| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | DUI DRIVER, Uncategorized

Orlando Father and Three Sons Killed By Drunk Driver

While on vacation in Pinellas County over the weekend of July 30th, the McConnell family of Orlando experienced a grave tragedy when a drunk driver killed four of their loved ones. Elroy McConnell, 51, and his sons, Elroy McConnell III, 28, Nathan McConnell, 24, and Kelly McConnell, 19, were all riding together early Sunday morning after seeing a movie. Without warning, Demetrius Jordan, 20, collided with the family’s car while driving 85 mph through a red light at the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street and 22nd Avenue North.

The impact was so violent that it ripped the car in two. The McConnells all died instantly. Jordan, who admitted to having consumed several alcoholic beverages and smoking marijuana that night, was seriously injured in the accident and his passenger was also admitted to the hospital in critical condition. The accident is just a grim reminder of the dangers of drug and alcohol use while driving.

Drunk drivers threaten the lives of adults and children on the roads every day. If a drunk driver has victimized you or someone in your family, you must contact a lawyer right away. A lawyer can help you get justice for your injuries or for a wrongful death. Even if there have been criminal charges filed, you may be able to seek civil compensation for your loss, including pain and suffering, payments for medical bills and lost wages.

| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | BICYCLE ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized

Bicycle Riders Should Replace Helmets Every Few Years

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Did you know that bike helmets only last for three to five years? According to a report by station WSVN-TV in Miami/Fort Lauderdale, the plastic and foam materials inside adult and child bicycle helmets break down after a few years, no longer providing the needed protection to riders. Small cracks below the shell of the helmet can also leave you vulnerable to injury.

Parents often pass down bike helmets to younger children, inadvertently putting them at risk for injury. Unless your children are very close in age, you should buy each child a brand new helmet every couple of years. Even the wear and tear of the older child on a helmet can be enough to make it unsafe for the younger child.

Check the Manufacturing Date
Helmets have a manufacturing date stamped on the inside of the shell cavity. If the helmet is banged up or has a manufacturing date more than five years old, it’s time to replace it. Similarly, when buying new helmets, be sure to check for the manufacturing date. Many stores will sell helmets that were made more than three to five years ago and most buyers are never the wiser.

Further, if you’ve had an accident while wearing a helmet, experts recommend that you replace it right away for an undamaged one. Even a simple bump on the head can be enough to shift the protective materials inside the helmet to render them useless for the next fall. If you have been injured by a faulty or outdated helmet, contact a personal injury lawyer who can explain your legal options.

| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | Uncategorized, WRONGFUL DEATH

Weston Family Sues Over Boy Scout’s Death

The family of a boy scout from Weston, Florida, have filed suit against the national, regional and local Boy Scouts, according to a July 15, 2010 article published in the Miami-Herald. In addition to the organization, Judith Sclawy and her husband, Howard Adelman, are also suing two other Scout leaders who organized a May 2009 hike, during which their son, Michael Sclawy-Adelman, 17, suffered from heatstroke and subsequently died.

The suit names several parties, including the Boy Scouts of America and its regional component, the South Florida Council, Plantation United Methodist Church, and scout leaders Howard K. Crompton and Andrew L. Schmidt.

The day of the incident, the Boy Scouts were on a mission to earn their Eagle Scout badges, and a 20-mile hike in the Everglades was a part of the program. But, with temperatures in the 100-degree range, Michael began to stumble around mile 15. Witnesses stated that Crompton gave him some water and a damp towel. After a bit, Michael stopped sweating and began to snore, which is commonly associated with heatstroke. Soon after, he vomited and then stopped breathing altogether. By the time helped arrived late in the day, he was already dead.

The wrongful death lawsuit claims that Boy Scout leaders failed to call help for 90 minutes after Michael fell seriously ill during the hike. Further, the parents allege that leaders were negligent in allowing the scouts to hike in 100-degree temperatures, and also for ignoring Michael’s symptoms of heat exhaustion for too long.

If you’ve experienced a wrongful death in your family, contact an experienced Florida attorney to handle your case. An attorney knows how to structure even the most complicated wrongful death suit to fight for what you deserve.

| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized

Florida Cities Top List of Most Dangerous Places for Pedestrians

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A study published by Transportation for America reports that the state of Florida is home to the top four most dangerous cities for pedestrians. Orlando/Kissimmee, Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Miami/Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville are the four metropolitan areas that top the list of the organization’s “Most Dangerous Cities for Walking.” The list is based on injury and fatality statistics gathered between 2007 and 2008. During that time, Orlando had the most fatalities, averaging nearly 3 deaths per 100,000. That number is especially high, given the fact that only 1.3 in 100,000 people walk as a primary means of transportation to get to work.

