Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

February 22, 2012

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

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

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.

February 21, 2012

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

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

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.

February 17, 2012

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

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

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.

February 13, 2012

Florida Road Rage Collision Lawyers Whittel & Melton :: FHP Targeting Aggressive Motorists

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

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.

February 6, 2012

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

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

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.

January 30, 2012

Gainesville Multiple Vehicle Accident Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Smog Pileup Kills At Least 10 People in Alachua County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Early Sunday morning yielded a large line of cars and trucks that collided and left motorists virtually blinded. At least 10 drivers were killed.

When rescuers first arrived, visibility was so poor that they could only use screams and moans to locate victims. At least 18 people were hurt.

Authorities are still trying to determine what caused the pileup south of Gainesville on Interstate 75. The highway had been closed for a period of time due to fog and smoke from a brush fire that may have been intentionally set.

At minimum, five cars and six tractor-trailers were involved in the crash. Some vehicles apparently burst into flame.

Photographs of the scene showed burned-out vehicles dispersed across the pavement and smoke still rising above the remains. Cars appeared to have slammed into the big rigs and, in one case, a motor home. Some cars remained crumpled beneath the heavier trucks.

Reporters who were permitted to view the scene claim they saw one tractor-trailer that was burned down to its skeleton and bodies that could be seen inside a burned-out Grand Prix. All that remained of the tires on every vehicle were steel belts, as the rubber had burned away.

State police estimated that debris was scattered for nearly a mile in both directions.

The fog near the Paynes Prairie area just south of Gainesville was apparently so bad people could not see anything and were pulling off of the road.

At least 18 people were treated at an area hospital.

The chief medical officer for Shands Healthcare at the University of Florida said three of the six patients being treated in the trauma center needed surgery due to serious injuries. Four patients were treated in the hospital’s emergency room, and eight people have been treated and released.

Most people had head and chest injuries or broken bones.

All six lanes of the interstate remained closed Sunday as investigators surveyed the site and firefighters put out any lasting fires.

It was not clear when the highway would reopen because part of the road apparently melted.

A Florida Forest Service spokeswoman claims the fire began Saturday, and investigators are still investigating whether the fire was purposely set or caused by accident.

Four years ago, heavy fog and smoke were blamed for another series of serious crashes that killed four and injured 38 between Orlando and Tampa and involved more than 70 vehicles. One pileup alone consisted of 40 vehicles.

When traffic accidents involve multiple vehicles, the end result can be devastating. Pileups are extremely dangerous and can leave victims with extensive injuries. These types of accidents usually occur on highways with a high speed limit. They are often caused when visibility is poor and drivers are too close to the vehicle in front of them to adjust to an unexpected stop. A chain reaction can be created when motorists begin to brake and skid, which can lead to numerous vehicles being involved.

It can be difficult to establish fault when a pileup has occurred. Generally, an accident investigator employed by local law enforcement will determine what caused the wreck and who the at-fault party is. In some situations, more than one person may be to blame. This can make an accident claim for compensation of damages complex and you may have to deal with multiple insurance companies. If your or a loved one has been injured or killed in a pileup accident, the best thing you can do to smoothly resolve your insurance claim is to contact the Florida Multiple Vehicle Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton.

Unfortunately, multiple vehicle collisions can result in the wrongful death of a loved one. It can be overwhelming to have to deal with insurance companies at this sensitive time and you may fail to collect the full compensation you are entitled to by not recognizing the claims available to you. The Florida Multiple Vehicle Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can work on resolving your claim while you and your family focus on healing. We can assist you by gathering evidence, proving fault, dealing with insurers directly and filing a lawsuit if necessary. Most importantly, we can make sure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve.

January 27, 2012

Florida Auto Accident & Wrongful Death Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Jury Finds Woman Guilty of Vehicular Homicide in Crash that Killed Triplet

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Hudson, Florida woman accused of running down a group of young girls and killing one of them was found guilty by a jury Wednesday of vehicular homicide, culpable negligence manslaughter and reckless driving.

The woman exited her front yard on November 5, 2010 enraged after an argument with her supposed boyfriend and lost control of her Jeep.

