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One of the key elements in any Coral Springs personal injury lawsuit is determining what duty the defendant owed to the plaintiff. From there, it can be determined whether that duty was breached and whether that breach was the proximate cause of injury.

In many cases, this is a straightforward matter. For example, a driver has a duty to act with reasonable care. A caretaker has a duty to supervise. A nightclub has a duty to ensure adequate security.

However, some cases present questions of duty that aren’t as well established. The case of England v. Brianas, weighed recently by the New Hampshire Supreme Court, was one such instance.
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When law enforcement officials take any person into custody, they have a duty to ensure their safety and well-being. Whether in the back of a patrol car, a jail cell, or in prison, police officers and agencies can be held liable if that individual suffers an injury as a result of negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm. In a tragic Florida case, a retiree was arrested by police in Key West after a routine traffic stop and died in custody. The case is still under investigation and could lead to a wrongful death claim against the responsible officers and departments.

According to reports, the Michigan man had moved to Key West to spend his retirement years. At only 61-years-of age, his life came to an abrupt end after he was taken into custody by police. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of victims and their families. In the event that you or someone you love suffers an injury at the hands of a negligent or harmful individual or entity, you do have the right to take action. Our firm is committed to raising awareness and to taking legal action to prevent future accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
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On the surface, the issue of liability in a bar room brawl would seemingly be limited to those involved. However, the Florida Supreme Court in Dorsey v. Reider ruled that third parties can be held liable where the plaintiff can show those parties owed the plaintiff a legal duty of care, and that this duty was breached.

As West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers, we know that a criminal assault can leave a victim wounded for life. It’s important in these cases to explore the legal culpability of all potentially negligent parties, and not solely rely on the criminal justice system for the possibility of restitution.

This case started among acquaintances at a neighborhood bar in Pinecrest, and eventually made it all the way to the state supreme court.
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Traumatic injury, including falls, traffic collisions and incidents on the job, as well as infection and other trauma can lead to the devastating reality of limb loss. Amputation may be necessary to stop an infection or to save the patient from future harm. In a recent case, a CBS correspondent was forced to have his left arm amputated after a minor injury endangered his life. His injuries shed light on the trauma of amputation as well as the reality that even minor injuries can have catastrophic results.

According to the Amputee Coalition, there are nearly 2 million Americans living with limb loss. There are 185,000 amputations performed every year in the United States. Victims of amputation suffer both the physical consequences of limb loss, including restricted mobility, but the emotional trauma and a reduction in overall quality of life. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of amputation victims. We understand the long-term consequences faced by our clients. In addition to protecting the interests of our clients, we are committed to raising awareness to prevent catastrophic injury, including loss of limb.
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Prescription drugs can be dangerous in a number of ways. Some drugs have not been properly tested for safety. Other drugs may be deadly when combined with other prescription medications. Patients with some existing medical conditions may be particularly vulnerable when put on a prescription medication. Prescription drug users who are under the influence are another threat to motorists on the road.

With the number of existing and hidden dangers involving prescription medication, safety advocacy groups, government agencies and other medical professionals are urging an overall prescription medication review to prevent accidents and injuries. Our <a href="Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys are dedicated to preventing prescription abuse and ensuring patient safety.

The National Safety Council announced recently that 47 states must improve their existing standards to reduce the number of deaths caused by prescription error. The National Safety Council is a non-profit organization focused on raising awareness of public health issues. In addition to providing insight into dangerous issues and trends, the organization also works to help legislators and other groups through research, education and advocacy.
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Few of those seeking a sunny respite from the monotony of college courses and part-time jobs consider that spring break has a host of potential dangers.

West Palm Beach injury lawyers have learned that our city was ranked 5th in the nation as the most dangerous spring break destination, according to a survey by Avvo.com.

Other Florida cities that made the list include Orlando (No.1), Daytona Beach (No. 2), Panama City (No. 8), Jacksonville (No. 9,), Miami (No. 10). Rounding out the top 20 were Fort Myers (No. 11), Fort Lauderdale (No. 13), Key West (No. 15) and Naples (No. 18).

All total, that’s half of the top 20. Part of that is simply because Florida is a primary spring break destination. The ratings were based on a number of variables, including risks of rapes, murders, fatal car crashes, drowning and overdoses.

