South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

A young Florida boy lost both his father and grandmother earlier this month in a horrific crash just a few hours north of Naples.

The Tampa Bay Times reported the 6-year-old survived the tragedy, in which his relatives drowned after the family's sport utility vehicle rolled over into a canal.

As the water flooded into the vehicle, the child was pulled to safety. He then watched, desperate and helpless, as the vehicle sunk, two of those closest to him inside.

While investigators continue to try to learn what happened, this devastating accident spotlights how critical it is for motorists in South Florida and throughout the state to drive with the utmost caution around our many bodies of water.

Pristine beaches and serene waterways are a magnet not just for tourists, but for the millions of people who call Florida home.

But our Naples car accident attorneys know that like most aspects of nature, behind that beauty are hidden dangers, particularly for auto travelers.

As Florida is a peninsula, it is surrounded by water. But in addition to the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, Florida drivers must be cautious when navigating in areas with nearby lakes and intertwining canals. In South Florida, for example, the city of Cape Coral has more than 400 miles of inland canals, which have been the site of a number of submerged vehicle accidents - too many of those with deadly consequences.

The tragic case out of North Florida illustrates why drivers must use extreme caution.

According to the Times, the boy's grandmother was driving northbound on Shoal Line Boulevard when she began to drift to along the shoulder. Troopers say she over-corrected, crossed into the south lane and plunged into a nearby canal, where it became overturned and sunk.

After emergency crews pulled the child safely from the wreckage, they tried to save his father and grandmother. Sadly, they did not survive.

The newspaper reported the boy's mother is in prison, so his 26-year-old brother assumed custody of him.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that when motorists crash into water, panic quickly sets in. But it's important to keep your cool.

Our South Florida car accident attorneys urge you to heed the following tips to improve your chance for survival in a submerged vehicle:

--Always wear your seat belt. This will ensure that you will be kept in place during the initial impact. Some people worry they will not be able to free themselves from the seat belt if they crash into water. But this isn't true. Further, not wearing your seat belt puts you at risk for head injuries. If you lose consciousness, you can't help yourself or your passengers.

--Try not to panic.

--Unbuckle your seat belt.

--Check on your other passengers, and unbuckle them too.

--If the vehicle is sinking slowly, roll down the window. You should be able to crawl out the window and swim to safety.

--If you are sinking rapidly, you need to wait for the water pressure inside the vehicle to equalize. Stay calm. Allow the vehicle fill with water. Take off your shoes and any other bulky clothing items. When the water is half way up the window, begin rolling down the window. When the water begins to rush in, try your best to stay in the air pocket at the top off the car. Then take a breath of air and swim to safety.

--Keep a hammer in your vehicle. If you have electronic windows, you may not be able to roll them down. Having this tool within reach could be your best option for survival. It probably won't work on the front windshield, but it may work on the back or side windows. Swing at the bottom of the window, and push out.

Continue reading "Two Die When Car Crashes Into Florida Canal; Learn How to Improve Your Changes for Survival in a Sinking Car" »

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is here to protect consumers from unreasonable risks of death or injury in Boca Raton from defective products, many of which can be found in your own home.

Many of these injuries are caused by defective products that pose threats of mechanical, electrical or even chemical hazards. They also include children's products. Common defective products include include cribs, toys, cigarette lighters, power tools, household products and chemicals and so much more. The CPSC contends that its efforts have contributed to a 30 percent decrease in the death and injury rate that is associated with consumer products over the last 30 years.

Our Boca Raton defective products attorneys understand that many common household items wind up on the CPSC's recall list every month. It's important for parents and consumers to check this list periodically. Many injuries and deaths can be prevented with proper updates and consumer knowledge.

Our law firm is here to get you started on the road to a safer household. We are here to share some of the latest safety recalls with you.

ANTILOP High Chairs High Chairs Recalled by IKEA:

The chairs are currently being voluntarily recalled. There were nearly 200,000 sold from IKEA stores in the U.S. and in Canada. The chair's restraint buckle can unexpectedly open and children can fall from the seat. There have been nearly 8 reports of accidents already. Injuries have been reported as well. These chairs were sold in white, blue and red. Model numbers include 701.467.92, 501.467.93 and 300.697.24. The items were sold at IKEA stores from August of 2006 to January of 2010. If you have one of these chairs, contact IKEA for a replacement restraint.

LED Flashlight Sets Recalled by Target:

These flashlights have been recalled because the flash lights can heat up, smoke or melt when turned on. This poses both a burn and a fire hazard. There were nearly 60,000 sold from Target stores in the U.S. from October of 2010 until December of 2011. Incident and injury reports have already been received for this product. The UPC code is 490021010049, which is located on the back of the light's package. If you have one of these lights, take it back to Target for a full refund.

