Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

Personal Injury Prevention Tips to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Summer Camp or Summer Activities

Tue, 15 May 2012 20:07:33 -0500

Most children today do sign up for summer activities, ranging from summer sports to summer school programs, camps, and other recreation opportunities. While accidents at camp and other summer activities are rare, they do occur and the results can be devastating. To prevent your child from becoming a Miami personal injury victim, make sure that you:

1) Research the program’s safety record. Before signing up your child in any summer program, find out whether the program is considered safe. Where possible, speak to other parents who have taken part in the program. Go online to find out whether children have been injured. More established programs with trained staff and a good reputation often offer parents some added peace of mind.

2) Ask specific questions about supervision. Who will be responsible for your children during the summer events? Do these people have references? What is the screening program for these employees? How will children be supervised at the program? Is there someone present who has first aid training? If your children will be driven to the program, check the driving record of the person who will be driving. While Miami school bus accidents are rare, they do occur.

3) Get details about the program. What activities will be involved? What is the risk for each activity? The more you know about a program, the more you can determine how risky the program is.

4) Consider your insurance. If the worst happens and your child is injured, what type of insurance will cover the injuries? Consider speaking with your insurance provider to see whether there is additional coverage for your child available, if you feel you need it.

5) Make sure your children have any safety equipment needed. If your child will be taking part in any sports activities or in any activities that require safety equipment, confirm whether you are expected to provide the equipment yourself. Make sure that your child has the equipment needed to keep them safe and to prevent Miami brain injuries.

6) Visit the program if you can and take note of safety features. If your child is going to camp, for example, make time to visit the camp and to check safety equipment, including life jackets for any boating activities and other safety features. If safety equipment is missing or in poor shape, this could indicate a problem that could endanger your child. Responsible summer programs put safety first and are proud to show you the steps they have taken to keep your child safe.

7) Make sure your child is prepared to be safe. Even if the summer program you have chosen takes extensive measures to keep your child safe, that will not mean much if your child takes risks. Make sure that your child is aware of safety rules and knows how to stay safe.

Keeping Children and Teens Safe This Summer and Free From Injury

Thu, 10 May 2012 20:05:38 -0500

For children, summer means freedom and fun, but for parents, summer can be a time of worry and concern as children head out of the home to take part in a range of activities. Parents have a reason to worry: each summer Miami personal injuries cause serious injury and even fatalities to teens and children across the city. Luckily, there are several things you can do to help prevent this:

1) Walk through your home. Take a walk through your home, with a critical eye for any possible dangers. Are all dangerous chemicals stowed safely and locked? Are sharp tools safely stowed? Are outdoor play areas clean and checked for safety? If you notice any potential hazards, tidy them up now, before the children are home for the holidays.

2) Get your children involved in fire safety at your home. Getting children serious about fire safety is important in teaching them the skills they need to help avoid Miami burn injuries. Check your fire alarms and practice your fire escape route with the whole family. Many fire departments have activity books and other educations resources that help teach children about fire safety. These are good tools for teaching your children safety rules while ensuring that your kids stay entertained.

3) Check your child’s summer activities. If your children will be playing sports, do they have the sports equipment and safety equipment to help prevent Miami brain injuries and other common sports injuries? If your children will be spending lots of time on their bicycles, do they have a good, proper-fitting helmet? Review your children’s plans for the summer and determine whether your family has everything in place to make summer both fun and safe.

4) Have a talk with your new teen driver. If you have a new driver in your home, your teen is likely excited about their first summer as a licensed driver. Before they drive off on adventures, however, you may wish to set some ground rules. Some studies have shown that teens with little driving experience have a higher accident rate than more experienced drivers. Multiple passengers and distracted driving can also increase the risk for your teen driver. Set some ground rules for safe driving to ensure that your teen has a low risk of being in a Miami car accident. Also consider signing up your teen for additional driver training or defensive driving courses so he or she can hone their driving skills during the summer.

5) Consider who will be supervising your children this summer. Whether you are relying on caregivers, camp, or others to keep your children entertained, check the references and safety record of anyone who will be responsible for your children this summer.

