Monthly Archive for September, 2010

1 Dead, 1 Injured in Store Front Crash

Published on September 30, 2010 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

September 24, 2010, West Palm Beach, FL – A September 16 car crash on Okeechobee Boulevard killed one man and seriously injured another. Now police are seeking the driver of an SUV who may have witnessed the fatal collision.

The Palm Beach Post reports that the car accident occurred when a Nissan Altima slammed into the front of The Flooring Giant in West Palm Beach. Two people were ejected from the vehicle, and passenger William Espinoza, 19, of West Palm Beach, died at the scene.

Carlos Arce of Lake Worth, the 17-year-old driver, was listed in critical condition at St. Mary’s Medical Center.

According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, a dark colored SUV was near the Nissan when the car accident occurred. It is unknown whether the SUV was involved in the accident or if the vehicle lost control because of medical or mechanical reasons, but investigators say speed was a factor in the crash.

Ted McQueen, who works at the Avis next to The Flooring Giant, said speeding is a major problem on Okeechobee Boulevard.

“All day long they’re speeding down this street,” McQueen told WPTV.com.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2008 Florida Crash Statistics, there were 2,978 fatalities as a result of car accidents in Florida. 

As a service to the residents of South Florida, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in South Florida that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities. 

Common accidents include, but are not limited to: 

  • single-car accidents;
  • accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
  • accidents caused by aggressive driving or distracted drivers. 

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim’s family member or friend and would like the blog removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request. 

24/7 Injury Law, a law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless one of our trained personal injury lawyers wins your case. Call now to schedule a no-cost evaluation of your case – 888-984-4878.

12-Year-Old Girl Struck By Car in Greenacres

Published on September 30, 2010 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

September 24, 2010, Greenacres, FL – A 12-year-old girl from Greenacres is in serious condition at Delray Medical Center after being struck by a car as she exited a school bus on September 16.

“She just ran across the street without looking or anything,” one driver told WPTV.com.

The child, identified as Amy Bernard, is a student at L.C. Swain Middle School in Greenacres, The Palm Beach Post reported.

According to Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Spokeswoman Teri Barbera, Bernard was dropped off near Nottingham Road and Sherwood Forest Boulevard. As she and 2 other students were walking home, she tried to cross Sherwood and was struck by a northbound Mercedes-Benz.

“I think she’s going to be OK,” the child’s father, Frank Bernard, told WPBF.com. “I hope so.”

Barbera said the driver of the Mercedes would not face charges.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2008 Florida Crash Statistics, there were 2,978 fatalities as a result of car accidents in Florida. 

As a service to the residents of South Florida, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in South Florida that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities. 

Common accidents include, but are not limited to: 

  • single-car accidents;
  • accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
  • accidents caused by aggressive driving or distracted drivers. 

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim’s family member or friend and would like the blog removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request. 

24/7 Injury Law, a law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless one of our trained personal injury lawyers wins your case. Call now to schedule a no-cost evaluation of your case – 888-984-4878.

Boynton Beach Car Accident Kills Man Riding 3-Wheeler

Published on September 30, 2010 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments Tags: .

September 24, 2010, Boynton Beach, FL – A Palm Springs man riding a motorized 3-wheeler on Boynton Beach Boulevard was fatally struck by a Volkswagen Jetta on Sept. 19, according to The Palm Beach Post.

The victim, 24-year-old Joshua Andrew Warren, initially was riding the 3-wheeler on the sidewalk in Boynton Beach. Later, he veered into eastbound traffic in the 1200 block of Boynton Beach Boulevard, where the Jetta struck him head-on around 6 p.m.

The driver of the Jetta, 36-year-old Suzanne Finnen of Deerfield Beach, was not injured.

The accident shut down Boynton Beach Boulevard from Old Boynton Road to the Leisureville community.

“At this point in the investigation there are no indications of any criminal charges,” police spokeswoman Stephanie Slater told The Palm Beach Post.  “However, the investigation is still ongoing.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2008 Florida Crash Statistics, there were 2,978 fatalities as a result of car accidents in Florida. 

