Slip and Fall Incidents in South Florida
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Misconceptions About Slip and Fall Cases in Florida | The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus

Slip and Fall Personal Injury AttorneysDon’t Believe the Stories You Hear – Contact an Experienced Attorney

Personal Injury cases run from cuts and scrapes to paralysis, permanent brain damage and everything in between. The causes are sometimes the fault of the victim but are most often the result of someone else’s carelessness or negligence.

There is a misconception held my many that “slip and fall” accidents are mostly minor, usually don’t need any medical attention, and that filing a lawsuit for damages is a waste of time. People believe that even if they get a monetary settlement it will be small and their lawyer will take most of it.

mis·con·cep·tion: a view or opinion that is incorrect because based on faulty thinking or understanding.

Consider this case: In Apopka, near Orlando, a jury awarded $948,000 to a woman who fell after slipping on a wet bathroom floor at the Walmart in 2016. Jessica Amador was shopping with her mother and helped her mother into the restroom, which had just been mopped, the complaint said. Source: Insurance Journal

Walmart has between 220 and 250 million shoppers visit their stores each week and they have had thousands of injury claims because of their failure to maintain a safe environment. The most common places for slip and fall injuries are:

  • Sidewalks
  • Parking lots
  • Stairs
  • Escalators and elevators
  • Restaurants, grocery stores, shopping malls, and other shops
  • Job sites

We represent people who have received serious injuries, which means that the victim is in serious pain and/or has medical bills because of the incident. We will fight diligently to make sure you receive the maximum monetary settlement allowed by law.

It is the responsibility of every business owner to keep their property safe, but if you are hurt because one didn’t we can help. We’re available 7 days a week to speak with you and a call to (954) 356-0006 will put you in touch with Gary or Arleen Lazarus, bit highly experienced personal injury lawyers.

Slip and Fall Incidents in South Florida

Auto Accident Attorneys
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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

Truck Accident Attorneys
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Using the Black Box to Investigate Large Truck Accidents – Truck Accident Attorneys

Speed, Location, Direction of Travel, and Other Data can Help Determine What Caused a Crash

Air travel is a very safe way to get from point to another but when there is a crash investigators immediately attempt to find the black boxes. The truth is the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorders are actually bright orange but the name originated with warplanes in World War 2 and it has stayed around.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety a total of 4,119 people died in large truck crashes in 2019. Sixteen percent of these deaths were truck occupants, 67 percent were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles, and 15 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists. The number of people who died in large truck crashes was 31 percent higher in 2019 than in 2009, when it was the lowest it has been since the collection of fatal crash data began in 1975. The number of truck occupants who died was 51 percent higher than in 2009.

Florida Truck Accident Attorneys Many people aren’t aware that almost all large commercial trucks and many passenger vehicles also have data recorders installed. These amazing devices can answer questions about a collision such as:

  • What was the speed of the vehicle at the time of the collision?
  • What was the direction of travel?
  • Were the brakes applied?
  • Was the tire pressure correct?
  • Were the seat belts engaged and did the airbag deploy?
  • What was the vehicle’s GPS position during and before the collision?
  • Was there a video in use during the crash?

All this information can be very helpful when trying to determine the cause of a crash.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus never overlooks a single detail when it comes to investigating an accident. Witness testimony, outside video sources, physical evidence, and police reports are some of the sources we will examine to best serve the needs of our clients.

If you’re involved in a crash with any size truck we are happy to speak with you about protecting your rights to proper medical care and compensation for you injuries and damages.

We’re available 7 days a week at 954-356-0006

Large Truck Collision Personal Injury Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale and Weston, Florida

Personal Injury Settlements
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Personal Injury Settlement Amounts – How are They Determined?

Monetary Amounts for Pain and Suffering Vary According to Circumstances

If someone offered you $100 but you would have to endure an excruciating pain in your lower back for the rest of your life, would you accept it?

Of course not!

Personal Injury Settlements FloridaWhat about $1000? Still no. There is no amount that would be sufficient to accept a lifetime of agony so how does an insurance company or judge or jury decide how much to pay the victim of an accident for their pain and suffering? It’s a complex question and one that rarely has a satisfactory answer.

