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Boating accidents that result in injury and fatalities are common throughout Florida, especially during the summer months. For drivers, reckless boating could mean criminal penalties in addition to civil liability for any injuries or fatalities. This weekend investigators and authorities have indicated that captains may be charged criminally after a two-boat collision jettisoned passengers into the water and left 9 people in the hospital.

According to reports, the accident occurred on Sunday near Sands Cut, a sandbar near Elliot Key, Florida. The accident investigation is being conducted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which is seeking to uncover the cause of the accident and identify any responsible parties. Our Fort Lauderdale boating accident lawyers are experienced with similar cases and can help victims protect their rights.

Passengers were injured when a 36-foot boat carrying 16 passengers was struck by a 28-foot vessel with 2 passengers. There were at least 12 people flung into the water at the time of the collision and the 28-foot vessel eventually capsized. The passengers suffered injuries ranging from minor to severe and one passenger who was most seriously injured was airlifted by helicopter and taken to the hospital.

Boating injuries can cause severe injuries including lacerations, broken bones, permanent injuries, concussions, drowning and fatalities.

In the event of a boating accident, an immediate investigation should be conducted to determine the cause and identify any responsible parties. Authorities in this case claimed that both captains passed field sobriety tests at the time of the accident. Though alcohol use has not been ruled out, it does not appear to be the cause of the boat collision.

Criminal charges are still pending and authorities are investigating to determine whether either driver broke Florida boating laws. Authorities are urging boaters and passengers to remain safe while on the water.

There are many ways to reduce the incidence of boating accidents. Before you head out on the water this summer, remember the following:

Captains should be well-trained and new drivers should be supervised by an experienced captain.

Boaters should be aware of inclement weather and low-visibility. If you are caught in a storm, you should reduce speeds to avoid collisions with other boaters.

Ensure proper maintenance of your vessel. Boats should be inspected and check to make sure that they are safe for use. Boats should also have necessary safety equipment, including life vests for all passengers.

Avoid reckless boating. For many boaters, being on the water means being carefree; remember, this doesn’t mean reckless abandon. If you are on the water, remember the dangers and the risks to yourself and your passengers. Follow signs and remain within speed limits.

Never drink and boat. While boating is often associated with drinking, remember that even a small amount of alcohol can impair a boater and reduce reaction time. Passengers and other boaters are put at serious risk when a captain is under the influence.
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With the Fourth of July, we can expect lights in the skies and cherished memories with our friends and family members. What many Floridians may not be expecting are the risks for serious firework-related injuries.

Under Florida law, only sparklers, approved by the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal, are legal for consumer usage. It is illegal to use exploding and/or flying fireworks in Florida, which include: shells and mortars, multiple tube devices, Roman candles, rockets and firecrackers. This is why it’s your best bet to go out and catch one of the public fireworks displays in the area for your Fourth festivities.

Our Fort Pierce personal injury lawyers understand that the most dangerous time of the year for these kinds of accidents is during the month surrounding the Fourth of July. During this time, there are 200 people on average each day who land in the emergency room. Luckily, these kinds of accidents can be prevented — even if you are only using sparklers.

Floridians should follow these precautions to help to celebrate safely:

-You should never use sparklers or any other kind of legal novelties on grass. Make sure that you’re lighting these devices on a hard, flat surface.

-You also want to be sure that you’re using these devices in an open area away from trees and other flammable objects.

-You should always keep pets and children at least 30 feet away when lighting a sparkler.

-Never use more than one sparkler at a time.

-If a sparkler has been deemed a “dud,” be sure to discard it immediately. You never want to relight these devices.

-You never want to use any sparklers that have been tampered with or some in an open package. These can be extremely dangerous.

-Always be sure that you have a bucket of water, a hose or a fire extinguisher nearby when operating sparklers.

-When done with a sparkler, drop it inside a bucket of water.

-When purchasing your fireworks, make sure that you only get them from a licensed vendor.

