Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

At this time of year, slip and fall injuries are unfortunately more common. We are all a little bit more rushed, and running around trying to accomplish all our last minute holiday errands. Wet weather and darker days can also contribute to slip and fall injuries. Ornaments and decorations can also pose trip hazards if they are placed on the ground.

While many of us harm nothing but our pride when we fall, slip and fall injuries can have serious consequences. For the elderly, they can mean broken bones or broken hips. For everyone they can result in head injuries and other serious personal injuries. If a guest or visitor in your home trips and falls on your property, you could also face premises liability issues. Everyone wants to have a safe holiday, and that means no falls. According to experts, there are several things that you can do to help prevent slip and fall accidents for yourself and your loved ones this holiday season:

1) Keep things tidy. Although this time of year is hectic, it's important to continue tidying up. If there is a rainfall or if a puddle forms on your property, be sure to clean up the spill. Be sure that any wrapping paper or wrapping products are cleaned up after you have assembled your holiday gifts. If you are storing gifts underneath a holiday tree, ensure that the gifts are well tucked under the tree and do not pose a tripping hazard.

2) Consider the special needs of guests. If you'll be having elderly loved ones visiting you this holiday season, take the time to ensure that your home is safe for them. Remove any area rugs or items that can easily be tripped over. Consider installing bars in the bathroom to help prevent slip and fall accidents in the shower.

3) Ensure that your home as well lighted. Since the days at this time of year can be much shorter, you will need to turn on your outdoor lights and your indoor lights much sooner. Consider adding a few extra lamps around your home to provide extra lighting, and make sure that your outdoor lights are functioning well. Turn them on before guests arrive.

4) Take care of your health. At this time of year, flu medications, the flu, stress, and alcohol consumption can all contribute to falls. If you feel unwell, stay in bed and take things easy until you feel well enough to get around safely. If you're taking medications, read labels carefully and speak with your pharmacist to ensure that you will not have problems with dizziness. Get plenty of sleep and take care of yourself physically to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

In the fall, fallen leaves and more rain can lead to more slip and fall injuries. These injuries can break bones, cause brain injuries, and expose you to premises liability suits. Here’s how to avoid slip and fall accidents on your property and elsewhere:

1) Make your property safe with lights and proper fall maintenance. Shorter days in the fall can mean less visibility, while leaves and pools of water can mean a slippery risk. Install lights near walkways at your home and ensure that they are on at dusk. Set up a fall property maintenance schedule to keep your yard free of leaves and debris.

2) Avoid walking on leaves. When you are out walking, avoid piles of leaves. While they may be tempting, they can be slippery and can contain hidden obstacles that trip you up.

3) Get an eye check up. Poor vision can lead to falls, especially now that fall means shorter days and more darkness. Get your prescriptions updated.

4) Check your medications. You may feel great in the summer, but some of your medications may be affecting your sense of balance or your alertness. Sort through your medicine cabinet and toss out any expired medication. Check the rest of your supplements and medicines for interactions and possible side effects.

5) Report dangerous conditions right away. If you notice dangerous pedestrian conditions while walking or driving, report the perils, especially those on public property. You have a right to expect even sidewalks and well-lit streets.

According to the Florida Department of Health, accidental falls and trip and fall accidents are a main cause of personal injury and fatalities for elderly Florida residents. The agency reports that unintentional falls are a major cause of death, injury and disability for state residents who are over 64 years old. In 2007 alone, about 53 000 elderly Florida residents required medical treatment or a hospital stay following a fall. That same year, about 1 700 Florida residents were killed as a result of a fall.

Many elderly Florida residents are fearful of slip and fall accidents and many caregivers to the elderly are worried about unintentional falls as a major cause of injury. Luckily, experts know that there are many things that can be done to prevent such accidents. In fact, it is essential to prevent unintentional falls in the elderly, as these falls can lead to serious injury. According to the Florida Department of Health, 25% of fatalities associated with slip and fall accidents among the elderly were linked to hip fractures. Another 52% of slip and fall accidents among the elderly led to brain injury and fatalities.

According to experts, most slip and fall accidents occur close to home or at home. Most commonly, these accidents occur when an elderly person is standing or walking and trips, slips, or tumbles. However, falls from ladders, beds, stairs, and steps are also quite common.

To prevent slips and falls, an evaluation of an elderly loved one’s physical state is important. Many illnesses can make an elderly person more prone to falls. Loss of balance caused by illness, muscle weakness or pain due to arthritis, general loss of mobility, and other ailments can make someone prone to falls. As well, medication used to treat many conditions can cause confusion, drowsiness, or reduced muscle control, which can lead to falls. Medications used for diabetes, some heart conditions, high blood pressure, anxiety, and other conditions, can all make someone more prone to falls. Always check with your family physician when your elderly loved one is prescribed a new medication. Ask whether the medication can increase the likelihood of falls and be prepared to take extra precautions to prevent such an eventuality. Also, have eyesight checked regularly. Poor eyesight can increase the chances of trips and falls.