The process of determining what is reasonable and fair is one that Lazarus and Lazarus has engaged in thousands of times since 1992 and it’s one we don’t like to lose. We meet with clients who are often severely hurt by many types of accidents and we see firsthand what kind of damage is done. It’s very difficult to put a price on that pain and suffering, but it must be done to move forward to the process of healing.

People should understand that “pain and suffering” is a legal term that includes more than physical pain. There are emotional and mental injuries such as fear, insomnia, grief, and even the loss of enjoyment of life.

How Can You Maximize Your Settlement?

Getting the largest possible monetary settlement is where the skill and experience of your attorney are significant. Putting together all the facts and evidence into a convincing case requires diligence and a meticulous is the job of every personal injury attorney and it is our highest priority because it will most affect our client’s future.

The bottom line is that the amount of any settlement will be determined by the negotiations between the victim’s attorney and the insurance company and/or the decision of a judge or jury.

We will never make unrealistic predictions or promises because we believe every client deserves the truth. Please click here to read what our clients have to say about our service and results.

We are available 7 days a week to speak with you about your situation if you call 954-356-0006.

Personal Injury Attorneys in Weston and Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Since 1992

Personal Injury Settlement Amounts – How are They Determined?

Accident Attorneys Lazarus
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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

Personal Injury Attorneys
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Time Limits for Filing Personal Injury and Other Civil Lawsuits

Florida Law Requires Timely Actions to Protect Your Rights to Compensation for Injuries and Damages

A driver named Bob is sitting at a red light in Fort Lauderdale when suddenly someone strikes his car from behind. Poor Bob is dazed and shaken but it seems at first there are no serious injuries.

The police come and complete a crash report, the car is not drivable so it’s towed, and Bob goes to the emergency room to have some cuts and bruises treated. Bob calls his insurance company and then waits to hear some news.

What Happens Next?

Months down the road Bob realizes that the nagging pain in his neck has worsened, and that the cause is a serious spine injury that was misdiagnosed by the doctors who treated him immediately following the accident. His car has been repaired but when he drives down the road it pulls strongly to the left and repair shop is totally unresponsive about his problem. Bob didn’t receive a satisfactory check from his insurance company, and he doesn’t know what to do to cover medical bills or how to recover the salary he missed when he was out of work.

What About Bob?

No one cooperates with Bob regarding his issues, so he wonders if he can file a lawsuit to get the help he needs? The answer is maybe.Personal Injury Lawsuits Fort Lauderdale

In this hypothetical case or in an actual case a victim may seek legal action against the driver who caused the accident, the insurance companies, the doctors who made mistakes diagnosing and treating injuries, and the repair shop that did not fix the car as long as it is done according to the rules governing civil procedures.

The State of Florida has established statutes regarding civil and criminal case timetables and procedures, and failure to be aware of them is not an acceptable excuse for missing a deadline.

Since 1992 we have invited people injured in any type of accident to take advantage of our free and confidential consultations so your rights are protected and you don’t miss deadlines. Calling 954-356-0006 will put you in touch with either Gary or Arleen Lazarus and we will provide you with options for your situation and personal service.

Click Here to see various Statutes of Limitations in Florida

Personal Injury Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Weston, Florida

 

south florida pharmacy error attorneys
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Prescription Errors, Uncategorized | ,

How to Catch Pharmacy Errors Before They Hurt You – Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorneys

South Florida Personal Injury Attorneys

Did you ever make a measurement mistake while following a recipe? A common one is to confuse teaspoon (tsp) with tablespoon (tbsp) and sometimes while making baked goods it can make a big difference in the outcome. Still, a little too much baking soda or not enough vegetable oil probably won’t cause a major health issue.

A mistake like that with prescription medication may cause serious harm or death.

We have always advocated that patients be their own watchdogs in addition to asking questions and verifying everything with their own doctors and pharmacists. Doctors, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians are trained to be accurate, but the Food and Drug Administration estimates that 1.3 million people are injured by medication errors annually in the U.S. – Source: AARP.org

According to DrugTopics.com a pharmacist reported making a mistake that involved mixing up the dosage for a very powerful pain killer. The medicine was dispensed for an infant and the error involved a mix-up of milliliter and teaspoon measurements. It’s important to note that one milliliter is equal to 0.202884 teaspoons. This particular error could have been fatal.