Children's Chairs and Stools Recalled by Elegant Gifts Mart:

The chairs and stools are currently a part of a voluntary recall because the yellow paint on the metal frame violates the Lead Paint Standard. Nearly 2,000 chairs and about 1,500 stools were sold at 1 to Seven stores in Puerto Rico from September of 2010 through June of 2011. Item numbers involved in the recall include JCA8036 and JCA8037. If you have one of these products, take it to any 1 to Seven store in or contact Elegant Gifts Mart for a full refund.

Please check out the CPSC's recall list periodically throughout the year to help to avoid any unnecessary injuries.

Continue reading "CPSC's Recall List Updated to Help Prevent Injuries in Boca Raton and Elsewhere" »

As the holiday season gets underway, shoppers will be heading out to snag some deals to wrap up and put under the Christmas tree this year. We urge consumers to check out the latest safety recall list from the Consumer Product Safety Commission before purchasing goods for your friends and family. Many common products and gifts can be hazardous and result in child injury in Boca Raton.

Our Boca Raton child injury attorneys continue to emphasize defective products and injuries as we head into the holiday season. We urge consumers to check the CPSC recall list often to ensure you provide your family with safe gifts. Here are some of the latest child product recalls. You're urged to visit the Commission's website to view the entire list.

All-Terrain Vehicle by Arctic Cat

Manufacturers have discovered that nearly 1,500 of its ATVs are dangerous for children because the steering tie-rod can bend and cause the driver to lose control. Incidents have already been reported. The recalls include all 2011 Arctic Cat XC 450 ATVs and some 2012 Arctic Cat XC 450 ATVs. The 2012 models that have been recalled include the VIN number of 700101 through 700230 and 6V0101 through 6V0178. These numbers are located under the front bumper. They were sold at Arctic Cat dealerships since February of 2011. They cost between $6,500 and $6,900.

Wind Tech Jackets by Boy Scouts of America:

These jackets have been recalled because they pose a strangulation hazard to children. More than 5,000 have already been sold. Their retractable cords have been deemed dangerous. These jackets were sold in children's sizes and are nylon with a polyester lining. They're long-sleeve with a full zipper front and a Cub Scout emblem on the upper left chest area. The SKU numbers of the affected jackets are 73291, 73292 and 73293. These numbers are located on the hangtag that are attached to the jacket at retail. They were sold at Boy Scouts of America store and on its website from November of 2009 to July of 2011. They were sold for about $32.

Drop-Side Cribs by Dutailier Group Recalls

More than 400 cribs have been recalled because the drop side can come loose from the rails and create an unsafe area between slats. Infants can get caught in this space, causing a strangulation and suffocation hazard. This malfunction can also cause a child to fall from the crib. Part numbers that fall under this recall are E9100C2, E9000C2, E5530C2, E5140C2, E5100C2, E3540C2, E3500C2, E1230C2. The cribs were sold at children stores from January of 2009 to February of 2010. They cost anywhere from $425 to $775.

Magnetic Sketchboards by Battat

Battat has recalled its Toulouse-LapTrec magnetic sketchboards. There were nearly 100,000 sold in the U.S. and another 4,300 in Canada. The tip on the pen can detach and serve as a choking hazard for small children. Nearly 20 incidents have been reported. The models under the recall are BX1027 and BX1026. The items were sold in Target stores around the country from March of 2010 to March of 2011. They were sold for about $16.

Consumers are urged to visit the CPSC's recall list frequently. It's especially important that you do so before hitting the stores for your holiday shopping. Knowledge pertaining to recalls can help to prevent a needless injury.

Continue reading "Check the CPSC Recall List before Holiday Shopping to Prevent Child Injury in Boca Raton" »

School can be a dangerous. Every day, there are students and teachers injured from accidents at school in Palm Beach.

A new campaign from Palm Beach County school officials, called "Safety Matters," is trying to reduce the risks of these accidents. Through the campaign, school officials are urging educators to perform regular fire drills and playground inspections -- it also seeks to report all accidents, according to the Sun Sentinel.

Schools report that they don't provide compensation for claims that can't prove that the school's negligent behavior caused the accident. Parents across the county are concerned for their child's safety and want to be ensured that their student is learning in a safe environment.

"Parents have said, 'If it leaves a mark, I probably need to know about it,'" said Linda King, the risk and safety manager for the school district.

Our Palm Beach child injury lawyers understand that parents expect school teachers and administrators to provide a safe learning environment for their children. Educators should be trained in not only how to prevent school-related injuries, but also how to effectively handle them should one occur. The new campaign was launched after local schools reported an increase in the number of campus injuries from the previous school year.

The most school accidents ever were reported in 2010. These accident reports are now kept on an online system, whereas before they were kept on paper and filed away unless they were needed to file legal claims.

An accident can happen anywhere. There are ways teachers can help keep students and themselves injury free. Floors should be free of debris and trip hazards, sharp objects should be removed from the classrooms and all children should be supervised at all times.