6) Take steps to prevent Miami pool injuries. If you have a pool, check the safety of your pool at the same time as you clean your pool to get it ready for summer. Ensure that your pool has a self-locking gate and a full isolation fence that prevents anyone from wandering into the pool area. If your pool does not already have one, consider an alarm that will alert you if anyone wanders into the pool area.

Summertime Miami Beach Personal Injuries

Tue, 08 May 2012 20:03:02 -0500

While summertime in Miami Beach means beautiful weather and luxurious days of freedom, but with the season comes some hazards, including:

1) Miami Beach boating accidents. As the nice weather arrives, many people enjoy the season by heading out on their boats. Unfortunately, as a result, summer can be a prime time for boating accidents. In fact, Florida leads the nation when it comes to boating accidents. Speed, alcohol, and inexperience are among the top reasons for boating accidents, according to experts, and accidents caused by these factors are entirely preventable. Getting adequate training, boating sober, and obeying boating laws can help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer.

2) Miami Beach slip and fall injuries. Summer rains as well as more time spent outside can actually increase the risk of slip and fall accidents. As we head outdoors to enjoy the summer, we tend to bring out additional items, including gardening tools and barbecue implements, which can easily get lost outdoors and pose a tripping hazard. Cleaning up regularly outdoors, keeping grass trimmed, and fixing uneven steps and pavement can help prevent falls.

3) Miami Beach pool injuries. Pools are a major attraction in the summer, especially for children home from school. However, pools are also responsible for many drowning accidents and various injuries each summer. To keep your pool area safe, install a safe-locking gate and surround your pool with a tall isolation fence to ensure that no one can enter the pool area unsupervised. An alarm that lets you know when anyone enters the pool area is also a good precaution, especially if you have young children. In addition, studies have shown that early, formal swimming lessons can help keep children safer around the water.

4) Miami Beach car accidents. Summertime in Florida usually means an influx of tourists and more people are on the road as they visit Florida’s many attractions. In addition to heavier traffic, summer also brings with it road construction, which can also create a hazard for drivers. Following traffic rules scrupulously and driving distraction-free can greatly reduce your risk of a car crash.

5) Miami Beach fire-related injuries. Summer is a prime time for burn injuries, in part because forest fires are more common and because barbecue season can mean more residential fires as well. This is a good time to check your smoke detectors to ensure that they are in good working order. If you are just setting up your barbecue area, this is a good time to ensure that your barbecue (or fire pit) is well away from your home and from any flammable surface. Buying a fire extinguisher for your kitchen and your barbecue area is also a smart investment.

Could Staying By a Patient Help After a Miami Injury?

Thu, 03 May 2012 15:36:54 -0500

A recent study at the Children’s National Medical Center found that medical care does not suffer when families are allowed to remain by a child patient and the family’s presence may actually help the child. According to Dr. Karen O’Connell, the lead author of the study, there is a common misconception that families in the ER or in the trauma ward may get in the way of care but the study in fact suggests that families can provide comfort and ease some of the pain.

The study examined 145 cases at one of the country’s busiest children’s hospitals, where children are often treated for trauma following car accidents and other serious trauma. Researchers set up cameras in the hospital to watch the outcomes of the cases. In about half of the cases, families were allowed to stay with the children. In these cases, medical care did not suffer and in some cases children were more comfortable.

The findings support the perspective of the American College of Surgeons, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other groups who have suggested that keeping families close to children in the hospital can be beneficial. However, less than ten percent of hospital have written policies in place to allow families to stay with children during treatment and at many hospitals families are routinely placed in waiting areas rather than permitted to stay with an injured child.

If a child in your family has suffered a Miami personal injury, there are many things you can do to help provide the best possible care:

1) Ask about the hospital’s policy about visiting and remaining with your child. If you prefer, ask to remain with your child. In many cases, staff will permit you if they are comfortable with the idea.

2) Take careful notes of what doctors tell you about the diagnosis and treatment. Consider writing down any important information so that you remember. Having a serious injured child is stressful enough and knowing what is going on may be able to help you prevent a Miami misdiagnosis from affecting your child’s treatment.

