Whiplash Injuries South Florida
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Whiplash Injuries | , , ,

What is Whiplash? Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus

Whiplash Injury Incidences, Causes, Treatments, Long-Term Effects, and Legal Options

Each year over 2 million Americans experience whiplash. Sometime called a neck strain or sprain, whiplash cases range from mild to severe and can cause severe pain. Proper diagnosis can only be made by an experienced physician who understands how to identify and analyze the physiological evidence and then develop a plan that will lead to the best possible recovery.

Whiplash happens when soft tissue, cartilage, and/or nerves are suddenly snapped back and forth or side-to-side, most often as the result of automobile, motorcycle, or truck collisions but sometimes happens when people participate in  rough sports like boxing, football, or skiing.

According to the Mayo Clinic treatment for whiplash may range from heat or cold therapy to injections of numbing medications such as Xylocaine. Neck braces are sometimes helpful as is exercise.

Fort Lauderdale Whiplash AttorneysThe duration of whiplash symptoms and pain can last days to weeks to months and even years because each case is different. Because of these variables it is very important to have professional medical and legal help.

Every accident that involves even minor injuries should be discussed with a personal injury attorney. For some reason many people prefer to “shake it off” when they are hurt in a car crash only to regret it later when they realize their injuries are more serious than they originally thought. it is very important to be assessed by a physician as soon as possible and it’s also critical to have a thorough review of the accident’s causes and who was at fault.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has helped hundreds of whiplash victims in south Florida since 1992 and we have worked diligently to recover the maximum compensation for every one. Please call us 7 days a week for a free consultation at 954-356-0006.

Personal Injury Attorneys in Weston and Fort Lauderdale, Florida

 

 

 

Auto Accident Attorneys
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Auto Accident Attorneys, Automobile Safety | , , ,

Protect Yourself, Your Family, and Your Dog | Fort Lauderdale and Weston Personal Injury Attorneys

Dogs can be Injured in Car Accidents Just Like Humans

For years people in America have jumped in the car and taken off on road trips without any thought to buckling up with seat belts. People even routinely put kids in the car without car seats and the family dog would also go along and sit wherever there was room.

Fortunately we have grown in knowledge and experience about the importance of safety restrains in passenger vehicles and set belts, air bags, and child car seats have greatly reduced the number of serious injuries on the road.

Fast Facts:

(1) Car seat use reduces the risk for injury in a crash by 71–82% for children, when compared with seat belt use alone. Source: CDC.gov Website

It is important to note that safety seats for children only work if people use them, and often when adults don’t buckle up, they also fail to secure their children:

(2) Restraint use among young children often depends on the driver’s seat belt use. In 2019, 67% of fatally injured children riding with unbelted drivers were also unrestrained (based on known restraint use). Source: CDC.gov Website

Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury AttorneysAs for dogs, a recent item in the news demonstrates how your canine best friend is at risk while in the car: Two people, dog killed in Prince George wrong-way crash on I-95 late Sunday night. In this incident one of the deceased people was not wearing a seat belt.

If you believe you’re all set with safety precautions for the human passengers in your car but you have some doubts about your dog, here is a good source of information “How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Car” from the American Kennel Club.

As experienced automobile, motorcycle, and truck accident attorneys in South Florida since 1992 we know that a few minutes spent securing everyone in your vehicle can prevent very serious injuries or worse, with associated injuries or worse extending several years out.

If you’re involved in an accident you will like ly require professional assistance to make sure your rights are protected and you recover compensation for medical bills, expenses, and damages. Call our office 7 days a week at 954-356-0006 for a free consultation.

Weston and Fort Lauderdale Florida Personal Injury Attorneys

Accident Attorneys Lazarus
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Personal Injury Attorney | , , ,

Drowsy Driving is Dangerous – Here are Some Prevention Tips

Like Drunk Driving, Drowsy Driving Causes Serious Injuries and Death on America’s Roadways

Personal Injury Accident AttorneyWhen you travel by plane or train there isn’t much you can do to speed up the trip. Traveling by automobile or truck or motorcycle is a different situation and many people try to “drive straight through” instead of taking some rest stops to recharge their batteries. This is not a prudent thing to do.