If you have an elderly loved one living independently or in your own home, it is a good idea to have regular health checks or audits conducted on your home. Many health care professionals can do this to evaluate and help you remove any possible slip and fall risks. As well, a regular physical is essential to ensure that your elderly loved one does not develop an untreated condition that affects their mobility.

In addition to these steps, there are several things you can change around your home to make your home safer for an elderly loved one. Handrails on steps and staircases, for example, can help provide a steady grip for an elderly loved one as he or she goes up and down stairs. Grab bars in the bath or shower are also essential, as the slippery conditions in the bath or shower create prime conditions for falls. Securing carpets and removing clutter and throw rugs can also help prevent falls. Good lighting and no-slip treads on floor or laminate surfaces can also be a big help.

For many of us, slip and fall injuries are nothing more than a simple embarrassment. We dust ourselves off, look sheepish, and walk away. For some of us, though, a simple slip and fall could lead to a serous brain injury. The greatest risk of falling, in fact, is that you will hit your had on the way down.

The tricky thing about brain injuries is that they range widely. Some people who sustain a brain injury get a mild concussion that can be managed with medical supervision. Others sustain a more serious injury that results in a large hemorrhage and a fatality. Researchers have now found that head injuries are a main cause of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, so we might not even see the effects of a brain injury for many years to come.

Force obviously affects how serious your brain injury is. If you fall very suddenly and do not break your fall, your head may hit the ground with greater force and you may sustain a more dangerous brain injury. If you fall from a greater height – from a roof or ladder, for example – your fall will reach a greater velocity and you will hit the ground with more force, causing a worse injury, potentially. Where you fall will also make a big impact. Falling so that your head hits the pavement or a rock will generally mean a more severe brain injury than falling on grass.

In addition to force, where you hit your head can affect the severity of a brain injury. If you fall on the back of your head, you are less likely to sustain a traumatic brain injury because your neck protects your head from stretching or moving about too much. If you hit your head face-first, your brain will move in a back-and-forth motion in your head. It can crash up against your skull and get damaged, but generally a more serious head injury involves being hit on the side of the head. When this happens, your brain moves side to side or even twists slightly in the skull, and this can cause deep tears in the brain. As well, when you hit your head straight on, your brow bone, forehead, and nose absorb some of the impact. This is not the case when you sustain an impact on the side of the head.

No matter where you have been injured, if you have hit your head hard, you should seek medical help. If you have lost consciousness, have blurry vision, are having trouble staying awake, have a severe headache, are having balance problems or have any other serious symptoms, get emergency help. Otherwise, visit your doctor for a check up as soon as you can. Even if you have no symptoms, you may have a mild concussion that needs supervision.

If you are experiencing many falls, you are at an increased risk of brain injury. Don’t wait until you experience a severe concussion – or worse. Visit your doctor to find out what the problem is. You may have a condition that can easily be treated or you may be taking medication that makes you unsteady on your feet. Either way, your doctor can help you stay safer by offering you options.

Your pool can be a place of fun and relaxation, but it also poses hazards. In addition to the potential for drowning, pools also pose a slip and fall danger. As any child knows, wet surfaces are slippery, and pools often are surrounded by water caused by inevitable splashes. Slipping and falling by the pool can lead to brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries. Here’s how you can prevent pool-side falls:

1) If your pool springs a leak, have it cleaned right away. A leaking pool creates many slick surfaces, all of which pose a slip and fall hazard. Close off the pool area until the leak is fixed.

2) Do not permit running in the pool area. Children, especially, can get carried away by the pool and can run by the pool. Running increases the odds of slipping significantly, so have everyone be a little more careful around the pool area.

3) Consider having no-slip adhesives or strips added to the poolside. These strips are sold at most hardware stores and many pool supply stores and are relatively inexpensive. They don’t prevent slip and fall accidents, but they do provide extra traction near the pool.

4) Post signs near your pool about dangers. Signs advising “no running” and listing pool safety rules are a good reminder for your family and are useful when visitors come over for a swim. Posted pool safety rules tell everyone how to stay safe while having fun.

5) Clean up the pool area after swimming. Water drips from swimmers and most swimmers create splashes in the pool. As a result, the surrounding surface of a pool is often quite slick. After you have finished your swim, mop up the extra water to prevent injuries.

6) Place a solid fence and gate around your pool. Keep the gate locked whenever the pool is not in use. This can prevent someone from wandering into your pool area and injuring themselves.