-Keep these fireworks out of the reach of children and store them in a cool, dry area.

-Never place any part of your body directly over a firework or a sparkler.

-It’s not a good idea to carry a sparkler in your pocket.

-Don’t use a sparkler in a glass or metal container.

-Keep an eye on the weather reports. You know of Florida summer weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast to make sure you’re Fourth of July plans aren’t a washout.

If you’re not sure whether a particular firework is approved for consumer use, the Florida Fire Marshall publishes a full list of legal sparklers each year.

As we said, your safest (and probably most entertaining) option is to check out a professional Fourth of July fireworks show. Be sure to check out the state’s hottest Fourth of July Celebrations.
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As Florida residents know, hurricanes season is upon us, requiring special preparation and awareness to prevent injuries. Whether you are a veteran hurricane survivor or you are new to the South Florida area, it is important to understand the risks associated with hurricane weather patterns. Hurricane Andrea’s flash storm appearance is a legitimate reminder to be prepared and alert this season.

Your safety and survival will depend on being aware and flexible in the event a serious storm is forecast. Our Fort Lauderdale injury attorneys are passing on information from the Florida Highway Patrol to keep motorists safe this season.

In other cases, afternoon thunderstorms and other severe weather present additional risks.

Whether you sense a change in weather patterns, get a phone call from a friend or hear a warning on the news, it is never too early to take action and be prepared. At every stage, you should monitor the progress of a storm and follow instructions provided by emergency management officials. You should be especially aware of traffic, road conditions, road construction, lane closures, flooding, and other details that could put you in a dangerous position.

If possible, you should stay put. Do not leave your home or try to travel in the event of a storm. Even if you are not at home, you should be prepared to stay where you are, even for long periods of time. In many cases, injuries and deaths occur during the aftermath of a storm, when a motorist does not realize the dangers of flooding or other hazards on the road. Sightseers and other curious observers of the storm can also create obstacles for emergency personnel who are trying to respond to those in need.

When behind the wheel, you should slow down. It may be difficult to see the roadway in front of you which could cause you to rear-end another driver, hydroplane, or miss when you are running into flash flooding. When behind the wheel, you should also be cautious of high winds. Inclement weather conditions including rain, winds, and hail can affect all vehicles. Wind gusts can make driving especially difficult for some drivers, especially when turning or changing lanes. Motorcyclists, bus drivers and truck drivers should pay extra attention to how weather conditions can affect driving and safety.

Always pay extra attention during a storm. You may be in familiar territory, but not realize that an intersection device is down or a road has been closed. In some cases, a law enforcement officer may be directing traffic. You should follow his or her directions. If a sign is down and there is no officer present, treat the intersection as you would a four-way stop.

Never drive into moving water. Flash floods are extremely dangerous and cause a number of deaths and drowning every year. If you cannot see the roadway beneath the water, remember that a roadway could have been washed away and the water may be deeper than it seems.

Lastly, the Florida Department of Highway Vehicle Safety and Motor Vehicles encourages all drivers to update emergency contact information. Drivers who have a current license can enter up to two contacts in the Emergency Contact Information database.
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Truck drivers in Florida and nationwide must abide by a number of safety rules and regulations to protect their safety and other motorists sharing the road. New provisions effective July 2013 require compliance involving sleep and start-times to ensure that drivers are well-rested and that fatigue does not interfere with a truck driver’s capabilities, reaction time, and control of a commercial vehicle.

The nature of the commercial trucking industry requires that drivers are on the road for long-hours. Drivers are paid by how much ground they are able to cover in a certain period of time. This means the faster a trucker drives, and the more hours on the road, the more money a driver can make. Our Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorneys are experienced with complex cases involving fatigued or negligent truck drivers and trucking company liability.

