Personal Injury

Real-Life Examples: Personal Injury Accidents

Dec 20, 2022 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

There are many ways that personal injury incidents can happen. The foundation of every case is that another person is responsible for someone’s injury, either due to committing negligence or recklessness. A few examples of personal injury accidents, that may warrant seeking compensation from those at-fault, include car accidents, slip and falls, and medical malpractice. However, personal injury accidents are not just limited to these examples, as any accident that caused injury to an innocent person may warrant filing a personal injury lawsuit against the offender. Car Accidents Most people will be in a car accident at some point in their lives. What differentiates an unintentional accident from others is whether a driver did something unsafe to cause the collision to happen in the first place. Usually, there is just one driver who is found at-fault for the crash, but there may be more than one party responsible. For instance, perhaps the car accident occurred due to a road defect that should have been handled by the city’s public works department. If they failed to fix it within a reasonable timeframe this department may share in the liability for the car accident. Slip and Falls Slip and fall accidents are serious and should not be treated like a laughing matter. Falls can cause life-altering injuries like broken bones, sprains, spinal cord damage, head injuries, knee fractures, and more. Slip and fall accidents can happen virtually anywhere – from apartment complex sidewalks in winter to a leaky freezer in a grocery store. A real-life example of a slip and fall would be if someone fell in a puddle of water at a gas station after a damaged roof was neglected. It is the duty of the staff and property owner to ensure that spills and leaks are attended to promptly to prevent customers from getting hurt. In a scenario like this, the injured person should report their fall to the manager on duty and ask for a copy of their report so that they may pursue compensation later on. Medical Malpractice Doctors cannot treat patients however they please as they are bound by laws and expectations set forth by the medical community. A medical professional that makes a mistake that leads to a patient’s harm or death may be liable for their negligence. Medical malpractice cases are complex. The more proof that is provided, the better the chances are that the victim receives fair restitution. Medical malpractice cases can be related to surgical errors, incorrect medication prescription (dosage or brand), delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, anesthesia mistakes, and more. If you suspect that your situation could qualify as medical malpractice, then now is the time to come forward and learn about whether you have a strong claim against a medical doctor or facility. As a personal injury lawyer from Cohen & Cohen, P.C. has seen too many times before, personal injury accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. The more that the public understands what personal injury accidents are and what their rights entail, the more confidently they can seek restitution for how they have suffered.

What Does it Mean if My X-rays are Negative After an Injury?

Nov 10, 2022 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

What does it mean if my x-rays are negative after an injury? If your x-ray is negative, meaning it does not show injury or damage, it does not mean you are not hurt. Car accidents especially can lead to hidden damage and injuries that are not always immediately apparent in a negative radiograph. You may be wondering, “if my x-ray is negative after a car accident or injury, how do I know if I am injured?” Here’s how. When you’ve been involved in an accident, whether it’s a car accident or a slip and fall, it’s very important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Your doctor should run tests to determine whether you’ve been injured including an x-ray. If you’re still having pain or you believe you’ve been injured, there are other tests that a doctor should run to determine whether you’ve been injured. In this post, you will learn about the most common diagnoses and a negative x-ray (or radiograph) meaning. Skip To: Common Diagnostic Tests – Contact a Trusted Accident Attorney Common Diagnostic Tests After A Car Accident Or Injury In Florida Generally speaking, a doctor will order an x-ray first to determine if there are any obvious injuries. An x-ray can rule out things like larger broken bones, dislocated joints, or some other internal injuries. There are other tests that should also be performed including: Contact a Trusted Accident Attorney Near You In Florida If you’ve been injured in a car accident or a slip and fall, you should get in touch with an experienced and trusted personal injury attorney. The attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have over 30 years of experience helping the injured, and they’re here to help you. Contact us online or call us at 1-800-538-4878 today to schedule your free consultation. What Our Clients Say “I had a great experience with Tom Gacio! He showed he cared about me while I went through a rough recovery from an auto accident. He was honest, responsive and diligent. I would highly recommend him and his firm to anyone who is injured in an accident. Thank you, Tom!!!” Tenille T.Rating 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐See our 4.9 rating and read more of our 344 reviews on Google!

