Jacksonville Injury Attorney Blog

Two Nursing Homes in St. Johns County Earn Low Ratings

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:26:49 -0500

According to the most recent report issued by the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration’s Nursing Home Guide, two nursing homes in St. Johns County received low ratings. The nursing homes identified with these low ratings are:

Moultrie Creek Nursing and Rehab Center
200 Mariner Health Way
St. Augustine, Florida 32086

Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans Nursing Home
4650 State Road 16
St. Augustine, Florida 32092

Moultrie Creek Nursing and Rehab Center, a 120-bed facility, received the lowest possible rating of just one star for overall inspection. One star means that the facility ranked in the bottom 20 percent of facilities in its region. A five-star rating is the highest a nursing home can earn. Moultrie Creek Nursing and Rehab also received only one star in the quality of life category, as well as one star for nutrition and hydration. In the category of treating residents with dignity and respect, Moultrie Creek Nursing Home and Rehab Center earned two out of five stars.

Clyde E. Lassen State Veteran’s Nursing Home, a 120-bed facility, earned a two-star rating for overall inspection, meaning it ranked in the bottom 21-40 percent compared to other facilities in its region. Like Moultrie Creek, Clyde E. Lassen State Veteran’s Nursing Home also received a two-star rating for treating patients with respect and dignity. In addition, this nursing home received the lowest possible rating of one star in administration, which may include inaccurate assessments of residents’ health status, failing to develop adequate care plans and facility violations, such as inaccessible fire exits. In the quality of care category, the Lassen State Veteran’s Nursing Home earned two out of five stars.

Malnutrition and dehydration are two of the most common conditions resulting from nursing home neglect. Elderly residents, especially those recovering from recent surgeries or battling diseases, are especially sensitive to inadequate hydration and nutrition. A lack of hydration and nutrition can lead to other problems, such as a weakened immune system, infections, bedsores, loss of muscle mass or even death. Unfortunately, Jacksonville nursing homes are not immune to nutritional neglect. Making matters worse, malnutrition and dehydration in nursing homes often go undetected because symptoms, such as memory loss, lethargy and confusion, are not atypical for elderly residents.

Malnutrition and dehydration is even more difficult for family members to detect if a resident is being fed intravenously because it is impossible to know if the fluid contains the right mix of nutrients and calories. If you notice a sudden and drastic change in your loved one’s behavior or personality, ask to talk to the nursing home’s dietitian to ensure his or her nutritional needs are being met.

Considering that one-third of all nursing home residents are unable to feel themselves, understaffing can play a big role in nutritional neglect. In fact, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse, 91 percent of the country’s nursing homes lack adequate staff to properly care for residents. If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect in the Jacksonville area , register your concern with the Agency for Healthcare Administration at 1-888-419-3456.

Written by Elizabeth Allen

More than Half of Nursing Homes in Clay County Receive Low Ratings

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:20:02 -0500

Five of the nine nursing homes in Clay County, Florida, received one- or two-star ratings, the two lowest grades possible issued by The Agency for Health Care Administration’s Nursing Home Guide.

Two Clay County nursing homess received one-star ratings, while three earned two stars for overall inspection. The highest rating possible is five stars.

The following nursing homes received one- or two-star ratings:

Consulate Health Care of Orange Park **
1215 Kingsley Avenue
Orange Park, Florida 32073

Doctors Lake Healthcare of Orange Park *
833 Kingsley Avenue
Orange Park, Florida 32073

Governors Creek Health and Rehabilitation *
803 Oak Street
Green Cove Springs, Florida 32043

Life Care Center of Orange Park **
2145 Kingsley Avenue
Orange Park, Florida 32073

Signature Healthcare of Orange Park **
2029 Professional Center Drive
Orange Park, Florida 32073

A one-star rating indicates that a nursing home ranked in the lowest 20 percent when compared to other facilities in its geographic region. Clay County is considered part of the Jacksonville nursing home region, which also includes Baker, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns and Volusia counties. A two-star rating places a nursing home in the bottom 21-40 percent when compared to others in the area.

Governors Creek Health and Rehabilitation in Green Cove Springs received the lowest scores in all categories, including one-star ratings for quality of care, quality of life and administration. It also received one star for treating residents in a dignified manner, which is one of the most concerning aspects of poor care in nursing homes. The Florida nursing home patient’s rights stipulate that residents have the right to be treated courteously and with the fullest measure of dignity. Unfortunately, this right, along with many others, is too often not observed in Jacksonville area nursing homes and facilities throughout the country.

