Florida Personal Injury Blog
MIAMI PERSONAL INJURY LAW FIRM SHARES INSIGHT FOR STAYING SAFE AND AVOIDING ACCIDENTS DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
Injured? Call (786) LAWS-411 for a FREE initial Consultation.
COMMON ACCIDENT SITUATIONS DURING CHRISTMAS
- My child was injured because of a defective toy. (Buying Cheap Toys)
- I was injured while shopping at the mall. (Premises Liability)
- I got hurt using a defective product. (Products Liability)
- I was crashed into in a parking lot. (Car Accidents)
- I slipped and fell while shopping at a Publix. (Publix, Walmart, CVS Accidents)
Christmas is a time for family, loved ones, and celebrating, but it’s also a time when accidents happen more frequently, especially drunk driving, and accidents from defective products. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and prevent accidents this holiday season.
Shopping:
Christmas shopping can be a frenzied and dangerous time. Stay safe by following these tips:
· Avoid shopping late at night when the stores are more crowded and people are more likely to be tired and impatient.
· If possible, do your Christmas shopping online to avoid the crowds and the risk of being in a car accident.
· When driving to the store, be extra cautious and watch out for pedestrians who may be crossing the street in a hurry.
· Be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep an eye out for potential danger, such as slippery floors or crowds of people.
· If you are carrying a lot of bags, be careful not to drop them or knock over other shoppers.
Drunk Driving:
During the Christmas season, there is an increase in drunk driving accidents. If you are planning on drinking, be sure to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. You can also use public transportation, Uber, or another rideshare service.
Defective Products:
Christmas is a time when people buy a lot of gifts, especially for children. Unfortunately, some of these products can cause injury due to poor manufacturing process and cheap quality materials. Avoid all things made in China, they are usually of poor quality and probably toxic in some way.
Injured? Call (786) LAWS-411 for a FREE initial Consultation.
We serve all S. Florida
Defective Products:
Christmas is a time when people buy a lot of gifts, especially for children. Unfortunately, some of these products can cause injury due to poor manufacturing process and cheap quality materials. Avoid all things made in China, they are surely of poor quality and probably toxic in some way.
Children’s Toys
Christmas gifts bring unrivalled joy to children around the world and make for memorable moments, which start with the sight of presents under the Christmas tree and continue with the unwrapping. Though most toys are safe and undergo strict inspection, according to W.A.T.C.H. (World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc.), children suffer an average of 240,000 toy-related injuries every year. Furthermore, every couple of minutes, at least one child receives emergency medical care in the U.S.A, with over forty children suffering wrongful death from toy-related accidents in a two year period from 2016-2018.
SAFETY TIPS:
- Verify that all goods such as toys, are properly assembled before using and read all safety precautions
- Avoid standing on ladders, chairs, etc., that are not on a stable surface
- Avoid overloading power outlets or extension cords
- Do not drink and drive
- Keep children away from sharp objects that may be near the edges of tables
Though not only toys can cause injury to children, glass Christmas tree decorations and lights can cause cuts, lacerations, slip and fall accidents, and even electrocution among children. That is why, glass decorations must always be kept out of reach of babies and children under the age of five. Furthermore, decorations depicting Santa or other colorful characters can easily be mistaken for candies or chocolate treats and result in a child injury such as choking. Nevertheless, toys, especially those imported illegally or manufactured and sold without meeting safety guidelines, are among the most dangerous Christmas items for children of any age. In Miami, the Perazzo Law Firm advises parents and guardians to always buy toys that are appropriate to the child’s age, and that the toys contain no small parts that a child may easily mistaken for candy or food. Parents may also suffer injuries when opening gifts when disregarding safety precautions and using sharp knives or scissors to cut through wrappings. Batteries represent added dangers to children as they can also be mistaken for food and swallowed by hungry toddlers. That is why, parents should make sure batteries casings are probably screwed in and batteries properly fastened, and that baby toys are kept out of sight when not in use as small children tend to stick everything in their mouths, especially babies that are teething. Keep reading for more insight into children accidents and legal advice for dealing with children accidents in Miami.
