Articles Posted in Personal Injury

If you have suffered an amputation in Hollywood, you may feel daunted by the long road to recovery. Whether you have sustained your injury through an infection, illness, or car accident in Hollywood, there are many things that you will need to do as you start to recover:

1) Get medical help. If you have sustained your injury in a traffic collision or truck accident in Hollywood, you will typically be rushed to the emergency room. Immediately following an accident or an amputation, emergency hospitalization is needed to prevent additional blood loss and to treat the condition. Surgery and other medical treatment may be required. Depending on your situation, you may need to visit specialists and other medical experts. You may also need tests and other types of medical care.

2) Seek out physical therapy. Rehabilitation and physical therapy is often needed for months after the initial amputation to help a patient deal with the loss of a limb. You will need to strengthen your body so that it can deal with a new range of movement and you will need to ensure that you can move properly with a prosthetic.

3) Seek out support and mental therapy. Amputees often face depression, body-image issues, and other challenges on the road to recovery. Amputation is a traumatic personal injury and in many cases Hollywood patients feel anger, grief, and other powerful emotions as they work to recover. Speaking with a therapist, support group, and others can help with the emotional side of recovery.

4) Get assistance with prosthetics. Today’s prosthetics are more natural looking and offer more options and mobility for amputees. Depending on the situation, you may need a number of prosthetics for different tasks and activities.

5) Make sure your home is accessible. Even with a prosthetic, you may need to make changes to your car, home, and workplace to make it accessible for you.

6) Take care of your financial future. In addition to dealing with the high costs of medical care and prosthetics, amputees lose months or even years of work. Some are unable to return to their previous jobs. For this reason, it is important to call a personal injury attorney in Hollywood or your city right away. A personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation from any liable parties to ensure that you do not have to pay these devastating costs by yourself.

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Any major disaster – whether a natural disaster or manmade – can potentially result in legal action if people are injured or killed. If you have been in a disaster and have been injured, you will want to consult with a personal injury attorney in Homestead or your community for a number of reasons:

1) Evidence about the disaster is easiest to secure right away. After a natural disaster or man-made disaster, there are usual many parties involved. There may be an official investigation, multiple insurance investigators on the scene, bystanders, and many more people visiting the scene of the disaster in the days and weeks following the incident. Securing evidence can be more of a challenge.

2) To protect your rights. If you have sustained a head injury in Homestead or your community (or any serious injury) your injury can affect you for years or a lifetime. If you do not protect your rights immediately, you may find that you need to pay for the costs of your injury yourself. Keep in mind that burn injury patients, spinal cord injury patients, and other injured patients in Homestead and other communities may require hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in care over a lifetime. You need to protect your rights to ensure that these costs do not come from your pocket.

3) To join with others in the fight for justice. After a major disaster, class action lawsuit are common. If you decide to seek justice yourself, working with a personal injury attorney in Homestead or your community can ensure that you are guided through the legal process.

4) You may be in immediate need. After an accident or disaster, you may need to find a place to live and you may need to replace basic necessities. If your workplace has been damaged as well, you may need to find a new place of employment. You may also face serious injuries that require medical care. A personal injury attorney is usually familiar with local options available for victims and can help you understand what options and resources are available for you. An attorney can also work in a timely fashion to secure fair compensation for you as quickly as possible.

5) Disaster relief may not cover all your costs and expenses. Recovery from any disaster is usually very long. Your home and even workplace may be inaccessible or destroyed. While initially there may be relief and support for injured parties, keep in mind that relief will run out. When this happens, you may still have substantial medical bills and you may still be facing income loss due to your medical situation or due to workplace damage. Compensation can help cover what insurance money and relief does not.

6) Liable parties will work quickly to protect themselves. After a disaster, the companies liable may immediately work with PR professionals and attorneys to deflect responsibility and to reduce financial impact. You deserve to be protected, too, and that often means working with a personal injury attorney.

7) You may have more rights than you realize. In some cases, victims assume that they have no legal rights. They may believe, for example, that if they ignored an evacuation order during a disaster they have no legal recourse if they sustain personal injury in Homestead or their community. If you have been injured, it is still important to consult with a personal injury attorney. You may have legal options you have not considered.