Not all nursing homes fall short of providing quality care. Three nursing homes in Clay County received four-star ratings, the second-highest rating a nursing home can earn. The following facilities’ overall inspection rating is higher than 61-80 percent compared to others in its region:

Life Care Center at Wells Crossing ****
355 Crossing Boulevard
Orange Park, Florida 32073

Heartland Health Care Center Orange Park ****
570 Wells Road
Orange Park, Florida 32073

None of the nursing homes in Clay County received five stars. If you are interested in learning about a nursing home’s rating, read the Florida Nursing Home Guide, which is updated quarterly.

In addition, Florida law provides that every licensed nursing home post a copy of its most recent review from the Florida Nursing Home Guide prominently in its facility. This includes all up-to-date inspection details for the nursing home, along with “Watchlist’ information, which shows facilities that are operating under bankruptcy or those not meeting the minimum required standards. You can also see whether a nursing home corrected prior violations.

Written by Elizabeth Allen

Jacksonville’s Nursing Homes Report Part II: Four Local Facilities Earn Second-to-Lowest Possible Scores

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:34:36 -0500

Our previous blog reported that nine nursing homes in Jacksonville earned one-star ratings, the lowest grade possible in a recent report issued by Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration. The same report gives similarly low marks – a two-star rating -- to four Jacksonville area nursing homes.

An overall inspection rating of two stars is the second-lowest possible grade on a scale of one to five, meaning that a nursing home ranked in the bottom 21 – 40 percent of the facilities in its geographic area.

Jacksonville nursing homes with two-star rankings include:

Avante Villa at Jacksonville Beach, Inc.
1504 Seabreeze Avenue
Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250

Cypress Village
4600 Middleton Park Circle East
Jacksonville, Florida 32224

Regents Park of Jacksonville
8700 Skinner Parkway
Jacksonville, Florida 32256

San Jose Health and Rehabilitation Center
9355 San Jose Boulevard
Jacksonville, Florida 32257

For a complete report of all nursing home rankings in Jacksonville as well as throughout the state, read the Florida Nursing Home Guide released earlier this year. Through on-site nursing home inspections, the annual study rates facilities on a number of measures, including how well residents are cared for, their quality of life, and how well the facility operates at an administrative level. Other indicators include meeting residents’ basic needs for food and water, whether residents are treated with dignity, the use of restraints, and the number of residents suffering from bed sores.

In addition to a two-star overall inspection rating, Avanta Villa at Jacksonville Beach also received just two stars in quality of care and quality of life. While Cypress Village received four stars in quality of care and quality of life categories, it earned just one star in administration. Regents Park of Jacksonville garnered three stars in quality of care, but just one star in quality of life. Regents Park also received the lowest one-star rating in the proliferation of pressure ulcers and dignity. San Jose Health and Rehabilitation received two stars in quality of care and three stars each in quality of life and administration.

The annual Florida Nursing Home Guide is provided by the Agency for Health Care Administration to help family members and caretakers make informed decisions when selecting a nursing home for their loved ones. The report is searchable by region or county and also allows users to search for facilities that provide special services, such as 24-hour onsite Registered Nurse coverage, languages spoken, and adult day care services available.

While all of the nursing homes listed in the Florida Guide meet state licensing requirements, it is readily apparent that there is room for improvement. All too often, we hear of cases in which a nursing home resident is neglected or abused. This poor treatment ranges from inadequate supervision, to improper nutrition, to overmedication, just to name a few. Unsanitary and unsafe conditions are relatively common as well. Unfortunately, it is our firm’s experience Jacksonville nursing homes are no different.

Many Jacksonville Nursing Homes Given Lowest Rating by Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:11:55 -0500

Nine nursing homes in Jacksonville received a one-star inspection rating -- the lowest possible rating on a scale of one to five issued by Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). This represents nearly one-third of all Jacksonville nursing homes.

The annual Florida Nursing Home Guide released in February 2013 rates nursing homes in Florida on quality of care, quality of life and administration. The on-site inspection further evaluates how well residents cared for, such as meeting their needs for nutrition and hydration, improper use of restraints, the proliferation of pressure ulcers, and being treated with dignity.