3) Make sure that everyone involved with your child’s care knows about any medications, serious allergies, or pre-existing conditions that affect your child. Offer reminders and ask questions if something seems amiss. You may be able to prevent a Miami medical error by being vigilant as an advocate for your child.

4) Stay calm and follow instructions so that the staff can do their job. One reason why many ERs are hesitant about family involvement is because they fear hysteria. Staying calm and helping staff help your child ensures that you are welcome in the hospital and ensures that your child gets the care they deserve. Whether you are there after a Miami car accident or another type of injury, staying calm is important. Creating problems ensures that security will likely get involved.

Are Miami Injuries to Minors and Children on the Wane?

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:34:45 -0500

According to a recent new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fatal injuries among US children are the on the decline, falling nearly 30% in the past ten years. However, the same study found that infant suffocation and fatal poisoning among teens have actually increased across the country. Despite some of the good news, however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still reports that unintentional injuries are still the leading cause of death for children and minors across the US. These injuries claimed more than 9000 lives in 2009 alone.

According to the study, the rate of fatal unintentional injuries among minors in the US was almost twice the rate in other developed nations listed by the World Health Organization. Car accidents also continue to be a major cause of concern. While the incidents of car accidents declined 41% between 2000 and 2009, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents continue to be the leading cause of fatalities to minors.

According to the CDC, improved training programs for new drivers and new safety technology for cars has improved the fatality rates but there is still much work to be done. In 2009 alone, statistics show that car accidents accounted for 67% of unintentional injury fatalities for the 5-19 years old age group and 28% of fatalities for those in the 15-19 age group.

Despite the statistics, the CDC and other experts agree that there is much that parents can do to help prevent Miami injuries to teens and children:

1) Keep medication in a safe place. According to the CDC, poisoning fatalities have jumped almost 91% between 2000 and 2009 for those between the ages of 15 and 19. In many cases, these occur due to overdoses of prescription drugs, so storing and using prescription medication is crucial in preventing these types of incidents.

2) Keep toys and bedding out of infant cribs, and be scrupulous about using safe cribs. According to the CDC, the infant suffocation rate increased 54% between 2000 and 2009. Many of these deaths are preventable if an infant is put to sleep in a safe crib, on their back, alone, and with no soft bedding, toys, or other hazards.

3) Let children ride the back seat of the car and use age-appropriate safety restraints. Miami car accidents are still a leading cause of injuries, including Miami brain injuries. Using child safety seats and then booster seats when applicable ensures that in the event of an accident a child is kept safer from harm.

4) Use proper supervision. In many cases, accidents can be avoided if children are carefully supervised. Using babysitting services and setting up a supervision system with family can help ensure that children stay safe.

Factors that Contribute to Aventura Slip and Fall Accidents Among the Elderly

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:57:51 -0500

According to researchers at Colorado State University, there are a number of risk factors which can lead to serious slip and fall accidents among the elderly. Unfortunately, the elderly can be especially vulnerable to slip and fall accidents, and these types of accidents can easily lead to bone fractures, Aventura brain injuries, and other serious injuries. For those who want to avoid Aventura slip and fall accidents, the main risk factors to consider are:

1) Osteoporosis. This condition usually emerges in later life and causes the bones to become porous and weak. The weakness of the bones makes slip and falls more likely. At the same time, the condition itself can cause Aventura personal injuries in a fall. Those who have osteoporosis are more likely to break a bone or suffer serious injury in a fall. According to experts, elderly women, in particular, need to be screened for the condition and need to consume adequate amounts of calcium and Vitamin D to help prevent the condition.

2) Vision problems. Cataracts, Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and other vision problems often occur in our senior years. These vision problems can in some cases affect depth perception and of course make it harder to see obstacles which can cause a fall. Yearly eye exams are important to maintain good eye health. In cases where someone has a vision problem, placing contrasting strips on stairs and other uneven surfaces can help prevent falls.

3) A sedentary lifestyle. Lack of adequate physical exercise results in poor flexibility, poor coordination, weak muscles, and decreased strength. These results can lead to poor overall condition, which can contribute to slip and fall accidents. Daily exercise can help prevent Aventura slip and fall injuries, but it is important to speak to a physician before starting any physical exercise program.