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Each year, tens of millions of tourists travel to Florida to enjoy the warm climate and the attractions that the state has to offer. Canadians are especially eager to travel to Florida. In fact, millions of these tourists arrive in the state each year and millions more make Florida a second home for the winter. For Canadians who suffer a serious injury in Florida, however, the claims process can be daunting. To make the process easier, it is important to:

1) Plan well before leaving Canada. It is important to buy health insurance and any additional insurance you may need for your stay. Keep in mind that if you are injured in a pedestrian accident in Hollywood or another community, one of the biggest expenses will be related to medical costs – which will not be covered by your province’s health care plan. If you are in a car accident in Hollywood or another community, you may also face substantial car repair or replacement costs. You need to ensure that you have adequate insurance to recompense you for these costs.

2) Lower your risk of accident or injury. In many cases, injuries can be prevented by simple common sense. For example, drinking heavily can increase your risk of a traffic accident in Hollywood, but also a range of other accidents. You may be more susceptible to falls, poor judgment, and misadventures. Try to stay aware of your surroundings and learn about your Florida destination. Think safety first when you travel.

3) Keep important information with you. When you travel, have your insurance company and coverage information on hand. In addition, keep a list of medications you take, any medical conditions you have, and any allergies you have with your insurance information. If you are in a bicycle accident in Hollywood, or any serious accident, and cannot speak for yourself, emergency personnel can use this information to help you.

4) Have a friend check up on you. Leave your contact information with a trusted friend or family member. If there is a problem or you run into problems, this person should be able to contact you or even speak on your behalf if you are seriously injured.

5) If you are seriously injured in Florida, contact a personal injury attorney. Whether you have sustained a head injury in Hollywood or any other type of serious injury, it is a good idea to get legal advice. You may miss substantial amounts of income due to your injury and your Florida health care costs may be higher than you realize. You may also need someone to negotiate with your insurance carrier if your insurance provider makes a very small claims offer. A personal injury attorney in Hollywood or Florida can also help you understand what local resources are available to you, so it is worthwhile to at least get a legal opinion about your case.

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Maternal deaths are a cause of concern for medical experts, in part because the maternal death rate across the country is increasing. Today’s maternal death rate is more than double what it was two and a half decades ago, despite the fact that medical technology has improved in that time. Experts are also concerned because maternal deaths are often preventable, affect some groups more than others, and are underestimated.

In fact, the US is currently near the bottom of the list of developed countries when it comes to maternal deaths. Even more worrisome, the situation appears to be worsening rather than improving. In 1987, maternal death rates in the nation were 7.2 fatalities per 100,000 live births – the lowest rate the US had ever seen. Even though medical technology has continued to improve, however, the most recent numbers show that maternal death rates are about 15 per 100,000 live births. In the past ten years, severe complications during delivery and post deliver have doubled and situations where a mother nearly dies in childbirth have increased 27%, according to a 2012 federal paper. About 34,000 mothers each year have this sort of “near miss experience” and another 700 across the country die of complications during labor and childbirth or shortly thereafter. Another 52,000 mothers experience life-threatening medical emergencies such as strokes, aneurysms, cardiac events, shock, renal failure, and other problems.

According to some experts, the reasons that maternal death and injury rates are increasing is because of the prevalence of cardiac disease, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure among expectant mothers. In addition, fertility treatment advances mean more multiple births and more women having children later in life, which can also contribute to complications. Today, many maternal deaths are caused by issues with blood vessels and the heart, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 1987, many maternal deaths were related to hemorrhage. This shift may be due to an increased instance of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other issues among expectant mothers. In addition, C-sections are more common today, which can also lead to complications during and after labor and delivery.

Some experts believe that medical researchers and facilities have focused on child welfare in delivery and birth, without doing more to ensure the safety of mothers. Despite these issues, however, many doctors agree that many maternal injuries and birth injuries can be prevented with high quality medical care and maternal lifestyle and health changes.

Statistics such as these suggest that birth injury in North Miami and other communities is a growing concern for families – especially when it comes to maternal health. Since many experts believe that many of these injuries are preventable, in most cases families who have been affected by birth injury may have more legal options than they may realize. Families who have been affected by birth injury may be able to pursue a medical malpractice claim in North Miami, for example. For details, consult with a personal injury attorney in North Miami or your community.