Aggravated Injury Settlements

Nov 9, 2022 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Pre-existing Injuries and Your Personal Injury Case Not every victim of someone’s negligence comes into a situation with a perfectly healthy body. Many people have some form of a pre-existing injury, whether it’s serious or minor, that existed prior to the incident. Whether this injury includes knee pain, spine injuries, hip pain, or a shoulder injury, pre-existing injuries won’t necessarily derail your personal injury claim. New Injuries If you’ve developed new injuries in addition to any pre-existing injury, then you still may be able to receive compensation for any new injuries caused by negligence, in addition to any aggravated injury compensation you are eligible for. Your medical records and the testimony of a medical expert may be used to establish which injuries you had prior to the accident and which injuries were the direct result of the incident in question. Aggravation of Injuries While you are not entitled to payment for injuries that existed before an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the degree to which any pre-existing injuries were aggravated or exacerbated by someone else’s negligence. Aggravation of a pre-existing injury means that your injury was made worse as a result of the incident in question. Examples of aggravated injuries include: Neck and back pain Knee injuries Shoulder injuries Arthritis Herniated discs Degenerative disc disease Prior bone fractures Prior head injuries In the case of aggravation of a pre-existing injury, you may be compensated for the degree of exacerbation and not for the entire injury. You may not be compensated for the treatment you were already undergoing as the result of your pre-existing injury but may be compensated for any additional care that was required. Proving the aggravation of an existing injury requires a thorough and extensive review of medical records and current medical examinations to compare an individual’s condition before and after an accident. A defendant can’t avoid liability simply because a plaintiff was more prone to injury due to a pre-existing condition. A negligent party will still be liable even if the plaintiff was more susceptible, due to a health condition, to being seriously injured. Average Settlement For Pre-Existing Injuries According to the settlement examples listed on this page, the typical Florida aggravated injury settlement is anywhere from $400,000 to $1,600,000. Settlements depend greatly on the unique circumstances of each case, so the amount for aggravated injury car accident settlements in Florida varies greatly. Pre-Existing Injuries Settlement Amount In one case, our client and his spouse were in a vehicle, traveling on a road in the same direction as the defendant’s vehicle, when the defendant pulled off onto the shoulder of the road and made an illegal U-Turn in front of our clients’ vehicle. Both of our clients suffered injuries to their neck and lower back. The MRIs of the neck and lower back revealed multiple herniated discs. The husband was involved in a motor vehicle accident several years before this accident which resulted in herniated discs in his lower back. The new MRI revealed he sustained an aggravation of his previous lower back injuries. Our clients were treated conservatively for neck and back pain with multiple injections. The husband’s conservative treatment failed. The surgeon recommended that the husband submit to lower back surgery to alleviate his lower back pain and radiating symptoms caused by the aggravation to his pre-existing lower back injuries from the prior accident. The husband submitted to lower back surgery and it was a success. The wife suffered from intermittent and occasional neck and lower back pain after conservative treatment. The defendant’s insurance company merely offered the husband and wife $40,000 & $70,000 respectively to settle their claims pre-suit. Suit was filed and the case progressed through the litigation process to mediation. At the mediation, the defendant’s insurance company offered $60,000 to the husband and did not increase their offer to settle the wife’s claim. Those offers were rejected, and the case was set for trial. Two months before trial the defendant’s insurance company accepted the formal demands to settle the wife’s case for $150,000 and to settle the husband’s case for the full policy limits of 250,000 for a full and final combined settlement of $400,000. In this second aggravated injury settlement, this client’s case settled for $1,600,000 several weeks prior to trial. Our client was a passenger in a friend’s vehicle at which time his friend made an improper left-hand turn and violated the right of way of another vehicle proceeding in the opposite direction resulting in a substantial impact with massive amounts of property damage. The client was taken by ambulance to the hospital and diagnosed with a neck fracture, a subdural hematoma, and pelvic fractures. After conservative care and treatment, he was ultimately diagnosed to have the following permanent injuries: a mild traumatic brain injury; an unoperated cervical herniated disc; and an aggravation of previously existing lower back degenerative changes. In 2019, the defendant initially disputed liability and merely offered $350,000 as their “final offer”. We filed suit and proceeded to take depositions from several witnesses to establish defendant’s fault for causing the accident. Additionally, we hired several well qualified experts to examine our client who ultimately verified that the client suffered permanent spine injuries and a traumatic brain injury that would continue to affect his cognitive abilities. The case was mediated resulting in the defendant’s “final offer” of $750,000. A mediation impasse was declared, and a trial was set to take place. Defendant’s experts examined the plaintiff and eventually had to admit that our client suffered a permanent mild traumatic brain injury caused by the accident. A second mediation took place several months prior to the scheduled trial date. At that time, the defendant’s “final offer”, was $1 million. The second mediation, as with the first mediation, resulted in an impasse. Shortly after the second mediation the case settled for $1.6 million several weeks prior to trial. Contact a Trusted Florida Injury Attorney If you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence, you should consult with experienced personal...