Many of us associate slip and fall injuries with wet winter months, but in fact the summer can pose a number of tripping hazards:

1) Overgrown plants, weeds, and hedges. Trailing weeds and plants can be a slip and fall hazard and can lead to serious personal injuries such as head injuries, broken bones and other serious problems. Always keep plants well cut and make sure that walkways, stairs, and sidewalks are clear.

2) Wet leaves. Wet leaves and grass cuttings quickly become slippery and dangerous. After raking or mowing your yard, always store leaves and cuttings in a compost pile or in a plastic bag for disposal.

3) Fresh paint on sidewalks, walkways and stairs. Fresh paint is surprisingly slippery, especially on asphalt. Place “wet paint” caution signs around a freshly painted area and as soon as the area is dry add no-slip strips.

4) Repair work. Summer is often the time when we repair decks and the exteriors of our homes. Unfortunately, the process can mean that bits of debris, tools, and other tripping hazards end up on our yards. If you are having repair work done, make sure that you select an insured, responsible company. If you are doing some DIY work, carefully clean up after your work is done for the day. Place signs around the affected area, warning visitors of the construction being done.

5) Evening get-togethers. Evening barbeques, parties, and events bring visitors to your home. However, to keep your visitors safe you need to make sure that sidewalks and walkways are clear and well-lighted. You also need to keep evening pests to a minimum. If you serve alcohol, make sure that each of your guests can get home safely.

6) Toys and tools left outside. Children playing outside often leave toys outside. Adults will sometimes leave books, tools, and other items on a lawn or in a yard. Get into the habit of regularly picking up items left outdoors. Create an activity area away from sidewalks and walkways, if possible, where toys and tools can be used.

7) Gardening. Gardening poses a number of tripping hazards. Newly-dug holes for plants and plant beds can pose a tripping hazard, as can garden hoses, small decorative pots placed by walkways and even small plants. Even garden gnomes, stepping stones and small stone decorations can cause tripping. When gardening, keep walkways clear and always clearly mark new holes or dangers in your yard.

For the elderly, the bus is not only a possible means of transportation; it can also be a hazard. Each year, many people – most of them elderly – suffer falls and resulting injuries on buses. The movement on a bus and the relatively hard surface of a bus floor can mean that falls in this type of vehicle can lead to back injuries, broken bones, broken hips, brain injuries, and other serious injuries.

Elderly persons traveling by bus – and indeed any bus passengers – can prevent falls by:

1) Wearing proper shoes. Flat, sturdy shoes with no-slip treads are good option when getting on and off the bus. Shoes shouldn't come off the foot easily and should be firmly attached to the foot with laces or straps. Crocks, flip-flops, and many sandals, for example, are inappropriate because they can easily come off the foot and become jammed in bus steps or in between seats.

2) Sitting in the right seats. Every bus has seats available for the elderly or the disabled. Elderly people who do not feel that they can easily get to and from bus doors by themselves should sit in designated seats or in seats close to the bus driver. Staying visible to the bus driver ensures safety and help in the event help is needed.

3) Exercising extra caution on wet days. When it is raining, bus floors can quickly become wet and slippery. On wet days, it might be good to wear extra sturdy shoes that offer a good grip or to carry a cane that offers additional traction.

4) Asking for extra help when needed. If you require extra help to get to and from your seat, be sure to ask the bus driver. Bus drivers are there to help all the passengers enjoy a safe bus ride. If you're having trouble or if you have fallen, ask the bus driver for assistance.

5) Sitting when the bus is moving. Sit down before the thus begins to move again, and remain sitting until the bus comes to a full stop. You're much more likely to fall down if you're moving while the bus is moving. There is also the possibility that the bus will make a sudden turn or stop, which can cause virtually anyone to lose their footing.

6) Holding onto seats or bars when moving around the bus. If you need to move around a bus, in order to approach the bus doors or to speak to the driver, for example, hold onto the backs of seats or onto the special hand railings or overhead hand railings in order to maintain your balance.

For the business owner, and especially the small business owner, a slip and fall accident is serious. Slip and fall accidents are among the most common injuries in workplaces and can lead to fractured bones, brain injuries, and even fatalities. In many cases, they can also lead to lawsuits, especially if your customers or employees are the ones injured. At this time of year, slip and fall accidents are especially common because of weather. There are several things that business owners can do to help prevent such accidents:

1) Look for common problems of slip and fall and trip and fall accidents. Slippery surfaces, spills, weather problems, loose mats or carpeting, poor visibility, bad lighting, clutter, cables or wires, and uneven floors can all cause slips. When you notice these hazards in the workplace, remove the problem at once or at least put up signs warning others of the problem. For example, you might not be able to correct a leaky pipe that is causing a puddle on the floor right away, but do make sure that there is a visible “caution” sign showing the danger.