Pedestrian Fatalities in the United States
Across the country, pedestrians account for more than 76,000 American deaths in the last 15 years. Children, elderly and ethnic minorities are disproportionately represented in this figure, according to Transportation for America, but anyone can be the victim of a distracted or negligent driver, no matter what their age or physical ability. Speeding, drunk driving and driver error are typically to blame for pedestrian fatalities. In addition, dangerous roadways without sidewalks or dedicated crosswalks also increase the risk of injury and death for pedestrians.

Although there are several organizations like T4A that are fighting for safer streets, these accidents continue to occur daily. If you or someone you care about has been injured or killed by a negligent driver while walking, you deserve justice. A personal injury lawyer in Florida can help defend your case and get you compensation for your loss.

| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | PRODUCT SAFETY, Uncategorized

Protect Your Children Against Toy Choking Hazards

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When it comes to children’s toys, choking hazards are very real and parents in Florida must exercise caution when allowing their children to play with toys that are poorly made and/or contain small parts. Although most toys are manufactured with child safety in mind, there are still countless products on the market today that present choking hazards to small children.

Steps to Safeguard Your Children
Parents must be proactive when it comes to safeguarding children against toys that may present choking hazards. One easy way to check for defective or dangerous products is to do an online search. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission publishes an updated online database of recalled toys that is quite comprehensive. Recall.gov is a federally funded site that also contains a vast amount of information on toy recalls and safety concerns.

When you’re shopping for toys, be sure to examine each product and its packaging before you buy. Check for:
– Recommended age for use (is the toy age appropriate for your child?)
– Warning labels regarding small parts or choking hazards – Harmful ingredients (lead paint, BPA, etc.)
– Poor craftsmanship (i.e. the paint is chipped, parts are missing, etc.)

As a parent, these precautions can help save your child’s life. In case of an accident or injury, however, it is crucial that you contact a qualified lawyer to help you defend your rights. Large companies can often intimidate people and be evasive when it comes to taking responsibility for their actions. A lawyer can help you seek compensation for injuries or wrongful death caused by a defective toy.

| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | AUTO ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized

Suing for Aggravated Injuries After An Auto Accident

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If you have a previous injury that is aggravated after a car accident in Florida, what are your rights? Can you collect damages for medical bills incurred even though you already have a pre-existing condition? Can you collect ongoing payments for your long-term injury if it gets worse as a result? Only an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you figure out what is rightfully yours and fight the insurance companies to get it.

Many people suffer from pre-existing conditions at the time of an accident. Common injuries that can be aggravated by such an event include: arthritis, head and neck injuries, back injuries (herniated disks, bulging disks, spinal cord injuries, etc.), knee and hip injuries and more. Sometimes, though, an insurance adjustor will claim that your pre-existing condition precludes you from receiving compensation for your injuries.

Making Your Case Stronger
Generally speaking, the driver who is at fault for an auto accident is liable for paying for medical bills, lost wages and/or pain and suffering caused during the collision, even for people with pre-existing injuries. Proving new aggravation of old injuries can be tricky, though, and there are a few things you can do to improve your chance at recovery:

– Be sure to seek medical attention right after an accident.
– List all pre-existing conditions with your doctor or medical professional immediately after an auto accident.
– Carefully document all of your symptoms, doctor’s visits and other medical attention received after the accident. This documentation can help distinguish old health problems from new ones caused as a result of the accident.

Contact a lawyer as soon as you’ve been in a car accident. The insurance companies may offer you a settlement or they may deny your claim altogether. The only way to know if you’re getting what is fair is to speak to a legal professional today.

| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | GENERAL PERSONAL INJURY, Uncategorized

Gulf Oil Spill Continues to Affect Florida Tourism and Workers

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Results from a new study of tourism in the Gulf region this week predict that the state of Florida will be the hardest hit economically in the wake of the BP oil spill disaster. According to the study conducted by consulting firm Oxford Economics USA and commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association, Florida will have the biggest loss in travel spending amongst the Gulf states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

Annually, visitors to Florida bring more than $22 billion to the state’s economy. The study estimates that Florida stands to lose $18.6 billion over the next three years, regardless of that fact that 90% of the states beaches remain unaffected by the oil spill. To help offset these predicted losses, BP has already funded a $25 million campaign to help boost tourism throughout the state, but its effectiveness remains to be seen.

Lack of Tourism and Employment Linked to a Rise in Work Injuries
Tourism all over the gulf region is expected to suffer for the next several years, says the Houston-based consulting firm. Across the region, more than 400,000 people depend on the Gulf for employment and the jobless rates in this region have already sharply risen. Many people are taking on temporary cleanup jobs to make ends meet, but reports of headaches, dizziness and nausea from chemicals, slip and falls and other injuries are increasing as the danger of the cleanup efforts begins to take its toll on many workers.

