Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

Any auto collision can feel traumatic despite the severity. Accident victims may feel angry that it wasn’t their fault, and could be suffering from painful injuries that require lasting medical treatment. Fighting with insurance carriers who will try and give you as little as possible for your injuries and car damages can not only be exhausting, but often unproductive. Instead, The Villages Auto Accident Attorneys can fight on your behalf to make sure you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.

So, how do you find the right car accident attorney for you?

Ask around.

Talk with your friends, relatives and neighbors to see if they have any personal experience with a car accident attorney in your area. Obtaining a personal referral can be a great first step in the decision making process.

Conduct an Interview with Several Car Accident Attorneys.

This can help you figure out how comfortable you are talking to each lawyer. The right car accident attorney will have a genuine interest in helping you, not just collecting money from you.

Find out if the lawyer you are interested in is active in the legal community or a member of an association.

This can be a good indication if your attorney is connected within the legal community, which may be more helpful to you and the outcome of your case.

Use the Internet.

The Internet can be a helpful tool for you to utilize in order to find information about anything or anyone – including auto accident attorneys. You can gain a tremendous amount of information about car accident lawyers through their web sites as well as gain valuable insight into what type of people they are. Navigating the web can also help you narrow down the field of attorneys available to you in your specific area and identify those that have extended hours and make house calls or hospital visits. After looking at an attorney’s web site, you should pursue a consultation before making any decisions on who to actually hire.

Ask for a Free Initial Consultation.

The right car accident attorney will not charge you for an initial consultation. It is important to show up prepared for your consultation and ask a lot of questions. Common questions may include inquiries regarding their experience, success rates, fees and availability. In addition, you should bring along any documents in your possession that pertains to the accident. These can include accident reports, pictures, doctor evaluations and any possible witnesses contact information.

The right car accident attorney will be knowledgeable about the laws and procedures involved in car accident or personal injury cases. It is important to remember that who you choose as your Car Accident Attorney in The Villages is ultimately your choice. Keep in mind that you may be working closely with this person for weeks, possibly months, so it is important to make the right choice for your situation.

Dealing with the aftermath of any type of collision can be difficult. An experienced and dedicated car accident attorney is your best bet in recovering the compensation you deserve. Fortunately, the residents of The Villages and surrounding areas have a car accident attorney they can rely on at Whittel & Melton.

Continue reading " The Villages Personal Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton Discuss How to Choose the Right Car Accident Attorney to Take on Your Case " »

A dog was euthanized Thursday evening after wounding four people in West Palm Beach, including a city firefighter and a 3-year-old girl.

According to the director for Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, the dog’s brain tissue will be tested for rabies as a precaution.

The dog, a cane corso mix, apparently bit a 13-year-old girl on the arm around 6 p.m. Shortly after the attack, West Palm Beach Fire-Rescue crews arrived at the scene.

The dog appeared to have attacked its owner’s grandmother before biting the girl, but the woman did not require medical attention.

While Fire-Rescue crews were treating the girl, the dog apparently freed itself from restraints and nipped the buttocks of a 3-year-old girl. A firefighter quickly intervened and was bitten on the forearm and hand as he attempted to separate the girl from the dog.

The firefighter and the two girls were taken to St. Mary's Medical Center.

The 13-year-old does not live at the residence and it is unclear whether the 3-year-old lives there.

Following the attack, the dog was classified as vicious and the owner was not allowed to keep it. It is unknown if the owner will face any charges stemming from the attack.
The director for Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control claims the owner was in violation of some regulations. The dog was apparently not current on its rabies vaccinations, and it appears the dog was not licensed, which is a civil infraction. The dog also apparently was not vaccinated, which is a violation of state and local law. It was unknown whether the dog had been sterilized, as required by local ordinance.

A dog bite attack can be a traumatic event, especially for a child bitten by a dog, which may result in serious injuries or even wrongful death. Numerous deaths are reported every year as a result of vicious dog attacks. Most dog bite attacks leave a victim with permanent scarring, nerve damage and at great risk for developing and infection. Often there is psychological harm that remains with the victim well beyond the physical personal injury.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and the American Veterinary Medical Association, nearly five million people across the U.S. are attacked by dogs every year. In fact, it is estimated that every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. requires medical treatment for a dog bite-related injury. Unfortunately, children are the most common victims of vicious dog attacks. The CDC has reported that dog attacks pose a greater risk to children’s health than whooping cough, mumps, and measles combined. Perhaps even more frightening, nearly two-thirds of dog bite injuries among children ages four and younger are to the head and neck region.