The following Jacksonville nursing homes received a one-star overall inspection rating:

• Consulate Health Care of Jacksonville
• Harts Harbor Health Care Center
• Lanier Manor
• Palm Garden of Jacksonville
• Riverwood Center
• Summer Brook Health Care Center
• St. Catherine Laboure Manor, Inc.
• Signature Healthcare of Jacksonville
• West Jacksonville Health and Rehabilitation Center

A one-star rating means that the nursing home ranked in the bottom 20 percent compared to facilities in its geographic region. The Nursing Home Guide groups Duval County nursing homes with those in Baker, Clay, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns and Volusia counties.

In addition to receiving only one star in its overall inspection, Consulate Health Care of Jacksonville, also earned one-star ratings in providing its residents with quality of care, quality of life and administration. The facility has 116 beds and is located on Jacksonville’s Southside. Summer Brook Health Care Center and Lanier Manor also received one-star ratings in all four categories.

The report also provides inspection details and ranks the severity of each facility’s deficiencies. All of the nine facilities listed above were cited for various deficiencies, such as employing staff members who are guilty of prior abuse or mistreatment of residents, fire hazards, not having an infection control program in place, and unsanitary conditions, just to name a few.

If you are searching for a quality nursing home in Jacksonville, thoroughly research your options. In addition to reviewing the current Nursing Home Guide, the Agency for Health Care Administration also provides a Watch List detailing facilities operating under bankruptcy, in addition to those that did not meet minimum standards or correct prior nursing home violations on follow-up inspections.

Along with online research, the Agency for Health Care Administration recommends you call and visit nursing homes in your area to make sure they can meet your loved one’s needs. Pay particular attention to the disposition and condition of the residents, as well as the attitude of the medical staff. Observe the environment and make sure it is sanitary, orderly and free of obvious hazards.

Once you narrow down your search, the agency recommends face-to-face interviews with the nursing home administrator, and other key personnel, such as the director of nursing and the dietitian. Finally, talk to your loved one’s doctors and other care providers about your decision so you can an informed decision.

After your loved one becomes a nursing home resident, stay involved. Make frequent visits and participate in care treatment meetings. Ask to be informed of any medication changes or changes in health status. If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, you can register your concerns with the Agency for Healthcare Administration by calling toll-free (888) 419-3456.

Written by Elizabeth Allen

Overmedication Growing More Common in Nursing Homes

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 10:27:36 -0500

Overmedication is a growing problem in Florida nursing homes. In fact, according to a report from the New York Times, 71 percent of Medicaid nursing home residents in Florida are receiving anti-depressant or anti-psychotic drugs. This is alarming when you consider that most of these patients were not taking these types of drugs before entering a nursing home. Unfortunately, it is our experience that nursing homes in Jacksonville mirror this statewide trend.

On a national level, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reports that more than seventeen percent of all nursing home residents are administered antipsychotic medications that exceed the recommended daily dosage levels. Even more disturbing is the fact that in 2010, close to forty percent of the nursing home residents that were given anti-psychotic drugs were not diagnosed with any type of psychosis.

Unlike bedsores or malnutrition, overmedication is not always visibly apparent. Because it is not easy to detect, it often goes unreported. Also referred to as "chemical restraints," intentionally overmedicating a nursing home patient can lead to many other problems, such as falling, confusion, fatigue and an overall decline in health.

Confusion and lethargy make it difficult for nursing home residents to successfully perform rehabilitation exercises to regain their strength and muscle mass, increasing their risk for injury. Deconditioning coupled with a resident being overmedicated is a recipe for nursing home falls. With falls being the most common cause of nursing home injuries, overmedication presents a serious safety issue.

For nursing home residents with dementia, antipsychotic drugs can present serious issues, including loss of independence, over-sedation, confusion, increased respiratory infections, falls, and strokes. Some antipsychotics are so strong, nursing home patients become unresponsive. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration places warnings on antipsychotics stating that residents with dementia are at an increased risk of death from these types of drugs.

Other drugs, such as pain killers or sedatives can also be used excessively, especially in an understaffed nursing home. Sometimes it is easier and quicker to calm a patient down with a drug than taking the time to find out the underlying causes.

The problem of overmedication in nursing homes was addressed more than 25 years ago with the passage of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, which provides that all patients must be screened for mental health issues upon entering a nursing home. The law also encourages trying non-pharmacological treatments for mental illness. However, in many states, residents who are admitted directly from hospitals are exempt from this law.