2) Regularly walk through your workplace, looking for potential problem areas. Unless you do this, it’s easy to overlook potential dangers.

3) Do regular maintenance on flooring and outdoor walking surfaces. Recoating flooring and correcting any unevenness can help ensure that falls are at a minimum.

4) Set some ground rules for employees. Publish a manual, instructing employees how to stay safe in the workplace. Suggest practical shoes and establish guidelines for how employees should deal with dangerous situations. For example, you may wish to stipulate that employees keep their workplace clear or ask management to reach items in tall places.

5) Keep good documentation of your efforts. Keep written records of your walk-throughs of the workplace, of the maintenance work you do on your business, and the employee manual you have. If you do face problems, showing your careful attempts to prevent injury will be very useful.

Continue reading "How Business Owners Can Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents " »

Slip and fall accidents occur all over Florida and all across the country each day. In many cases, these injuries lead to nothing more than injured pride, but these slips can also lead to spinal cord injury, fractured bones, brain injuries, and other serious problems. If you slip and fall, here is what you should do:

1) Stay calm. Rather than trying to get up immediately, take several deep breaths to relax. Try to determine whether you are hurt. Taking your time does two things. First, it allows your to get your bearings after the shock of a fall. Secondly, it ensures that if you are injured, you will not try to get up the wrong way, thus causing more damage.

2) If you appear uninjured or you think you can get up safely without assistance, first roll over onto your side and then push yourself slowly into a sitting position. Take a small rest, then slowly get up on your hands and knees and crawl to the nearest sturdy sitting area. Place your hands flat on the seat and push one foot forward until it is flat on the floor. Kneel on the other leg. Gradually rising from this position, turn your body to sit down. This may seem overly cautious, but this method gives your body and blood pressure time to adjust. Trying to stand up immediately after a fall can lead to another fall if your blood pressure has dropped or if you are feeling dizzy.

3) If you are injured or are not sure that you can get up safely without help, ask someone to call 911 or call for help. If there is no one near you, try to move to a more comfortable position and wait for someone who can help you. Unless it is an emergency, try not to move or get up. If you are injured, movement can cause more harm.

4) As soon as you can, write down where, how, and when you fell down. Write down anything you can remember about how you felt, what you were doing right before you fell, and any other details you remember. Make an appointment to see your doctor soon after the fall and bring your notes with you. Your doctor can determine whether the fall had a medical reason. Your doctor can then help you find ways to prevent future falls.

If you are often alone and have had trouble with dizziness, falls, or balance in the past, consider investing in a personal emergency response system. This service allows you to have necklace or bracelet with you all the time that is linked to your home phone system. If you fall, you only have to push the button to get in contact with emergency personnel. There is a monthly cost for this type of service, but the peace of mind it offers – not to mention it’s lifesaving potential – are often worth it for those who are at risk of slip and fall accidents. Another option is to get a cell phone or portable phone that you can keep with you as you move around your home. If you do fall, you can use the phone to call for help.

If you have fallen, you may wish tot visit a physical therapist to develop more balance and strength through exercise in order to regain your confidence and to prevent more falls. You may also wish to invest in walking aids or make changes in your home to reduce the chance of future falls. If you suffer from osteoporosis and are prone to falls, be sure to invest in a “hip protector.” This padded piece of clothing is worn under the clothes and absorbs some of impact when you fall, making a hip fracture far less likely.

Many slip and fall accidents occur inside the home. For seniors, these accidents can lead to serious injury – including broken bones, head injuries, and spinal cord injury – and even death. Making a home safer is not difficult. Each room in a home represents different dangers and each room can be updated and made much safer.

Stairways, hallways, and pathways are high-traffic areas in a home and they can be also where many slip and fall accidents can occur. We tend to rush down stairs and hallways to try to get a ringing phone or we trip over items in the way. To make these areas of a home safer, ensure that there is good lighting available to ensure good visibility. On stairs, ensure that light switches are present at both the top and bottom of the stairs. This makes it easier to ensure that stairs are always well lit. Stairs should also have correctly installed handrails on both sides.

Clearly, stairways, hallways, and pathways need to be kept clear and clutter-free to help prevent tripping. Items such as low tables and small footstools should be removed from these areas. If these areas have carpets or rugs, these floor coverings should be fixed firmly to the floor to prevent slipping. Tile and wooden floors should be equipped with no-slip strips.

Bathrooms and powder rooms present a great deal of danger because these rooms often involve activities – such as bathing – which require someone to sit down and stand up. Also, the floors in these rooms can easily become wet. Renovate these rooms for safety by adding grab bars near toilets and on both the inside and outside of the tub and shower. This provides a secure way to get in and out of the tub and shower. Make sure that it is easy to get in and out of the shower – some bathroom kits involve baths that have shower attachments. Getting in and out of these showers/baths can be tricky, since it can involve stepping over a high bath edge. If you have one of these, consider switching to a regular shower and a regular bath. Make the bathroom floor safer with non-skid mats, strips, or carpets (that are firmly attached to the floor). Install a nigh light to make night-time trips to the bathroom safer.