For most dog attack cases, the owner is liable for any injuries caused by their dog. The Florida Dog Attack Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help you and your loved ones recover damages associated with a dog bite injury. It is important to note that your ability to recover financial compensation relies heavily upon the scope of your injuries as well as the medical care needed to treat those injuries. Due to statutes of limitations, the ability to file a dog mauling claim is time sensitive, so it is imperative to contact Whittel & Melton immediately right away.

Continue reading " Florida Dog Bite Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Dog Euthanized After Attacking Four People in West Palm Beach " »

The attorney you select to represent your interests following a motor vehicle accident can greatly influence the outcome of your case as well as your future financial security. When choosing a car accident attorney in Hernando County or Brooksville there can be a temptation to consider claims of past results, but be warned, every case is unique, and what the lawyers at Whittel & Melton understand is individual attention to each claim is the only recipe for success.

Whittel & Melton Provides Free Consultations

If you reside in Brooksville, Weeki Wachee or any other area in Hernando County and are suffering from injuries obtained in a car accident, the Brooksville Auto Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton may be able to assist you with recovering compensation for damages. The Law Offices of Whittel & Melton, LLC handles personal injury cases throughout the state of Florida, and offers a complimentary confidential consultation with a personal injury attorney to discuss the facts of your case.

Are you fighting to recover compensation stemming from an auto accident injury, but thought speaking to a personal injury attorney would be too expensive? The Personal Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton understand the anxiety and tension that go hand in hand with compensation claims, and that legal technicalities and insurance systems can often be overwhelming to you. Our car accident injury lawyers will listen to your needs and aggressively fight for a full and fair financial recovery on your behalf. When you contact Whittel & Melton, we assure you that you will speak directly with a Florida Personal Injury Attorney.

Do Not Delay in Contacting a Brooksville Car Accident Attorney

It is important to take action immediately following a car accident. The Florida Personal Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can assess your claim and start protecting your rights and interests right away. Our attorneys can work with you to make sure critical evidence is preserved, any injuries are properly assessed and negotiate with insurance companies.
In the state of Florida, you only have four years from the date of the actual accident to file a personal injury claim. By waiting too long to secure legal counsel, you run the risk of receiving an insufficient settlement, or worse, the right to file claim at all.

Contact Your Personal Injury Lawyer in Brooksville Today!

If you or a family member has been the victim of an auto accident, then our personal injury attorneys in Brooksville can help you and your loved ones get on the road towards recovery. Our Brooksville Injury Lawyers can advocate on your behalf and guide you through the legal process to make sure maximum compensation is recovered for you and your family.

If you or a loved one is suffering from an auto accident injury in Brooksville, contact the Florida Personal Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton for a complimentary consultation. By contacting us, you will discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer and be able to move ahead with the rigorous representation needed to recover a full and fair settlement you and the ones you care for deserve. We can negotiate with insurance companies, and as trial attorneys, are fully prepared to aggressively pursue your right to compensation in the courtroom. If you have been hurt in a Brooksville auto collision, you should be properly compensated for your sufferings. At Whittel & Melton, our Florida Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to making sure you recover physically, emotionally and financially.

A dedicated personal injury attorney understands the financial limitations one faces after being involved in a car accident and suffering injuries. That is why, at Whittel & Melton, there are no fees or costs involved unless we recover reimbursements for you and your family. If you are a resident of Brooksville or any other surrounding area, contact the Law Offices of Whittel & Melton today to get started towards financial recovery for your injury claim.

As personal injury attorneys, we are here to navigate you through the legal process to successfully regain what is rightfully yours under the law. Contact Whittel & Melton to start the process associated with a compensation claim, so that you can gain the financial restoration you merit.