In many cases, truckers are prone to sleep deprivation and disruption of the normal sleep cycle. This creates concern for safety advocates as well as others sharing the road. Statistically, fatigue is proven to cause a significant number of accidents and injuries to drivers, passengers and other motorists throughout Florida. Unfortunately, truck driver fatigue prevention is not a priority during driver training. Fatigue management is often an afterthought for trucking companies who must ensure that drivers follow state and federal regulations.

Drivers may have other competing interests when on the road—going home to see their families, beating rush hour, or making up for lost time due to inclement weather. To reduce driver-fatigue and the incidence of accidents caused by driver fatigue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has developed new standards to reduce the number of “hours of service” performed by commercial truck drivers.

Several years ago, the hours of service were extended, increasing the number of hours commercial drivers are on the road under the Bush Administration. Extending the number of hours a driver can spend on the road creates the possibility for greater fatigue and more accidents. Studies demonstrate that reducing the number of hours of service will also reduce the number of fatigue-induced crashes. Decreasing the number of hours a driver can spend on the road will also reduce the health problems associated with chronic sleep-deprivation.

The FMCSA’s new regulations will reduce the number of hours a driver can work by 12 hours. This is a significant reduction (15%) from the old rules that permit a maximum of 80 hours within a work-week (7 days). Now drivers can only be on the road 70 hours. New regulations will also require that drivers take a 30 minute rest period after they have been driving 8 hours. Drivers who violate the new regulations can be fined up to $2,750 and companies may be fined up to $11,000 per violation.

Driving a big rig or commercial truck is a significant responsibility requiring every driver to be alert, awake and able to manage uncertainties. Inclement weather, road construction, traffic, and other driver negligence can create hazards for trucks, and other drivers. The FMCSA believes that reducing the number of hours truck drivers can spend on the road will ultimately prevent driver fatigue and save the lives of other innocent motorists and their passengers.
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One of the primary known factors of hospital related injury involves germs and bacteria. Healthy individuals have been known to enter the hospital only to be kept days, weeks or months to treat an infection they caught while under hospital care. Despite the known risks of infection in hospitals, a new study suggests that hospitals struggle to get staff to wash hands.

Studies have shown that without support and pressure from management, hospital workers may wash their hands less than 30 percent of the time, even when interacting with multiple patients.

At a hospital in Long Island, New York staff workers are tracked by motion sensors and video cameras where they are observed to see if doctors and nurses are washing their hands. While the measures can seem extreme, hand-washing remains the most important way to prevent hospital infection. Our Fort Lauderdale injury attorneys are experienced in cases involving hospital negligence and injury, including those involving infection.

Like the systematic efforts made in Long Island hospital, hospitals throughout the nation have made hand-hygiene a priority. According to a recent report published by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drug resistant superbugs are on the rise and hospital-acquired infections cost nearly $30 billion per year.

In addition to the costs, patients are at extreme risk when exposed to infection. Every year, there are nearly 100,000 patient deaths involving infection. The high-stakes risk of infection has made hospitals willing to take extreme measures to ensure that doctors, nurses and staff are washing their hands to reduce the possibility of infection.

In addition to monitoring workers by surveillance cameras, other hospitals nationwide have hired trained coaches, created incentive programs, and punished workers with “red cards.” Some hospitals have ID chips that note when a doctor passed a sink without washing hands. Other monitors track whether workers are completing the required 15-second wash.

New federal regulations may also create an incentive to prevent infection. According to the new rules, hospitals can lose Medicare money if a patient acquires a preventable infection while under hospital care.

One of the reasons that hand-washing is so problematic may be related to the hospital culture itself. Under extreme pressures, with limited staff and a shortage of time, many workers are forced to cut corners. Doctors, who are the most resistant to hospital authorities, tend to perform the worst when it comes to following hand-washing guidelines.

Other theories suggest that hospital workers are on overload, having to memorize hundreds of complex procedures. When under cognitive pressure, many of these workers forget the simplest steps—like washing their hands.