She apparently hit a mail box and slammed her vehicle into a group of girl’s playing in a neighbor’s yard. The group included 5-year-old triplets and their 10-year-old sister.

One of the triplets later died and another was seriously injured. The other two girls survived with minor scrapes and bruises.

The woman testified in court Tuesday that she backed the Jeep out of the yard and does not remember any of the events that followed. However, medical experts took the stand and challenged her statements, claiming she showed no signs of problems that may cause blackouts.

The prosecution claims the woman’s Jeep was unfit to drive and the driver’s side door was broken and was held together by a bungee cord.

The woman apparently sped away in such a hurry she forgot to put the bungee cord on and was trying to prevent the door from opening with her arm when she lost control of the vehicle.

Investigators claim she was traveling about 5 miles over the 30 mile per hour speed limit.

Most car accidents are caused by a form of driver distraction, which is exactly what happened in this case. It only takes one irresponsible driver to cause a catastrophic collision that can result in serious personal injuries or wrongful death. Florida law states that if you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries or loss of life due to a negligent driver, you may be awarded financial compensation for your pain and suffering.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,547 people lost their lives in 2009 due to a car accident involving a distracted driver. Another 448,000 were injured. Likewise, 16 percent of fatal accidents occurring in 2009 involved a distracted driver and another 20 percent of accidents resulting in injury involved a reckless motorist.

Driving is an inherently dangerous activity. However, the possibility to harm another is increased when distracted or negligent drivers take the wheel and ignore the safety of others. Motorists that practice unsafe driving habits must be held responsible for their actions. When a driver’s thoughtless behavior causes another person’s injury or death, they could be held liable for damages including reimbursement for medical bills, property repairs, disability, loss of income, mental anguish and pain and suffering. After a car wreck, it is tremendously important to contact the Florida Auto Accident Attorneys to discuss the events surrounding the collision as generally there is a narrow amount of time in which one can proceed with a lawsuit.

January 23, 2012

Florida Cruise Ship Injury Lawyers Whittel & Melton :: Cruise Ship Disaster in Italy May Impact Future Bookings

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The strong-growing cruise ship industry may face at least a short-term slump following the Costa Concordia disaster.

Wall Street analysts, travel agents and other cruise line industry spectators expect a brief drop in bookings as controversy churns around the safety of cruise vacations. It remains unclear if the impact of the Costa Concordia disaster will have a long-term effect on the industry.

Analysts are apparently slashing 2012 expected earnings for Costa Cruises’ parent company Carnival to take into account the influence of costs related to the disaster, the Costa Concordia being removed from service and an anticipated drop in demand. The accident occurred during what is called “wave season,” the January-to-March period when cruise bookings are at their highest.

The 5-year-old Costa Concordia partially sank on Jan. 13 after hitting rocks in Giglio, a small island off the Tuscan coast. At least 11 people were killed and more than 20 remain missing.

Costa Cruises as well as Italian prosecutors are blaming the ship’s captain for the accident because he allegedly took the vessel off course to sail closer to the island.

The cruise ship industry has overcome previous tragedies at sea. In 2010, a fire onboard the Carnival Splendor left the ship adrift without power for days, which had no negative effect on bookings in the long run. The 2007 sinking of Louis Cruise Lines’ 1,500-passenger Sea Diamond, that hit rocks and left two people dead, also had little to no impact on future bookings.

Some experts say the Costa Concordia disaster could be different because of constant negative media attention surrounding the accidents in combination with the loss of life. According to industry watchers, the picture painted by the media is that the crew reacted badly and even irresponsibly, which does not build confidence among consumers. Costa Cruises and parent company Carnival are also being criticized for their response to the tragedy.

Miami-based Carnival at present time has said the loss of use of the Costa Concordia this year will reduce its earnings by $85 million to $95 million. Tens of thousands of travelers who already have paid for cruises on the liner will have to be refunded.

In addition to the loss of use of the Costa Concordia, Carnival also faces the costs connected to personal injury liability and damages to the ship, although the cruise line says it fully expects insurance to cover both areas. Should investigators find that the cruise accident was caused by inappropriate actions by the captain, Carnival could be cleared of any liability.

Carnival has yet to decide if they will fix the Costa Concordia that cost around $570 billion to rebuild. If they do, the ship will likely be out of commission for at least the rest of the year.