The bedroom can also be a site of slip and fall accidents, since getting in and out of bed can lead to falls. It is best to ensure that there are light switches or other lights near the bed. That way, if you do need to get up in the middle of the night, you have the light o avoid falls. Also, place a telephone near the bed. If your blood pressure drops and you feel weak getting out of bed, you can call for help. Also, having the telephone by your bed will ensure that you do not have to rush for the phone when you are lying down.

In all rooms, furniture, cords, and flooring can pose dangers. You can minimize the danger by rerouting electric cords and telephone wires so they are near walls and away from areas where you walk. Make sure that all rugs and mats are attached firmly to the floor and do not “bulge out” in any area. Make sure that walking surfaces are even and flat. Any slipper flooring surfaces – such as wood, concrete, or tile – should have no-slip strips attached. Any low furniture should be moved out of walking areas. Taller pieces of furniture should be firmly attached to the walls so that they do not tip over.

Among the elderly living in Florida, slip and fall accidents constitute a major cause of personal injury. There are many reasons for this. Some seniors have conditions – such as heart disease or diabetes – that affect balance while others are taking medications that can lead to dizziness. Some have problems with hearing, sight, muscle strength, or osteoporosis – all of which can lead to falls or can make falls worse.

For the elderly, a simple slip and fall can result in brain injury, broken bones, fractured hips, spinal cord injury, and much more. Some falls are even fatal, so preventing falls is essential. There are many ways that serious slip and fall accidents can be prevented:

1) Anyone over age 60 should have a bone mineral density test. This can help your physician determine how fragile your bones are. If your bones are not strong, you are more likely to suffer serious problems if you do fall. Your doctor can recommend treatment or medication to build up your bones.

2) Have your hearing and vision tested on a regular basis. If you need hearing aids or glasses, give yourself time to get used to these devices and make sure that you wear them as prescribed. Good hearing and eyesight helps you walk more securely and ensures that you are aware of any dangers.

3) Exercise regularly. Speak to your physician about developing an exercise program and then stick with it. Exercise can help make you more flexible and can improve muscle tone. This makes you less likely to fall. Plus, regular exercise helps prevent osteoporosis, so that if you do fall, you are less likely to break a bone.

4) Drink less alcohol. Even small amounts of alcohol can make you more prone to falling.

5) Check your medication. Some medications can cause side effects – such as grogginess or dizziness – that can make you more likely to fall. If this is the case for your medication, talk to your doctor about ways to offset these side effects or ways that you can prevent falls.

Continue reading "Cutting the Risks of Florida Slip and Fall Accidents" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To make your home safer, try these tips:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Are your windows securely fastened?

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

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

*Is your home well-lighted?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you have been in a car accident or have witnessed a slip and fall accident or other accident in which someone may have sustained a back injury, spinal cord injury, or neck injury, it is important that you avoid moving the patient. Serious complications can occur if you try to move someone with a spinal cord injury. In fact, permanent paralysis could occur. Instead, you should:

1) Evaluate the situation. The victim may have a spinal cord injury if he or she exhibits the following symptoms:

*Severe pain in the back or neck area.
*Weakness and/or numbness
*Loss of control of the bladder, bowel, or limbs
*Odd positioning of the neck or back
*Loss of consciousness
*Inability to move the neck

It is important to keep in mind that not every victim will display these symptoms. Therefore, it may be best to treat any case of severe head injury or any situation in which substantial force has impacted the back or head as a possible spinal cord injury.

2) Call 911 or other local emergency medical assistance.

3) Keep the person still. The main aim in a spinal cord injury is to prevent further injury, and this means keeping the person still. Placing heavy towels around the neck or even holding onto the head and neck can help prevent someone from moving their head and causing further injury.

4) If appropriate, provide basic first aid, being careful not to move the head and neck. If the victim needs CPR, for example, you must administer this without moving the head and neck. If the victim is vomiting and is in danger of chocking or if the victim must be moved from immediate harm, make sure that at least two people move the victim. While moving the patient, keep the neck, back, and head as aligned as possible to prevent further injury. However, only move the victim when no other alternative is present.

If you or a loved one has experienced a spinal cord injury as a result of someone’s recklessness or negligence, contact a Florida attorney. Florida law may entitle you to compensation that can help ensure that you get the best quality medical care possible. If you need to speak to an attorney, you can arrange for a free, no-obligation consultation with a qualified Florida attorney simply by calling 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN).