Continue reading " Florida Personal Injury Attorneys Whittel & Melton on How to Select a Committed Auto Accident Attorney in Brooksville, FL " »

Seven people were injured and taken to area hospitals after a car slammed into the back of a Lynx bus shortly after 1 p.m. Sunday.

A Ford Taurus apparently rear-ended a Lynx bus at a bus stop in Orlando, Florida.

According to Florida Highway Patrol, six people on the bus were transported to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.

The 32-year-old driver of the Taurus was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.

FHP estimates the Taurus was traveling around 35 mph when it smashed into the bus.
According to reports, the collision left the bus with minor damages.

Rear-end collisions can be devastating, resulting in head, brain and neck injuries that can cause temporary or permanent disabilities. While a rear-end collision may be the most common type of auto accident, the injuries you may suffer from one are anything but ordinary. Injuries from this type of accident could leave you unable to work, perform everyday functions such as turning your head or even sitting up straight and keep you from enjoying life.

Most rear-end collisions occur because the other driver was not paying attention, speeding, using their cell phone or driving recklessly. A distracted driver may take their eyes off the road for a myriad of reasons including changing a CD, text messaging, applying makeup and eating or drinking. Unfortunately, seconds are all it takes for a driver to be distracted and cause an accident, leaving you to suffer the consequences. If you were struck from behind due to another driver’s negligence, you may experience serious injuries such as:

• Whiplash

• Head and Neck Injuries

• Nerve Damage

• TBIs

• Scarring and Disfigurement

• Back Strains

• Arm and Hand Injuries

Recovering damages for the financial and physical impact of your injuries is absolutely necessary, especially if your injuries have resulted in medical complications. The Florida Auto Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton understand that certain injuries may not develop right away and no signs indicating injury may be apparent for hours, days or even weeks following a rear-end collision. For this reason alone, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately after you have been involved in an accident. A doctor can provide you with a full medical evaluation to determine the extent of your injuries and the medical care needed now and in the future, which can help you recover the full and fair compensation you are entitled to.

Continue reading " Orlando Rear End Collision Lawyers Whittel & Melton :: Seven People Injured After Car Crashes into Lynx Bus " »

A Florida Panhandle man lost a piece of his tongue and a few of his front teeth after the electronic cigarette he was smoking Monday night exploded.

The fire chief for the North Bay Fire Department near Niceville equated the incident to a bottle rocket igniting in the man’s mouth.

The man was using electronic cigarettes in an effort to quit smoking.

Authorities have yet to identify what model cigarette the man was smoking.

The man is being treated for his injuries at a Mobile, Alabama burn unit.

While cigarette explosions are uncommon to hear of, burn injuries are not. In fact, deaths resulting in fires and burns are the third leading cause of fatal home injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Information collected by the CDC shows that firefighters responded to 384,000 home fires across the United States in 2010, resulting in the deaths of 2,640 people and leaving another 13,350 injured. Likewise, the American Burn Association’s 2011 Fact Sheet estimates nearly 450,000 Americans receive medical care for burns each year. The majority of these burn deaths and injuries are a result of residential fires, but a vast number of injuries and deaths can be linked to car accidents, explosions, motorcycle collisions, industrial accidents and workplace malfunctions.

Burn victims require special medical treatment in order to make a full recovery, which can be costly. If your or a loved one has suffered the devastating aftermath of a burn injury caused by someone else’s negligence, you should speak with a Florida Burn Injury Attorney at Whittel & Melton as soon as possible. Accidents that result in serious burn injuries or even wrongful death are often the result of another party’s inattention or negligence. Our personal injury lawyers can help you recover the costs associated with burn therapy and other medical bills, lost wages and other damages.

No matter how small or catastrophic the injury, the Florida Burn Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help. Our lawyers are dedicated to fighting for the rights of burn victims and making sure the responsible parties are held accountable. We understand that traumatic injuries like burns are the most painful and difficult injuries to recover from. We can negotiate with insurance companies and any other responsible parties to obtain a full and fair settlement for your claim.

Continue reading " Pensacola Burn Injury Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Florida Man Loses Part of His Tongue After Electronic Cigarette Explodes " »

The Florida Highway Patrol will be cracking down on aggressive truck and car drivers in the next few weeks.

