South Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg

Cardiologist Fatally Struck in Orlando Bicycle Accident

Published on: January 24, 2019 | by Law Offices of Robert Dixon

A bicycle accident can change your life in an instant. Bicyclists suffer a staggering number of injuries and deaths in accidents involving motor vehicles. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident triggered by someone else’s negligence, you need the help of an experienced and dedicated Miami bicycle accident attorney. At the Law of Robert Dixon, we are committed to providing aggressive yet compassionate representation to each and every one of our clients.

A 56-year-old Orlando cardiologist who was riding his bike was hit and killed earlier this week. The bicyclist was hit by an SUV on busy US 17-92 during morning traffic hour around 7:00 a.m. and the physician sustained fatal injuries. In fact, he was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The hospital at which the cardiologist worked released a statement honoring the doctor and expressing their deepest condolences to his wife and children. No details regarding the driver or the vehicle have yet been released.

Establishing Liability for Bike Accidents in Florida

Bicycle accident injuries can be more serious than other types of auto accident due to the significantly lighter weight of the bicycle and the bike’s lack of structural protection. If you were injured in a bicycle accident that was not your fault, you may be able to bring a claim for economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, property loss and more. This is typically showing that the motorist who caused the accident was negligent. Negligence takes place when a motorist is the direct and proximate cause of an accident and resulting injury or death because that motorist failed to use reasonable care behind the wheel. Reasonable care is defined as how a prudent or sensible person would drive under the same or similar circumstances.

Common Injuries in South Florida Around Christmas Time

Published on: January 24, 2019 | by Law Offices of Robert Dixon

Winter holidays are a festive time of year when people get to take a few days off from work and reunite with family and friends. However, this time of the year often sees a spike in certain types of accidents, including fire-related mishaps. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a fire-related accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your harm. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our seasoned Miami personal injury attorneys will thoroughly examine the facts of your case and devise a legal strategy accordingly.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, statistics show that 30 percent of all home fires and 38 percent of fire deaths take place during the months of December, January and February. The fires result from a number of sources, including cooking and heating sources, dry Christmas trees, holiday decorations, portable heaters, cooking appliances and the increase of open flames during the holiday season. During 2004-2008, an average of 260 home fires every year began with a Christmas trees. Another 150 home fires were caused by decorative and holiday lights on an annual basis.

Establishing Fault for Holiday Injuries

How and when the burn injury occurred is extremely important in terms of determining your legal options. For instance, if the fire took place because of a faulty holiday decoration, you may be able to sue to manufacturer through a products liability claim. However, if you were injured as a result of a fire caused by the negligence of an individual or company, you may be able to sue that individual or company for compensation. For example, if a landlord failed to follow safety regulations regarding Christmas trees or holiday decorations resulting in a fire in an apartment building, that landlord may be liable for any harm you may have suffered as a tenant of the apartment building.

Tennis Star Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Published on: January 24, 2019 | by Law Offices of Robert Dixon

Losing someone you love can be a heartbreaking experience, which can feel even worse when the loss is unexpected. If your loved died as a result of someone else’s negligence or misconduct, you need to reach out to a trusted Miami wrongful death attorney who can help you navigate the legal process. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we understand how devastating enduring the death of a loved one can be, which is why we will deal with the legalities while you can focus on healing.

Last month, tennis star Venus Williams settled a lawsuit over a deadly crash that resulted in the death of a 78-year-old man. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed. At the time of the collision, the man suffered “massive” injuries and was rushed to the hospital where he died two weeks later as a result of them. According to law enforcement, an unknown third driver had cut off Williams as she tried to cross a six-lane road triggering a series of events that caused the accident. Williams was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing relating to the crash.

Wrongful Death Claims in Florida

While the case discussed above involves a wrongful death stemming from a car accident, the reality is that wrongful death can be caused by a variety of negligent acts such as: truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, medical negligence, pharmaceutical mistakes, workplace accidents and more.