So how can you tell if your loved one is being overmedicated in a nursing home? Here are some common signs:
- sudden confusion
- hallucination
- increased fatigue
- becoming more withdrawn, even with family members
- erratic changes in personality

If you suspect overmedication, bring your concerns to the facility's director of nursing. Also nursing homes are required to hold “care plan” meetings to assess each patient's needs and medications. Ask to be included in these meetings so you are aware of changes in drug regimens.

Written by Elizabeth Allen

Jacksonville Woman Killed in Car versus Pickup Truck Accident

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 14:20:14 -0500

A 60-year-old woman was killed in a tragic automobile accident early this morning in Jacksonville. The car accident occurred while the woman was traveling north on New Kings Road. As she was passing through a green light at the intersection of Dunn Avenue, a pickup truck driving south turned left onto Dunn Avenue heading east. The driver of the pickup did not see the woman’s car, which crashed into the left side of his truck. The woman died upon impact. The southbound lanes on Kings Road were closed for about an hour after the car accident, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Unfortunately, car accidents involving cars and pickup trucks almost always result in the car and its passengers sustaining much more damage than the truck. This is due in part to the truck’s weight – anywhere from 7,000 to 12,000 pounds, compared to just 4,000 pounds for an average car. The massive weight translates to the car receiving a greater share of the impact.

Another contributing factor is the height difference between a truck and a car. The best scenario in a car accident is for both vehicles to hit each other’s crumple zone, or crush zone. These are the areas on a vehicle, such as bumpers, designed to crumple during the crash, absorbing the impact and protecting the passengers from being crushed. However, in a car versus. truck accident, the truck’s bumpers or “crumple zone” is much higher than the car’s, referred to as “crash incompatibility.”

Because of this, when a car collides with a truck, the height difference between the two vehicles can cause the truck to literally ride up over the car’s floor and invade the passenger area. The good news is that compatibility has improved over the years, although pickups still tend to cause more damage than SUVs when colliding with a car, according to a USA Today report.

The fact that a pickup truck’s weight is usually much heavier in the front – especially if there is no cargo in the bed – also adds to the likelihood of fishtailing or losing control. Their size and construction make them less agile and less capable of avoiding collisions. A higher center of gravity in pickup trucks causes them to rollover more than cars do.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that it is unclear whether efforts to correct the height mismatch between cars and trucks has led to less fatalities. In fact, the NHTSA report shows that in 2010, 2,740 people died in cars colliding with SUVs or pickups, while 749 passengers the trucks died. Vehicle crashes with pickups led to five percent more car fatalities, and there was no reduction in fatalities for about 50 percent of the vehicles in the study.

Written by Elizabeth Allen

Four-Wheelin’ Fun Requires Safety First

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:50:59 -0500

A Jacksonville man was found critically injured last night due to an all-terrain vehicle accident. The man suffered a significant injury after hitting his head on the gravel beside Boney Road in Oceanway, Florida. He was not wearing a helmet and was rushed to Shands Jacksonville Medical Center where he remains in critical condition.

All-terrain vehicle accidents are not uncommon in Jacksonville, where many people enjoy riding them off-road in rural areas. Unfortunately,some people ride their all-terrain vehicles on paved roadways, which is not only dangerous, but against the law.

This past December, a Jacksonville woman died in an ATV accident while riding as a passenger behind her husband. The accident occurred on a paved road -- Southeast 62nd Drive in Macclenny, Florida. Her husband over-corrected while approaching a curve, causing the woman to fall off the vehicle and strike her head on the pavement. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Neither the man nor the woman was wearing a helmet.

All-terrain vehicles have become increasingly popular, with more than 11 million currently in use nationwide. June and July typically have the highest number of ATV accidents, most likely because the warm weather summer months lend themselves to outdoor recreation. Every year in our country, 700 people die and 136,000 go to the emergency room because of all-terrain vehicle related personal injuries, according to an NBC News report.

Even more alarming is the number of children hurt in all-terrain vehicle accidents. Children under 16 account for 27 percent of all ATV related deaths. During the last 10 years, the number of children hospitalized due to ATV related injuries increased by 109 percent, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In fact, all-terrain vehicles have the highest risk of injuries compared to many other sports, including snowboarding, wrestling, football, basketball and skateboarding.

Taking the necessary precautions and following laws pertaining to ATVs can make your experience safer. Riders under 16 must wear a helmet and eye protection at all times. Even if you are older than 16, it is a good idea to wear a helmet. Other important rules to follow include:

- Do not ride with a passenger.
- Never ride on a paved road.
- Observe and follow the manufacturer’s minimum age requirements for operation (usually listed on the vehicle).