More than 250 000 people in the US today live with spinal cord injuries. In most cases, the injuries are a result of trauma. In fact, 44% of all spinal cord injuries are caused by automobile accidents alone. Sports and violence are also very common causes of these injuries. 8% of spinal cord injuries are caused by sports, and 60% of sport-related injuries are caused by diving accidents. In persons over the age of 45, slip and fall accidents are in fact more likely to cause spinal cord injuries than automobile accidents. More than 80% of spinal cord injury victims are men.

Patients with a spinal cord injury usually have a loss of sensation and partial or full paralysis. Many also experience bladder and bowel complications. Spinal cord injuries also often have many additional complications. For example, men’s fertility is often affected by this type of injury. If the spinal cord injury occurs high on the body, the patient may have difficulty with normal respiration. Other complications include high blood pressure, low blood pressure, chronic pain, problems with body temperature, and an inability to sweat in the area where the injury occurred and below that level. In addition, a patient can experience acute emotional suffering, depression, and other upheavals during the treatment of a spinal cord injury.

Although more treatments are available today, many people are affected by a spinal cord injury for the rest of their lives. Many cannot return to work, while others require home care or extended hospital stays. Most patients require years of rehabilitative work and many never recover motor skills fully. A spinal cord injury simply affects every area of a person’s life, often permanently. The costs associated with this sort of injury are also very high, especially in cases where a patient needs care at home. Nevertheless, medicine has allowed many spinal cord injury patients to survive. Five decades ago, most patients with this type of injury were not expected to survive.

Recent developments in spinal cord injury research have been promising. For example, some scientists have found that a drug called Cethrin may help people with spinal cord injury. The drug works by inhibiting Rho, a part of the body that triggers cell death after a spinal cord injury. In many cases, patients who experience a spinal cord injury may continue to worsen after the initial impact because cell death occurs, inhibiting neural regeneration. This drug promises to help decrease this problem, possibly leading to better recovery.

If you or a loved one have sustained a spinal cord injury, your first priority should be to get the best possible medical care. Prompt medical attention and good care can help ensure a better probability of recovery. An important part of recovering from a spinal cord injury, too, is often to meet with a qualified Florida lawyer. A good lawyer can explain your legal options and can help ensure that you have the financial resources to get support and medical attention. Unfortunately, many insurance providers do not consider the full-term costs of a spinal cord injury and patients who sign insurance papers without consulting a Florida attorney may find that they do not have adequate compensation for basic medical necessities.

If you or a loved one has experienced a spinal cord injury as a result of negligence, a Florida attorney can help ensure that you get the best quality medical care possible. If you need to speak to an attorney, you can arrange for 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, brain injuries occur every day. As a result of slip and fall accidents, car accidents, construction accidents, industrial accidents, and other types of unfortunate events, brain injuries affect thousands of victims every year. Just as each individual is different, so too, the ways that the brain reacts to injury vary. In general, brain injuries can be divided into various types:

*Traumatic brain injuries. These types of injuries occur when an outside force impacts the head in such a powerful way that the brain moves within the skull. Since the brain is made up of soft tissue, when the brain impacts against the inside of the skull, damage can occur. In addition, traumatic brain injury can also occur when an outside force impacts the head strongly enough to crack the skull and directly injure the brain. These types of brain injuries are often the result of physical violence, firearms, car accidents, falls, and other serious injuries.

*Shaken baby syndrome. In this type of brain injury, the head is shaken so hard that the brain moves rapidly back and forth, damaging brain tissue and ripping apart the fibers. Although physical violence is most often the cause, adults can get this injury too, often as a result of violence or car accidents. This type of injury is also considered a traumatic brain injury.

*Diffuse Axonal Injury. This type of brain injury is also caused by strong shaking of the head, either through violence or through a car accident. In a Diffuse Axonal Injury occurs because the brain and the skull do not move together (the brain stays still or lags in movement as the skull moves) and this causes some brain structures – including nerve tissue -- to tear.

*Concussion. This is the most common kind of brain injury and can occur with a direct blow to the head, violent shaking, a gunshot wound, or from whiplash. A concussion can lead to stretched blood vessels and cranial nerve damage.

*Contusion. This type of injury occurs when a bruise (or bleeding) forms on the brain. Usually, this is caused by a direct impact to the head. If a contusion is large, surgery may be needed to remove it.

*Coup-Contrecoup Injury. This type of injury is essentially a contusion which occurs on both the site where the impact occurred and on the opposite side of the brain. This type of injury occurs when a direct impact is so severe that the brain hits the skull on the site of impact and then slaps against the opposite side of the skull, causing two sites of bruising.

*Second Impact Syndrome. Also known as "Recurrent Traumatic Brain Injury," this type of injury occurs when someone incurs another brain injury before the first has had time to heal. Even if the second injury is less severe, it can lead to widespread damage because the brain is already injured and therefore more vulnerable. Recurrent Traumatic Brain Injury is a medical emergency, even if the injury does not seem severe, because a victim can die quite suddenly from this type of injury.