From Feb. 27-29, state troopers will be ticketing drivers showing signs associated with road rage including following too closely, speeding and making unsafe lane changes. Community outreach, education and evaluation will be combined with ticketing in an effort to raise awareness throughout the state of Florida regarding safe driving practices.

FHP statistics show that drivers’ behavior can be blamed for 88 percent of traffic collisions. The remaining 12 percent of crashes are the result of vehicle defects, road conditions or inclement weather.

According to AAA, aggressive driving contributes to 56 percent of all motor vehicle collisions nationwide. Aggressive driving or road rage is reckless or negligent behavior that can lead to serious personal injuries or wrongful death. Road rage, which is fueled by anger, can refer to various unsafe driving maneuvers such as tailgating, failure to signal or yield, running stop signs or red lights, making unsafe lane changes, flashing headlights and traveling at high speeds.

The Florida Road Rage Lawyers at Whittel & Melton believe that no driver has the right to put the safety of others at risk by partaking in aggressive driving. Motorists that cause accidents by driving recklessly should be held accountable for the damage they have caused. We are committed to helping car accident victims who have been injured by the negligence of another. If you believe another person’s aggressive driving contributed to your auto accident, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim and be entitled to compensation for damages.

Road rage can be dangerous and deadly. Sometimes knowing how to react behind the wheel when faced with an aggressive driver can save your life. Should you find yourself the target of another’s road rage, follow these tips to optimize your safety:

• Do Not React. Remember, you cannot reason with someone with a poor temper. In fact, trying to may make matters worse. It is best to avoid eye contact with the angered party and remain levelheaded. Any form of retaliation can increase your risk for danger.

• Change Your Route. If you can, it is always best to remove yourself from a road rage incident by exiting the highway or whatever route you are on. If the driver attempts to follow you, act rationally and do not let yourself get distracted. Do not let yourself get angry or worked up because this could increase the chance of an accident or injury, and could harm others. If you must stop, make sure you do so in a public area where you can find help if needed.

• Call the Police. Road rage can end fatally, so if you find yourself sharing the road with an aggressive driver, contact the police immediately.

Continue reading " Florida Road Rage Collision Lawyers Whittel & Melton :: FHP Targeting Aggressive Motorists " »

If you have been involved in a car wreck in the Spring Hill, Florida area, the decision to hire a car accident attorney may be one of the first things to think about. Choosing the right car accident lawyer in Spring Hill for your unique situation is a serious undertaking. Car accidents are all too common and if you are suffering from an auto accident injury, you should always take the appropriate and necessary steps to protect your health and property.

Whenever a car accident involves multiple parties, arguments can erupt over who is to blame. When assuming who is legally responsible for the accident, it may be required to select a car accident attorney in Spring Hill that can provide you with the effective representation you need, and who will charge a reasonable fee.

Why Hire a Spring Hill Automobile Accident Attorney?

Oftentimes, people attempt to contact insurance companies on their own after a car accident. This is one of the most common and costly mistakes someone involved in an auto collision can make. Did you know that by hiring the right attorney you may be able to recover double, possibly triple, the amount of money from the insurance companies in regards to your injuries or property damage? You want to recover the most compensation possible to receive the appropriate medical treatment for your injuries. With that said, it is the insurance company’s job to give you the lowest amount of money for your accident claim, and they generally could care less about your suffering. Luckily, residents of Spring Hill can place their trust in the hands of Whittel & Melton, LLC.

Don’t you think you should do everything in you power to get the most out of your auto accident personal injury settlement? Representing yourself in court can be extremely stressful and is seldom successful. An experienced personal injury lawyer can review the facts of your case and best determine how to advance legally.

We Know Car Accident & Seek Damages for All Personal Injury Claims

There are many types of catastrophic injuries you may suffer from following a car accident, including:

• Brain Injuries

• Amputation

• Burn Injuries

• Whiplash

• Wrongful Death

In addition to injuries, you may be suffering from emotional distress and mental anguish. Medical bills can add up quickly after a car accident. If you or a loved one were injured in a motor vehicle accident that you did not cause, you may be entitled to receive compensation for medical bills, loss of earnings, pain and suffering and property damage.