Some of the most common toy related injuries
CHOKING
Small toy parts, pull strings, synthetic hair, or oblong colorful pieces can look like candy to small children. When small toy parts or similar objects are swallowed, a child may easily choke. When a child is choking on a small toy part or pull string, parents or guardians must act quickly to remove the stuck object by placing their fingers inside the child’s mouth and trying to remove the object. If the child has swallowed a small toy part, the child should be taken to an emergency healthcare facility for treatment and observation. Small toy parts that make it into the stomach will almost always be released with bowel movement, however, this may be painful and result in rectal injury depending on the size of the toy part. Sometimes, a pull string toy can lead to injury by choking if the pull string becomes detached from the toy. A child may inadvertently wrap the toy around its neck and choke. Toys that do not meet federal regulations and meet safety standards should not be purchased, and shoppers should always read that the toys have an age recommendation that meets the child for whom the toy is being purchased. Also, never buy toys that have no warnings or safety labels.
Preventing children injuries depends greatly on the responsibility of adult parents or guardians.
*If a child over the age of one is choking and the obstruction is not visible or can be reached with your fingers, follow this procedure in an emergency situation:
- Stand or kneel behind the choking child.
- Clench your fist and place it between the belly and upper ribcage.
- Grasp the child’s hand with your other hand and pull in and upwards sharply.
- Repeat the procedure at least five times.
- Refrain from applying pressure to the lower ribcage in order to prevent injury.
*If a choking child is under the age of one, try these emergency choking procedures:
- Place the baby face down on your thighs while supporting the baby’s head with one hand.
- Administer several sharp blows with the heel of your hand in the middle of the baby’s back between the shoulder blades.
*If this procedure fails to dislodge the obstructing object, try implementing the chest thrust procedure:
- Place the child face up along the length of an adults thighs.
- Locate the breastbone and place two fingers in the middle.
- Administer five sharp chest thrusts (pushes) in order to compress the baby’s chest by about a third.
It is important to try to make the child cough so that they child’s own inertia can dislodge the object naturally. If all else fails, call an ambulance. Never leave the child unattended to, especially if the child has lost consciousness.
ELECTROCUTION
Children should never be given toys that require electrical power sources as they present possible injury through electrocution. Thin power cables can easily be cut or sliced if a child that has teeth places a cable in its mouth. Also, a child may locate the power source and place its fingers in an electrical outlet or even get electrocuted by trying to plug in or unplug an electric powered toy. This can be toy trains, cars, drones, or any toy that needs to be charged before use. If a child suffers an electric discharge, he or she should be taken to an emergency healthcare facility for a medical evaluation.
FRACTURES AND BREAKS
Defective baby goods such as strollers or cribs can cause injury to children if these products are poorly manufactured or unproperly assembled. Strollers that are defective can suddenly fold or collapse and result in bodily harm if a child falls or is stuck in the stroller. Baby cribs made of poor materials or poorly assembled may not withstand the pressure placed on its sides when a baby is pushing up against it. Defective baby seats can also lead to injury when manufacturing flaws are present. These children injuries should be discussed with a personal injury lawyer with experience in product liability claims. In Miami, the Perazzo Law Firm is dedicated to achieving the highest levels of client satisfaction when handling insurance claims for compensation from injuries to children due to defective consumer goods.
If your child has suffered injury or harm as a result of a defective toy or product, contact the Perazzo Law Firm for a FREE initial consultation to discuss a possible insurance claim by way of a products liability claim.
What is Products Liability?
Product liability is the area of personal injury law in which manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, retailers, and others who make goods readily available to the consumers are held legally liable for any injuries, damages, or losses that those products result in.
*Disclaimer: The above mentioned procedure are aimed to help in emergency situations but do not replace professional medical assistance.