Last week was officially Drowsy Driving Prevention Week but it’s something we need to be aware of all the time and we should caution others about the dangers. If you know someone who likes to drive without proper rest you may want to want to make them aware of these facts:

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration drowsy driving is responsible for an annual average of:

  • 83,000 crashes
  • 37,000 injury crashes
  • 886 fatal crashes

How does sleepiness affect drivers? Studies show that driving without adequate sleep makes drivers less attentive, affects their decision-making ability, and slows reaction time.

Preventing Drowsy Driving Accidents

  1. Get at least 7 hours of sleep before embarking on a long trip.
  2. Never take medication that might cause drowsiness before you drive.
  3. On long trips take a break every 100 miles or every two hours.
  4. If you feel your eyelids “getting heavy” it’s time to pull over and rest.
  5. If you have to roll down the windows and drink coffee to stay awake, stop and rest. Those things are short-term and won’t stop you from nodding off.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has seen it all in our many years dealing with serious crashes and injuries, and many cases have involved drowsy driving. If you have been involved in any kind of accident it is always best to get professional legal advice about how to proceed. We answer our phones 7 days a week so please call 954-356-0006 at your convenience.

Personal Injury Attorneys in Weston and Fort Lauderdale Florida

Workplace Covid-19 Safety
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Uncategorized | , ,

Covid-19 Liability Waivers – Should You Sign Them? Lazarus and Lazarus Law Firm

Workplace Covid-19 Safety

Everyone makes decisions everyday that will affect their lives, usually in ways that are minimally consequential. We choose to eat some fruit for breakfast or perhaps we choose bacon and eggs. One is better for our health but one might be more satisfying to our taste buds.

Today, our choices involve staying home or going out and that choice might be very critical because of the coronavirus that’s continuing to infect people across Florida and around the world. We wear a mask or we don’t. We wash our hands regularly or we don’t.

Workplace Covid-19 SafetyWhen we visit a business or go to work, we want to make sure the environment is clean and sanitized. Our workplace, especially is where we may spend 1/3 of our days and we may come into contact with not only co-workers but customers who may carry the virus.

Because this is new territory, medically, socially, and legally, everyone is trying to do what’s best to keep people safe. It’s possible that a business you visit or your workplace may ask you to sign a waiver of liability so they will not be blamed if you get sick. Whether this is a good idea or not is not clear at this time.

People are going to have to use their judgement and only visit establishments that meet the safety standards for social distancing, cleanliness, and other guidelines as ordered by local health officials.

Employers are required by law to maintain a safe environment for all employees, not only for illnesses but for all forms of injury. If they don’t, and someone becomes ill or injured, then there may be a good reason to investigate if there is negligence on the part of the employer. The same is true for businesses that do not take steps to make sure customers, clients, and patients are safe. This would be true for nursing homes, personal service establishments, or any business that opens their doors to the public.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been committed to the rights of victims since 1992 and we are proud of our reputation for tenacity and positive results. When innocent people are injured or made ill because of the carelessness of others we step up and fight for your right to a full recovery which includes compensation for medical expenses, lost time from work, and pain & suffering. We don’t quit until we get results.

If you believe you, a friend, or a loved one has been hurt because of someone else’s carelessness we are here to help. Feel free to call us at (954) 356-0006 seven days a week. All consultations are completely free and confidential.

The Federal Government’s Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for Covid-19 – Click Here

Our areas of expertise include:

  • Automobile, Truck, and Motorcycle Accidents
  • Cruise Ship Accidents and Illnesses
  • Covid-19 Illnesses from Workplace Exposure
  • Illnesses and Injuries Caused by Pharmacy Errors
Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorneys
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorneys | , ,

Choosing a Lawyer for Your Injury Case – Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus

Statistics allow us to know a lot about our world, and they can help us make decisions about our lives. For example, did you know that according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) life expectancy for smokers is at least 10 years shorter than for nonsmokers. Quitting smoking before the age of 40 reduces the risk of dying from smoking-related disease by about 90%. We hope we just convinced some people to quit!

You should also take care of your heart because the number one cause of death in Florida is heart disease. Eat right, exercise, and you’ll make those who love you happy by lowering your risk of heart issues.

After heart disease, cancer is the number two killer of Floridians, but most people have no idea what ranks number three. It’s unintentional injuries, and that includes traffic accidents (car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian) as well as industrial accidents, slips and falls, and a large number of other mishaps that injure and kill thousands of people in Florida every year. Obviously you can reduce your risks for accidents by taking reasonable safety precautions, but the truth is that anyone can be the victim of someone else’s negligence and be hurt, sometimes severely.