There are a number of riding trails designed for ATVs throughout Florida, some just 40 minutes from Jacksonville. Find a complete list of these scenic trails at TrailSource.com. Another site listing all-terrain vehicle trails in Florida is ATVFlorida.com. In addition, ATV Safety Training Courses are available throughout Florida.

All riders 6-15 years of age must have a Florida Off-Highway Vehicle Safety Certificate and be supervised by an adult. Go to the Florida Off-Highway Vehicle Safety and Recreation website to sign up for the course, which includes pre-ride inspection, starting and stopping, quick turns, hill riding, emergency stopping and swerving and riding over obstacles. You'll also learn about protective gear and local regulations.

Beds and Bedrails as a Source of Injuries in Nursing Homes

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 13:32:03 -0500

Of all the locations for injuries to occur in a nursing home or assisted living facility , a hospital bed would seem to be the safest place for patients to relax and recuperate. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that since 1986, 803 serious injuries were caused by hospital beds – 480 of which were fatal. Many times, injuries from hospital beds go unreported. With thirty nursing homes in the greater Jacksonville area alone, our area is not immune to these types of injuries.

Ironically, bed rails, which were originally designed to help prevent patients from falling out of bed, actually cause many injuries. Such injuries typically occur when a resident’s neck, head or chest gets caught within or underneath the rail and the patient becomes trapped. This usually happens because of gaps between the mattress and the bed rails. Some hospital beds no longer have the original bed rail and mattress combination and this can lead to gaps that are larger than what was intended.

It is important for all nursing homes and assisted living facilities ensure their beds have compatible mattresses, rails and other accessories so the bed functions safely as it should. It is the nursing home’s responsibility to make sure all equipment is maintained regularly and operating correctly. The hospital bed manufacturer or nursing home may be liable for injuries related to hospital beds.

Elderly and frail residents, especially those who are agitated, confused, in pain or have urinary problems, are at the highest risk for hospital bed injuries, because they are more likely to try to get out of bed on their own. If nursing home staff are slow to help residents, the problem can be compounded.

Bed rails can make some patients feel trapped and constrained and may actually result in residents trying to get out of bed. This is especially true for patients who really do not need to be restrained by bed rails.

In other situations, residents can be injured just trying to perform a routine activity, like reaching through or under handrails for a hairbrush or a glass of water from a side table. Again, the size of the gaps between the bedrail and mattress is extrememly important.

According to the Hospital Bed Safety Group (HBSG), bed rails should not always be used with every patient. In fact, the HBSG advises that with most nursing home patients, it is not necessary to have the bed rails raised. The medical staff should determine what is best for each patient based on his or her current situation and health history.

The HBSG recommends the following bed safety guidelines health care providers:
• Only use beds that can be raised and lowered.
• Make sure the wheels are locked and the bed is in a low position.
• If a person seems at risk of falling, place cushions or mats on the floor next to the bed.
• Always use the proper safety transfer equipment.
• Check on patients frequently, offering fluids and food, providing pain relief if needed, and maintaining a regular bathroom schedule.

When bed rails are used, HBSG makes these recommendations:
• Do not have all the bed rails raised at once. Keep one or more sections of the bed rail lowered.
• Make sure the mattress is the correct size for the bed frame.
• Look for gaps between the mattress and side rails and eliminate them.

Written by Elizabeth Allen

Road Rage: Avoiding Unnecessary Conflicts and Accidents

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 15:41:42 -0500

It happens to the best of us. Someone cuts you off in traffic and brings the worst out in you. The next thing you know, your adrenaline is running high and emotions are clouding your judgment. Getting revenge seems paramount. This is the time to slow down and think.

Aggressive driving, or “road rage” has become all too common and Jacksonville is not immune. In fact, in 2005, a local doctor caused a car accident that killed a woman on J. Turner Butler Road in Jacksonville. The doctor was charged with vehicular homicide after causing her to lose control and run off the road.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 66 percent of traffic fatalities are at least partially caused by aggressive driving each year. Add to that the fact that there has been a 51 percent increase in road rage car accidents since 1990, and it is clear that we should all do our part to avoid aggressive driving situations.