As a service to the residents of South Florida, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in South Florida that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities. 

Common accidents include, but are not limited to: 

  • single-car accidents;
  • accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
  • accidents caused by aggressive driving or distracted drivers. 

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim’s family member or friend and would like the blog removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request. 

24/7 Injury Law, a law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless one of our trained personal injury lawyers wins your case. Call now to schedule a no-cost evaluation of your case – 888-984-4878.

Bed Sores can be Fatal

Published on September 30, 2010 in Wrongful Death Lawsuits. 0 Comments Tags: .

If you have never seen a bed sore, you might think it’s just a sore, but it’s not. In fact, bed sores can be fatal, prompting a wrongful death claim against a Florida nursing home. Also known as decubitus ulcers and pressure ulcers, bed sores are caused by immobility in bed-ridden patients and those who rely heavily on wheelchairs. 

Bed sores can range from Stage 1 to Stage 4, with Stage 4 being the worst. They develop when pressure cuts off circulation to certain body parts. For example, if a patient has been lying on their back for an extended period of time, bed sores could develop in the sacral and coccyx areas. Symptoms range from redness and swelling to loss of skin and damage to muscle, bone, tendons and joints. 

Common Causes of Bed Sores 

A few of the most common causes of bed sores include: 

  • failure of nursing home staff to turn and reposition residents every 2 hours;
  • failure to clean incontinent patients regularly; and
  • sheer force caused by nursing home residents sliding down in a bed or chair. 

Statistics verify that bed sores have been listed as the cause of death in about 8% of paraplegics. Additionally, about 1/3 of patients with bed sores die while still being hospitalized. 

If your loved one has died because of nursing home abuse, you could be entitled to compensation for more than just medical expenses. A Florida wrongful death lawyer can look at the specifics of your case and explain all of your legal options, including the possibility of seeking compensation in a Florida wrongful death claim.   

24/7 Injury Law, a law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless one of our trained wrongful death lawyers wins your case. Call now to schedule a no-cost evaluation of your case – 888-984-4878.

Recent Florida DUI Crashes Highlight Danger of Drinking and Driving

Published on September 17, 2010 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments

September 16, 2010 – West Palm Beach, FL – Royal Palm Beach resident Jennifer Lee Dunn was charged with DUI along with property damage and child neglect after her 2002 Oldsmobile Alero crashed into another vehicle at State Road 7 and Pioneer Rood around 9 p.m. on Sept. 5. 

Sun Sentinel reports that Dunn’s 6-year-old daughter was not harmed in the crash, nor was the other driver, Edward Rodriguez, 58. Dunn was arrested and later left jail on supervised release. 

Two other Florida parents who received DUI charges during the Labor Day weekend also had children in their vehicles. 

An even more sobering account of recent DUI-related crashes involves the death of Samuel Gargir, 18, who died in a DUI crash on Aug. 27. His friend, Roee Chai Ben-Amor, 18, of Hollywood, was driving at the time of the crash and was charged this week with 3 counts of DUI. 

CBS4.com reports that Ben-Amor lost control of his Kia Optima at about 3:15 a.m. while driving on the I-595 west exit to State Route 7 in David. His vehicle ran off the highway, hit a pole and exploded in flames. 

DUI accidents can lead to severe injuries, including long-term hospitalization or even death. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2008 Florida Crash Statistics, there were 2,978 fatalities as a result of car accidents in Florida. 

As a service to the residents of South Florida, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in South Florida that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities. 

Common accidents include, but are not limited to: 

  • single-car accidents;
  • accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
  • accidents caused by aggressive driving or distracted drivers. 

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim’s family member or friend and would like the blog removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.

Common Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury

Published on September 17, 2010 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments

The kinds of symptoms experienced from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) vary from person to person and will depend on the extent of the damage to the brain. Traumatic brain injuries may be classified as mild, moderate or severe.  