Average Travelers Insurance Personal Injury Settlement Amounts in Florida

Oct 11, 2022 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

If you have a claim with Travelers Insurance, you might be curious how the claims process works and what average Travelers Insurance settlement amounts are. Pursuing a personal injury claim on your own through a third-party insurance company can be a stressful and frustrating process. Fortunately, the Florida personal injury lawyers near you at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have developed an excellent reputation for successfully helping Florida clients get the compensation they deserve. We can help you when you need to open a Travelers Insurance dispute claim. What Is the Average Travelers Insurance Settlement Amount? All claims are different, and many factors can influence your potential Travelers Insurance payout value. Some of the most significant factors that impact your claim’s value include injury type and severity, liability, your total amount of damages, and the available insurance policy limits. According to the examples of insurance settlement payouts on this page, the typical Florida insurance settlement payout is anywhere from $500,000 to $1,000,000. While these are not specific to Travelers Insurance, insurance settlement amounts depend greatly on the unique circumstances of each case which is why there is no accurate average insurance settlement payout. Extent of Injury Someone with a spinal cord injury and paralysis will have a higher claim value when compared to someone who sustained soft tissue injuries that healed within three months. Even similar injuries can have significantly different values. For example, someone with a broken leg that healed within three months with no residual pain complaints would likely have a lower claim value than someone who is permanently disabled due to a fractured leg. Comparative Fault Liability also plays a significant role in determining settlement value. Florida is a modified comparative negligence state. This means that if you are found to be no more than 50% at fault for the accident, your recovery is reduced by the same proportion as your percentage of fault. As an example, if you are found to be 20% at fault in an accident, you may still recover 80% of your damages in a lawsuit. If, however, your percentage of fault is found to be more than 50%, you are barred from any recovery under the law. Policy Limits Available policy limits can also impact your settlement value. Two cases can be worth similar amounts, but available insurance can affect how much you receive. Consider a situation where you have $200,000 in damages. If the at-fault party only has $50,000 in insurance coverage, you won’t be able to collect the total $200,000 unless you sue the defendant directly or have other potential avenues of recovery. On the other hand, if the defendant has $500,000 in available coverage, you could receive the total value of your claim from the defendant’s insurance company. Examples of Insurance Settlement Payouts $500,000 / Motor Vehicle Accident / Fractured Collarbone / Zephyrhills, FL 67-year old female was injured when the defendant lost control and struck the vehicle that the client was a passenger in. As a result of the crash, the client sustained a fractured collarbone and neck injuries. We obtained the maximum available insurance proceeds on behalf of our client in this case. $600,000 / Motor Vehicle Accident / Neck and Knee / Homosassa, FL 38-year old female was injured when the defendant pulled out of a parking lot and struck the client’s vehicle. As a result of the crash, the client sustained a herniated in her neck requiring surgery and a damaged ligament in her knee. We obtained the maximum available insurance proceeds on behalf of our client in this case. $775,000 / Motor Vehicle Accident / Wrongful Death / Hernando Co. This unfortunate accident occurred on Cortez Boulevard in Brookville, Florida at an intersection. The defendant driver, who had a solid green light, failed to yield the right of way to the vehicle our client was driving by turning left directly into our client’s path and causing a massive impact. Our client was rushed to the hospital with multiple injuries including broken vertebrae and a fractured pelvis. Tragically, our client did not survive his injuries and passed away shortly after the accident. His son was appointed personal representative of his estate so that a wrongful death claim could be presented. In addition to our client, we also represented his wife who sustained significant injuries. Between the two cases, we were able to secure a recovery of $1,550,000.00 which was divided evenly between the claims. This was the limit of all available insurance policies. $1,008,258 / Motor Vehicle Accident / Manatee County, FL Our clients, husband and wife, were involved in a serious accident where the defendant ran a red light. He suffered back and shoulder injuries, and she had an injury to her neck. This settlement represented the maximum amount of insurance coverage available. How Long Will My Claim Take? How long it takes your case to resolve can also vary. Some claims might settle right away, while others can take several years. Claims that resolve quickly often involve significant injuries and low insurance policy limits. If it’s evident that the other party is at fault and your financial losses exceed the available bodily injury insurance, the adjuster may offer to pay the policy limits early in the process. However, be cautious of insurance adjusters who make early settlement offers. The adjuster knows your claim is worth more in many cases but wants to resolve early to cap their exposure. They hope by offering you some money now, you will settle before the actual value of your claim is revealed. If Travelers denies your claim for lack of coverage or liability, you will need to file a lawsuit. Claims that enter the litigation phase may take considerably longer to resolve. It could be several years at that point before your case goes to trial or there are further negotiation talks. Tips for Dealing with Travelers Insurance If you are unrepresented, dealing with an insurance company can be daunting. You want to keep some helpful tips in mind...