Research suggests that high-tech hand-washing surveillance can improve results. When workers were not told of the surveillance, they only washed their hands less than 10 percent of the time. With knowledge of the reports on their own behavior (caught on film), the rate of washing rose to 88%.

While there may be some expense to these systems, hospitals could benefit financially by reducing costs of injury and treatment and ensuring that they continue to receive Medicare benefits. Victims of hospital injury, including infection, are also entitled to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.
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According to Florida Fish and Wildlife Division, Department of Law Enforcement, most boating accidents occur in South Florida, with some of the highest rates in Broward, Miami and Monroe counties. The agency has reported that 59% of boating accidents in Florida occurred in only 10 counties, primarily in South Florida.

This boating season, boaters, passengers, parents and others sharing the water should be aware of the potential dangers. Collisions, drowning, and other incidents are common off the coast of Florida. Boating injuries throughout South Florida continue to impact victims and families. Our Fort Lauderdale boating accident attorneys are committed to protecting the rights of victims and their families.

The department statistics indicated that in Monroe County 24% of these accidents were caused by boater inattention or inexperience. Most of the accidents also occurred in open motor boats rather than sailboats, fishing boats, or pontoons. Over 30% of these accidents occurred when two or more boats collided on the water.

In Miami-Dade County, 51% of the accidents involved motorboats, 19% were caused by boater inattention or inexperience and 20% of those accidents involved a collision with another vessel. Broward County had similar statistics involving the number of accidents caused by collision and boater inexperience. The data suggests that the majority of accidents are preventable by ensuring that boaters are trained, experienced and responsible when out on the water.

A boating collision may be caused by drinking and driving, negligence, boat malfunction, distraction, weather, and other causes. After an accident it is important to consult with an experienced attorney who can identify the cause of the accident and identify those individuals or entities at fault. Florida state agency data indicates that while a small number of collisions involve death, there are a significant number of boating accidents that result in injury.

This week, there were 18 people injured in a two-boat crash west of Sands Cut in Elliot Key. According to reports, the boats were heading to the dock when they collided. Three of the victims suffered serious injuries and one was airlifted to a local hospital. Authorities originally reported that there were 3 boats involved in the collision and then later adjusted the statement to say that only 2 boats were involved. The cause of the accident has not yet been determined, but the use of alcohol is under investigation.

Victims of boating accidents may suffer head injuries, neck injuries, broken bones, lost limbs, paralysis, or accidental death. Accident victims as well as their families maybe entitled to significant compensation, including financial support for medical expenses, lost wages, long-term care needs, pain and suffering and other losses arising out of a boat collision.

This summer, when heading out on the water with your own boat or with family and friends, remember that drinking and boating, speeding and other acts of negligence on the water can have severe consequences. Being aware of the dangers is the first step to preventing boating and driving accidents and injury.
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Accidents can strike at any moment — event in your own home. To help to prevent some of the top causes of unintentional injury and fatality, officials with the National Safety Council (NSC) are pushing a new campaign — “Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls.” It’s all a part of National Safety Month.

Our slip and fall accident attorneys understand that falls are the second-leading cause of unintentional injuries and fatalities in homes across the nation. It’s time we put an end to these incidents. And we’re here to help you to do so. This is especially important for our older residents.

Each and every year, one out of every three adults age 65 and older falls. These kinds of accidents can cause moderate to severe injuries, such as head injuries and hip fractures, and they can also increase the risk of early death. Fortunately, falls are a public health problem that is largely preventable.

How serious is the problem?

-Falls are common in older people and the risk of falling increases with increasing age.

-Among elderly residents, falls are the number one cause of injury death.

-Falls are the most common cause of serious injuries and hospital admissions for trauma.

-In 2010, there were close to 2.5 million fall injuries (resulting in emergency room visits) among our elderly residents.

-There were close to 1 million elderly patients hospitalized after a fall injury.

-In 2010, the medical costs resulting from fall accidents were roughly $30 billion.