Recently, the Sun Sentinel looked through the student accident reports and workers' compensation information from eight schools from 2010 and 2011.

Accident reports at local schools:

-J.C. Mitchell Elementary School: Nearly 130 accidents.

-Boca Raton Middle School: 70 accidents.

-West Boca Raton High School: 60 accidents.

-Eagles Landing Middle School west of Boca Raton: More than 20 workers' compensation claims.

In the 2010 and 2011 school year, the school district spent nearly $15 million on workers' compensation claims. Student-related accidents resulted in 170 insurance claims during the same year. This is seven more than the previous school year. The school district has roughly 174,000 students.

Accidents involving students don't always result in a compensation payout, according to King. The school district will only provide compensation for the accident if it can be proven that it happened because of the school's negligence.

There were more than 40 schools built in the area since 2000 and another 50 modernized since then. Many of these buildings reported safety violations. However, reports indicate these violations have dropped by nearly 95 percent.

Continue reading "Officials Report Increase in School-Related Accidents in Palm Beach County" »

The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently warned us of the dangers of defective Halloween costumes but the concerns don't stop there for parents, guardians or caretakers this time of year. The holidays are fast approaching and soon it will be time to start thinking about what gifts and toys to buy for our little ones this holiday season.

Several recent CPSC toy recalls have been a reminder of just how many dangerous toys are on the market nowadays and that several can cause a severe injury to children in Bonita Springs, Lehigh Acres, Cape Coral or elsewhere in Florida.

Boca Raton defective toy product attorneys know that manufacturers have a responsibility to test and certify toys and children's products that are being put on the market for retail and when they don't comply with federal standards it can be downright deadly for a child. Children are most at risk of choking accidents but can also be subject to falls, fractures, bruising, burns, suffocation and poisoning.

In 2008, the CPSC reported 19 deaths related to defective toys for children 14 years-old or younger. The most common causes of toy-related deaths for children in 2008 were from airway obstruction, drowning and incidents on riding toys.

There were over 235,000 toy-related injuries severe enough to be treated in a hospital emergency room in 2008 which was almost 6,000 higher than the 3-year average from 2006-2008. Almost half of injuries treated were to the head and face and 47 percent of injuries were classified as abrasions, contusions or lacerations. Thirty-five percent of the children treated at the hospital were under age 5.

In order to improve child product safety and catch some of the hazards and defects before they get distributed to the market, the CPSC recently announced new third party testing and certification rules.

Manufacturers, labelers and retailers will now be subject to third party testing to ensure children's products meet safety standards prescribed by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. They will also be required to keep up-to-date records on file for testing and certification, and undergo a re-test and re-certify process for any product that changes design, the source of its components or has changes made to the manufacturing process.

Consumers who are purchasing a toy for a young child this holiday season should keep in mind the dangers it could cause to the child's health. To check if a product has been recalled for choking, fall, burn or other hazards, visit Toy Hazard Recalls.

Florida PIRG wants to remind parents, guardians, caretakers or other consumers that there are resources out there to help with holiday toy shopping. Use their interactive smart phone website while you shop to check on a recalled product, get tips about toy shopping or what hazards should be considered before you buy.

Continue reading "Fort Lauderdale Parents Concerned About Dangers of Defective Toys During the Holiday Season" »

Earlier this year, the American Academy of Pediatrics made new recommendations for parents to keep children in rear-facing safety restraints until age two or until they reach the maximum height or weight restrictions designated on the car seat dictated by the manufacturer.

Our Fort Myers injury lawyers know that booster seats and child safety seat restraints are a child's only saving grace in most Naples car accidents involving small children riding in the vehicle. Annual testing for crash protection and perfect fit becomes all that more important in determining which products are the most recommended by the experts and will keep your children injury-free if an accident occurs.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently rated booster seats to help parents whose children have grown past the rear-facing and forward-facing car seat phases, feel more at ease for their child's safety while riding in a vehicle.

This year's list is comprised of a record high 31 'best bet' seats which typically range in price from $15 to several hundred dollars. A child booster seat is classified as a 'best bet' when the seat belt fits appropriately in any car, SUV or minivan for a child between the ages of 4 and 8 years-old. Five seats were added to the list as 'good bets' and six others were not recommended at all.

Booster seat ratings began in 2008, deeming only 10 'best bets' that year. Last year, 21 seats were classified as a 'best bet'. Seats were rated on belt fit, not how they performed in a crash test. Booster seat manufacturers have begun using the Institute's test protocols to update and improve the design which has had an impact on rating the last few years.

In order to evaluate, a test dummy representing the height and weight of a 6 year-old is used. Engineers measure how the shoulder restraint and lap belt fit the dummy in each seat. The lap belt should be positioned on a child's upper thigh while lying flat across the leg. The shoulder strap should lie across a child's shoulder. When positioning is too high or too low it usually translates to a child moving it behind their head or below their arm because it is uncomfortable to leave it in its current position.