Average Loss of Consortium Settlement Amount in Florida

Aug 31, 2022 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

If a close family member of yours dies or suffers a severe life-altering injury, you might have a right to claim damages for loss of consortium as part of an eventual settlement. Loss of consortium is a category of non economic damages that compensates family members for losses they suffer as a result of their loved one’s injury. Typically, spouses, parents, and children of injured parties can claim compensation through loss of consortium settlements. Essentially, loss of consortium damages compensate parties for intangible losses that they suffer as a result of the loss of their loved one or their loved one’s loss of ability to function in a certain way. The attorney’s near you at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, one of the most common questions about loss of consortium settlements we hear is, what is loss of consortium worth? Read for more information on Florida loss of consortium, including loss of consortium claim values. What Is the Average Loss of Consortium Settlement? According to the wrongful death settlement examples listed on this page, the typical Florida loss of consortium settlement is anywhere from $600,000 to $11,500,000. Loss of consortium settlements depend greatly on the unique circumstances of each case which is why there is no accurate average settlement amount for loss of consortium in Florida. The truth is that there are numerous factors and circumstances that affect how much a loss of consortium claim is worth. The main reason that loss of consortium settlement amounts differ so much is that the accidents and injuries that give rise to loss of consortium claims are all unique. As a result, their settlement amounts, including any claims for loss of consortium, are also unique. However, with that said, there are ways that you can maximize your loss of consortium claim. Here’s How to Maximize a Loss of Consortium Settlement There are a few ways that you can maximize your loss of consortium settlement. Here, we will cover two of them: If you do these two things as soon as possible after the accident, you will set yourself up to maximize your eventual settlement. Documenting Your Damages Because loss of consortium damages are non economic, they are inherently intangible and subjective. Thus, proving that you suffer from loss of consortium damages is a little different from proving economic damages. After all, to prove economic damages, you simply have to show a bill as evidence. To document your loss of consortium damages, you should maintain a journal that details any difficulties that you and your family suffer as a result of your loved one’s accident. Damages may include things like: To further bolster your claim, you can seek help from a mental health professional. They can document exactly how the loss affects you in a real and tangible way. With that sort of evidence on your side, it is difficult for the responsible party to deny the real impact of your loss of consortium damages. Hiring an Attorney Near You Hiring an attorney is another effective way to maximize your loss of consortium damage claims. Your lawyer can help you establish the relative value of each aspect of your loss of consortium claim. It helps to have your lawyer do this because, they can draw on their prior experience, and knows how to frame your damages in an effective manner. This will help you not only prove the existence of those damages, but maximize their value in your eventual settlement. Examples of Loss of Consortium Settlement Amounts $600,000 / Medical Malpractice / Wrongful Death / Leon Co.Female was a patient in the hospital. Due to an improper mixture of medication, she died. Abrahamson & Uiterwyk received this settlement on behalf of the deceased’s family. $775,000 / Motor Vehicle Accident / Wrongful Death / Hernando Co.This unfortunate accident occurred on Cortez Boulevard in Brookville, Florida at an intersection. The defendant driver, who had a solid green light, failed to yield the right of way to the vehicle our client was driving by turning left directly into our client’s path and causing a massive impact. Our client was rushed to the hospital with multiple injuries including broken vertebrae and a fractured pelvis. Tragically, our client did not survive his injuries and passed away shortly after the accident. His son was appointed personal representative of his estate so that a wrongful death claim could be presented. In addition to our client, we also represented his wife who sustained significant injuries. Between the two cases, we were able to secure a recovery of $1,550,000.00 which was divided evenly between the claims. This was the limit of all available insurance policies. $11,500,000 (Jury Verdict) Product Liability / Lung Cancer / Wrongful Death / Hillsborough CountyOur client’s mother, a registered nurse, died from lung cancer caused by her addiction to smoking cigarettes manufactured by the defendant, RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company. A jury in Tampa awarded each of her five children $1,000,000.00. This amount was reduced by the percentage of fault their mother was found to have. The same jury also awarded $6,500,000.00 in additional damages to punish RJ Reynolds for its conduct. How to Calculate Loss of Consortium Damages The only effective way to get a somewhat accurate estimate as to the value of your loss of consortium damages is with the help of an attorney. For your lawyer to make an accurate estimate, however, you need to make sure that you carefully document all the harmful impacts that the accident has on you and your loved ones. With this information in hand, your lawyer can draw on their prior experience with loss of consortium claims to place a dollar value on each aspect of your loss of consortium claim. It is critically important to remember, however, that this is just an estimate. Because loss of consortium damages are intangible, they are, by definition, subjective. As a result, different juries, judges, attorneys, and insurance adjusters may all place different (subjective) monetary values on the exact same claim. Do Loss of Consortium Damage...