*Penetration Injury. As the name suggests, this injury occurs when a sharp object pierces the skull and impacts the brain.

*Anoxic Brain Injury. This type of injury occurs when the brain’s supply of oxygen is cut off, and the cells which need oxygen to function and survive are affected.

*Hypoxic Brain Injury. This type of brain injury occurs when not enough oxygen reaches the brain so that cells can function properly.

If you or a loved one have sustained a brain injury, it is important to speak to a Florida attorney. In cases where someone’s negligence has caused the injury or worsened it, Florida law protects you and ensures that you are eligible to receive help so that you can afford the best treatment possible. If you need to speak to an attorney, you can enjoy a free, no-obligation consultation with a qualified Florida attorney simply by calling 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN)

Someone who has sustained an impact to the head, as a result of a slip and fall accident, for example, or as a result of a car accident or construction site accident, may be in danger of experiencing traumatic brain injury. In this type of injury, the brain has impacted against the inside of the skull so hard that brain damage has resulted. In some cases, the skull has actually split open and the brain has become damaged as a result of direct impact with an outside force. However, even in cases where someone does not display any obvious symptoms of injury to the head, traumatic brain injury can occur. If you have witnessed an accident in which someone has bumped their head and displays the following symptoms, contact 911 immediately, since this is a medical emergency:

1) Loss of consciousness. 911 should be dialled immediately if the victim loses consciousness. In some cases, it may be impossible to determine whether a victim has lost consciousness or has slipped into a comatose state, so getting an expert medical opinion is a must. However, it is important to note that just because someone remains conscious does not mean that they have not sustained brain injury. In many concussion pieces, a victim remains fully awake and alert at all times.

2) Thin watery liquid coming out of the nose or years. This can actually be spinal fluid leaking from the victim.

3) Eye or vision changes. Dilated or unequal size of pupils can be a sign of brain damage. Also, if the victim is not able to see, is seeing double, is light sensitive, or cannot move eyes normally, brain injury may have occurred.

4) Balancing problems. If a person has trouble walking, or experiences sudden fatigue or dizziness, a medical doctor should be called. Poor coordination, weakness, and difficulty moving are also signs that you need to phone 911 right away. Some victims of traumatic brain injury can experience paralysis as well. Some victims may experience tingling or numbness on their bodies. Some lose control of their bladder or bowels due to partial paralysis.

5) Respiratory problems can be a sign of brain-related problems, as can a slow breathing rate and slow pulse. All can be signs of a traumatic brain injury. A victim can also have problems speaking or swallowing. Some victims exhibit slurred speech.

6) Confusion and headache. Traumatic brain injury victims often display poor attention span, a slowed thought processing speed, memory difficulties, problems thinking logically, bad judgement, and other brain function problems. In addition to brain functioning problems, victims of traumatic brain injury may also exhibit unusual mental or emotional symptoms, such as frustration, irritability, and inappropriate emotional responses.

7) Vomiting.

8) Sluggishness or lethargy.

It is important to note that even victims who do not display these symptoms may still have a serious brain injury. After any impact, professional medical help is necessary. If you or a loved one display these symptoms and have a brain injury due to an accident or someone’s reckless, Florida law can help you get the money you need to good medical care and home care. If you need to speak to an attorney, you can enjoy a free, no-obligation consultation with a qualified Florida attorney simply by calling 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN)

According to the CDC, brain injuries are most often caused when a jolt or blow to the head causes a mild brain injury known as a concussion. The CDC advises that anyone who has suffered a blow to head to look out for symptoms of a concussion, which can include:

1) Difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions.

2) Fatigue and headaches

3) Unusual emotional symptoms, such as listlessness anxiousness, sadness, irritability, and so forth. It is especially important to be on the look out for these symptoms when they appear for no reason. Unexplained emotional upsets can often be a sign of brain injury.

It is best that if you have suffered a jolt or blow to the head for any reason -- including a car accident, slip and fall accident, or any other personal injury -- that you seek medical help right away. A physician can examine you and determine whether you have been injured. However, it is also important not to depend entirely on an initial medical examination by a physician. Even if a doctor has said that you seem okay, if you develop symptoms after experiencing a blow to the head, get re-evaluated or ask for a second opinion. Sometimes, it takes time for the symptoms of a brain injury or concussion to manifest themselves. Also, medical mistakes do occur and sometimes a physician will simply miss some of the symptoms and signs of a brain injury.

Brain injuries are as unique as the individuals who suffer from them. There are many types of brain injuries that can occur and each patient tends to recover from a brain injury differently and display different symptoms. This is one reason why diagnosing brain injury can be challenging. If you suspect that you have a brain injury, seek medical help right away, even if a physician has already stated that you likely do not have a brain injury.

