Personal Injury

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Florida Car Accident Cases

Published on: October 20, 2023 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

If the injuries you sustained in a car accident do not affect your brain or spinal cord, then you have escaped the worst-case scenario, but plenty of other accident-related injuries can still cause chronic pain and make it difficult to work and engage in your usual daily activities. In some cases, the pain worsens over a period of days or weeks, which is bad enough when you and your doctors are just trying to find a way to manage the pain, but it is even worse when you are trying to persuade a car insurance company of how severe your accident-related injuries are. Getting injured is a financial burden, no matter the circumstances, but it is even more frustrating when you have to fight tooth and nail to get insurance companies to pay for your treatment. A Miami car accident lawyer can help you if your injuries feel worse than they look, and the at-fault driver or the insurance company is accusing you of exaggerating your symptoms.

Causes and Symptoms of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a set of troublesome symptoms that arise from an injury to a nerve in the arm, leg, wrist, or ankle. The nerve injury happens as a result of trauma to nearby bones or soft tissues. As a result, the syndrome affects an entire arm, leg, hand, or foot, the entire area controlled by the affected nerve. Symptoms include chronic pain, numbness or tingling, weakness, abnormal sweat production, abnormal growth of hair and nails, and changes to the color, temperature, and texture of the skin of the affected area. In some cases, the pain of CRPS is much worse than that of the acute injury that precipitated it. Some patients with CRPS are unable to work because their symptoms are so severe.

Dram Shop Liability and Other Kinds of Vicarious Liability

Published on: October 13, 2023 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

It only makes sense to file a personal injury lawsuit if the party you are suing has enough money to pay compensation for the financial losses you suffered due to their negligence. Personal injury lawsuits are not simply a game of laser tag where you take out your aggression against everyone who has ever done you wrong, nor are they a game of Whack-a-Mole, in which you clobber everyone within your reach until someone gives you money. In fact, personal injury lawyers help clients get their money by filing insurance claims at least as often as they sue. Identifying the parties legally responsible for the accident that led to your injuries is part of most clients’ first consultation with a personal injury attorney. If the driver who hit you is too broke to be worth suing, a Miami car accident lawyer can help you identify other parties that might be legally responsible for the accident.

The Concept of Vicarious Liability

Vicarious liability is where one person or entity is legally responsible for the actions of another. In car accident cases, plaintiffs most often invoke the doctrine of vicarious liability when the driver that hit them was driving as part of his or her job, and the vehicle belonged to the employer. For example, if you get into a collision with an Amazon delivery van and suffer serious injuries, you have the right to name Amazon as a defendant in a personal injury lawsuit arising from the accident.

Liability for Catastrophic Cheerleading Injuries in Miami

Published on: September 15, 2023 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Cheerleading has become an exciting, thrilling sport for children of all ages, and it is no longer the simple leaps, high kicks, and shaking pompons in support of the team. Members of the squad are being tossed 25+ feet in the air, executing complicated aerial gymnastics as they fly. It is no wonder that cheerleading accidents are common, but data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is surprising. Around 35,000 cheerleaders present to emergency rooms every year, and cheerleading injuries represent more than half of all catastrophic injuries among female athletes. In fact, the rate of catastrophic injuries among cheerleaders exceeds injuries to male football players.

If you or your child was hurt in a cheerleading accident, you may wonder about your rights under Florida personal injury laws. Victims do have remedies, so it is critical to pursue them to ensure rightful compensation. You should make it a priority to retain a Miami catastrophic injuries attorney for assistance, but some information on the risks and liability for cheerleading accidents is useful.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries from Cheerleading Accidents

Major Updates in Camp Lejeune Claims Offers Elective Option

Published on: September 1, 2023 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

If you have filed or are considering filing a claim as a victim of water contamination in Camp Lejeune, you might already realize that the litigation is moving along at a snail’s pace. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act was passed in August 2022, authorizing members of the military to seek damages after developing cancers and other medical disorders due to exposure to contaminated groundwater. To date, no claims have been resolved. However, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced the availability of the Elective Option, which could get eligible victims paid quickly.

The Elective Option is a positive development as far as expediting compensation, but it may not be the best option for everyone. There are still many unknowns, and you may not receive the monetary damages you deserve. It is wise to consult with a Miami Camp Lejeune claims lawyer for details on the Elective Option and read on for an overview.

How the Elective Option Works

Steps to Take if You Suspect Your Child Has a Concussion

Published on: July 28, 2023 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Children are physically active, play hard, and participate in sports, often not realizing the risk of serious injuries. Unfortunately, kids often do not appreciate the fact that they suffered a head injury. Parents must be vigilant, as there can be serious medical implications when a child’s developing brain suffers trauma. Experts at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warn that concussion can disrupt a child’s development and limit their ability to participate in recreational activities, important parts of becoming an adult.

