever been disciplined by an ethics committee or has ever been suspended from the practice of law. Ask about the attorney’s education and continuing education experiences. All these answers will give you a general idea of the attorney you are about to hire.

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Some personal injuries are serious but still leave the victim with a good chance of recovery. For example, someone who fractures a bone in a slip and fall accident may suffer injury and lost income, but may eventually recover fully and lead a normal, full life. On the other hand, some personal injuries are what can be called “catastrophic.” These injuries lead to long-term or permanent effect such as permanent disability, significant suffering, or a shorter lifespan.

If your personal injury seems very serious, it is important to seek help from a qualified Florida attorney who has experience with similar, serious injuries. A good attorney will often help you understand some of the long-term possibilities of a serious injury. For example, serious injuries to minors and children can mean repeated surgeries or treatments to accommodate growth, in addition to treatments for the injury itself. An injury in childhood may even affect normal development. Being able to foresee these medical expenses and problems can help you and your attorney get fair compensation and fair help.

Brain injuries and spinal cord injuries are two types of personal injury that often are catastrophic to an entire family. Someone who suffers a brain injury may require a lifetime of care and may even experience changes of personality, which may be very difficult for a family to deal with. A victim of spinal cord injury may lose motor function partly or completely. Present medical science is limited when it comes to spinal cord injuries. While in the future some medical advances may create more options for patients, right now patients may face a lifetime of disability.

Burn injuries not only require expensive cosmetic surgery – which is rarely covered by medical insurance – but can also leave permanent scars that cause serious trauma and upset. While a victim will sometimes get some compensation for the cosmetic treatments, he or she may not get help for therapy, even when it is needed. Some burn injuries also cause muscle or nerve damage that require years of rehabilitative work.

Obviously, injuries can cause terrible and expensive repercussions. Unfortunately, insurance does not always help. In fact, some of the most dangerous drivers out there are underinsured or carry no insurance at all. This means that if you are in a car accident and suffer a serious injury, you may not be able to get much help from insurance providers. Even in cases where insurance is in place, insurance companies will not simply give away all the money needed for long-term care. A good Florida attorney with personal injury experience is imperative to help juries understand the long-term costs and needs that face someone who has faced a serious injury.

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Personal injuries can happen anywhere. You can sustain a serious injury in a car accident, on a property you are visiting, in a store, or in a private home. Personal injuries range from seemingly minor scrapes and bruises to serious head injuries, burn injuries, internal injuries, fractured bones, and spinal cord injuries. No matter what injury you suffer, there are certain steps you need to take to protect yourself:

1) Seek medical help. Even if your injury seems pretty minor, it is hard to tell whether or not there will be lasting repercussions from the wound. Only seeing a doctor will help you understand the severity. A healthcare professional can also document your injuries so that if the injury turns out to be more serious than you initially imagined, you have documented proof of what has taken place.

2) Report the incident to authorities. Do this as soon as you can. Authorities will be able to look into the accident and will be able to protect others from potentially harmful situations. You will be given a case number or file number that will help you keep tabs on the investigation.

3) Meet with a qualified Florida lawyer. A good Florida attorney can help protect your interests and can help you understand all your rights. A good rule of thumb is to not sign anything in a personal injury case until you have spoken to a good lawyer. An initial consultation can be free of charge and can empower you by giving you the information you need to know to deal with insurance adjusters and other professionals involved in the case.

4) Contact your insurance company, if needed. If you have been in a car accident or have sustained property damage as well as a personal injury, you will need to file a claim and meet with a claims adjuster.

5) Continue to work with your Florida attorney. Your lawyer will help you understand what needs to happen next. Maintain good communication and follow your attorney’s suggestions. Your lawyer may assesses your case and file a lawsuit. He or she may work to get you a settlement or may set a trial date for your case. Your attorney will work on pre-trial examinations and exchange of documents before the trial and he or she will also deal with any appeals made in the case.

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is advising Americans of a little-considered danger of hurricane season. The CPSC is noting that some of the dangers of severe weather occur after a storm, and one of the most common dangers after a storm is Carbon Monoxide (CO). In 2005, at least 64 people died from CO poisoning by using portable generators, according to the CPSC.

After a storm or severe weather, many consumers use portable gas generators to power businesses and home appliances when the power goes out in storms. However, these devices can create unacceptable levels of poisonous CO. The CPSC is warning customers that after storms and at any time, these generators should be only used outside. The generators must also be used far from vents, doors, and windows, since these can permit CO to enter the home.

Recent surveys have shown that many consumers have false beliefs about generators. Many believe that generators can be run in basements or garages with good ventilation. This is not the case. Using portable gas generators in these conditions can cause poisoning and death. The CPSC notes that the amount of CO produced by one generator is the equivalent to the amount produced by hundreds of idling vehicles. Even with proper ventilation, this amount can cause injury and death.

The CPSC notes that using one generator indoors can kill an entire family within minutes. Worse, since the gas is odourless and colorless, family members are often unaware of the danger until it is far too late. In 1999, 6% of CO poisoning fatalities were caused by generators. By 2002, that figure had increased to 24%.

The CPSC has demanded that all portable generators imported or manufactured after May 2007 warn customers about CO poisoning. Under the new regulations, generators must have a visible DANGER symbol or label and must contain instructions regarding safe use of the product.

If you or a loved one have suffered personal injury due to a portable gas generator or other product, contact a qualified Florida attorney today. An experienced Florida lawyer can help you launch a products liability suit against any manufactures negligent in creating their product, so that you can get the compensation you are entitled to under the law to help you pay your medical bills and other related expenses.