Another error that has happened too many times involves a “called-in refill” where a pharmacy refills a prescription that has actually been replaced by a new medication. In one instance the patient was having adverse reactions to a medication and the doctor changed to a new one. The pharmacy refilled the old one and the patient became very ill.

Sometimes pharmacists and doctors may be unaware of a patient’s pre-existing conditions or other medications. In one case a patient that had recently undergone chemotherapy was prescribed a medication that was totallyPersonal Injury - Pharmacy Negligence inappropriate for such a situation. The patient, doctor, and pharmacist never communicated what was going on and once again there was a very bad reaction and the patient nearly died.

Communication and verification are key elements to avoid prescription medication errors and injuries. Take the time to ask your doctor what is being prescribed, why it is being prescribed, and make absolutely sure your doctor is 100% aware of every medication you are taking, even if it’s over-the-counter.

When you pick up your prescription don’t hesitate to ask the pharmacist questions. Make sure the right pills are in the right bottle and that the dose is correct. If your doctor prescribed 100 milligrams per pill of a medicine make sure you didn’t get 500 milligrams. It is your right to have a consultation with your pharmacist.

One of the most common errors patients make is forgetting to take a pill or other medication or taking it twice in one day when the directions call for only once. A daily pill counter can help with these situations. Make sure all medications are stored where children cannot get to them.

The AARP has published a helpful page online: What You Can Do to Avoid Medication Errors

Always maintain and carry with you a complete and current list of every medication you take, even if it’s aspirin or vitamins. If something happens and you are rushed to the hospital they medical professionals who treat you will need to know your situation. Also, while you can’t carry around your complete medical history, it is a good idea to write the dates of previous surgeries and major events. For example, if you had heart bypass surgery ten years earlier, the doctors in an emergency should know that.

South Florida Pharmacy Error Attorneys

Lazarus & Lazarus Law Firm has helped victims of prescription medication errors by healthcare professionals since the start of our firm in 1992. We have also helped people who have been harmed by bad drugs. If you or someone you know has received an incorrect prescription drug please reach out to us at (954) 356-0006 and we will use our experience and knowledge to investigate what happened and how.

 

Personal Injury Attorneys
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How to Deal with Uninsured Driver Accidents in South Florida

Consider Buying Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Most of us pay our auto insurance bill the same way we pay our electric bill. We couldn’t imagine not having electricity – you can’t live without air conditioning!

But many people drive all over south Florida every day without having insurance coverage. How Many?

Unfortunately the Insurance Information Institute says Florida ranks very high for uninsured motorists. Here is the breakdown:

Weston Personal Injury Attorneys

Our law firm has been dealing with victims of automobile, motorcycle, and truck accidents since 1992 and we have dealt with countless cases where one or more drivers have not had proper insurance.

If you are in an accident and the other driver does not have insurance it is best if you have included Uninsured Motorist Coverage in your policy. If you don’t have that coverage all is not lost – there are often other ways to pursue compensation for injuries and damage. Every case is different and it’s best to let an experienced personal injury attorney review your particular situation.

Many people think of auto insurance as only covering damage to the car. Auto insurance can also cover you for being sued as a result of causing an accident, or for injuries you sustain during an auto accident. If you have traditional health insurance, it may or may not cover all your medical bills.

If your household is a high income earner or you have more than $250,000 in assets, talk to an insurance agent about an umbrella policy. An umbrella policy provides additional liability limits, which will help to protect your financial future. Umbrella policies are very affordable. In Florida, an umbrella policy that will provide an additional $1 million of liability insurance is a possible consideration.

We are not insurance agents, but we know from experience that while quality coverage may cost more, it is well worth it in many situations.

Questions? We’re here to answer them. Call us 7 days a week at (954) 356-0006

  • Fort Lauderdale and Weston Personal Injury Attorneys
  • Lazarus and Lazarus
  • 954-356-0006
Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys
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Ten Things to do After a Car Accident – Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus

Fort Lauderdale Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Click Here to Download an Accident Checklist

There are some things we don’t like to think about, like having an accident. We think that accidents only happen to “someone else” and we go about our day. The truth is that the car insurance industry statistics say that a driver will file a claim for a collision every 17.9 years. It’s true that careless drivers are likely to be involved in more accidents and careful drivers will probably have less, but some day a careless driver may crash into you while you’re sitting at a stop sign. What will you do?