Woman Discovers Needle in Spine 14 Years After Medical Procedure

Published on: January 24, 2019 | by Law Offices of Robert Dixon

Unfortunately, medical malpractice affects countless patients in Florida and throughout the country every year. In some cases, medical professionals make minor mistakes that do not vastly hinder a patient’s recovery. In other cases, however, the error of a medical professional can be significant leading to lifetime injury. If you have been injured because of a medical professional’s negligence, you need to reach out to a reliable Miami medical malpractice attorney without delay. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we understand how to handle these complex cases.

An Illinois woman has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against a Florida hospital for allegedly leaving a three-centimeter broken needle in her spine during a C-section 14 years ago and then covering up the error. The lawsuit claims that the patient was not informed that during the attempted spinal anesthesia a large piece of the needle had broken off into her back where it remained stuck. After years of medical treatment for leg and back pain, the 42-year-old mother of six discovered the needle through a CT scan last year. The needle was touching the nerve that leads to the woman’s left leg, causing severe nerve injury that reportedly impacts her lower back, left hip and left foot.

Liability for Foreign Objects Left in Body During Surgery

When a foreign object is left in the body during surgery, you may need additional surgery to remove the object, which carries its own risk. There may also be pain and damage to internal organs. The foreign object may also lead to serious, even deadly infections. In addition to all the health risks, dealing with a foreign object in the body can be extremely time consuming and costly.

Florida State Trooper Hit on Highway While Investigating Another Accident

Published on: January 24, 2019 | by Law Offices of Robert Dixon

Highway accidents often result in devastating injuries because of the speed of the vehicles and the potential for multi-car collisions. Other times, cars traveling down the highway can hit an officer investigating a car accident or a person who is repairing a car. If you or a person you know you has been hurt in an accident on the highway, you could potentially make a financial recovery for your harm. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our reputable Miami highway accident attorneys will zealously advocate for your rights in your case.

A Florida Highway Patrol officer is in critical condition after an out-of-control car struck him on the freeway when he was looking into another collision. He was thrown into the air, which compounded his injuries. The accident took place on the shoulder I-95 in Hobe Sound where the officer was talking to a witness. The trooper who was hit was actually able to push another man beside him out of the way seconds prior to being hit himself by an Audi A3 that had spun out of control. Highway workers who were clearing the scene of the previous wreck ran to assist the injured trooper and he was rushed to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach.

Florida Car Accidents Caused by Medical Conditions

Published on: January 2, 2019 | by Law Offices of Robert Dixon

While many of us focus on drunk driving or distracted driving as prevalent causes of car accidents, in some cases, car accidents are results of pre-existing medical conditions. If you or your loved one has been injured in a car accident that was someone else’s fault, you may be able to recover compensation for your injuries. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our Miami car crash attorneys understand that proving fault in a personal injury case involving a crash caused by a driver’s medical condition is not easy, but we understand how to navigate this type of claim.

A 2011 study conduced by the National Institute of Health found that chronic medical conditions most likely to increase accident risks include alcoholism, cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, diabetes, and dementia. Of course, poor eyesight can make it unsafe for a person to drive as well. Florida has some of the most lenient laws in the country when it comes to prohibiting motorists with medical conditions from operating a motor vehicle. Essentially, the state relies on confidential reports from other motorists, after which it conducts an investigation, which includes requesting the driver’s medical records and reviewing the driver’s history.

In many car accident cases, the issue of fault is relatively straightforward because one driver was clearly negligent (i.e., did not stop at a stop sign, ran a red light, etc.). Negligence occurs when a person causes injuries or death by failing to use reasonable care behind the wheel. In the context of car accident cases, reasonable care is defined as how a sensible or prudent driver would have operated the motor vehicle in the same or similar circumstances. For example, if a driver’s excessive speeding caused an accident, he or she would be liable for the crash and any resulting harm.

Florida Teenager Seriously Injured After Being Struck by SUV

Published on: January 2, 2019 | by Law Offices of Robert Dixon

Spots utility vehicles (SUVs) are commonplace in Florida and throughout the United States. If you have been injured in an SUV accident that was not your fault, you might be able to make a financial recovery for your losses. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our experienced Miami auto accident attorneys will take the time to address your concerns and fully answer your questions in order to help you move on with your life.

