911 Call Reveals Shocking Indifference to Dying Assisted Living Resident
The 911 call says it all. “As a human being … you know … is there anybody that’s willing to help this lady and not let her die?”
“Not at this time,” the nurse answered.
Author: Perenich The Law Firm
Veterinary Malpractice Actions Elevate the Legal Status of Companion Animals
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.
Beach and Restaurant Umbrellas Post Significant Injury Risks in High Winds
In Florida, over-sized umbrellas at beaches and sidewalk cafes or restaurants are abundant, creating the risk of significant personal injury.
Recent Tragedy Raises New Concerns about Inflatable Sphere Safety
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.”
New Florida Laws in 2012: A Year in Review
Florida lawmakers were busy in 2012, passing a number of controversial and widely-criticized bills. The most notorious of these among Florida personal injury attorneys was HB 119, also known as the PIP Reform Act.
Scott's Shifty Stance on ALFs: In Like a Lion; Out Like a Lamb
Last year, Florida governor Rick Scott announced with great bravado his plans to implement strict measures to prevent the rampant neglect and abuse of disabled and elderly residents at assisted living facilities (ALFs). A year and a half later, Scott has receded dramatically from his previously valiant stance on ALF reform.
Lawsuit Filed Over New PIP Law; Auto Insurance Rates Not Decreasing
A group of chiropractors, massage therapists, and acupuncturists have filed the first of numerous anticipated lawsuits over Florida’s recently overhauled personal injury protection (PIP) law. Nearly eight months after the PIP law passed, auto insurers have not yet reduced any premiums. In fact, State Farm recently proposed increasing the PIP portion of its insurance by 22 percent, but it is willing to settle for a mere 7.9 percent increase.
Energy Drink Deaths Reveal Lack of FDA Regulation
The FDA is continuing to investigate the deaths of five individuals as well as a non-fatal heart attack potentially related to energy drinks such as Monster, Red Bull, and 5-Hour Energy. It is unfortunate that, yet again, multiple tragedies must occur before any measures are taken to warn and protect consumers from unscrupulous product manufacturers.
Meningitis Outbreak Reaches Florida, Raises Need for Better Regulation
The recent deaths and illnesses caused by the outbreak of a rare strain of meningitis underscores the deadly repercussions of ineffective and lax government regulation of pharmaceutical companies.
Consumer Beware: AAJ Names the 10 Worst Insurance Companies
The fundamental purpose of insurance is to provide a safety net to support its policyholder in dire times. Whether it is financial protection following a natural disaster, auto accident, or life-threatening illness, Americans turn to insurance companies to ease their stress and help them rebuild their lives. Unfortunately, most hard-working individuals and their families in the United States are insured by massive conglomerates that strive to undercut policyholders at every opportunity, raise premiums without warning, deny claims whenever possible, and effectively betray the trust and fiduary duties owed to their insureds.