It is likely that courts will eventually recognize permanent injuries to and the loss of companion animals due to veterinary malpractice in a manner similar to medical malpractice and wrongful death actions involving humans. Doing so will elevate the legal status of animals under state and federal law to afford them the rights and protections they deserve.
In Florida, over-sized umbrellas at beaches and sidewalk cafes or restaurants are abundant, creating the risk of significant personal injury.
n March 2011, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a warning to consumers about inflatable spheres, stating that they create the risk of suffocation and drowning. One major concern with the product’s design is that users have no way to escape in the event of an emergency; the spheres are air-tight and may only be opened from the outside. For this reason, the CPSC warned that the product “significantly heightens the risk of injury or death when a person inside the ball experiences distress.”