Some examples of aggressive driving include speeding, cutting off a driver, weaving through traffic, running a stop light or tailgating. Many people do not understand the serious consequences of following someone too closely. The rule of thumb is one car length for every 10 miles per hour you are traveling. That means if you are going 50 miles an hour, allow at least five car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you. Following any closer makes it extremely difficult to stop in time and often results in rear-end automobile accidents.

Sometimes aggressive driving actions escalate, and lead to forcing another driver completely off the road, yelling and using offensive hand gestures. In worst-case scenarios, road rage incidents involve the use of physical force or firearms. In fact, 37 percent of all road rage car accidents since 1990 have involved a firearm.

Here are some tips to avoid aggressive drivers or becoming one yourself:

• Give yourself plenty of time. Being late can cause stress, which often leads to frustration with other drivers. Having plenty of time to reach your destination will help you to relax and enjoy the ride without speeding.

• Make sure you are well rested. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Association reports that more than 56,000 car accidents are caused by sleepy drivers every year.

• Do not challenge drivers by tailgating them to get them to switch lanes. Speeding up and passing them, then putting on your brakes is a recipe for disaster.

• Practice amnesty. Give the other driver the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they have a special situation, like a medical emergency, where they need to get ahead of you. In the long run, it will not save you much time by not allowing them to merge.

Being angry and impatient on the road does not pay off. Drive defensively and calmly. Avoid distractions and other drivers who are exhibiting aggressive driving behavior. Nobody wins when it comes to road rage.

Written by Elizabeth Allen

Be a Winner on Super Bowl Sunday: Do not Drink and Drive

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:06:40 -0500

When you think about it, Super Bowl Sunday is really the “perfect storm” for increased vehicle accidents in Jacksonville and throughout the country. People get together with neighbors and friends to watch the big game, eat fat-laden foods, and wash it down with a few or more alcoholic beverages. Add to that the increased popularity of restaurants and bars with Super Bowl themed food and drink specials and more people on the roads, and the results can be deadly. Statistics show there are more car accidents in Jacksonville and across the country on Super Bowl Sunday, many involving drunk drivers.

The hours immediately following the Super Bowl are the most dangerous for drivers. The New England Journal of Medicine reports that car accidents jump by more than 40 percent after the Super Bowl, resulting in approximately 1,300 more car crashes, 600 more injuries and seven more deaths throughout the United States. Fatal injuries are highest in the state with the losing team, compared to the state with the winning team or states that had no team in the Super Bowl.

Of course, alcohol plays a big role, but so does driver fatigue after a long day of eating and drinking. Combined the emotional highs of winning or losing, the roads become more dangerous and prone to fatal accidents on Super Bowl Sunday. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 48 percent of all U.S. car accident deaths are alcohol related on Super Bowl Sunday.

Before you plan to host a Super Bowl party, get a game plan in place to make sure your guests arrive home safely:

•Do not let your guests drive drunk. If you need to, take their car keys and call a taxi.
•Stop serving to anyone who appears to be inebriated.
•Do not let guests mix their own drinks. Designate a responsible bartender.
•Do not provide alcoholic drinks mixed with carbonation; the body absorbs these types of drinks rapidly.
•Make sure you serve plenty of high protein foods, such as meat or cheese, to slow alcohol absorption.
•Provide non-alcoholic drinks as an option for guests.
•Cut off the alcohol during the third quarter of the game and offer more food, desserts and coffee.
•Do not serve alcohol to minors (anyone under age 21).
•Encourage guests to designate a non-drinking driver or to call a taxi if needed. Have the numbers of local cab companies on hand.

When driving home after the Super Bowl party, report drivers who appear to be drunk. The Jacksonville Sherrif’s Office recommends calling 911 if you believe a driver has been drinking. Be prepared to provide a location, description of the car and the license tag number if possible. Finally, when leaving the party, do not forget to buckle up – it could be your best defense against a drunk driver.

The One-Year Anniversary of One of Florida’s Worst Series of Interstate Collisions: The Aftermath

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 19:09:53 -0500

Today marks one year since a chain reaction of auto collisions on I-75 near Gainesville, Florida that claimed 11 lives and injured 24. The series of collisions happened, in part, because of visibility that was extremely limited due to dense fog and wildfire smoke.

The multi-vehicle collisions included a dozen cars and pickup trucks, a motor home and six tractor-trailer trucks. Florida Highway Patrol closed the interstate for three hours until the fog and smoke cleared to an acceptable level. Unfortunately, the fog and smoke returned, and some drivers came to a complete stop on the interstate. The motorists behind the stopped cars were unable to see brake lights ahead and slammed into the stopped cars just before dawn, resulting in an explosive pile up.