If you or someone you care about has been injured in cleanup efforts, its important that you hire a qualified personal injury lawyer to help you sort through any workers compensation paperwork and settlement offers before you accept them. Or, if you’re being denied benefits, a lawyer can pursue employers and third-parities responsible for your injuries.

| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | MEDICAL MALPRACTICE, NURSING HOME NEGLIGENCE, Uncategorized

End of Life Issues Raise Malpractice Questions

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Perhaps nowhere more than in the state of Florida, end-of-life considerations for elderly or infirmed people are at the forefront in the medical community. CBS News recently reported that end-of-life procedures may actually cause more pain and suffering in the final weeks leading to death. More than 80% of the annual deaths in the U.S. are attributed to long-term diseases, such as cancer, heart failure and Alzheimer’s. In the final weeks of life, the vast majority of patients and their doctors attempt radical or intensive treatments in an effort to save their lives through chemotherapy, radiation or experimental procedures.

According to the CBS News article published June 28, 2010, these treatments can take a drastic toll on the body, causing more pain in the last days of life than the disease would have likely caused if left untreated in many cases. In turn, these experiences can lead families of loved ones to sue doctors and hospitals for malpractice when treatments don’t work or cause increased suffering prior to death.

Determining Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can be tricky to prove. Just because a treatment doesn’t work doesn’t mean that it was administered incorrectly or with negligence. However, attempting radical procedures recklessly or with knowledge of possible harmful interactions can sometimes be grounds for malpractice. It’s important to work with an experienced Florida medical malpractice attorney to determine what the best course of action is for your case.

| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | NURSING HOME NEGLIGENCE, Uncategorized

Research Nursing Homes to Avoid Mistreatment and Poor Conditions

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The decision to send a family member to a nursing home is not one that most people take lightly. As a matter of fact, many Florida families find themselves overwhelmed at the task of having to locate a nursing home that is suitable for their loved ones. Particularly given the urgency of some medical situations, some people find that they must make a quick decision about which nursing home to choose. However, a hasty decision can place your family member in danger of mistreatment or poor living conditions at a sub-par facility.

While many nursing homes operate with a high standard of care, there are others that simply do not provide adequate care for their patients due to lack of funding or poor management. While there are watchdog agencies cracking down on deficient nursing homes, it is crucial that you do your own research before choosing a home.

Resources for Choosing the Right Home
– Medicare.gov also allows you to compare nursing homes in your area and see their Five-Star Quality Rating. This site also lists health inspection results, nursing home staff data, quality measures and fire safety inspection results for each facility in its database.

– The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration publishes a Nursing Home Guide that includes a Watch List that details care facilities operating under bankruptcy protection, as well as those that have been put under conditional status in the last 30 months. Further, this online data source is updated daily. Resources such as this can help Florida families locate the proper facilities for their loved ones with confidence.

Always be sure to visit a nursing care facility before you make a final decision. If you suspect there is abuse or maltreatment of any kind, be sure to contact a Florida attorney who can investigate your case and follow through with legal procedures to correct the situation.

| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | BICYCLE ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized

Teen Bike Safety Tips Can Prevent TBI

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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the leading dangers for teenage bike riders in South Florida. The National Bicycle Safety Network (NBSN) reports that the failure to wear a helmet is the direct cause of most head and brain injuries in bicycle accidents. According to the NBSN, well over half of those killed in bicycle accidents in recent years were not wearing helmets. Wearing a helmet can reduce your risk for major injury and/or death by up to 88%.

In the state of Florida, the law requires bicycle riders under the age of 16 to wear helmets, although all riders are strongly encouraged to wear protective gear. The enforcement of the bicycle helmet law has helped to reduce the number of fatalities in South Florida since its inception in 1997. According to a June 29, 2010 report released by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), bicyclist fatalities decreased 15% between 2008 and 2009 from 118 to 100.

Safeguarding Teens Against Injury
Most bicycle accidents involve careless drivers who fail to yield to bike riders. Sadly, a bicycle is simply no match for a 5,000-pound vehicle, and the results can often be devastating. Here are some helpful tips to stay safe on the roads this summer:

– Wear reflective clothing or attach reflective strips to your backpack, jacket or vest to allow drivers and pedestrians to see you at all times.
– Check your bicycle and equipment regularly for maintenance/repair. Check that all nuts and bolts are secure and that your tires are properly inflated and free of punctures.
– While riding, stay alert at all times. Ride on the right hand side of the road with traffic and always obey stop signs and traffic signals.

No matter how careful you are, though, some car drivers on four wheels simply aren’t as careful when it comes to looking out for those on two wheels. If you are injured while riding your bicycle, a personal injury lawyer in Florida may be able to help you recover damages for your injuries.