Some of the common symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury include the following: 

  • headache;
  • lightheadedness;
  • dizziness;
  • blurred vision;
  • ringing in the ears;
  • fatigue;
  • mood swings;
  • memory problems; and  
  • change in sleep patterns. 

After you’ve suffered a mild traumatic brain injury, you may remain conscious or even lose consciousness for a couple of minutes. If your brain injury is severe, the TBI symptoms may be more drastic.  

TBI symptoms for moderate to severe injury include: 

  • constant headache;
  • incessant vomiting or nausea;
  • seizures;
  • dilation of the pupils;
  • slurred speech;
  • loss of coordination;
  • extreme lethargy; and
  • numbness.  

Not all jolts or blows to the head will result in a traumatic brain injury. But if you have been recently hurt, whether in a fall, car accident or even sports activity, and you are experiencing TBI symptoms, you’ll want to seek immediate medical attention.  

A traumatic brain injury typically results from a serious accident, which can lead to disability or even death. If someone else is at fault for your injuries, you should consult a Palm Beach personal injury attorney who can explain your options, including the right to seek compensation for your injuries. 

Getting the Help of a Palm Beach Personal Injury Attorney 

A traumatic brain injury can be devastating for you and your family, and sometimes coping with life afterwards may prove to be difficult. If you suffered a traumatic brain injury in a serious accident caused by someone else’s fault in Florida, you should not hesitate to contact a Palm Beach personal injury attorney. A Palm Beach personal injury attorney from 24/7 Injury Law can offer guidance and legal representation for residents across South Florida. For a no-cost consultation concerning your personal injury case, contact us today – 888-984-4878

Miami Heat Dancer Killed in Motorcycle Accident on Sunrise Boulevard

Published on September 16, 2010 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments

September 16, 2010 – West Palm Beach, FL – A newly-hired Miami Heat dancer was struck and killed in a motorcycle accident on Sunrise Boulevard, while she was riding home from dance practice on Friday, Sept. 10. 

The Sun Sentinel reports that the victim, Nancy Lopez-Ruiz, 22, of Plantation, was traveling west on her 2003 Suzuki GSX R around 9:30 p.m. when the motorcycle accident occurred.  

Mario Careaga, of Ft. Lauderdale, was driving his 2009 Mercedes-Benz behind Lopez-Ruiz on East Sunrise Boulevard when at some point, his car hit the median, and then struck the dancer’s motorcycle from behind. This caused Lopez-Ruiz to be knocked off the motorcycle. Lopez-Ruiz died at the scene. 

Police are still investigating the accident, and are awaiting toxicology results from the blood samples collected from Careaga. 

Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade expressed his condolences to the dancer’s family from his Twitter account, “RIP [to] Heat dancer Nancy Lopez-Ruiz … Everyone pray for her family as they go through this hard time.” 

Lopez-Ruiz was born in Nicaragua and immigrated to the United States as an infant. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2008 Florida Crash Statistics, there were 2,978 fatalities as a result of car accidents in Florida. 

As a service to the residents of South Florida, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in South Florida that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities. 

Common accidents include, but are not limited to: 

  • single-car accidents;
  • accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
  • accidents caused by aggressive driving or distracted drivers. 

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim’s family member or friend and would like the blog removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.

Delivery Truck Hits, Kills 8-Year-Old Boy in Greenacres Accident

Published on September 16, 2010 in Car Accidents. 0 Comments

September 16, 2010 – Greenacres, FL – An 8-year-old boy died tragically after he was struck by a delivery truck on the afternoon of Sept 8. 

The Sun Sentinel reports that the fatal accident took place at the intersection of Jog Road and 13th Street at approximately 2:30 p.m. The victim was reportedly bicycling home from school with his father when the accident occurred. 

According to Michael Porath, public safety department captain, the boy and his father were traveling south on a Jog Road sidewalk when the delivery truck struck the boy. 