The nation’s largest cruise franchise, CruiseOne, reported that it has actually seen an increase in bookings this year by 5.9 percent when compared to last year.

In New York, shares of Carnival stock reportedly dropped almost 14 percent, which is the biggest drop since the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

In this case, to recover punitive damages against Costa or its parent Carnival, a person would need to prove gross negligence on some level by the company and not just the captain. Florida law requires that some negligence by the company be shown in order to prove punitive damages. It will be interesting to see how the investigation will play out and what actions Costa and Carnival decide to take.

A dream vacation aboard an ocean cruise can turn into a nightmare when dangerous conditions leave passengers suffering from injuries or death. It is important to act fast and contact a Cruise Ship Injury Attorney immediately if you feel your injuries or a loved one’s death are the result of cruise line negligence. In many cases, there is a one-year statute of limitations on personal injury or wrongful death claims against the cruise line. Because of this short window of time, it is critical for an attorney to investigate your injury claim promptly by locating and documenting the conditions aboard the ship and interviewing any witnesses and crew members while they are in port.

At Whittel & Melton, our attorneys can handle any and all types of injuries that can occur on a vacation cruise:

• Waterslide and swimming pool catastrophes
• Slip and Fall accidents
• Physical or Sexual Assault
• Severe Illness from Contaminated Foods
• Medical Negligence
• Excursion Accidents
• Drowning

January 13, 2012

Hernando County Car Accident Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Over-Correction Causes Two Deaths in Spring Hill Rollover Accident

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Weeki Wachee, Florida man, 56, died Tuesday night in Spring Hill after the vehicle he was riding in exited the road and flipped into a canal filled with water. He was taken to Oak Hill Hospital where he died shortly after.

The driver, a 72-year-old Michigan woman died from her injuries after being transported to Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point.

A six-year-old passenger from Weeki Wachee was taken to Spring Hill Regional Hospital suffering from minor injuries.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident occurred around 7 p.m. The driver was supposedly traveling northbound when she overcorrected as she navigated onto the east shoulder of the road, crossed into the south lane and landed in the canal. The vehicle supposedly flipped and was submerged in water.

Unfortunately, overcorrection and other driving errors can lead to catastrophic Florida car accidents that can cause deaths or serious injuries. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, overcorrecting contributed to nine deaths and 84 injuries in 2010. Drivers of SUV’s are the most susceptible to overcorrecting which can lead to a rollover accident or head-on collisions, but essentially this driving error can happen to anyone. Most rollover accidents occur when motorists overcorrect their steering as a panic reaction to an emergency, which often results in loss of control of the vehicle. When a driver’s tires drift off the road onto the shoulder or grass, it is many motorists instinctive response to panic and jerk the wheel the opposite way. However, this can cause the vehicle to collide with oncoming traffic, stationary objects or overturn.

Sometimes accidents cannot be avoided, but sometimes knowing proper maneuvering techniques on the road can eliminate driver error, like overcorrecting. If your vehicle drifts off the roadway, it is best to remain calm and refrain from jerking your vehicle back onto the road. Rather, it is optimal to slow your car down gradually and once a safe speed is maintained, then it is secure to guide your vehicle back onto the road.

When you or a loved one has been injured in an accident as a result of another motorist’s mistake, the aftereffects can be irritating and overwhelming. As soon as you have been involved in an accident it is important to contact a Rollover Accident Attorney to start investigating the facts surrounding your claim. At Whittel & Melton, we can help you recover the fair and full compensation you deserve.

December 29, 2011

Florida Holiday Product Liability Lawyers Whittel & Melton Discuss the Dangers with Holiday Decorations

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Most people consider holiday decorations a central part of celebrating the season. While decorating your home may be a festive tradition, when holiday adornments have product defects the aftermath can be anything but jolly and leave you and your loved ones with serious personal injuries.

With the holiday season officially here, it is always a good idea to check with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to check out if any of your holiday embellishments have been recalled due to product defects. The CPSC works to decrease and prevent injuries related to hazardous holiday decorations by censoring the Internet and marketplace for unsafe holiday trimmings and any other products that may potentially hurt shoppers.

