Personal Injury

Hidden Costs of a Miami Car Accident: Beyond Medical Bills

Published on: December 20, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Traffic crashes are one of the biggest causes of death and disability in the US, and statistics indicate that the problem hits close to home in Miami. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there are almost 395,000 vehicle collisions in the state every year. More than 3,400 people lose their lives, and around 253,000 victims suffer injuries in these accidents.

Car accidents in Miami often leave victims dealing with far more than just physical injuries. While medical bills can be substantial, many people fail to recognize the hidden costs that can add up over time. With help from a Miami car accident attorney, you can recover the full extent of your damages. An overview demonstrates that there are many losses you might not expect.

Hidden Costs of a Car Accident

Legal Deadlines for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Florida

Published on: December 13, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

When you were hurt or lost a loved one in an accident, knowing the legal deadlines for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Florida is crucial. Getting a grasp on these time restrictions can help you protect your rights and secure compensation for your injuries. In short, Florida’s statute of limitations is two years. It applies to car, truck, and motorcycle crashes, pedestrian and bicycle collisions, slip and fall accidents, and related incidents.

With guidance from a Miami personal injury lawyer, you can feel confident that you will meet the statute of limitations and other relevant deadlines. It’s also helpful to review some answers to key questions about your deadlines.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Florida Personal Injury Cases?

What are the Long-Term Costs of Catastrophic Injuries in Miami?

Published on: November 22, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Catastrophic injuries are life-altering and often come with significant long-term costs. Unfortunately, Miami personal injury accidents are a common threat. According to the National Security Council (NSC), approximately 63 million people seek medical attention for serious injuries every year – around one in five people in the US. Realizing the expenses you might face over the coming years is crucial for financial and life planning.

Knowing the long-term costs of catastrophic injuries is also important when you are seeking legal compensation for your losses. The expenses extend far beyond the immediate medical bills, and you do not want to lose out on the compensation you deserve. A Miami catastrophic injuries lawyer can help you recover for the following losses:

1. Medical Care: After an initial hospital stay, patients often require follow-up surgeries, physical therapy, and other treatments. In Miami, specialized care facilities and top-tier medical professionals may drive up these costs. Additionally, catastrophic injuries often require lifelong medications, doctor visits, and assistive devices, all of which can lead to ongoing financial burdens.

Should I Become a Class Member in a Defective Products Lawsuit in Florida?

Published on: November 8, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

You might be surprised to learn that many of the products you bring into your home and use with your family are dangerous, but the statistics prove the risks. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that around 12.7 million people are treated in hospital ERs annually for injuries resulting from defective consumer products. Your household probably features a few of the top items that cause injuries, including:

· Stairs, floors, ramps, and landings

· Beds, pillows, and mattresses

Head Injuries From Diving Accidents in Florida

Published on: October 4, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

From oceans to lakes to pools in Florida, bodies of water inspire people to get out and enjoy swimming, diving, and other water sports. You may be aware of many of the risks of injuries with these activities, but there is one that might surprise you. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that more than 140,000 people are injured in accidents linked to swimming and other water activities. Diving and head-first sliding into water account for the most serious injuries.

Swimming and diving accidents are preventable, and it’s unfortunate that they still happen frequently because of negligence. You could suffer physical, financial, and emotional turmoil, so seeking monetary damages under Florida law is a must. A Miami swimming and diving accident attorney can assist with your case, and some background is informative.

Dangers of Diving and Head Injuries in Florida

Child Injuries From Accidents in the Summer

Published on: September 20, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Summer in Florida is a time for fun in the sun, but unfortunately, accidents can happen. With children out of school and enjoying outdoor activities, the risk of injuries is high. According to the child safety organization Safe Kids Worldwide, the months of May through August are considered “summer trauma season” because of the disturbing statistics. Up to 42% of all child fatalities from accidents occur during these months, while many other children suffer injuries.

Children are active and inspired to engage in strenuous activity in summer, so there are some types of child injuries that happen quite frequently. It is helpful to look at some of the most common accidents that happen while school is out since you may need a Miami child injuries attorney to assist with the legal process. There are also some tips on what you can do if your child is unfortunately involved in an accident.

Common Injuries to Children in Summer

Risks When Pregnant Women are Involved in Florida Car Accidents

Published on: September 13, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Being pregnant is a beautiful time, but it can also be a stressful one. If you are expecting a baby and are involved in a Florida car accident, that stress can multiply quickly. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that up to 5,000 fetal losses occur each year as a result of maternal involvement in automotive crashes. Therefore, understanding the potential risks to you and your baby is crucial.

The sudden impact, along with the worry for your unborn child’s well-being, can be overwhelming. Fortunately, Florida law provides you with options, and a Miami car accident lawyer can assist with enforcing your rights. You could be entitled to compensation, which may be urgently needed for medical issues and other losses that result from a vehicle collision. There are significant risks that pregnant women, in particular, face after a traffic crash.

Three Risks for Pregnant Car Accident Victims in Miami

How Long Do I Have to Sue for Crime Victim Compensation in Miami?

Published on: September 6, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Violent crime can happen anywhere, but, as you might expect, it is more prevalent in urban areas like Miami and South Florida. According to the Florida Department of Health (FL DOH), there are around 33,650 violent crimes committed in the state every year. More than 9,400 of these occur in the South Florida Counties of Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach. That amounts to almost one-third of all such crimes in the state, in just these three counties. For purposes of these statistics, violent crimes include murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.

The aftermath of a crime can be incredibly stressful, leaving you with physical, emotional, and financial burdens. While the criminal justice system focuses on punishing the offender, crime victim compensation can help alleviate some of the financial hardship. You should contact a Miami attorney for crime victims to discuss your legal options right away because Florida’s statute of limitations creates a time limit to pursue your remedies.

Criminal vs Civil Statute of Limitations in Florida

Injured at Sea? Workers’ Compensation in Florida’s Maritime Industry

Published on: August 23, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Florida’s many miles of coastline comprise a thriving maritime industry of workers serving cruise lines, cargo operations, and many other water-based activities. However, working on the water comes with inherent risks. If you were injured in a maritime accident on the job, you wonder about your rights. There are workers’ compensation laws in Florida, but they do not apply to maritime workers in the same way as employees in other market sectors.

Being injured in any workplace accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining, so it is crucial to pursue all legal options. Fortunately, you may be protected by two federal workers’ compensation laws specifically intended for maritime employees. A Miami maritime accident attorney can provide details on what workers are covered by these laws, but the answer depends on the specific nature of your work.

1. Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act

Tragedy as Teen is Killed in Miami Boating Accident

Published on: August 2, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Memorial Day Weekend is well-known as the unofficial kickoff to the summer social season, but this year’s celebration was dampened by a horrific boating accident in Key Biscayne near Miami. According to a May 23, 2024, article in the Miami Herald, a 15-year-old girl was water skiing on a family boat when she was struck by another vessel. The at-fault boat did not stop at the scene, so initial reports indicated that the boating accident was a hit-and-run. However, the owner of the craft that struck the teen checked in with police and is cooperating with the investigation.

Surviving family members may have a claim against the at-fault boat operator, but there are numerous factors that affect the legal process. The status of the victim, timing, and theories of liability are all issues you need to know. Your Miami boating accident lawyer can explain specifics, and there are some legal points that are useful as an overview.

Wrongful Death Action