-More than 50 percent of the older adults who are discharged for fall-related hip fractures will experience another fall within six months.

-Falling is not only caused from physical things, but the psychological aspect can play a pretty big role as well.

-The most profound effect of falling is the loss of functioning associated with independent living.

How can you prevent fall accidents?

-Make sure you are exercising regularly. With this movement, you can help to strengthen your balance and your strength. Consider Yoga or Tai Chi.

-Talk to your doctor about the medicines you’re taking. You want to make sure that none of them have any side effects that could affect your balance or concentration — like dizziness of drowsiness.

-Get your eyes checked by your optometrist. You should do this at least once a year. You want your vision to be maximized to make sure you can locate trip and fall hazards — and avoid them.

-You can make your home work for you. By adding grab bars and railings, you can reduce your risks for a fall accident.

To reduce your risk of a hip fracture, should you experience a fall accident, make sure you’re getting plenty of vitamin D. You should also avoid weight bearing exercised and make sure you’re getting screened regularly for osteoporosis.
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Anyone can be victim of a dog bite, but some are more vulnerable than others.

Children, the elderly, and, not surprisingly, postal service workers, often become victim to aggressive, even fatal dog attacks. Dog Bite Awareness Week, sponsored by The U.S. Postal Service, ended the month of May. Every year, the agency wants to raise public awareness about the dangers of dog bites with the campaign slogan: “Any dog can bite. Don’t be fooled.” In addition to the U.S. Postal Service, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the National Human Society are also partnering up to promote pet safety and prevent animal attacks.

Nationwide, the summer season is the most dangerous time of the year as kids, neighbors, friends, relatives and pets interact.

For pet owners, animal lovers, and parents, it is especially important to remember that every dog has the potential to be dangerous. National Dog Bite Prevention Week marks a public service campaign that sheds light on the public health problem of dog bites. The agency provides safety tips to keep owners informed and to prevent future bites and injuries. Our Fort Lauderdale dog bite attorneys are dedicated to helping the victims and families of animal attacks.

Young children are frequently the victims of dog bites and animal attacks. Every year there are more than 4.5 million Americans attacked by dogs. One in five of those cases will require medical attention. Many of these tragic dog bite cases will result in death. Children often become victims because they are curious and do not know the potential dangers. Kids are also smaller, making it more difficult for them to defend themselves against small or large dogs.

Any animal attack can result in severe and lasting injuries for victims. Dog bites can cause scarring, lacerations, permanent injuries, loss of limb, and fatalities. Victims of dog bites may also suffer emotional damage from a vicious attack. According to reports, the number of dog bites exceeds the number of other public health risks, including measles and mumps combined. Studies also indicate that dog bite victims make up 5% of all emergency room visits.

There are a number of ways to prevent animal attacks. If you are a dog owner, you should always keep your animal behind a fence or on a leash. Dangerous dogs should also wear a muzzle. If you have children, you can keep them informed about the danger of dogs and make sure that they ask before petting strange dogs. Children should never approach a dog quickly or at eye level. This will intimidate a dog and could cause them to snap at a child’s face.

Remember that in the state of Florida, any victim of a dog bite is entitled to compensation, regardless of whether that dog has a previous history of bites or attacks. If you or someone you love has been bit by a dog, you should take immediate action. While medical treatment should be a priority, you should also try to identify the owner and inform authorities about a dangerous dog.

An experienced advocate can also help you collect relevant evidence to prove negligence and to recover compensation after a dog bite injury. You may be entitled to significant compensation for your losses including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, long-term care needs, and reconstructive surgery.
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When we’re out there basking in the Florida sun, splashing around in the pool, the last thing on many minds is the thought of a tragic accident. Pools are so common in the Sunshine State, that we forget the dangers that accompany them. As a matter of fact, there are more than 1 million pools in the state of Florida. And with all those pools come some serious risks for accidents.

Our drowning accident lawyers understand that most all residents and visitors will be spending much of their summer poolside. With that said, it’s important we highlight swimming pool safety basics.