Some parents like the advantage of purchasing a dual-use booster. However, parents need to be careful because some dual-use seats are rated 'best bets' in one mode but when you change it over to the other mode it isn't rated as high. For example, the Evenflo Big Kid Sport is rated 'best bet' for the backless mode but receives a 'check fit' rating for the highback mode. The Harmony Dreamtime is the only dual-use seat on the market that received a 'best bet' rating for both modes. The Combi Kobuk Air Thur received a 'good bet' rating for both the backless and highback modes.

Consumers are urged to check model numbers and manufacture dates when using the Institute's ratings because some booster seats are redesigned or refurbished and use the same name but aren't rated the same as before after the changes are made.

If you need to review child restraint seats matched up to the recommended age and weight requirements, visit Healthy Children online for more information.

Continue reading ""Best Fit" Rating Doesn't Measure Crash Protection in Fort Myers Car Accidents Injuring Small Children" »

State officials recently conducted school bus safety week October 17-21 as a reminder to motorists to use extra caution during morning and afternoon commutes to avoid a collision causing serious injuries from a school bus accident in Fort Myers.

A recent bus accident in St. Johns County is an example of how morning commutes can be tricky and sometimes difficult to see a stopped school bus. Motorists need to avoid distractions so that every bit of focus can be placed on the roadway and other vehicles. First Coast News reports 13 elementary students were delayed getting to school when a Honda Accord hit their school bus from behind.

The school bus was idle with lights flashing and stop arm stretched while picking up children when the driver in the Accord failed to see the bus due to sun glare. The driver attempted to swerve at the last minute which could have made the accident potentially more dangerous but instead hit the rear of the bus where his vehicle became wedged under the back end. The bus driver had to be taken to an area hospital, but no children were hurt in the accident. The driver of the vehicle was cited for careless driving.

Boca Raton school bus accident attorneys know how easy it is to get distracted during commutes to and from work but as traffic congestion begins to pick up with holiday shopping and tourist season right around the corner, motorists need to stay attentive. A collision with a school bus or other passenger vehicle can be harmful to small children and put several people at risk of injury.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that school buses are illegally passed by Florida motorists almost 2 million times annually and roughly 8,900 illegal pass-by's occur daily. Knowing when it is permissible to pass can reduce the risk of injury for children getting on and off the bus.

The Stop on Red, Kids Ahead campaign is meant to create awareness and educate motorists of the law when approaching a school bus. Florida law requires that all drivers must stop when approaching a school bus from behind or head-on when the bus has flashing lights and has the stop arm extended. The moving violation will result in the following penalties:
-Left hand pass: $165 penalty for the first offense. Any other offense within five years will result in $165 fine plus loss of driver's license for 3 to 6 months.
-Right hand pass: A penalty of $265 will be assessed for a first offense and subsequent offenses within the next 5 years. A second or subsequent offense will also require a mandatory hearing and be subject to license suspension for a minimum of 6 months up to a year.
-Violators will be required to take a driver improvement course within 90 days of receiving notice or risk having their driver's license canceled.
-Any motorists making an illegal pass on the right or left will have four points added to their license. Stiffer points will be assessed for multiple violations within 3 years of committing the first offense.

Motorists are reminded of a few common sense safety tips while driving when school is in session. Always be watchful for children, bicyclists or pedestrians in school zones. Be mindful that school zones have lower travel speeds. Never pass another vehicle in a school zone or crosswalk. Finally, never talk or text or allow other distractions to affect your driving in a school zone or otherwise congested area.

Visit online for a variety of helpful resources or a School Bus Safety Week Toolkit.

Continue reading "School Bus Stop Arms and Flashing Lights an Indicator to Stop or Risk Child Injuries in Fort Myers School Bus Accidents" »

Halloween is right around the corner and our Boca Raton child injury attorneys and the Boca Raton Police Services Department are here to share some important tips with you and your little trick-or-treater to help reduce the risks of accidents.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you child is about four times more likely to be injured on Halloween night than during any other holiday night of the year. Children can be involved in traffic-related pedestrian accidents in Boca Raton, they can be abducted by strangers, they can consume dangerous candy that has been tampered with, or they can be injured by trip and fall hazards.

"Kids can be safe trick or treating this season by following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines," said Dr. Andre Creese, of the Lawnwood Regional Medical Center.

Boca Raton Police Services Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer these safety tips:

Trick-or-Treating:

-Wear brightly-colored clothing, wear reflective tape or carry a flashlight to help make sure motorists see you.

-Plan a route. Chose a trick-or-treating path that is away from busy traffic and that has sidewalks and crosswalks

-Only approach houses that are well-lit.