Since then, those injured in these car accidents have filed notices that they intend to pursue negligence lawsuits against the state of Florida for allowing the road to reopen under what became unsafe conditions. There are also concerns that the state should implement additional road safety standards and new protocols for closing and opening roads.

A Florida Department of Law Enforcement report provides that the Florida Highway Patrol erred in reopening the road. The Florida Highway Patrol defends their decision to reopen the road. Whether or not it acted negligently is yet to be determined.

Drivers have a responsibility to drive defensively and pay close attention to road conditions at all times. According to DefensiveDriving.com, fog is one of the most dangerous conditions in which to drive and should be avoided. If a driver encounters fog, the website recommends slowing down and driving with low beam headlights, as high beams can reduce visibility even more due to glare reflecting off the fog. The Weather Channel recommends using your wipers and defrosters to improve visibility and using the right edge of the road as a guide.

No matter how thick the fog, drivers should never stop on the roadway. If visibility is poor, pull off of the road completely, stop, and turn on your emergency flashers so others can see you. Do not make any sudden stops or turns when pulling off the road. Tap your brakes, slow down, and pull to a safe spot gradually.

In fog situations or other weather conditions that make driving difficult, it is especially important to keep your eyes focused on the road and avoid distractions, such as talking or texting. Even talking with other passengers can be a distraction. Avoid the radio and crack the window slightly to increase your ability to hear other vehicles. And finally, if you do not absolutely need to drive, do not drive in fog. Take heed of dense fog advisories, which happen frequently in Jacksonville’s humid subtropical climate. If fog is present, consider postponing your trip until mid or late afternoon, when fog usually dissipates.

Written by Elizabeth Allen

Preventing a Dog Attack

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 11:58:57 -0500

It is not uncommon to hear news reports in Jacksonville about a dog bite or dog attack. Often, the victims are children who have wandered off into yards where dogs are not fenced or restrained. Unfortunately, some dogs go into “protect mode” and inflict wounds that can be very serious and sometimes fatal.

The Centers for Disease Control reports 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year. One in five of those victims – about 885,000 people – require medical care and approximately 31,000 require reconstructive surgery as a result.

In Florida, more than 500 residents on average per year require hospitalization for dog bite injuries. On average, two Floridians die annually as a result of injuries sustained by dog bites. Unfortunately, Florida’s dog bite injuries are highest among children between the ages of one and nine. Boys are more often the victims of dog bites or attacks than girls.

In addition to suffering the physical injuries and mental effects of a dog bite, victims also need to consider the possibility of infection. The rabies virus is transmitted primarily through animal bites and is more common in Florida than most other states. Bacterial infections are another potential complication from dog bite injuries. Be sure to seek medical attention to determine if additional cleansing or suturing is required. In addition, many people are not aware that dog bites can cause tetanus, so ask your medical provider if you require a tetanus shot.

Many dog attacks can be prevented by following some common sense guidelines. The following tips from the City of Jacksonville may help prevent your child from becoming a dog bite victim:

- Do not approach a stray or unfamiliar dog – Teach kids to ask the owner’s permission before approaching or petting an unknown dog. Tell kids not to hug or kiss the dog, as face-to-face contact is a common cause of dog bites. Instead, if the owner says it is okay, tell kids to approach a dog by petting their backs or sides first rather than placing their face directly in the dog’s face.

- “Freeze” if a strange dog approaches – Teach children to stand still, like a tree. Eventually, the dog will lose interest and go away. This works for strange dogs as well as the family dog if he or she gets a little aggressive. If your child gets knocked down, teach him or her to roll up on the ground and remain still.

- Do not tease a dog – Do not ever disturb a dog when it is sleeping, eating or protecting something. Their predatory instincts will prevail.

- Avoid Direct Eye Contact – Many animals, including dogs, may react to eye contact as a threat. It is not unusual for them to attack in this situation if they feel threatened.

Written by Elizabeth Allen

Toys: Not Always Child’s Play

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 19:19:41 -0500

Every year, hundreds of toys and games are recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission because they are found to be unsafe. How can you ensure that the toys and games your children have are safe, especially now with the myriad of new toys they received during the holidays?

Determining toy safety can be tricky because it is not always evident that a toy can be dangerous. As consumers, we must take a “buyer beware” attitude to purchasing safe toys whether purchased in Jacksonville, online or anywhere in the country.