As the parent of a young child or one that tends to ignore injuries, it is up to you to take action when you suspect a concussion. Your To-Do’s center on your child’s health and well-being, but there are some tasks that are necessary to protect your legal rights under Florida law. You can trust a Miami child injuries lawyer to handle the process, and keep in mind the following steps:

Look for Symptoms of Concussion

Scenic, Safe Routes for E-Scooters in Miami

Published on: July 21, 2023 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

E-scooter-sharing services are popular as a way to get around for work and errands, and statistics from recent years are proof. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GSHA), there were 52 million e-scooter trips in 2021 – up more than 50% from the previous year. These vehicles are affordable to rent, easy to park, and convenient in highly congested urban areas like Miami. Plus, they are also a fun way to see the city’s sights, attractions, and neighborhoods. It is true that you can ride your bike, but using an e-scooter is cooler and more enjoyable in the tropical climate of South Florida.

However, e-scooters are not permitted in all areas of Miami. The nature of the sharing services has made it necessary for officials to limit where you can ride for the safety of all road users. However, there are still plenty of routes that are both scenic and safe so that you can avoid the risks of e-scooter accidents in Miami. Check out the following when you are up for a ride.

1. Ocean Drive: If you want to experience city action on one side and gorgeous beach views on the other, head to South Beach and ride along Ocean Drive. There are designated bike lanes that are accessible to e-scooters and several parks along the route for a quick stop to rehydrate. If you want a longer rest, countless restaurants and bars line the length of Ocean Drive.

Civil Suits for Child Crime Victims: Factors Parents Need to Know

Published on: June 2, 2023 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Society looks at violent crimes against children as being absolutely reprehensible, so all US states have laws that enhance criminal charges when the victim is a minor. Unfortunately, statistics from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) reveal that harsh punishment for offenses does not deter criminal activity. Around 40% of American children are the direct victims of violent crime or abuse, including assault, battery, sexual assault, molestation, and many others. For a child, the physical pain may be significant, but the emotional and psychological effects are also profound.

In Florida, it is possible for parents to seek justice after their child is the victim of a crime. You can pursue the offender, as well as any property owner or party that negligently allowed the offense to happen. However, there are some laws that make these civil cases different from personal injury cases involving adults. A Miami crime victims attorney can explain details on the important factors when a child is the victim of a crime, and some general information is useful.

Statute of Limitations

What is the Glasgow Coma Scale?

Published on: May 5, 2023 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Accidental injuries can cause serious harm to any part of the body, but there are significant concerns when a victim suffers a concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or other types of catastrophic head injuries. Because time is of the essence, healthcare providers use a scoring method to assess the level of consciousness of the victim following a TBI: The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains that the analysis is a reliable, effective way to determine a person’s cognitive awareness at the scene of an accident, in the emergency room, and in hospitals. The GCS scoring method is also applied afterward to evaluate progress or deterioration during recovery.

If you or someone you love suffered in an accident, you will probably encounter the GCS frequently during the course of treatment. Fortunately, the scoring system can be useful as evidence when pursuing legal remedies after a vehicle crash, slip and fall, sports injury, or other accident. Your Miami catastrophic injuries attorney will determine how to best leverage the information, but understanding the GCS is helpful.

Three Areas of Assessment

New Law in Florida Affects the Rights of Accident Victims

Published on: April 14, 2023 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Unless you work in the legal field, you may not be aware of a measure recently passed by the Florida legislature and signed into law by the governor. However, if you are the victim of any type of accident in the state, the new statute could have profound impacts on your rights. Florida lawmakers enacted a tort reform measure in March 2023, which contains multiple provisions that change civil remedies and damages in personal injury cases. The biggest supporters of the law celebrated when it went into effect, namely the insurance companies that will always try to find ways to pay victims as little as possible.

If you were hurt in an accident, there are three key provisions in the new law that affect your claim. You can count on your Miami personal injury attorney to tackle the challenges, as well as the other complexities that arise in any case. Still, to give you a better understanding of this tort reform, some basics are useful.

Three Important Takeaways from Florida Tort Reform

Tips to Avoid Miami Boating Accidents Related to Towed Water Sports

Published on: March 31, 2023 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

In a state that is almost completely surrounded by water and contains thousands of waterways within its borders, you can expect that boating is a popular activity in Florida. In fact, according to statistics from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC), the state ranks #1 for registered vehicles. There are more than 1 million water vessels of all sizes and types that are licensed for recreational purposes. Of course, this data also puts Florida among the Top US states for boating accidents. Every year, there are almost 850 total reportable incidents, leading to 70 fatalities and approximately 470 injured victims.

Responsible boaters are well aware of the laws, navigation rules, and safety tips for operating a motorized watercraft. However, it is worthwhile to focus on another type of casualty: Accidents involving the fun water toys towed behind the boat. There are additional rules to follow, and these activities open a whole new world of safety issues. A Miami boating accidents attorney can assist if you or a loved one was hurt in an on-the-water incident, though some tips are useful for avoiding them.

Important Definitions