4) Environmental hazards. Obstacles, uneven flooring, loose rugs, and even poor shoe choices can contribute to Aventura slip and fall accidents. If you are concerned about falls, it is important to walk through your home and property in order to note and fix and possible danger areas. Good lighting can also help reduce the risk of trip and fall and slip and fall accidents.

5) Medications. Some over-the-counter and prescription medications have side effects which can affect balance, blood pressure, and alertness. These types of side effects can make a patient more susceptible to slip and fall accidents. When patients take multiple medications, especially, they are vulnerable to not only side effects but also to drug interactions. To prevent this, it is a good idea to carefully read the labels of any new medication and to discuss any medications you are taking with both your pharmacist and doctor. In many cases, you can bring a list of all your prescription and over-the-counter medications to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure that there are no drug side effects or interactions you need to be aware of.

North Bay Village Personal Injuries to Children Caused by ATVs

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:37:55 -0500

Parents may worry that their teens may get into a North Bay Village car accident, but far before teens have driving privileges, many are using ATVs to enjoy a taste of freedom. However, as many experts and law enforcement authorities point out, ATVs lead to North Bay Village personal injuries each year. The recreational vehicles may not require a driver’s license, but they can be as deadly as a car, and they are intended for adults, not children.
According to the organization Concerned Families for ATV Safety, between 1997 and 2006 there was a 150% jump in injuries to minors and children from ATV accidents and hospitalization for head trauma tripled during the same period. ATVs can roll over more easily than cars can and can trap children underneath. They can also cause fractures, amputations, and other severe injuries, including North Bay Village brain injuries. In many cases, children drive ATVs over rough terrain – ATVs are not designed for use of roadways – and the unstable and uneven terrain can make North Bay Village ATV accidents even more of a risk. Parents who are concerned should keep the following guidelines in mind:

1) Do not allow children under the age of 16 to drive ATVs. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and many other professional groups believe that children under the age of 16 should not be allowed to ride on ATVs, as they lack the coordination and the judgment to do so safely.

2) Insist that helmets are used by ATV users. Since head injuries are one of the most common injuries caused by ATVs, and since ATVs provide less protection for this type of injury than passenger cars, wearing a helmet when on an ATV is just as important as wearing a seatbelt in a car. Just as the seatbelt can protect you from a head injury in the event of a North Bay Village car accident, the helmet can reduce the risk of a head injury in an ATV accident.

3) Do not permit ATV passengers. ATVs are not designed for passengers. This means that parents need to be cautious if their children’s friends have ATVs – children may be tempted to catch a ride on a friend’s ATV, especially if they cannot try an ATV at home. Riding tandem also increases the risk of an accident and injury.

4) If your children decide at age 16 that they are interested in ATVs, get them a hands-on safety course. Many communities offer these courses, and they are a very smart investment. In many ATV crashes, inexperience is a major cause for the crash, so getting instruction about ATV safety is important in preventing accidents.

Can Bullying Lead to a Miami Premises Liability Case?

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:49:10 -0500

Bullying has become a serious problem – and one that results in serious injuries. When bullying takes place, it can cause serious Miami injuries to minors and children. Children who are bullied may suffer from Miami brain injuries, broken bones, and other serious injuries. In some tragic cases, victims of bullying sustain fatal injuries or end up committing suicide due to the trauma of the abuse. In most cases, bullying leads to distress, upset, anxiety, and even depression. While there is more awareness than ever before about bullying and its effects, many children today still are victimized in this manner.

Schools have an obligation to ensure that students are safe. While many schools do have policies in place to prevent bullying, some parents are frustrated about school response when bullying does happen. When schools fail to do so, parents of victimized children can bring about legal action against the school. There are many reasons why parents of a bullied child may have a legal case against a school:

1) The school knew about the bullying or should have known but failed to act on it. One of the most distressing things about bullying is that it often goes under-reported and unnoticed until the violence escalates. In many cases, staff at schools notice something amiss or should notice the bullying but either fail to notice or fail to do something about the problem. In some cases, even after parents report bullying the school does not take enough steps to halt the problem.