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If you sustain a personal injury – whether it’s through a car accident, traffic collision, or bicycle accident in South Miami – you may qualify for compensation if your injuries were caused by a wrongful act or negligence. Pursuing compensation can be important if you need to secure resources to pay for medical costs, lost income, and other expenses related to your injuries. Under Florida law, you have a right to pursue compensation if you have been injured by recklessness or negligence. However, there are some things that may harm your claim. The most common mistakes plaintiffs make include:

1) Speaking too much to the wrong people. If you are injured in a truck accident in South Miami, for example, speaking too much at the scene of the accident can be harmful. You may end up saying something that could later be construed as accepting blame. When discussing your injuries or accident, speak only when you need to and stick to just the facts. Let your personal injury attorney handle the rest.

2) Not seeking professional help – both medical and legal. Whether you have been injured in a South Miami slip and fall accident, a traffic collision, or through some other situation, it is important to seek help. Even if you are not sure whether you have sustained injuries, consult with a medical professional. Some serious conditions do not show symptoms right away, so delaying diagnosis and treatment could be life-threatening. In addition to seeking medical help, seek legal advice as well. A personal injury attorney in South Miami or your community can advise you of your rights and can help you determine what your best course of action might be.

3) Not documenting enough. If you are considering launching a legal claim in South Miami, it is important to have as much documentation as possible. Soon after your accident, set up a file folder or container where you can keep copies of medical and police reports, insurance information, receipts, and other documents. Keep a journal of your injuries and symptoms and photos of your injuries and any property damage. The more information you have, the easier it is for medical and legal professionals to help you.

4) Accepting the first insurance claim money without question. Insurance offers are not written in stone. In many cases, an attorney can review an insurance offer and may be able to help you understand whether the offer will cover the total likely costs of your injuries. A personal injury attorney may even be able to negotiate with your insurance carrier for a fairer amount. You are under no obligation to accept insurance money outright, so think carefully before you sign anything.

5) Not planning ahead. Recovering from a serious injury can take months or years. During that time, you may face substantial injury-related costs and you may not be able to return to work. It is important to secure the assistance and resources you need so that you can focus on healing.

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Recently, cruise ship injuries in Miami and across Florida have been in the news again after news that the cruise ship Carnival Triumph, owned by Carnival Cruise Lines, spent a number of days in the Gulf of Mexico, effectively standing passengers. The incident occurred due to an engine fire. If you have been injured in a cruise ship or tour boat accident in Miami or any other community, you will want to contact a personal injury attorney in Miami or in your community for a number of reasons:

1) There are few regulations in the industry. In 2012, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va, led a committee to investigate and discuss cruise ship safety. Rockefeller was concerned about the growing number of reports about cruise ship injuries and about the lack of regulation in the industry. As he told the committee, he felt that cruise ships were subject to regulations while in port but there were fewer ways to enforce safety while ships were at sea. Some experts and attorneys feel that pursuing personal injury claims in Miami and other port cities is one way to hold the industry accountable and to shine a spotlight on negligence, potentially leading to safety changes.

2) The legal issues surrounding these cases is complex. Even determining jurisdiction can be a challenge. In the case of Carnival Cruise Lines, for example, the offices of the company are in Miami but the business is incorporated in Panama. The cruise ships for the company travel all over the world under the Bahamas flag. Whether you have sustained a serious slip and fall injury in Miami (for example) while at port or while at sea can also affect your claim.

3) Cruise ship companies are often large, powerful companies with teams of attorneys on their side. In order to seek fairer compensation for your injuries, you need someone aggressively advocating on your behalf.

4) It is difficult for passengers to get information about specific ships. Complicated maritime laws mean that getting health and safety records for a specific ship can be difficult, which can make it difficult to determine whether your injury was a one-time accident or part of a larger pattern of negligence and recklessness. There is also no central location passengers can turn to in order to find safety or health inspections for cruise ships. Often, a personal injury attorney will work with teams of private investigators to determine this information.

5) Cruise ship tickets often contain legal wording which attempts to limit how injured parties can seek compensation. In many cases, people who are injured on a cruise find out after the fact that their ticket limits their compensation to a few hundred dollars or a free voucher, even in cases where injuries sustained are very serious. In many cases, there are also limits on how much time an injured passenger has to file a claim. For these reasons, it is important to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after sustaining an injury on board a tour boat or cruise ship.