If you've suffered a brain injury because of someone's negligence or reckless behavior, contact an attorney as well as a doctor. A qualified Florida attorney can help ensure that you get all the legal protection you are entitled to. This can be important, since brain injuries can take a long time to recover from. Some brain injuries can be permanent, and can affect your income level, medical bills, and much more. A qualified Florida attorney can ensure that you have the financial resources you need so that you can rebuild your life after an accident. If you need an experienced Florida attorney, arrange for a free, no-obligation consultation by calling 1- 800-535-2962 (1 800 5 FLAXMAN).

For the elderly, slip and fall or trip and fall accidents can be fatal. Each year, across the United States, more than one third of all adults 65 years of age and older have at least one fall. Unfortunately, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among older adults. According to the CDC, more than 13 700 elderly persons died from injuries related to falls in 2003 alone. That same year, 1.8 million were treated in hospital for injuries related to slip and fall accidents. Over the past ten years, the number of fatal slip and fall accidents among the elderly has increased significantly.

According to the CDC, persons over the age of 65 and caregivers can reduce the possibility of slip and fall accidents by:

1. Taking part in a regular, doctor-supervised exercise program. Exercise increases strength and agility and reduces the possibility of falls and personal injury. Exercise has also been proven effective in delaying the effects of osteoporosis, a disease that can weaken bones and so can lead to more serious injuries in the event of a fall.

2. Review medicines. Some medicines have side effects that can contribute to accidents and injuries. Medication that causes drowsiness, weakness, or disorientation can contribute to falls and other injuries. It is also important to speak with a doctor about any medication interactions that can cause unwanted symptoms.

3. Maintain good vision. Getting vision checked regularly and getting corrective lenses as needed can ensure that obstacles and other impediments to walking can easily be seen. Poor vision can contribute to falls, so visit a qualified eye doctor at least once per year.

4. Run a safety audit on your home or care facility. It is estimated that at least 50% of falls occur in the home. Removing obstacles on the floor and installing no-slip flooring or carpeting can help make a living space safer. Installing grab bars near the shower and toilet and improving lighting can also help minimize the possibility of accidents. Staircases can be a dangerous area, so make sure that all stairs have good lighting and sturdy handrails. Slippers can have slippery soles, so wearing good walking shoes both inside and outdoors can be useful.

Of course, even if caregivers and elderly persons do everything right, that does not ensure complete safety. Accidents can still occur. Worse, not every homeowner or property owner is careful about safety. If you or a loved one have been injured because of a slip and fall injury, contact Florida attorneys today. The team at Flaxman & Lopez has years of experience in slip and fall injury cases and can help you understand all your options.

Homeowners and business owners alike have a responsibility to ensure that their premises are safe for visitors and guests. If you own a business and a customer slips and falls in your store or office, you could be held liable for any damages or injuries incurred. Even if you do not own your own business, if a delivery person or guest slips and falls in your home, you could be legally liable.

Many people do not think about slip and fall accidents, but these accidents cause serious injuries and even deaths each year. In most cases, it is important to prove liability in slip and fall accidents. Just because someone sustains an injury on someone else’s property, this does not immediately mean a strong case. Both visitors and home and business owners are responsible for safety. However, business owners and home owners are responsible for maintaining reasonably safe conditions. By being careful about the condition of your property, you can reduce accidents and can keep your loved ones safe as well.

The biggest contributor to slip and fall accidents are precipitation accumulations. Florida does not see much snow or ice, but even a thin layer of frost on the ground can be slippery and can lead to personal injury. Water inside and outside the building can also prove a danger to visitors. The law does not require business or homeowners to immediately remove any ice, snow, or rain, but owners are often found liable if property conditions result in unnatural accumulations of precipitation. For example, if a leaky roof results in water on the floor or if a badly installed drain leads to a puddle on the sidewalk, these conditions may mean a lawsuit if someone does slip and fall on the property.

Another potential hazard in a slip and fall accident is poor lighting. Inadequate lighting indoors or outdoors can lead to tripping and falling, especially if there is any unevenness of the floor or ground as well as poor light. If a homeowner or business owner knows they have poor lighting but fails to correct this, he or she may be held liable in the event of a slip and fall accident.

Surfaces pose another danger. If floors, parking lots, or walkways on your property are obstructed or are in poor condition, you may be held liable if someone slips and falls as a result. Business and home owners are responsible for filling cracks and evening out irregularities to prevent accidents. The one exception to this is public property – such as sidewalks – which is often the responsibility of the municipality. However, you can help prevent accidents and keep yourself safer by reporting any sidewalk unevenness or dangers to your city promptly.

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