How to Find a Good Personal Injury Attorney in Spring Hill

It is important to remember that a good personal injury attorney will do more for you than simply settle a claim. In fact, the right car accident lawyer will handle each claim on a case-by-case basis because while some cases are similar, each claim is different. The following are just a few of the benefits to hiring our Spring Hill Personal Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton:

• We will carefully scrutinize all aspect of your case including the nature and extent of your injuries to best establish the full scope of your accident injury expenses.

• We can answer any and all questions you have in a timely manner and while aggressive in the courtroom, protecting your rights is our number one priority.

• Should you not have health insurance, we will do our best to find you medical treatment right away.

• We are available to make house calls and hospital visits, so if you are not able to come to us we can always make ourselves available to you.

You only have one chance to obtain justice for your injuries, so it is extremely important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after you have been involved in a Spring Hill collision.

Contact An Automobile Accident Attorney in Spring Hill Today!

If you or someone you love was injured in an automobile accident, we urge you to contact the Florida Personal Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton right away. Understand that you are not alone on your road to recovery, and a reliable car accident attorney can play a pivotal role in getting you the money you deserve. Fortunately, residents throughout Florida, and Hernando County, including Spring Hill, Brooksville, Weeki Wachee, Hernando Beach, Nobleton, Masaryktown and Ridge Manor have a car accident attorney they can fully rely on at Whittel & Melton, LLC.

Continue reading " Florida Personal Injury Attorneys Whittel & Melton Discuss How to Choose the Right Car Accident Attorney in Spring Hill, FL " »

A report recently released by a research group from Florida International University shows that Florida employees are falling victim to wage theft, and Disney is one of the worst offenders.

Labor officials claim that Disney owed employees more than $430,000 in back pay between 2008 and 2010 because employees apparently failed to receive pay for time when they worked from home.

It is estimated that Florida employees are losing out on millions in wages due to employers not paying what the federal law requires.

According to the Center for Labor Research and Studies, in Orange County alone, employers underpaid 2,400 employees more than $1 million between 2008 and 2011.

The largest offender found was Engineering Support Personnel who owed $477,000 to employees in back wages. Next on the list: the Walt Disney Co., owing nearly $434,000 in back wages. The third offender, Kelly's Professional Security Services owed $142,000 in back wages.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Walt Disney Co. failed to pay 70 inventory control clerks for work before and after their shifts, working through meals and when working from home.

A spokesperson for the Farm Workers Association said that around 400 complaints a month are received to investigate unpaid wage claims, and even more go unreported because people are afraid nothing can be done.

Currently, the law does not protect employees of businesses with less than $500,000 in revenue.

The Walt Disney Co. released a statement saying they immediately corrected the situation from under-reported time in 2010 and the employees received their back wages. Additionally, the company claims training programs have since been implemented to keep the situation from recurring.

Unfortunately, thousands of Florida workers are denied overtime pay, paid less than minimum wage and deprived of tips, commission or other entitled compensation. These are violations of federal and state labor laws, and whether these violations were mistakes or intentional they must be investigated. If you have been misinformed, misclassified or tricked out of the pay you deserve, the Florida Unpaid Overtime Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can verify whether you are owed additional payments and take action to retrieve compensation at trial or through a discussed settlement.

Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, employees are eligible for overtime wages for hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a week or 10 hours in a single day. Some employers try and cheat employees out of the overtime requirement by implementing the following methods:

• Misclassifying employees as exempt, thus making them ineligible for overtime pay

• Paying non-exempt employees a salaried compensation instead of hourly wages

• Requesting employees work off the clock

Filing an unpaid overtime claim may be easier to resolve than you think. In fact, many employers fail to keep properly documented wage and hour records for employees, which can make it very difficult for an employer to dispute what hours an employee actually worked. When an employer fails to pay appropriate wages and overtime pay, the employee may be entitled to damages equal to the unpaid overtime or back wages. The details of overtime law can be complex, so it is best to enlist the help of a Florida Unpaid Overtime Attorney to determine how you should proceed with collecting unpaid overtime or back wages.

Continue reading " Orlando Unpaid Overtime Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Disney Reportedly Owed More Than $400K in Back Wages to Florida Employees " »