What do You Do When You’re Injured in Florida?

Fortunately our United States Constitution, specifically the 7th Amendment, permits citizens to seek restitution in a court of law. The first thing most people do when they are seeking justice is hire an attorney, and there are many to choose from. What do you do, where do you go, or who you going to call?

Here are some tips we suggest for everyone so they can make the best choice:

In most personal injury cases, time is of the essence, which means you’ll want to move fast. The reason for expediency is that most injury cases involve witnesses, and people’s memories are clearest immediately after an incident. It’s also important to preserve evidence in the form of photographs by other means as appropriate. Therefore, as quickly as possible make a list of three to five attorneys and set appointments with each. You’ll want to ask each attorney what kind of results to expect and you’ll want to ask about qualifications. How many injury cases have they handled? How long have they been dealing with accidents similar to yours?

It’s also important to ask what kind of results your potential attorney has achieved for other clients. What kind of statements are available online from previous clients? Will your attorney have the time to speak to you if you pick up the phone and call?

Fort Lauderdale Injury AttorneysClarify Attorney Fees. Most injury attorneys offer a free consultation, but it’s important to be crystal clear about what you may be charged for right from the start.

As with any decision, your gut feeling will play a role in your decision, but try to balance feelings and facts and then make a decision.

Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorneys – Lazarus and Lazarus

If we meet to discuss your case we want you to know that everything we discuss is completely confidential. In Florida, the attorney-client privilege is governed by Section 90.502 of the Florida Statutes. We will clearly explain what the options are for your specific situation, and we’ll tell you what to expect.

To reach our law office you should call (954) 356-0006 7 days a week. We place the highest priority on responding to calls for help so if we don’t answer, we will respond to your message immediately. If you choose another attorney we will wish you the best possible outcome.

| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS | , , ,

How to Avoid the Most Common Motorcycle Accidents

avoid motorcycle accidentsThe comedian Norm MacDonald does a routine about people worrying about death. A lot of people get on an airplane and immediately start to worry the plane will crash. Ridiculous, says Norm, and he’s right. Airplanes are extremely safe. He explains that some people obsess that they will be attacked and killed by terrorists! Also, highly unlikely. But, he asks, “what are the chances you will be attacked and killed by your own heart? About 100%.” The point is, if you take time to take care of your heart and your body you’ll surely live longer.

Motorcycles are obviously a lot of fun to ride for many people. I know many motorcycle enthusiasts who would never give up the experience no matter how dangerous it may or may not be. Being aware of the most common causes for motorcycle accidents and ways to avoid them is the key to enjoying motorcycles for many safe years. So what are the 10 most common causes for accidents? We’re going to cover 5 in this article, and 5 more later.

NOTE: These are tips. We are not motorcycle safety experts. We encourage all motorcyclists to take regular safety training from certified safety instructors. In south Florida contact the Safety Council of Palm Beach County or Motorcycle Safety of Florida.

Avoid Motorcycle Accidents

1 –  Someone Turns Left in Front of You.

How to avoid: You must see it coming and anticipate it. If there is a gap in traffic coming the other direction, watch carefully for someone who might try to turn left. Don’t count on a turn signal since most people just don’t use them. See if the person seems to have locked on to you with their eyes. Are they focusing on you or on the direction they want to go? Usually it’s the latter. Are their wheels turned left already? Is there someone behind you? What is the road surface? All this data streams into your brain as you have less than a millisecond to make a decision. It’s just a good idea to reduce speed and stay focused. Also, is your headlight on?

Read more “How to Avoid the Most Common Motorcycle Accidents”

| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Prescription Errors | , , , ,

When are Pharmacy Errors Considered Malpractice?

Alexander Pope, an 18th century English poet, said “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” That may be true, but it’s difficult to forgive someone when their error causes serious damage.

pharmacy errorsIn the healthcare industry, human error has become one of the leading causes of death, and people in hospitals now refer to serious mistakes as “nevers” which means they are never supposed to happen. There are lots of checks and balances, and yet people are still harmed and killed by “nevers.”