In the U.S., roughly 10 people die each and every day in drowning accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the country.

Unfortunately, it’s our youngest swimmers that face the highest risks. About one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger. It’s important that we take the proper safety precautions to help ensure the safety of all swimmers.

Consider the following safety tips to make your swimming pool safer for all:

-Take lessons. According to the latest research, swimming lessons can reduce your risk of drowning — especially for our young swimmers.

-Guard the pool. Install a fence around the entire pool to keep children out. This should be a four-sided surrounding the pool. Equip it with child locks. This can help to reduce a child’s risk of drowning by more than 80 percent.

-Make sure everyone’s supervised. Whenever children are in the pool, parents should be watching. And watching means more than being in the general vicinity. You should actually watch children in the pool. It only takes a matter of seconds for disaster to strike.

-Consider taking CPR. This lifesaving skill can mean the difference between life and death. YOU can help to save lives while waiting for paramedics to arrive.

-Use the Buddy System. Always swim with a buddy. Select swimming sites that have lifeguards when possible.

-Keep pool toys and floatation devices away from the pool when it’s not in use. You don’t want to lure the curious minds of children anywhere near a pool.

-Never drink while swimming or while supervising children in the pool.

-Always keep a phone nearby. You want a cell phone or a house phone within reach at all times so that you can call for help when needed.

-Remember that floatation devices are not safety devices. Always have the proper safety rescue materials nearby should disaster strike.

-Check the weather. Look at weather conditions (current an approaching) before setting out for a day at the pool. Thunderstorms, strong winds and lightning strikes are extremely dangerous to swimmers.
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In the United States, Congress has the authority to make laws that impact the trucking industry. Historically, federal regulations have worked towards motorist safety by minimizing load size, limiting the number of hours a driver can be behind the wheel without rest, and reducing truck speed in some areas. Nationwide, drivers and trucking companies are responsible for negligent accidents that result in thousands of injuries and deaths every year.

Safety advocates are now urging Congress to take additional action to increase safety for other motorists and passengers on the road. Our Fort Lauderdale truck accident lawyers are committed to investigating truck accidents and will take every necessary step to hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable for injuries and wrongful death.

If passed by Congress, the Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act (SHIPA) would place tighter restrictions on the weight and size limits of trucks and pull trucks that are currently over the weight limit. A national poll shows that 68% of Americans are opposed to heavier trucks on the road. The poll, conducted by Lake Research Partners also indicates that 88% of Americans do not want to pay higher taxes to compensate for damage caused by trucks. Advocates for harsher regulations believe that new restrictions will curb dangerous conditions as well as prevent future accidents that result in personal or property damage.

It is no secret that big business has pull in Congress. Safety advocates worry that the interests of corporations and shipping companies have taken precedence over the safety of individuals on the highway. As most drivers already know, trucks on the highway can be distracting and intimidating, especially when traveling at high speeds. Even if you are traveling in a large SUV, driving next to an 18-wheeler can make you feel powerless.

Many critics, especially the families of trucking accident victims, believe that the trucking industry is winning over safety and thousands are paying with their lives. Increasing weight load limits means choosing profit over the safety of the millions of Americans who share the highway with 18-wheelers and other large trucks.
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Every year, thousands are impacted by deadly truck accidents caused by negligent driving, inclement weather, oversized loads, fatigued drivers, and other dangerous conditions caused by semi-trucks on the freeway. There are over 4,000 deaths caused by trucking accidents ever year. According to reports, half of truck drivers have admitted to falling asleep while behind the wheel.

If you or someone you love was involved in a semi-truck accident, it is important to consult with an experienced advocate and investigation team as soon as possible. Truck accident claims can be extremely complex, involving large trucking companies, state and federal laws, and competing versions of the facts. Organizing and preserving evidence at the outset is the best way to protect your rights and maximize your recovery after an accident.
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