2) The school had no policy in place to protect students. While many schools today have some written policy regarding violence and bullying, some schools do not do enough to make their policies clear and fail to enforce written policies.

3) The school had conditions which allowed bullying to take place. In some cases, a parent may have a Miami premises liability case, if the school fails to properly supervise school areas or fails to provide a safe environment. If some areas, for example, have poor lighting or other unsafe conditions which allow injuries to take place, parents may have a case.

If your child has sustained a serious injury due to bullying at school, you will want to contact a Miami personal injury attorney to find out whether you have a case. An experienced attorney can investigate the bullying at your child’s school and determine whether the school did everything possible to keep your child safe. In many cases, parents find that schools and school boards are more willing to work to end bullying in cases where an attorney is involved. An attorney can also help you seek compensation if Florida law makes you eligible for it. This money can help pay for your child’s medical bills and for other expenses related to the injuries.

Miami Premises Liability Cases When A Child Gets Injured at School

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:47:00 -0500

Miami parents send their children to school each day, hoping that schools provide a safe and productive learning environment. Unfortunately, some injuries to Miami children and teens occur in schools each year, and some of the injuries are serious enough to cause permanent disability or many months of recovery time. When the worst happens, one of the first issues is who is responsible for the various types of injuries and accidents which can take place at schools:

1) School bus injuries. While Miami school bus accidents are rarer than Miami car accidents, they do occur. Due to the size of school buses and due to the fact that students in school buses do not wear seat belts, the injuries which can result from school bus accidents can be serious. Schools and school boards have a responsibility to hire safe bus drivers and to maintain buses in good condition. When they fail to do so, parents can launch legal action if the lack of care results in an accident and injury.

2) Recreation-related and sports injuries. Thanks to increased attention to Miami brain injuries and new research about brain injuries, we are more aware than ever before about the long-term impact of head injuries sustained during sports. School sports, especially contact sports, can result in long-term injury and even permanent injuries. In some cases, school recreation-related and sports injuries can even be fatal. It is expected that schools take all due precautions to ensure that school athletes and school recreation options are safe.

3) Playground injuries. Some schools have been removing playground equipment because some types of equipment can cause serious injuries, including spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and head injuries. However, even a playground without equipment can be unsafe if there is inadequate supervision or other unsafe conditions.

4) Class trip injuries. When a school group takes a class trip or a field trip, the school remains equally responsible for the students, just as if students were on school property. If a student is injured on a class trip and it is because the school or school board failed to take proper precautions in keeping the students safe, the family of the injured child may have a case.

Florida law does allow parents to pursue a case when school administrators and officials knew about a problem or should have known about a problem but failed to fix the issue. In these situations, parents can seek compensation for medical costs and other costs related to the accident. Schools are protected by school boards, unions, and attorneys. If your child has been injured at school, it is important to safeguard your child’s future by speaking with a Miami personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney can help apprise you of your rights and options and can help you understand how much your case is worth, so that you have the facts in hand to make the right decision for your child.

Could There Be More Miami Springs Brain Injury Patients Than Thought?

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:18:57 -0500

According to a new study released by the Mayo Clinic, more patients may suffer from traumatic brain injuries than previously believed. Based on patient symptoms, researchers at the Mayo Clinic developed a new way of categorizing brain injuries into “possible,” probable,” and “definite” traumatic brain injuries. Using the new system, researchers looked at medical records dating back decades. The researchers concluded that traumatic brain injuries occur in up to 558 per 100 000 patients. Previously, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hypothesized that traumatic brain injuries occur in 341 per 100 000 people.

According to the Mayo Clinic, about 60% of the brain injuries they determined were traumatic brain injuries did not classify as such using the CDC categorization system. According to the authors of the Mayo Clinic study, men and the elderly are the highest risk groups for traumatic brain injury. However, they also concluded that younger people were more likely to report symptoms that pointed to a possible brain injury – and symptoms which did not fit the CDC categorization system.

The study may be of interest to Miami Springs brain injury patients, who often sustain their injuries from Miami Springs car accidents, Miami Springs slip and fall accidents, sports injuries, and other types of accidents. Now that the study has come out, some patients and experts are asking the CDC to reconsider its classification system in light of the new findings. Hopefully, the study will help shine a light on brain injuries across the US.