-Never enter a stranger's house. Accept all candy at the door.

-Make sure that all costumes are equipped with comfortable shoes. Make sure costumes are short enough to prevent a trip and fall hazard.

-Make sure everyone's fed before heading out to prevent snacking on candy before it's been examined by an adult.

-Consider using face makeup instead of a mask. Masks obstruct your line of vision.

-Don't walk through people's yards. Be respectful.

Halloween at Home:

-Before trick-or-treaters come knocking, make sure that sidewalks, driveways and front porches have been cleared of trip and fall hazards.

-Make sure all of your exterior house lights are on and working.

-Restrain all pets. Children are oftentimes intimidated by animals.

-Never leave candles or lit jack-o-lanterns unattended.

-Consider handing out healthy treats or non-food items like spider rings, toothbrushes, bubbles, etc.

-Make sure all wet surfaces are wiped up and yard debris is clear from walkways.

-Examine all candy before handing it over to children. Be sure to remove all items that have been opened or look like they've been tampered with.

Halloween on the Roadway:

-Never drink and drive.

-Be extremely cautious for little one roaming through residential areas.

-When dropping off children, do it so that they can exit the vehicle on the side away from passing vehicles.

-Avoid late-night driving.

-Be super careful when pulling into or backing out of your driveway. Children are oftentimes overlooked in the dangerous scenarios.

We would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Halloween and ask that you follow these simple safety tips to help prevent any real scares this year.

Continue reading "Boca Raton Child Injury Risks Skyrocket Halloween Night" »

A recent child pedestrian accident in Boca Raton could have turned fatal, but instead is one of the most miraculous stories of the year for our area.
Sun Sentinel reports that a man was dropping off his 6-year-old grandson at Verde Elementary School when the boy tripped and fell getting out of the vehicle and was hit by an approaching car. The driver of the second vehicle didn't realize what had happened but heard people screaming and horns honking so she stopped immediately. The child's leg had become trapped underneath the vehicle with no leverage to get it out or bend the leg. The grandfather, police and several bystanders lifted the car and pulled the boy out safely. The dashboard camera on the police cruiser captured the events of the rescue on video.

Our Delray Beach injury lawyers know the outcome of this accident could have been far worse. In many cases, a child who is struck by a car incurs severe head injuries, fractures and chest or abdominal injuries among other things. WPBF reports the boy is awake and talking with family members. He was being treated at Delray Medical Center for road rash and a slightly punctured lung, and also underwent surgery to have his ear reattached. The driver who hit the boy is suffering from emotional shock but will not be charged. Police officials state she had a clean driving record prior to the accident.

We posted a "Back to School Safety" series on our South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog recently to alert parents, caregivers, babysitters and others about the dangers of school drop-off zones, school bus accidents and playground injuries while children are on school property. These areas can be a danger to children if they are unaware of safety precautions when they are around large buses and passing traffic.

The Transport Roads & Traffic Authority suggests a 'drop off and pick up' initiative in school zones for school districts to utilize that can help keep children safe. The initiative designates a safe no-parking area that is supervised by an adult who assists children getting into and out of a car and safely to the school building.

The advantages of the program include:

-Designates a specific area for kids to be dropped off and picked up rather than finding a random parking spot somewhere in the vicinity of the school zone area where there is rapid movement and cars coming and going frequently.

-Eases traffic congestion around the school by keeping cars from parking illegally.

-Parents or caregivers don't have to leave small children alone in a vehicle while walking their sibling or other child to the building or classroom.

-Encourages safe passenger behaviors by parents and children, as well as road safety precautions.

Continue reading "Boca Raton 1st-Grader Saved in Pedestrian Accident at School Drop-Off Area" »

Children are never too young to start learning about safety habits to practice when riding in a vehicle, playing around vehicles, riding the school bus or walking as a pedestrian. Teaching your child early safety skills will help to reduce their risks of experiencing an accident that results in child injury in Boca Raton or elsewhere. In an attempt to encourage parents to get their little ones involved, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has teamed up with Chuggington, an animated series, to help spread the word of safe traveling habits among children ages 2- to 7-years-old.

The child safety campaign includes a kid-focused safety pledge, downloadable tips and activities for parents to use with their children and an exciting video series for the young ones to watch.

Our West Palm Beach child injury lawyers understand that motor-vehicle accidents continue to be the number one cause of death for children that are 14-years-old and younger. In this age group, more than 1,300 were killed and another 179,000 were injured in 2009 because of traffic-related accidents. In 2007, there were nearly 300 pedestrian fatalities in this young age group. Another 115,000 of these young pedestrians were injured in traffic-related accident. The NHTSA and Chuggington are hoping that the new series will help to reduce the risks of these kinds of accidents.