Even toys that may seem to pose no threat to children may have some hidden risks. For example, many times there are choking hazards that are not obvious to consumers. Just before Christmas 2012, a toy stuffed animal for infants was recalled due to small beads in the center of the toy, which if released, could present a choking hazard to small children. This particular play item is designed to attach to a car seat or stroller, giving the child easy and often unsupervised access to it. More than 45,000 of these defective toys have been recalled because the manufacturer received several reports of the small beads coming loose from the body of the stuffed animal.

Most retailers will remove a defective product from its shelves, but it is still important for consumers to do their own research when purchasing a toy for a child. Even if a toy is age appropriate for the child, inspect it for small parts that can easily be removed. It is also a good idea to check the toy for other hazards, such as sharp edges, cords that could strangle, or exposure to toxic chemicals. Many young children are prone to placing small objects in their mouths and sometimes even their little noses or ears. Parents should supervise their children while playing with new toys to make sure they do not present any risks.

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group recently released its 27th Annual Trouble in Toyland report, which reveals a list of hazardous toys still on store shelves.To find out if a toy has been recalled, go Parents.com Recall Finder or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

Jacksonville's String of Pedestrians Being Struck by Cars Worsens

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 15:33:21 -0500

Recently, we blogged about Jacksonville being one of the least safe cities in the country for pedestrians and bicyclists. In short, Jacksonville has an unacceptable amount of accidents involving vehicles striking pedestrians or bicyclists. Sadly, that trend continues.

Last night at around 10:45 p.m., a pedestrian was struck by a car in downtown Jacksonville near the intersection of Main and East Union Street. The pedestrian was rushed to Shands Jacksonville Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition.

The pedestrian was walking on the sidewalk along Union Street just prior to being struck. The impact was severe enough to shatter the windshield and the window above one of the car's door.

According to the CDC, in the United States, on average, every day 324 pedestrians require hospital treatment due to an accident with a car and twelve people die. Every year, this comes to nearly 5,000 deaths to pedestrian accidents with cars.

Children are especially vulnerable to being struck by cars. This is because of their unfamilarity with traffic rules, their decreased ability to judge distance and speed, their likelihood of being distracted and their small size. In fact, car accidents (not just pedestrian accidents) are the number one killer of children aged 5 to 14.

Men are more likely than women to be hit. Intoxicated persons make up roughly 35% of persons involved in such accidents.

Important safety rules to remember and teach your children:

-always cross at crosswalks;
-pay special attention at intersections, especially with cars turning right on a red light;
-wear bright clothing and carry a flashlight at night;
-walk on sidewalks where available; and
-if you must walk in the street, walk facing oncoming vehicles.

Some helpful links include:

Safe Routes to School - helps children and parents plan and map out the safest walking route from home to school

SafeKids Worldwide - provides additional safety tips for child pedestrians

Of course, we must also all be vigilant about looking out for pedestrians when driving. Abstaining from distractions such as texting or talking on the phone are of the utmost importance. Further, driving slowly when children are present makes an accident less likely.

Florida has laws regarding pedestrian's rights and duties when entering traffic. Other areas of Florida law apply as well. For example, your own car personal injury protection insurance will apply to pay your medical bills and lost wages if you are in an accident with a car. Furthermore, your uninsured motorist coverage will apply to provide you compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills and lost wages.

Early Morning Collision on Jacksonville's Northside

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 12:07:57 -0500

A chain of vehicle collisions involving a sport utlity vehicle, a bus, a semi truck and two police cruisers occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. today on northbound I-95 just north of downtown Jacksonville.

The collisions started when an SUV crossed several lanes of traffic and struck the right front of a tractor trailer. The driver of the tractor trailer applied his brakes and the semi "jack-knifed" causing it to collide with a school bus.

The semi truck collided back into the SUV and then hit two Jacksonville Sheriff's Office vehicles, causing all four vehicles to leave the roadway and enter a roadside ditch.

Four people, including two Jacksonville Sheriff's Officers, were taken to Shands Jacksonville Medical Center with injuries. Thankfully, the school bus did not have children on board.

The reason for the SUV crossing several lanes of traffic and striking the tractor-trailer has not been reported. Unfortunately, car and truck accidents like this are far too common. While we can only speculate as the cause at this point, it seems that impatience, aggressive driving or distracted driving probably played a role.