The study will also hopefully raise awareness about Miami Springs brain injuries. The reality is that many brain injury patients do not realize that they have sustained a brain injury following a Miami Springs motorcycle accident, slip and fall, or other accident. In some cases, even serious and fatal brain injuries do not present immediate, obvious symptoms. Someone may hit their head and experience no symptoms initially but still have a serious injury that requires emergency medical attention. In some cases, symptoms are so subtle and come on so gradually that Miami Springs brain injury victims do not notice the symptoms. For these reasons, it is very important to seek medical attention quickly if you have hit your head. It is a good idea to have a medical professional rule out a brain injury rather than brush off an injury as “nothing serious.” Getting prompt medical help can save your life.

If you have sustained a Miami Springs brain injury, your priority should be to get the assistance and the compensation you need to get the best quality medical treatment and other help you may need. For this reason, you may wish to consult with a qualified Miami Springs personal injury attorney. A good attorney can help you understand your rights and the probably costs of your injury, so that you are prepared for your future. A good personal injury attorney can also help you negotiate with your insurance carrier and can otherwise help you to pursue compensation for your injuries.

South Miami Bicycle Accidents and Bicycle Paths

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:16:28 -0500

Many communities have launched initiatives to create bicycle lanes and bicycle paths in order to help prevent bicycle accidents. Bicycle paths are usually in parks and green spaces and in many cases bicyclists share the paths with pedestrians but not with cars. These paths allow even less experienced bicyclists to ride in an area without any car traffic. Bicycle lanes, on the other hand, allow bicyclists to share the road with vehicles by creating a separate space on the road for bicyclists. These lanes are for bicyclists only and ensure that drivers of other vehicles know to expect bicyclists in that area of the road.

As bicycles become more popular for transportation and recreation, many communities are considering additional bicycle paths and bicycle lanes. However, can these initiatives help prevent South Miami bicycle accidents? Some people believe so, noting that bicycle paths and lanes keep car traffic and bicycle traffic apart, ensuring that much larger passenger vehicles cannot collide with bicycles as easily. Bicycle paths and lanes also ensure that bicyclists of all experience levels have a chance to hone their skills before sharing the road with traffic.

Not everyone agrees that bicycle lanes and paths will reduce the number of South Miami traffic accidents involving bicycles. Some argue that bicycle lanes, for example, do not keep bicycles far enough away from cars. In many cases, cars can easily move into bicycle lanes and still cause serious South Miami bicycle accidents. And, of course, bicyclists often bicycle along city streets to get to bicycle paths. Since there are so many streets and relatively fewer bicycle-only lanes and paths, bicyclists still need to spend a considerable amount of time sharing road space with larger vehicles.

It is important to note that bicycle lanes and paths alone will not prevent South Miami car accidents involving bicycles. Bicyclists still need to take precautions to prevent accidents. Even in bicycle lanes, for example, bicyclists need to watch out for cars, stay visible, and be prepared for traffic that does not share the road correctly. On bicycle paths in parks, bicyclists are at risk of South Miami pedestrian accidents and collisions with in-line skaters as well as others who are sharing the path. Staying alert and anticipating any hazards can help prevent these mishaps.

While bicycle lanes and paths help bicyclists share urban spaces more safely, they cannot replace common sense and good bicycle skills. Whether a road has a bicycle lane or not, motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians all have a role to play in keeping South Miami safe.

Could Fixies Lead to More Davie Bicycle Accidents?

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:52:46 -0500

Fixed-gear bicycles are very trendy right now, but some safety experts caution that the bicycles could lead to more bicycle accidents. Fixies, as they are sometimes known, are bicycles with no changeable gears and one speed. Fixed-gear bicycles are different from traditional bicycles because they lack a free wheel. This means that the pedals of the fixie move while the bicycle is in motion, preventing bicyclists from coasting.