The characters in this exciting and educational series will be learning new safety habits on every episode. When they've mastered one of these safety habits, they'll receive badges as rewards for safe behavior. The show will also be pushing the "Think Safe, Ride Safe, Be Safe!" pledge. This pledge is used to teach children to do as it says. Creators of the show hope that young viewers will be excited to learn about these safety rules and hope that they will interact with the characters on the show so that they can earn their very own Chuggington Traffic Safety badges.

This announcement was released to coincide with National Child Passenger Safety Week. This week-long campaign was used to get parents out to a local child seat inspection locations to ensure that they child's car seat is installed properly. It is estimated that more than 70 percent of child seats in the vehicles on U.S. roadways are improperly installed.

Child seats have been proven in a number of studies to have the ability to help reduce the risk of injury and death for children when the seats and the child are properly buckled in. The trick is getting parents to make sure that they're properly using these devices.

There were nearly 100 children under the age of 15 that were killed in Florida as a result of a traffic-related accident. With the proper knowledge, practiced by children, parents and motorists, we can all aim to reduce the risks of injury for these young ones.

Continue reading "NHTSA and Chuggington Team up to Reduce Risks of Child Injury in Boca Raton and Elsewhere" »

Two women recently pled guilty to charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child after leaving a child in a car seat in a day care van last summer. The two former workers of a child day care center in Delray Beach were sentenced to 10 years of probation even though they both faced 30 years behind bars if they were convicted of injuring a child in Delray Beach, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

The 2-year-old child was left in a day care van in the summer heat for about seven hours. The parents of the little girl say that the punishment wasn't nearly enough for the crime they committed.

Our Fort Lauderdale child injury attorneys understand the dangers that children face during the summertime. During summers in Florida, temperatures in vehicle can quickly reach 140 degrees even if someone leaves a window cracked. A child that is left in a vehicle faces an extremely high risk for hyperthermia because their little bodies can't handle the rapid spike in temperature.

In the state of Florida, it's illegal to leave a child that is under the age of 6 in a motor vehicle for more than 15 minutes. Parents are urged to completely avoid leaving their child in a vehicle for any amount of time.

A number of children were removed from the van during the time that the 2-year-old was left behind back in August of last year. The driver signed the day care's transportation log and turned it in to the center.

The director of the day care signed off on the log without every checking the vehicle to confirm that all of the children had made it out safely. The director also signed off on 2 attendance logs and a log that said the little girl was served lunch that day.

Florida state law says that two employees have to visually inspect a day care center van whenever a child enters or exits a vehicle. They're also required to keep a log of all passengers.

Later on in the day, when the van was used to transport children home, one of the passengers noticed the child's body still sitting in the safety seat. Emergency responders pronounced the little girl dead at the scene.

The cause of death was reported as systemic hyperthermia from being left in a sweltering hot vehicle.

According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, there are usually two different scenarios in which a parent or a guardian leaves a child in a vehicle. One is with the intention of quickly returning or two, forgetting that the child is even in the car.

Here are some tips to help you prevent leaving a child in the vehicle:

-You should always turn around and visually check your back seat before exiting whenever you have a child that uses a car seat.

-You should always ask that day care centers and caregivers call you if you child isn't dropped off on time.

-You should avoid distractions such as cell phones and text messages while you're in your vehicle.

-You should always put an important item in the back seat of your vehicle, like a briefcase of a purse, so that you're required to open the back door before you can leave your vehicle.

-You should never leave a small child unattended in a vehicle, not matter how short of a time period it may be.

-If you notice that your child is missing, always check your car first.

-Try to use pay-at-the-pump services when getting gas for your vehicle.

Jan Null from the Department of Geosciences of San Francisco State University says that approximately 40 children have died each year since 1998 from hyperthermia after being left in a vehicle.

Continue reading "Two Day Care Employees Sentenced with 10 Years of Probation after Guilty Plea for Charges of Child Abuse in Delray Beach" »

According to Safe Kids USA, August is Back to School Safety Month, so the final blog of our three part "Back to School Safety" series will zero in on playground safety, backpack safety, and warnings signs of a bully looming over your child at recess or during free time at school.

Previous topics we have included in our series are teen and motorist driving safely tips and school bus safety.Naples personal injury attorneys know that school can be a dangerous place for young children, especially if they are left unsupervised. Parents trust teachers, nurses, teaching aides and other professionals in the education industry to keep their children safe while under their watch.

School-related child injuries in Fort Myers and elsewhere occur far too often in varying degrees of severity. In fact, the National School Nurse Partnership Inc. reports that roughly 3.7 million children are injured nationally at school each year.

A fourth of injured children at school are considered severe cases and one in fourteen are in need of medical attention. Many playground injuries go unreported. However, it is estimated that 1 million playground injuries occur each year of which more than 10 percent require a trip to a hospital emergency room.