Though police would not confirm the identity of the child bicycle accident victim, Rodrigo Ortegon, who claimed to be the victim’s father’s employer, identified the boy as Elian Rojas to reporters and said he attended Pine Grove Elementary School. 

While Palm Beach County School District spokesman Neil Harrington would not confirm if Rojas was the victim or if the child attended Pine Grove, he did say grief counselors would be available the following day. 

Police are investigating the fatal child bicycle accident. At this time, there are no reports of charges. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2008 Florida Crash Statistics, there were 2,978 fatalities as a result of car accidents in Florida. 

As a service to the residents of South Florida, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in South Florida that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities. 

Common accidents include, but are not limited to: 

  • single-car accidents;
  • accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
  • accidents caused by aggressive driving or distracted drivers. 

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim’s family member or friend and would like the blog removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.

Bicyclist Hospitalized After West Palm Beach Accident

Published on September 11, 2010 in Catastrophic Injuries. 0 Comments

September 10, 2010 – West Palm Beach, FL – An early morning bicycle ride turned tragic last Thursday after a vehicle struck a bicyclist in a West Palm Beach suburb. 

The Palm Beach Post reports that the bicycle accident occurred just before sunrise, around 5:50 a.m. on Roebuck Road, just east of Haverhill Road. The information was based on dispatch records from the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Department. 

The bicyclist, who has not yet been named, was taken to a local hospital. Reports did not indicate whether the driver, who also was unidentified, was hospitalized. 

Sherriff’s investigators were called to the scene, which briefly blocked traffic in the area. Within 40 minutes, the roadway was once again clear. Further details about the accident victim and the driver of the vehicle have not yet been released from the Palm Beach County Sherriff’s office. 

Not surprisingly, 60% of bike collisions in Florida result from night riding with no lights or reflective gear, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ 2009 Traffic Crash Statistics Report, there were 197,214 traffic crashes resulting in injury and 2,563 fatalities as a result of vehicle accidents in Florida.

As a service to the residents of South Florida, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in South Florida that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to:

  • single-car accidents;
  • accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
  • accidents caused by distracted drivers or aggressive driving.

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim’s family member or friend and would like the blog removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.

The True Costs of a Spinal Cord Injury

Published on September 10, 2010 in Catastrophic Injuries. 0 Comments

If you’ve recently sustained a spinal cord injury, chances are, you’ve already received your initial hospital treatment. But as you may already know, rehabilitation is a major component of your treatment. 

The costs associated with spinal cord injuries (SCI) can exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars. In addition to medical costs, your injury may be severe enough to prevent you from returning to work, or necessitate assistance in your day-to-day activities. Additionally, you may need to remodel your home to make it more accessible to your condition. 

If you sustained your spinal cord injury because of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical costs as well as lost wages and non-monetary expenses such as the impact of your injury on your quality of life in addition to the pain and suffering you have experienced. 

If you’re considering opening a Florida personal injury case for a spinal cord injury, it helps to know what you may expect, and for what the other party may be liable.  

Some recorded costs associated with severe spinal cord injuries include: 

  • 15 days – initial hospitalization, acute care unit;
  • 44 days – rehabilitation unit;
  • $144,000 – initial medical costs;
  • $198,000 – first-year costs for all SCI victims;
  • 34.4% – employment rate for paraplegics, 8 years after injury;
  • 24.3% - employment rate for quadriplegics, 8 years after injury. 

Spinal cord injuries can create a huge financial burden on victims, whether it’s in initial costs, or long-term repercussions, such as inability to return to work. If you recently suffered a spinal cord injury because of someone else’s negligence or recklessness, whether behind the wheel of a car or in another capacity, talk with a Palm Beach personal injury lawyer about some of your legal options for recovering compensation.  

You’ll want every opportunity going into your future, and compensation for your injuries will only help to aid your recovery. 

When to Hire a Palm Beach Personal Injury Lawyer 

24/7 Injury Law, a law firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless one of our trained Palm Beach personal injury lawyers wins your case. Call now to schedule a FREE evaluation of your case – 888-984-4878.