Avoid Motorcycle Accidents in Florida with These 7 Safety Tips

Jun 10, 2022 | Category: Motorcycle Accidents | By Erik Abrahamson

With more motorcycle riders on Florida roads, conscientious drivers can take steps to avoid motorcycle accidents. Besides the important safety measures a rider can take, like always wearing a helmet and never operating their motorcycle while under the influence, there are seven other basic steps that they can take to avoid these often tragic accidents. 1. Take an Introductory Riding Course Riding a motorcycle is different than driving a passenger vehicle. An introductory training course can teach the basics of how to ride a motorcycle in Tampa, FL, moving you to a novice and providing additional skills for an experienced rider. 2. Use Independent Study Most motorcycle riders learn how to ride by practicing on their own or with help from a friend. However, a wealth of information is available through books and movies. New riders can learn about the basics of motorcycle riding through these resources. This can help them avoid getting into a motorcycle accident and help them properly understand the most up-to-date motorcycle laws. Another option is to subscribe to a periodic magazine that shows how to ride motorcycles safely. 3. Practice Makes Perfect for Avoiding Florida Motorcycle Accidents To become a good motorcycle rider, it is necessary to practice. When first beginning to ride, a person should practice in a safe area that is not subject to high traffic. Riders can focus on aspects such as clutch control, making maneuvers in limited spaces, braking correctly, and turning the bike as needed. Using some safety cones or bright boundaries can help a new rider learn basic skills. Riders who are just learning how to ride a motorcycle should start off slow with small goals and then slowly move toward more complicated tasks. 4. Take Another Course Skill improvement courses can help drivers continue to acquire more experience and avoid the chances of getting into a motorcycle accident. These courses help teach riders how to ride in a safe manner and avoid aggressive driving. 5. Ride Various Bikes A rider may get used to a particular bike, but this will not help the rider learn how to adjust to many different types of motorcycles on the market. Different bike designs require an altered form of riding. Taking this step can also help broaden riders’ skills. 6. Use Off-Road Using an off-road track can help riders adjust to their environment and be more in tune with their surroundings, and is a great option when you are learning how to operate a motorcycle in Tampa, FL. Using an off-road bike is best for this step. 7. Go to Track School Track schools provide riders with advanced training. Riders don’t need a sportbike to participate in most of these schools. These schools help improve riders’ skills for street riding and take place in traffic-free areas. Have You Been Seriously Injured in an Accident in Our Area? Call Our Experienced Florida Motorcycle Injury Attorneys Today! If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today and speak to one of our Florida motorcycle accident lawyers at 1-800-538-4878 for a free initial consultation and case evaluation. What Our Happy Clients Say About Us On Google: They did an excellent job with my motorcycle accident. Jennifer kept me updated with the progress of the case. Thanks again for handling my case. Mark K.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐And see more of our 314+ reviews on Google.