Approximately 15-20 children die each year from a playground incident.Injuries at school can be caused by something as simple as overloading a child's backpack to falling off the monkey bars to being hit by a bully on the playground. The National Safety Council offers the following tips to parents and children to help reduce injuries than can occur at school.

Backpack Safety Tips:

• Choose a backpack that fits comfortably and is ergonomically designed.


• Use multiple compartments to distribute the weight more evenly.


• Choose your books wisely to avoid overloading. If multiple assignments are due, prioritize to eliminate bringing every book from your locker home with you.


• Wear the backpack with both straps to avoid strain on your shoulder or lower back. Using one strap can affect posture and cause the body to twist and overcompensate when carrying a heavy load.


• Place reflective stickers on the backpack to become more visible at dusk.

• Do not allow children to play on playground surfaces with concrete, grass or dirt surfaces. Wood chips, pea gravel, sand, mulch, rubber mats or shredded tire materials make the surface softer and can cushion a fall.


• Replace any wood or metal seats on swings with a softer material like rubber.


• Make sure there is plenty of space around a swinging area. Don't walk in front, behind or under a swing in motion.


• Slides should contain handrails and steps with good traction.


• Don't send your children to school with clothing that contains drawstrings as cords get caught and is a severe strangulation hazard.


• Avoid seesaws unless they are spring-loaded. Older seesaws require a tire or stopper under the seat to avoid hitting the ground too hard.


• Be careful when you climb. Anything with horizontal steps or that requires climbing while your feet are off the ground is considered a fall hazard.

Parents probably should be more concerned if, at some point, they don't fear their child is being bullied at school. Parents are advised to look for the following warning signs to detect if your child has been physically, verbally, emotionally or sexually bullied at school:

• Cuts, bruises or scratches on the child's arms, legs or face.


• Fear of going back to school.


• Refrains from wanting to do homework.


• Makes excuses that they don't feel well, like a headache and stomach ache, to avoid going to school.


• Notice disturbed sleep patterns or frequent nightmares.A child may fear talking about being bullied at school but looking the other way or choosing to do nothing could put your child in more danger.

Parents should praise their child if they have the courage to speak about it and tell them what to do if the situation arises in the future. If you suspect your child is being bullied, try to ask them non-direct questions and show support by being sympathetic. Report the incident to school authorities immediately.

Continue reading "Child Injuries at School a Concern for Naples Parents as New School Year Approaches" »

Starting on August 22, motorists will be required to slow their speed in front of Seminole Ridge High School twice a day. County workers are to install flashing lights on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road in front of the high school before the doors open for the school year. The warning lights will drop the previously 45 mph speed zone to a new 20 mph school speed limit zone, according to The Palm Beach Post.

These reduced speed limit zones are placed in front of schools and are activated as students arrive each morning and depart each afternoon to reduce the the student's risk of becoming involved in a pedestrian accident in Boca Raton or elsewhere.

Our Boca Raton personal injury attorneys understand that many school zones require reduced speed limits as some are located in areas with a heavy and speedy traffic flow. Many motorists will fly through these areas with no concern for school starting or ending. We need to take all of the precautionary measures to help keep our young students safe this upcoming school year.

"We had a lot of issues with speeders. We've had some close calls," West Boca Principal Mark Stenner said. "We are hopeful this is going to slow things down a bit."

This new speed zone comes after residents throughout the area voiced their concerns to their elected officials. A number of schools throughout the area are now being regulated with the new flashing lights and reduced speed zones after communities joined together to rally against the unsafe roadways.

"It's about the safety of our children," said Burdick, a former School Board member elected to the County Commission in November.

According to Indian Trail Improvement District Board member Ralph Bair, that stretch of road has a history of near-accidents involving students and motor vehicles.

Late last year, a 17-year-old student was struck and injured by one of the school's buses just north of the school as he was crossing Seminole Pratt and Whitney Road. After that incident, friends, family, parents, and elected officials like school board member Marcia Andrews, marched along the road with signs demanding a new speed zone.

"It's certainly better than what we had before," Andrews said of the new speed zone and lights. "We have to make sure we keep it safe for all our students. There is no price tag on a person's life."

Earlier this year, county commissioners asked engineers to study the roads around high schools in the county to see if any others were in need of speed zones, said Deputy County Engineer Tanya McConnell.

The only other high schools that have warranted speed zones for the upcoming year are West Boca Raton High School and John I. Leonard High School in Greenacres.

Seminole Ridge High School is also looking into extending the sidewalk on the east side of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road another 2 miles north to Orange Boulevard to make it safer for students. As of now, the sidewalks only extend only about a third of a mile north of the school to a nearby shopping center.

"There's no place for kids to walk and when it is wet they walk on the road," Bair said.