A recent story by ABC News indicated that the greatest risk to spring breakers is binge drinking. It’s hard to separate this from other potential risks, but in and of itself, it can be deadly. Earlier this month, a 20-year-old from Michigan died while celebrating spring break in Panama City. An autopsy revealed alcohol poisoning was the cause of death.

Numerous studies have shown that binge drinking among teenagers and young adults is a major problem. It’s amplified though during spring break because it’s considered part of the experience. You’re SUPPOSED to get drunk and wild and crazy, and many vacationers feel an enormous amount of pressure to engage in that behavior just to fit in. But all too often, it can lead to serious illness, poor decision-making, and sadly, even death.

Binge drinking is described as the rapid consumption of four or five more drinks in a row. It can quickly lead to poisoning. Spring breakers should seek medical attention for a friend if he or she:
–Is unconscious;
–Has breathed less than eight times a minute;
–Has uncontrolled vomiting;
–Has skin that looks pale or blue-tinged;
–Is having seizures.

Never just assume someone can sleep it off. Better to be safe and make the phone call.

Another thing you want to avoid is wandering out alone or losing track of your friends. Especially if you’re drinking, you become a vulnerable target for both property crimes and violent crimes.

Avoid this by formulating a plan with your friends before you get to your destination for the night. Pick a location to meet in case you lose one another. Arrive with your friends and leave with your friends.

Also make it a point to keep an eye on your drinks. Drugs like Ketamine, GBH and Rohypnol are frequently used as date rape drugs that are slipped into drinks. Hold your drink the entire time. If you set it down or walk away from it, consider it gone. If you notice your drink tastes or looks funny, toss it and find your friends immediately.

Minimize your risk of theft crimes by keeping your valuables locked in a safe location. Don’t flash cash or valuables in public. Travel in packs to reduce your risk.
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While we welcome the spring breakers who flock to enjoy the warm respite and sandy beaches Florida offers, our Palm Beach County personal injury lawyers also want to make sure all of these vacationers make it back safely.

Sadly in recent years, there has been a spate of deaths attributed to ocean swimmers who drowned in powerful riptide currents.

Riptides are powerful currents of water that flow away from the shore. They can occur at any beach – including the great lakes – but they tend to be prevalent in Florida.

The U.S. Lifesaving Association reports that more than 100 people die each year due to riptides. About 80 percent of the rescues performed by beach lifeguards are attributed to riptides. Last year, the National Weather Service extended public warnings to beach goers after numerous deaths were reported in a single month.

Among those incidents:

A 14-year-old swimming with friends in New Smyrna Beach was swept away by a current. His body was recovered the following day. That same day at another beach in Volusia county, a 66-year-old man was caught in a riptide. Rescuers were able to reach him, but he lost consciousness as the rescue was taking place. He never recovered.

The weekend before that, a 42-year-old woman was killed while trying to rescue her daughter and the girl’s two friends who had been caught in a rip tide. The girl’s father was able to save the three youngsters, but her mother had lost consciousness by the time rescuers arrived. She died at a hospital several days later.

That same day in Pensacola, a 23-year-old man from Mississippi drowned after being caught in a riptide.

The counties of Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Volusia frequently are at high risk for riptide currents.

They can sweep up even good swimmers, but non-swimmers or weak swimmers are particularly at risk. The primary reason people drown in riptides isn’t because they are dragged underwater, but rather because they are afraid, they panic and they quickly become exhausted (or they can’t swim well).

Panic is understandable, but it will do nothing to serve you in this situation. Do your best to stay calm.

Remember that riptides run horizontally and pull you away from shore. It’s best not to fight the current but to calmly tread water until you can get out of the current and/or draw attention to yourself by facing the shore, waving your hands and shouting.

Swimming at beaches with lifeguards can help to significantly reduce your risk. You can also check the weather reports to see whether the beach where you’re swimming is at risk.

If you can’t swim, don’t go too far into the water and don’t go alone. Same goes if you are intoxicated. You will have less mental stamina and physical energy to react if you are caught in a riptide.

If you are at the beach and you notice someone is in trouble, it is best not to go in yourself and try to save them. Many, many people have died this way. First, you should alert a lifeguard. If none is on duty, call 911. If you are able, throw them something that floats, which should increase their chances of survival by allowing them to stay above water until help can arrive.
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