E-scooter Safety a Growing Tampa Concern

Sep 25, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

In late May 2019, the city of Tampa launched its electric scooter pilot program. Tampa plans to have four different vendors place 2,400 E-scooters on streets across the city. The pilot program will go on for one year, and then city officials will evaluate whether to continue the program. The scooters will not be permitted on East Seventh Street, Bayshore Boulevard, and the Tampa Riverwalk. What are E-scooters? Electric scooters, also known as E-scooters, are provided by a number of different companies including Bird, Lime, and Spin. To use an electric scooter, a user must download an app, enter their credit card information, and then find and scan a scooter. The E-scooter can then be left at the user’s destination. E-scooters can travel up to 20 mph and will be permitted on sidewalks only. The Dangers of E-scooters While E-scooters may be convenient, they are certainly not the safest mode of transportation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) foundthat there has been a recent uptick in emergency room visits for fractures, dislocations, and head trauma since the scooters have hit the streets of cities across the country. The CDC found that 45% of accidents involving scooters resulted in head injuries. Many of these injuries result from the fact that riders are not wearing protective gear when they use scooters. While typically riders agree that they will wear a helmet when they sign in to use an E-scooter, the reality is that most riders are not wearing any protective gear. This makes them particularly vulnerable to serious injuries. Negligent drivers can cause accidents with scooters. Because scooters have a low profile, they can be difficult for a driver to see, especially if the driver is not paying attention to their surroundings. Drivers need to respect an E-scooters space, especially when they are operating in crosswalks. A failure to do so can result in catastrophic injury. Contact a Tampa Bay Accident Attorney If you’ve been injured in an E-scooter accident, you may want to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. The attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have been representing accident victims for over 30 years. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.

Should I Get Medical Treatment After my Car Accident

Jul 26, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

One of the most common questions people have after a car accident is whether they should seek medical treatment. People involved in minor accidents, “fender benders,” and even serious accidents sometimes feel that if they’re not actively bleeding everywhere, they wouldn’t need medical help. Some people believe that if they can’t see the injury, then there must not be one. This is not true, and it is important to remember that, just because you can’t see an injury doesn’t mean one isn’t there. Injuries such as whiplash, internal bleeding, some fractures, and head injuries don’t necessarily present themselves right away. In addition, the adrenaline coursing through your body following an accident can prevent you from feeling the effects of an injury. It is important to always seek medical attention, even if you were involved in what you feel was a minor accident. Seeking Immediate Medical Treatment It is important that you get checked out by a medical doctor as soon as possible. Documenting your injuries immediately following your accident can be important to proving a claim for compensation. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by seeing a doctor immediately. Seeking Medical Treatment the Next Day Many car accident victims go to the doctor the next day because that’s when they begin to feel pain and other symptoms from their injuries. It’s common to wake up the morning after an accident and feel pain and stiffness caused by your injuries. While it doesn’t necessarily mean you are seriously injured, some latent symptoms can be a sign of serious injuries. Whiplash and some muscle injuries can take days or even weeks before presenting symptoms. Later Symptoms If you sought medical treatment and the doctor believed you weren’t injured, this does not mean it is necessarily true. You may feel the symptoms of an injury days or weeks down the road. Headaches, body aches, and other symptoms should be checked out by a doctor even if they occur days after an accident. You may believe that the stress of the accident is the source of your headache, but it could be a sign of a traumatic brain injury such as a concussion. It also takes time to diagnose things like post-concussion syndrome after a car accident. It is important not to self-diagnose your symptoms. Contact a Tampa Bay Car Accident Attorney It is always a good idea to seek medical treatment after a car accident. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may also want to seek the help of an experienced car accident attorney. The attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, have helped thousands of car accident victims and are available to help you. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.