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The news has been filled with information about the flu and The Center for Disease Control agrees that we are seeing an above-average severity in the flu season this year, with the flu season only half over. While the flu carries some serious risks – including the risk of hospitalization and the risk of complications – at least one UK study has also shown that it can cause a car accident risk, too.

According to a research study from PCP in York for Lloyds TSB Insurance, drivers suffering from the flu take ten seconds longer to respond when compared with health drivers. In fact, according to the study, driving with the flu is comparable to driving after having two whiskeys in terms of how much drivers are affected. There is also anecdotal evidence that having the flu can make you more prone to other injuries and accidents.

If you have the flu, you can prevent a personal injury or car accident in Davie or your community by taking a few precautions:

1) Know the symptoms – and their risks. The flu varies from person to person, but generally most patients experience fever, general aches and pains, severe fatigue, and dry cough. If you have these symptoms – especially a fever or severe fatigue – avoid driving. Your symptoms may cause a traffic accident in Davie or your community.

2) Have medication on hand – but read labels carefully. Some over-the-counter flu medications and prescribed medications may have side effects such as drowsiness. When you start a new medication, you may also have an unexpected reaction that can affect your ability to drive.

3) Consider stocking up in case you get sick. If you are ill and don’t have medication or food on hand, you may be tempted to drive to the store to pick up supplies. Unfortunately, your illness can put you at risk of a traffic or pedestrian accident. Keeping your home stocked with basic medication and basic pantry food items can be useful in the event of a sudden illness.

4) Have a friend drive you to the doctor if you need medical attention. If you do need to go somewhere when ill, consider having a family member or friend drive you rather than risk driving yourself.

5) Do not return to normal activities until you are better. Take good care of yourself as you heal from the flu. If your symptoms worsen or don’t seem to be getting better, see a doctor. Do not return to regular activities – including driving – until your flu is gone. If you are driving while tired or feverish, you are putting yourself – and others – at risk. Keep in mind that even taking a walk or wandering around your house can lead to a trip and fall accident if you are ill. If you are tired and shaky on your feet because of the flu, get bed rest.

6) Do not drink alcohol until you feel better. According to the study for Lloyds TSB Insurance, drinking alcohol can amplify some flu symptoms (such as fatigue) and put patients at an even greater risk of car accidents. Drinking alcohol can also put you at risk of other personal injuries and can make the road to recovery longer. Drunk driving accidents in Davie and across Florida are already a problem. Do not add to them. If you drink, do not drive.

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Florida has a new personal injury protection (PIP) law this year. Although the law is designed to help combat insurance fraud, which has been a problem in the state for years, some doctors and personal injury attorneys have stated publicly that the law may keep some deserving personal injury victims from getting the insurance money they deserve after an accident. To ensure that you are covered after an accident, make sure that you:

1) Read your insurance policies carefully. There have been a number of disturbing news stories in recent months describing insurance clients who have paid insurance premiums for years but have then had their insurance claims denied because of poor credit. Make sure that you understand your policy and when your claim may be rejected. If you do not understand your policy or the terms used in your agreement, contact your insurance carrier and ask them to explain the policy and specific terms to you in simpler language. Compare different policies from different insurance carriers – you may find that another insurance company with similar rates offers you a better deal because they have fewer restrictions.

2) If you are injured in a traffic accident in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in South Florida, seek medical help at once. Under new PIP rules, you have fourteen days to seek medical help. If you have minor symptoms that become more severe you may not qualify for any insurance if you wait longer than fourteen days for an initial evaluation. This is troubling, since many types of injuries – including soft tissue injuries – may not show symptoms right away. One of the first things you will want to do after an accident is to visit a doctor. Some brain injury patients in Fort Lauderdale and Florida do not experience any symptoms initially, even with potentially life-threatening head injuries. Seeing a doctor immediately after your accident ensures your safety and ensures that you start documentation in case you do need to make an insurance claim later on.

3) Carry the right amount of insurance. By law, Florida requires you to carry at least $10 000 of PIP insurance as a driver. This is the law even though in most cases you will qualify for only $2500 unless your injuries are severe. It is best to carry more insurance than you think you need rather than risk being under-insured.

4) If you sustain a personal injury in Fort Lauderdale or anywhere in South Florida, speak with a personal injury attorney before accepting any insurance money. An attorney can help you sort out the likely total costs of your injuries, can help you understand your options and may even be able to negotiate with your carrier if your insurance company wants to deny your claim.