CHRISTMAS IN MIAMI – ACCIDENT PREVENTION AND SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENTS
City officials and business owners in-and-around Miami Beach are preparing to welcome thousands of visitors eager for a dose of unforgettable fun under the Florida sun. With the Christmas Festivities hours away, Miami Beach is putting the finishing touches on its scheduled events, many of which overshadowed by COVID-19. During the Christmas weekend, accidents should be prevented by staying alert and knowing what kinds of accident situations exist other than car accidents. In Miami, the Perazzo Law Firm knows that accidents in shops, bars, and other public places can happen at any time. Read below for advice on what to do to avoid slip and fall accidents and what to do if you, a friend, or relative falls victim to negligence on behalf of business operators in Miami.
PERSONAL INJURY AND ACCIDENT CLAIMS
Festive occasions that lure crowds from several walks of life can sometimes lead to various sorts of incidents that can result in Personal Injury, either through negligence, wrong-doing, or acts of nature. It’s a known and proven fact that when festivities combine with alcohol consumption, the result can be an accident, especially when behind the wheel of a motor-vehicle. Many times, Miami Beach visitors may suffer a Slip and Fall Accident, which can be just as common as car accidents because they are not limited to roadways. Slip and fall injuries can occur anywhere and if you have had an unexpected Slip and Fall incident, the owner or operator of the establishment or business where the accident occurred may have been negligent. It is the duty of the owner/operator to make the premises safe for their patrons. The causes of personal injury accidents are likely to be from cracked floors or tiles, excess water or oil leaks, etc. If you have experienced a slip and fell, we recommend that you be sure to document the condition of the floor or location where the accident took place. For example, was the carpet frayed or were there warning cones to mark a slippery floor. Premises Liability and Personal Injury must be addressed by both medical and legal professionals.
Man’s arm is severed by Makita Brand saw.
A district court judge allows for a miter saw to be thoroughly examined in an attempt to prove whether or not it led to the severing of a man’s arm. Home Depot and tool manufacturer Makita Inc. defense attorneys were given permission to have a miter saw taken apart to determine if it indeed was defective and caused personal injury to a Florida man, who is suing both companies under product liability litigation. Meanwhile, Home Depot and Makita Inc. lawyers claim that the man suffered his personal injuries because he either used the saw carelessly or tried to modify it in some way after buying it. A thorough examination of the saw was carried out by the case investigators, which includes nondestructive testing to see if any of the internal parts where indeed faulty or altered. The investigation led to findings that the saw was indeed tampered with after purchase. A verdict to determine the outcome of the case has yet to be reached.
If you, a family member, or loved one has suffered personal injury, damage, or loss from using a defective product or were the victim of third party negligence, the Perazzo Law Firm urges you to contact us Online or Call (786) LAWS-411 for a Free initial consultation.
THE PERAZZO LAW FIRM – DEDICATED TO PUTTING YOUR INTERESTS FIRST
Miami Beach Visitors Can Suffer Bodily Injury in Any of these Places:
- Amusements Parks
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Parking Lots
- Shopping Malls
Perazzo Law Provides Best Advice Following Premises Liability Related Injuries in Miami
First and foremost, injured parties should consult our professional Miami personal injury law firm to conduct a quick and detailed investigation of the claims which should include:
- A quick and detailed inspection of the accident scene by qualified engineers or safety specialists.
- Promptly get eyewitness testimony to serve as proof when litigation begins.
- Promptly gather photographs or video footage of the accident scene and any dangerous surroundings.
In order for Premises Liability claims to be valid and worthy of compensation for injury, property damage or loss, there must be proof that the property owner was aware of his/her negligence in making sure the premises were hazard-free to individuals that enter or spend time on the said premises.
If you, a family member, or loved one has suffered personal injury while frequenting a public or private establishment, the Premises Liability attorneys at the Perazzo Law Firm urge you to set up a FREE initial consultation. Contact our North Miami Beach office Online or call (786) LAWS-411.