Steps to Take After a South Florida Car Accident

You should keep this list where you can get to it quickly because we are all likely to be a bit flustered after an accident and forget.

  1. Stop! Never leave the scene of an accident, even a minor one. You can be charged with leaving the scene of an accident if you do.
  2. Call for Emergency Help. If anyone seems to be injured, even slightly, call for paramedics. Internal injuries can be serious even though they can’t be seen. The best thing is to get people medically checked out right away.
  3. Protect the Scene. Make sure one accident doesn’t turn to two by trying to get out of the way of other traffic, turn on flashers, and use road flares if you have them.
  4. Call the Police. Often people will try to exchange insurance information and deal with the situation later but this has often proved to beFort Lauderdale Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Accident Attorneys a bad decision. Have the police document the incident and it may help in the future.
  5. Take Notes. Observe everything around the accident and write down the details. License plates, the address, names of witnesses. Anything you see that might help later should be recorded right after the accident.
  6. Take Pictures. If you are able to take pictures, take many. Get views of damage to vehicles and damage to you if you are injured.
  7. Exchange Information and Cooperate with the Police. Answer the questions you are asked, but do not admit any fault. Never speculate about things that may or may not have contributed to the accident.
  8. Keep a File. Keep all information related to the accident in a central location like a file folder or an envelope. All your notes, police reports, everything. Documentation is important and people often tell us “I threw that out, didn’t think it was important.” Everything is important.
  9. Report the Accident. Call your insurance company and tell them what happened. Sometimes an insurance company will offer to “cut you a check” soon after an accident but that may preclude any further claims. Speak with an attorney first.
  10. Protect Your Rights. An automobile, motorcycle, or truck accident is an unfortunate and sometimes tragic event that hopefully you never have to deal with. If you do it’s very important to follow a course of action that protects your rights to compensation for your injuries, damages, and pain and suffering. Have the phone number of an experienced accident attorney stored in your phone and call.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been advising clients about accidents in south Florida for over 20 years. Every step you take should be thought out and planned to protect your rights, and we’ll help you if that time comes. Call us at 954-356-0006 and we’ll respond to your questions and concerns immediately.

Weston Florida Injury Attorneys
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Maximizing the Value of Your Auto Accident Insurance Claim

Personal Injury Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale and Weston, Florida

 

You May Only Have One Shot to Get What You Deserve

Many motor vehicle accident claims follow a pattern like this:

The victim calls the insurance company and reports the incident. The insurance company responds with their assessment of the damage to the vehicle, offers a check, and says they’ll pay the medical bills later when they are final.

That process often results in a completely unacceptable settlement and people later have regrets.

Most drivers shop for insurance based on cost. They read the benefits like collision and injury coverage as bullet points but don’t understand the details. They may see that the company will allow for a rental car during repairs but they don’t know for how long.

We have two tips at this point:

Before an Accident

Be meticulous when shopping for car, truck, or motorcycle insurance. Read the fine print and ask questions – then consider costs. Always read the entire policy first and buy the best insurance you can afford.Weston Florida Injury Attorneys

 After an Accident

Once again, read the fine print or better, have an experienced personal injury attorney help you. This is where you will want to maximize the value of your settlement. Insurance companies don’t enjoy paying large claims and they’ll avoid it.

We always caution people not to rush into a fast settlement because once a case is “settled” you may never have the chance to go back and obtain compensation for

  • Future Medical Complications
  • Inadequate Repairs
  • Delayed Actions from Other Parties
  • Hidden Damages
  • Expenses that Were Paid but not Reimbursed

We know how to conduct an extensive review of every insurance policy to make sure our clients receive every dollar that is due to them. We also make sure others involved in an accident pay what they are responsible for and if necessary we go to court to get justice.

We’re here to answer your questions with a free consultation in person or online. Just call 954-356-0006 and you’ll connect directly with Gary or Arleen Lazarus.