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Now that 2013 is here, there are many resolutions that you can make to have a better and more prosperous year. There are also resolutions that you can make to keep you and your family safer all year long:

1) Install working fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Correctly working fire extinguishers and fire alarms can help prevent burn injuries in your Miami Gardens home – as well as other fire-related injuries. A carbon monoxide detector can help protect your entire family from carbon monoxide poisoning.

2) Reduce your risk of slip and fall accidents in your home. In Miami Gardens, slip and fall accidents and trip and fall accidents are a leading cause of fractures, head injuries, and other potentially serious injuries. There are many ways that you can help prevent these types of injuries in your home. For example, you can add no-slip treads to your bathroom, shower, and any tiled area that gets slippery. You can also remove cords and other possible obstructions from walkways. If you have rugs or carpets, take care that they are sturdily attached and not likely to pose a tripping hazard.

3) Check your home’s wiring and heating. Poorly maintained heating systems and wiring are a leading cause of fires and burn injuries in Miami Gardens and every Florida community. In addition to checking these systems, also check appliances and wires from electronics – frayed or damaged cords can also pose a fire hazard.

4) Learn to store chemicals correctly. Toxic and highly flammable products should be stored safely – locked far away from curious youngsters and in dry, cool places that reduce the risk of fire or an explosion.

5) Invest in the right gear for exercise and sports. If you have a home gym, make sure that you have the right safety equipment to work out safely. If you play contact sports or ride a bicycle to stay fit, invest in a good helmet. Local experts agree that helmets are one of the best ways to prevent head injuries in Miami Gardens – or in any community.

6) Resolve to be less distracted. Distracted driving has been shown to be just as deadly as driving inebriated. However, while many people realize the dangers of drunk driving in Miami Gardens, many local drivers still do not see the dangers involved in driving distracted. This year, resolve to put away mobile devices and to keep your full focus on the road when driving. It could help save your life.

7) Resolve to take courses that improve your safety. There many classes that can help improve your personal safety. For example, taking a personal defense class, a boating class (if you are a boating enthusiast), or a racing class to improve your driving can help you stay safer and can be a lot of fun as well. In some cases, safety classes are inexpensive and can even help you reduce the cost of some types of insurance.

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If you are still shopping for holiday gifts, keep in mind that your gifts can be practical as well as attractive. There many gifts that you can give to friends and loved ones that can actually help them enjoy a safer 2013:

1) Gift certificates for a new helmet. A gift certificate to a bicycle shop can be a way to help a bicyclist friend get a new helmet. Helmets are one of the main ways to avoid Hallandale Beach head injuries in a bicycle accident. If you have a friend who loves to bicycle, this can help them prevent injuries in a Hallandale Beach bicycle accident.

2) Safety courses. If someone on your holiday gift list is an avid boater, you can sign them up for safety courses and pay for the classes. Safety classes can help a boater avoid a Hallandale Beach boating accident. In addition to boating safety courses, there many courses that you can purchase on behalf of friends and family to keep them safer. For children, swimming classes are a great way to help them avoid water-related and pool-related injuries. CPR and first aid courses are also great and thoughtful gift for just about everyone and can teach someone to save a life.

3) Additional driver training for a teen driver. If you have a new driver in your household, consider signing them up for defensive driving classes, additional driving classes, or one-on-one instructions with an experience driving instructor. The more your teen hones their driving abilities, the more they reduce the risk of being involved in a Hallandale Beach car accident. Another great option is to sign your teen up for racing classes. These are often very exciting for teen drivers but also help them build driving skills and confidence.

4) New sports equipment. If someone on your holiday gift list loves sports, new safety sports equipment is a great way to show that you care. You can also get them a gift certificate to a sporting goods store so that they can buy their own safety equipment.

5) A new car safety seat for new parents. If someone on your holiday gift list is an expecting parent or a new parent, a car safety seat can make a great gift.

6) An outdoor lighting set. A lighting system that lights up the outdoor area of a home can help reduce Hallandale Beach trip and fall accidents and slip and fall accidents by helping a neighbor or friend adequately light their property.

7) Pool safety equipment. If someone on your holiday gift list has a pool, consider buying them a pool alarm which helps them to know when someone enters the pool area. Or, consider other pool safety equipment that can help them enjoy their pool safely all year long.

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