Of special concern to safety experts is the fact that some bicyclists riding fixies do not use brakes because the bicycles come to a stop soon after the bicyclist stops pedaling. Than Chen Munn of the Safe Cycling Task Force feels that bicyclists on fixies are more prone to running red lights because the bicycles have no brakes and are therefore harder to control than traditional bicycles. He is especially concerned because fixies are popular among younger bicyclists, who already have less experience on bikes and may be more vulnerable to accidents. These features could easily lead to Davie bicycle accidents if a bicyclist runs a red light and causes a Davie car accident.

Doctors are also concerned that fixies could lead to many other Davie personal injuries, not just those caused by Davie traffic accidents. Since the bicycles have no brakes, bicyclists on fixies generally stop the bicycle by using their feet and legs to stop the motion of the bicycle. According to some doctors and physiotherapists, this can cause damage to the feet and legs, and especially to the ligaments. Bicyclists who are riding fast and attempt to stop with their legs are especially vulnerable to damaged ligaments.

So far, there have been few serious reported accidents involving fixies, but experienced bicyclists and safety experts are concerned, especially with the popularity of fixies skyrocketing over the past two years. Experienced bicyclists as well as the Safe Cycling Task Force recommend that bicyclists who buy fixies get to know the bicycle first and understand its mechanics first. Gaining experience in a secure environment – such as on low-risk bike trails with no traffic – is a good idea at first. Bicyclists may also wish to consider having more than one bicycle – a fixie for lower-risk conditions and a traditional bicycle for riding on streets with traffic. Having a bicycle with multiple gears and brakes is important when sharing the road with cars and vehicles, since a bicycle with brakes gives bicyclists more control over the motion of the bike.

Now That the Warm Weather is Here, It’s Time to Look Out for Miami Pedestrian Accidents

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:50:09 -0500

Miami pedestrian accidents are a common concern, especially in warmer months, when more people head outside to take advantage of spring and summer days. The spring and summer also mean tourist season in Miami, which can mean more pedestrians on the streets and visitors explore the city.

Unfortunately, Miami’s high traffic volume as well as the large number of pedestrians in the city can mean the risk of Miami pedestrian accidents. Each year, pedestrians are seriously injured in Miami bicycle accidents and Miami traffic accidents when walkers are struck by vehicles or bikes. Luckily, there are several things that pedestrians can do to help prevent this type of accident:

1) Stay visible. When motorists cannot see pedestrians, Miami car accidents involving pedestrians are likely to occur. For this reason, it is important to wear bright clothing when walking, and reflective clothing when walking at night. At night, pedestrians may want to carry a flashlight or other type of light when walking. There are shoes and other articles of clothing that automatically light up, making pedestrians more visible. Walking in clear spaces – where there are no trees or parked cars to distract drivers – also ensures that drivers can see you.

2) Consider walking trails and green spaces. Pedestrians have little or no chance if they are struck by a heavy vehicle in a Miami truck accident or car accident. The force and size of the vehicle can crush bones, cause serious trauma to the upper body, and can even drag a pedestrian along until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Fatalities are common in this type of accident. For all these reasons, it is generally safer to walk in areas where there is no need to share the space with car traffic. Parks and green spaces ensure that you are well away from road traffic. Nevertheless, keep in mind that walking trails have their own hazards. You may have to share paths with bicyclists, for example, so it is important to stay alert.

3) Do not walk distracted. Many people today are aware that distracted driving can easily lead to Miami car accidents, but fewer realize that distracted walking can be just as dangerous. Distraction can include anything from walking while texting to walking while listening to music. Distracted pedestrians can make mistakes, such as stepping out into traffic or failing to notice a car moving in their direction. Distracted pedestrians are also less likely to notice obstacles and therefore more likely to suffer injuries from a Miami slip and fall accident. Keeping aware of your surroundings helps keep you safe – whether you are walking, driving, or bicycling.

4) Think like a driver. Motorists expect pedestrians to be in specific areas only – such as on sidewalks and in crosswalks. Be careful about crossing streets between crosswalks and stick to those areas where motorists expect pedestrians to be.

Is Your Home Equipped to Prevent South Miami Burn Injuries?