Continue reading "Local School Revamps School Zone to Help Prevent Pedestrian Accidents in West Palm" »

You may think that sparklers, bottle rockets and small firecrackers are harmless, but according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), they sent about 1,900 consumers to emergency rooms last year during the 30 days surrounding the Fourth of July. That doesn't even count big time fireworks. It was reported that there were about 6,300 fireworks-related injuries in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere in the United States in 2010. The most reported injuries were burns and lacerations to the hands, face and head.

"From purchase to ignition, know how you and your family can stay safe and which fireworks are allowed in your state if fireworks are part of your July 4th celebration," said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. "Never assume that a fireworks device is safe based on its size and never allow young children to play with or light fireworks. By knowing the dangers of all types of fireworks, consumers can prevent tragedies."

Our Boca Raton personal injury attorneys would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July. We ask that every practice extreme caution around fireworks displays during the upcoming holiday weekend. You can help to reduce the risks of injury or death if you take a moment and review the safety tips we've provided for you.

"People will get burned and it's because fireworks are not 100 percent reliable," said Captain Don DeLucia, spokesman for Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. "Some go off horizontally instead of vertically."

Broward Sheriff's Office recommends that you play it safe and go watch a public fireworks display instead of trying to setting off your own. You are asked to refrain from lighting your own fireworks in Florida because many fireworks illegal and dangerous. Currently, the federal government is trying to stop the manufacturing and the sale of illegal fireworks.

In the meantime, here are some firework safety tips:

-Do not allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

-Never put any part of your body directly over a firework while lighting the fuse. Make sure once the firework is lit that you back up to a safe distance.

-Never try to relight a dud. Let it sit for 20 minutes and then soak it in water.

-Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

-Keep water nearby. You should either keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy.

-Light fireworks one at a time. Never combine them.

-Use safety glasses as an added precaution.

-Don't drink and light off fireworks.

-Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

"Anything in the air, anything that explodes is illegal," Scott said. "With the drought, we are going to be stepping up enforcement," said Chase Scott West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio's spokesman.

Yes, fireworks are for sale throughout Florida, but that doesn't mean they're legal. You're not even allowed to use them on your own property unless you have a city permit to shoot off fireworks for the public. You're allowed to use the explosives to scare off birds from a farm or from a fish hatchery and if you're working on a railroad and need to light or clear a path for your train, according the St. Petersburg Times.

"I think what the public needs to understand is that, yes, these things are being sold, but they should be very conscious of the affidavit that they are signing" before they buy, said Deputy County Administrator Verdenia Baker.

Continue reading "Are You Prepared for Fireworks This Fourth of July?" »

Our Boca Raton Injury Lawyers wish you a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend. Please celebrate responsibly, leave the fireworks to the professionals and don't drink and drive.

As the South Florida drought continues, it's possible that fireworks throughout Palm Beach County could be cancelled for Fourth of July weekend, the Palm Beach Post reports, but that doesn't mean people should rush out to light their own fireworks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2008, 7,000 people were injured and seven people died because of fireworks injuries. Children made up nearly half of those injured. Boca Raton child injuries can be scary and dangerous, so please use caution.

The annual fireworks show at the Sunset cove Amphitheater is being threatened by dry conditions throughout the county. According to the Post, the drought index is 550 and the county and other South Florida counties are already under a burn ban. Gov. Rick Scott has put a temporary ban on campfires and put the state under a state of emergency. Fire officials are working to figure out if it's possible to continue with the show despite the conditions.

While fireworks displays can be fun to watch, they should be left to the professionals. And even still, falling debris in fireworks shows can be a hazard. Accidents are perhaps more likely in your backyard. Sparklers burn at more than 1,000 degrees and can catch a person's clothes on fire. Eyes, hands and fingers are the most commonly injured due to fireworks.

Along with staying safe with fireworks, one should be careful on the roads. AAA estimates that nearly 39 million people will be on the roads this Fourth of July weekend, USA Today reports. That leaves open the possibility of car accidents in Boca Raton and throughout South Florida. And these accidents are most likely to be caused by distracted driving, drunk driving and speeding. Driving at night or in bad weather conditions also increase the risk, so be a defensive driver and look out for others who aren't.

Other Fourth of July Safety Topics:

Boca Raton Boating Safety: Florida is the boating capital of the United States with more registered boats than anywhere else. So, please be safe on the water, don't drink and boat and watch out for aggressive boaters.

South Florida swimming pool safety: In 2008, 479 people drowned in Florida and many of them were children. These are preventable deaths as simple supervision can save a life. Looking away or being distracted at a pool for just a few moments can cause tragedy.

Bicycle safety: As the weather gets warmer outside, many Floridians will take to the roads on their bicycles during the holiday weekend. Florida is the deadliest state in the nation for bicycle accidents. These accidents are typically the work of careless drivers, so pay special attention when riding to try to avoid these life-altering incidents.

Continue reading "Boca Raton Injury Lawyers Wish You a Safe and Fun Fourth of July" »