According to the CPSC, more than 10,000 people make a trip to the emergency room every year for holiday decorating injuries, including burns, cuts and abrasions, electric shock and slip, trip and fall accidents. Moreover, candles are found to be responsible for an estimated 150 deaths every year, whereas Christmas trees are the culprit behind nearly 400 fires every year, causing 20 deaths, 70 injuries and more than $15 million in property damage.

Ultimately, it is essential to speak with a Florida Product Liability Lawyer at Whittel & Melton to ensure that your legal rights are protected if you or a family member has suffered injuries related to holiday ornaments or any other type of defective product. By consulting with a Product Liability Lawyer, you may be able to file a product liability claim and seek compensation for any injuries.

Determining Fault When a Defective Decoration Ends in Injury

If you have been injured from a defective decoration, a Florida Product Liability Lawyer can organize an investigation to determine who the negligent party is – the manufacturer, distributor, retailer or possibly all three. Sometimes establishing blame can be difficult. The manufacturer will most likely try and prove that the product is safe and may assert that the injured party did not use the product as it was intended. This is not usually the case and your Florida Product Liability Lawyer will be responsible in showing how a defective decoration caused your injuries. Other parties that could be responsible for defective products besides the manufacturer, distributor and retailer include the manufacturer, distributor or seller of any defective component of the decoration that added to your injuries.

Recovering Damages in a Product Liability Claim

After the negligent party has been identified in a Florida product liability claim, damages need to be determined. Damages may include loss of past and future wages, emotional distress, past and future medical bills, pain and suffering and any other expenses relevant to your injuries. It is extremely important to have an experienced attorney on your side to protect your best interests when it comes to a defective product because most of these cases involve large companies that will have aggressive attorneys working on their side that will try to get you to accept low settlements. At Whittel & Melton, LLC, we can guide you through the process of a product liability claim and make sure you recover the compensation you rightfully deserve. We can provide you with a complimentary consultation any time, day or night. Contact the Florida Product Liability Lawyers at Whittel & Melton, LLC today.

What Makes Holiday Decorations Dangerous?

There have been several holiday decoration recalls from previous years and the following examples can give you an idea how holiday décor can be disastrous.

• Candles and candle holders that pose a fire hazard.

• Christmas lights that pose a fire hazard due to a nonexistent fuse.

• Candles with the wrong wick size that caused flames to burn irregularly.

• Christmas lights with exposed wires that pose a risk for a fire or electrocution hazard.

• Christmas lights with undersized wires that have the potential to cause a fire or electric shock.

The Florida Product Liability Lawyers want you and your family to enjoy a safe and happy holiday season this year. Follow these safety tips when decorating the inside and outside of your home and remember, always use your best judgment.

Light Safety:

1. Make sure all lights have fused plugs that meet safety standards.

2. Make sure outdoor lights are sanctioned to be used outdoors.

3. Check all sets of lights (indoor and outdoor) for cracked bulbs, exposed or frayed wires and damages sockets.

4. Turn off lights when not at home or asleep.

5. Installing timers for your lights can not only save energy, but can prevent a deadly fire.

6. The CPSC recommends using only three standard-size sets of lights per extension cord.

Tree Safety:

1. If using an artificial tree, make sure it is fire resistant.

2. Trees should be kept away from fireplaces and other sources of heat as well as doorways.

Decorating Safety Tips:

1. Always use flame-resistant decorations. Those made of plastic or nonleaded metals are highly encouraged.

2. Place candles somewhere out of a child’s reach.

3. Never place candles near the tree or any other holiday decorations.

4. Make sure sharp or fragile holiday décor is placed where a child cannot easily grab it.

Ladder Safety Tips:

1. Make sure a ladder is placed on a dry and sturdy surface before climbing.

2. Do not lean too far on either side of the ladder.

3. Always have someone hold the ladder for you. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over a three year period, almost 18,000 people were taken to the ER due to falls from holiday decorating. Make sure to make safety your number one concern when participating in any kind of holiday decorating!

The Florida Personal Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton are committed to keeping you and your family safe for the holiday season. We always advise following simple safety precautions and urge you to install working smoke alarms in your home in case an emergency happens to erupt.