With prescription medications, these mistakes can happen in the hospital, in your doctor’s office, and in your local pharmacy. When does a “never” mistake become malpractice? Malpractice is defined as improper, illegal, or negligent professional activity or treatment, especially by a medical practitioner, lawyer, or public official. These are people who are held to a higher standard by the legal system due to their level of education, training, and the vital nature of their work. If you order a steak medium-rare but they cook it until it’s black, that’s not malpractice. Just a mistake.

Read more “When are Pharmacy Errors Considered Malpractice?”

| lazaruslaw-2 | 0 Comments | Florida Accident Attorney, Uncategorized | , ,

What to do After a Motor Vehicle Accident in Florida

Florida Law Requires Certain Actions After an Accident – Florida Accident Attorney

florida accident attorneyIf you witness an accident, but are not actually involved you are not required to remain at the scene. However, your input may help authorities determine what the caused the accident, who is at fault, and would probably be the right thing to do. Make sure authorities are notified and if there are injuries be sure they are aware. Unless you have medical training it’s best not to try to administer medical assistance.

Don’t put yourself in danger by stepping into the roadway or approaching a dangerous situation. If other drivers are arguing, do not get involved. Wait for the authorities and be prepared to recount what you witnessed.

If you are a driver and are involved in an accident, you must stop your vehicle immediately after the accident and do not leave the scene. 

Position your vehicle in a manner that won’t obstruct other motorists. If you can’t do this, then either ask for help, or call a tow truck. If someone has been hurt, you must attempt to secure medical help right away.

Give your name, address, and registration number to anyone involved in the accident who requests this information. You may have to show your driver’s license, too. Law enforcement officers arriving on the scene have the right to all of this information, as well.

Accidents involving an injury or death, a hit-and-run or intoxicated driver, or property damage that appears to be over $500 need to be reported immediately to law enforcement. The investigating officer will make a written report on all accidents involving a death or injury.

If an officer completes a report, you won’t need to file a crash report. However, if a crash report hasn’t been filed by law enforcement, then you’ll need to do so within 10 days of the accident.

Unattended Vehicles

Many people aren’t aware of your obligations when it comes to cars that are unoccupied. If you are involved in an accident with an unattended and unoccupied car, you’re required to notify the owner. If you cannot find the owner, then attach a note to the damaged vehicle or property which contains your name, address, and license plate number. Be sure to write legibly. Also, report the accident to law enforcement right away.

For any accident, once you are certain that you have made sure injured parties are receiving treatment and you have complied with all reporting requirements and notified and cooperated with law enforcement, you should contact an attorney specializing in motor vehicle accidents.

Speak only to an attorney, and do not share information about the accident, including photographs with others, especially on social media or anywhere on the internet. Listen to the advice of your attorney and follow his or her instructions.

Florida Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus in Fort Lauderdale has been advising and representing people in Florida who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents for over 20 years. Calling 954-356-0600 will put you in touch with Gary and Arleen Lazarus, who are eminently qualified to help.

Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney
| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized | , ,

Motorcycle Safety is a Two-Way Street

Working Together Towards a Solution Will Save Lives

Two_Way_StreetWe have posted a lot of data on motorcycle accidents, injuries, and fatalities. The news is never good and it’s getting worse because accidents are becoming more frequent.

We are asking automobile drivers and motorcyclists to take a few moments today and learn 3 things they can be done to make the roads safer for everyone.

Automobile Drivers:

  • Never, ever, text and drive. Distracted driving in one form or another is likely the primary cause for drivers not seeing motorcycles. Turn your phone off when you drive and take care of messages when you arrive at your destination. Nothing is more important than focusing on the road and your surroundings.
  • Look twice. When you go to pull out onto a high-traffic road, check for oncoming traffic. Then look again. In the instant you begin pulling out, a motorcyclist may have moved into the lane you are intending to occupy. Check twice, save a life.
  • Use your mirrors. Both side-view and your rear-view mirrors are there for a reason. Adjust them before you start driving and make sure they are properly lined up. Look carefully for motorcycles before you change lanes. Lane changes by cars into the pathway of motorcycles is a common catalyst for serious crashes.