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:30:48 -0500

South Miami burn injuries occur every day, affecting victims in every age group and from all walks of life. Burn injuries can be caused by a number of incidents, including fires, South Miami truck accidents, chemical spills, South Miami motorcycle accidents, and other accidents. However, experts agree that these types of injuries are preventable. There are many things you can do to help prevent burn injuries:

1) Check chemicals in your home. Many people associate South Miami burn injuries with fires, but many chemicals can cause serious burns as well. Even everyday household cleaners and items have toxic chemicals that cause second-degree burns, and children are especially vulnerable to these types of injuries. Carefully check all the chemicals and cleaning agents you bring into your home. Any chemicals that are toxic or corrosive should be kept in a locked area, well out of reach of children. Any flammable chemicals that can explode when heated should be kept in a cool and dry environment. Dispose of these items safely if the packaging or containers become corroded or damaged.

2) Have a working smoke detector. A smoke detector helps alert your family of a fire so that there is enough time to escape before burn injuries or smoke inhalation create a tragedy. Make sure that there are enough smoke detectors in your home. At minimum, there should be one for each floor and one smoke detector for each bedroom, but additional detectors are a good idea. Test the detectors and change the batteries twice a year.

3) Check the settings on your home water heater. Hot water from a tap can be hot enough to burn, and is a leading cause of burns to small children. Turning down the temperature of your water heater can help prevent these types of South Miami burn injuries and can even help you save money. When bathing a small child, another good precaution is to run the cold water first and then add hot water as needed.

4) Have a fire escape plan. A smoke detector alone is not enough. You also need a written fire escape plan that lets everyone in your family know exactly what to do in the event that the fire detector goes off.

5) Identify sources of steam in your home. Steam can easily cause second-degree burns, so identify kettles and other sources of steam. Find ways to minimize the risk of steam-related injuries. For example, ensure that the area above your stove is high enough that you can reach your stove area with plenty of clearance if you need to reach the back burners while cooking.

6) Have a safety kit at home. Have an emergency first aid kit at home, including non-stick adhesive pads which can keep an injury clean while it heals. Also ensuring that your family is to up to date with immunizations, as second degree burns require tetanus immunizations.

Preventing Davie Swimming Pool Accidents

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:28:47 -0500

Now that the summer months are approaching, many people look forward to opening their swimming pools at home. However, while fun, swimming pools are also a source of danger, especially for young children. Each year, children are rushed to local emergency rooms as Davie brain injury patients or spinal cord injury patients due to pool-related injuries. In addition, many children suffer near-drowning or even fatal injuries caused by swimming pool injuries. To prevent a Davie swimming pool accident at your home, experts advise:

1) Adding the right fence. The right fence should completely surround the pool area and should come with a self-locking gate. This fence should be in addition to any other property fencing your yard has. According to the CDC, a four-sided isolation pool fence reduces drowning by 83% when compared with three-sided general property fences.

2) Ban alcohol at pool parties. While many homeowners combine barbecue, alcoholic beverages, and pool parties, but it can be a deadly mix. According to the CDC, many drowning deaths involve alcohol use. Alcohol affects judgment and balance, and can easily cause a drowning death or pool injury. Alcohol is also a leading cause of Florida and Davie boating accidents.

3) Add other safety features for your pool area. While a self-locking gate and isolating fence are the basic safety requirements, there are many safety devices that can help make your pool safer, and these devices are more affordable today than ever before. For example, one of the best safety devices you can buy for your pool area is an alarm that can alert you anytime someone enters the pool area.

4) Ensure that everyone in your family is a good swimmer. Excellent swimming skills can reduce the risk of drowning. According to the CDC, signing up children between the ages of one and four for swimming lessons can reduce the risk of accidental drowning by 88%.

5) Add no-slip treads around your pool area. In addition to drowning, many Davie pool-related injuries include Davie brain injuries and spinal cord injuries caused by falls. In many cases, the wet area surrounding a pool can facilitate Davie slip and fall accidents. Adding no-slip treads can help prevent these types of accidents on your property. Enforcing a no-running rule in the pool area is also important to help prevent Davie slip and fall injuries.

6) Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as well as other first aid lessons. If an accident does occur at your home, you will be able to help until emergency personnel arrive.