A 15-year old Florida high school student was struck by an SUV as he attempted to cross the street in Northwest Jacksonville, according to Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The accident took place at Dunn Avenue early in the morning last month when a Jeep allegedly hit the student who was attempting to cross multiple lanes of traffic to reach his bus stop. Immediately after the accident, the driver of the jeep pulled over to help the young man. Thankfully, the teenager survived but he was transported a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. The FHP is still investigating the matter.

Liability for SUV Accidents

In most cases, the cause of an SUV accident is driver error. If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in an SUV accident, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver. Lawsuits involving SUV accidents are typically rooted in the legal theory of negligence. Negligence is the failure to use reasonable care resulting in damage or injury to another.

88-Year-Old Man Dies After Driving Golf Cart into Truck’s Path

Published on: January 2, 2019 | by Law Offices of Robert Dixon

Florida is home to a number of beautiful and world-renowned golf courses. While most people operate golf carts without incident, the reality is that accidents do happen. If you were injured in a golf cart accident, you could potentially recover compensation for your injuries. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our seasoned Miami personal injury attorneys understand that golf cart accidents can be just as serious as car accidents. With years of experience, we know how to help you seek recovery.

An 88-year-old man who drove his 2000 Yamaha golf cart into to the path of a Chevy pickup truck died as a result of his injuries at Ocala Regional Medical Center earlier this month. According to a report by the Florida Highway Patrol, the golf cart was traveling south on a trail adjacent to Cazaras Avenue and was struck when he tried to cross at a trail crossing without yielding. The golf cart driver was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.

Establishing Negligence for Golf Cart Accidents

Two Lineman Dead in Florida Hit and Run Accident

Published on: January 2, 2019 | by Law Offices of Robert Dixon

Florida has strict laws regarding a person’s responsibilities following a car accident. If you were injured in a hit and run accident, it is vital to consult an experienced Miami personal injury attorney immediately. Sadly, hit and run accidents are fairly common occurrences. These accidents are complicated because the search for the fleeing driver can be long, and in some cases the driver may never be found. We understand the different aspects of Florida hit and run laws and can apply our knowledge to your case.

Three lineman were hit, the third of whom died, in fatal hit-and-run accident in Florida last month. The accident took place around 7:00 p.m. when three lineman were working to restore power lost during Hurricane Michael near State Road 77 in Chipley. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), a driver headed northbound on the road completely departed from it and ended up striking the three lineman. Immediately after the accident, the driver of the car fled the scene on foot but was found shortly after. The driver was arrested and charges against him are currently pending as FHP continues to investigate the incident.

Hit and Run Accidents in Florida

In Florida, a hit and run collision occurs when one vehicle strikes another vehicle and then leaves the scene of an accident when the crash involves death, bodily injury or property damage. If you are a victim of a hit and run accident, you may not always be able to locate the at-fault driver to hold him or her responsible for the accident. However, you can seek compensation for your losses through our own insurance company. Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means that all drivers must have personal injury protection coverage (PIP). The claim process can be complicated when you cannot identify the driver so it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side who understands the unique challenges associated with hit and run accidents.

Train Accidents on the Rise in Florida

Published on: December 20, 2018 | by Law Offices of Robert Dixon

Unfortunately, train accidents are more common than you may think. In fact, every 115 minutes, a train somewhere in the United States strikes a person or vehicle. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a train accident, you may be entitled to compensation. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our seasoned Miami train accident attorneys can provide aggressive representation for those injured in life-changing train accidents.

Earlier this month, an 11-year-old Florida girl died after she was hit by an Amtrak train while crossing the tracks, according to police. The girl had headphones in her ears and was looking at her cell phone when the train hit her. The train conductor tried to blow the horn and brake multiple times but could not stop in time. The girl was pronounced dead at the scene.

Train accidents have been on the rise in Florida for the past few years. There were 27 trespassers who died in Florida in 2012, 28 in 2013, 36 in 2014, and 35 in the first nine months of 2015. These figures are even higher than those for New York. According to statistics compiled by the Federal Railroad Administration focusing on train accidents in South Florida, the number of people killed on train tracks in 2017 rose when compared to previous years. Twenty-three people died in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties through September this year, compared with 14 in all of 2016. These figures include individuals being killed accidentally as well as people using the tracks for suicides.