Insight into Premises Liability
Premises Liability protects shoppers and business patrons against situations which may cause personal injury to them or anyone else. Commercial establishments and private residences must be safe for those that enter these premises, thus any injuries incurred by individuals may hold grounds for a premises liability accident claim. In a most recent premises liability situation, a shopper was hurt as he was walking out the double doors which closed automatically through the use of a hydraulic system. In this case, the hydraulic system was not properly adjusted and the doors closed with more force than needed and without giving the shopper enough time to exit the store. Thus, as the shopper was walking out, the door shut forcefully and caught the shoppers ankle. The incident led to the shopper suffering personal injury as the edges of the doors, combined with their force and weight, caused cuts and bruises. This case has the grounds for a premises liability claim as the doors were not properly adjusted, which in turn is a form of negligence. The shopper’s wounds and the time it took for him to seek proper medical attention has a price, whether because the accident victim had to spend money on medical treatment or suffer lost wages due to not being able to go to work. If something like this happens to an elderly person or small child, the injuries sustained could be much more serious. Perazzo Law reminds accident victims that any permanent injuries sustained as a result of another’s negligence can legitimately file a compensation claim.
Kinds of Premises Liability Accident Claims and Situations:
- A person falls inside a restaurant because there was something slippery on the floor.
- A person falls down the steps because the handrail was loose.
- A escalator causes someone to fall after it comes to a sudden stop.
- An elevator plunges to the ground because of negligent service and repair.
- A bartender serves a customer too much alcohol and then allows the customer to drive-off. The drunk customer crashes shortly after driving away.
- A poorly maintained electrical device causes an individual to be electrocuted.
- An overhanging object falls on someone’s head and causes injury.
- Someone drowns in a hotel swimming pool.
- There was no security personnel present to deter a crime.
- No warnings signs were clearly posted to prevent an accident.
The Perazzo Law Firm has vast experience fighting for client’s rights after suffering personal injury on public or private premises. We provide our clients with full-service representation and handle every aspect of the Premises Liability claim. Our professional personal injury staff is ready and committed to helping our personal injury clients focus on recovering from their personal injuries while we focus all possible resources on handling the full scope of the legal matters that a Premises Liability case entails.
Slip and Fall Accidents can be just as common as car accidents because they are not limited to roadways. Slip and fall injuries can occur anywhere and if you have had an unexpected Slip and Fall incident, the owner or operator of the establishment or business where the accident occurred may have been negligent. It is the duty of the owner/operator to make the premises safe for their patrons. The causes of personal injury accidents are likely to be from cracked floors or tiles, excess water or oil leaks, etc. If you have experienced a slip and fell, we recommend that you be sure to document the condition of the floor or location where the accident took place. For example, was the carpet frayed or were there warning cones to mark a slippery floor. Premises Liability and Personal Injury must be addressed by both medical and legal professionals.
We urge accident victims to seek legal counsel if any of the following situations apply:
- I was hurt while buying something at a market or mall.
- I fell while walking through a dark parking lot. (Parking Lot Accidents)
- I tripped and was hurt when I fell at a restaurant.
- I was attacked outside a commercial establishment.
- I fell down the steps of an apartment building.
The Perazzo Law Firm considers it best to gather as much evidence as possible to help support your Premises Liability case. Here are some types of evidence the Perazzo Law Firm suggests you gather:
- Official Accident Reports
- Photographs or Video Footage
- Property Records or Lease Contracts
- Healthcare and Treatment Records
- Medical Bills Incurred
- Witness Testimonies
- Property Maintenance Records
If you or a loved-one has suffered personal injury due to the negligence of a property owner or operator, we urge you to Contact Perazzo Law ONLINE or call (786) LAWS-411 for your FREE initial consultation.
Atendemos a la Comunidad Hispana