Motorcyclists:

  • Don’t buy more bike than you can handle. There are no clear statistics for this, but many accident investigators believe that some people ride motorcycles that are simply too large and too powerful, and they crash. If you are 5’7” and weigh 160 pounds, you probably should not consider buying a 197 horsepower Yamaha V-Max. It’s not an issue of how tough you are, it’s buying the right bike to maximize performance and safety.
  • Invest in Anti-Lock Brakes. This is a proven life-saving advancement and it’s worth the cost. The reason is simple: Locking up the brakes in a panic stop robs the rider of any steering control. That can easily lead to a skid and crash, which can result in serious injury. ABS helps you retain steering control during an emergency stop, and it can be especially valuable in slippery conditions.
  • Wear the right gear. Jeans, a T-shirt, and sandals are recipes for a painful disaster on a bike. Specially designed jackets with rugged padding and breathable mesh material provide protection as well as ventilation for riding in warm weather. You’ll also want effective eye protection; don’t rely on eyeglasses or a bike’s windscreen. Use a helmet visor or goggles. And keep in mind that car drivers who have hit a motorcycle rider often say they just didn’t see them, so choose gear in bright colors.

Working together, we can save lives.

The Law Office of Lazarus and Lazarus has been helping the victims of motorcycle accidents for over 20 years and we understand the special circumstances that go along with these serious incidents. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle crash, please reach out to Gary or Arleen Lazarus by calling 954-356-0606 and we will be happy to meet with you promptly and confidentially.

Florida Personal Injury Attorney
| lazaruslaw-2 | 0 Comments | Florida Personal Injury Attorney, Uncategorized | , , ,

Let’s not “Visit” the Emergency Room

The dictionary defines the word “visit” as “an act of going or coming to see a person or place socially, as a tourist, or for some other purpose.” Most visits are pleasant experiences, right?

The U.S. Center for Disease Control, which works to keep us healthy also keeps track of injury statistics. They call going to the emergency room a “visit” but there’s not too much pleasant about being treated at the emergency room. Those are visits we can live without.

Florida Personal Injury AttorneySome of the types of injuries and statistics for emergency room visits are surprising, but understanding them might help us and our loved ones avoid visits to the ER. Sometimes injuries are our own fault and sometimes they are due to someone else’s – that’s when a personal injury attorney can help.

Let’s look at some numbers:

Nationwide, in 2011 there were 136.3 million ER visits. 40.2 million were related to injuries. The rate of people visiting the ER was 44 per 100 people, so if you’re an average person, you had slightly less than a 50% chance of going to the ER.

In Florida, the reasons for going to the ER are interesting.

The number one cause for going to the ER – non-fatal injury – is listed as “fall.” Now, a large number of these incidents are in the upper-age segment of the population for obvious reasons, but it is also number one for ages 10-14, probably skateboard and bicycle mishaps.

The number two reason for going to the ER in Florida across all age groups is “struck by.” Struck by? What is struck by? Some research shows that people are struck by many things including Struck By: car, truck, bus, train, boat, golf cart, golf club, forklift, crane, mobile platform, bicycle, tire, flying piece of X, garage door, door opening, rock, another person, mail carrier, farm equipment, falling objects, motorcycle, stock items, batted ball, lawn mower, scaffolding, pressurized hose, hammer head, etc…..

So, it’s probably a good idea to avoid everything on that list. You’d have to stay home under the bed.

Number three is motor vehicle accidents, which we write about often. Wear your seat belts, slow down, don’t text and drive, and never, ever drive if you have been drinking.

Number four is interesting but not surprising in Florida: over-exertion. The heat and humidity can wear you down and wear you out fast if you’re working or exercising above your tolerance. Always see a physician before starting a work-out regimen and stay hydrated. Take regular breaks of you’re working outside in the heat and when you feel that something hurts, stop.

Many visits to the ER can be prevented by exercising good judgement, but sometimes you can’t prevent an injury because they are often caused by someone else’s negligence. Some of the more common injuries resulting from negligence are falls due to unsafe conditions, being struck by unsecured objects, defective products, and assaults by other persons.

If you slip due to a puddle on the floor and you are injured, this is not necessarily a clear-cut “slip and fall” injury. There are legal issues such as duty of care, premises liability, security precautions, and a host of other circumstances to consider in any injury situation.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been advising and helping victims of injuries in south Florida for over 20 years. Gary and Arleen Lazarus are eminently qualified personal injury attorneys who will listen to the circumstances of your injury and discuss options which may help you receive any compensation that is appropriate under the law. You can reach the firm by calling 954-356-0006.