Abrahamson & Uiterwyk: What Our Clients Say About Us

Jul 24, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, our personal injury attorneys have over 30 years of experience helping the injured. We’ve helped over 20,000 accident victims get the compensation they deserved for their injuries and pain and suffering. We’ve demonstrated that we can get the job done and have results to show for it. We are proud to have served our community and are very proud of the over 1,000 5-star reviews and testimonials we have received from satisfied clients. Here’s what some of our clients have to say about us: Chiara B. of Clearwater notes in her Yelp review: “After being injured in a car accident, a relative of mine highly recommended that I contact Attorney Erik Abrahamson. After contacting his office, they met with me the very same day and immediately began working on my case. As a result, I was able to focus on me and getting better. The staff was always professional, kind, and compassionate. They kept me up to date every step of the way and always took the time to thoroughly answer any questions I had. In the end, I was very pleased with the settlement Attorney Erik Abrahamson obtained in my case. All of my medical bills were taken care of and I was fully compensated for the pain and suffering I endured due to someone else’s carelessness. I highly recommend this firm and will definitely hire them again if ever needed.” Adrianne T. notes in her Google review: “Calling Abrahamson & Uiterwyk was the best decision. After my accident their staff helped put me at ease by taking care of everything. They answered all of my questions and were always so friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this firm!” Laura P. noted in her Google review: “I used Abrahamson & Uiterwyk to represent my daughter and I after we were hit in a car accident. Everyone was extremely helpful, friendly and professional. I appreciate the easy communication I had with the entire staff. Everyone went above and beyond throughout the entire process. I would definitely highly recommend them!” Rick M. noted in his Google review: “Abrahamson & Uiterwyk were amazing from the time I called them to the time they closed the case. They quite literally took care of everything so all I had to do was show up for the doctor visits and focus on healing. They handled everything else throughout the process and remained in constant communication to keep me abreast of my case. Initially,I was a little apprehensive to hire an attorney, but looking back now I couldn’t be happier with that decision. Any stigma or negative preconception you may have about hiring an attorney will be quickly dispelled by Abrahamson and Uiterwyk – they are thorough, professional, compassionate and will always work for your best interest. I highly recommend them if you ever find yourself in a situation where you may need an attorney.” This is just a small sample of the positive reviews we’ve received from our clients over the years. You can find more of our reviews hereand on the Google pages for our offices. While not all clients will have the same or similar outcomes, we would still love the opportunity to evaluate your case for free. Contact us onlineor call us at 800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.

The Elements of a Negligence Claim

Jul 22, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

In most injury and accident claims, the basis for the claim is that someone acted in a negligent manner. Generally speaking, when a person acts in a negligent way, that person may be held liable for the injuries they cause. In order to establish a negligence claim, there are four essential elements that must be proven. Duty It must be established that the negligent party owed a duty of care to the injured party. Whether there is a duty will depend on the circumstances. A property owner owes a duty to residents and visitors of the property to keep it reasonably safe from hazards. So, unless you were a trespasser, if you were on someone’s property, they had a duty to make sure the property was safe. Every driver on the road owes the basic duty to other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists not to drive in an unsafe and careless manner. Breach of Duty A breach of duty occurs when the negligent person does something careless or carelessly doesn’t do something, in violation of their duty. In a Florida slip and fall case, if a property owner fails to fix a broken staircase, then they have breached their duty to keep their premises reasonably safe from hazards. If a driver texts while driving and causes an accident, that driver has breached their duty to drive in a safe manner. Causation The causation element means that an injured party must show that their injuries were caused by the other person’s breach of duty. If someone sustains a head injury in a slip and fall accident, they must show that the injury was the result of the property owner’s failure to keep the property in a safe condition and not the result of something else. In a car accident, you would have to prove that any injuries sustained were the result of negligent driving. Damages This is the most basic element, and it means that there must be some sort of injury or loss for which the victim may be compensated. If you were in a slip and fall accident and you weren’t injured in any way, then the property owner can’t be held responsible because there are no damages. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Proving the elements of a negligence claim can be complicated. So, if you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence, you may want to consult with an experienced Tampa Bay injury attorney . The attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have over 30 years of experience helping injured Floridians. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.

Choosing the Right Tampa Bay Attorney

Jul 2, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may decide that hiring a personal injury attorney is the next step. In the Tampa Bay area, there are hundreds of personal injury attorneys. So how do you know which attorney is right for you? There are a few key things you should look for before hiring an attorney. Focus of Practice When choosing the right attorney for your personal injury claim, you want to find a firm that focuses on accident claims. Some firms practice in multiple areas of the law. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we focus solely on accident cases such as car accidents, slip and falls, and motorcycle accidents. This allows us to give these cases the attention they deserve. Experience One of the most important things to look for when choosing the right attorney is finding someone with extensive experience handling accident cases. Hiring a personal injury attorney with a great deal of experience in your area means that the attorneys will know how to investigate your case, what to look for, and where to look for it. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we have over 30 years of experience handling accident cases. We work on these cases every day and know the steps needed to help you pursue compensation for your injuries. Reputation Look for testimonials and reviews of an attorney before you hire them. The opinions of past clients can be very helpful in determining whether they are trusted and experienced. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we are proud to have represented over twenty thousand satisfied clients over the years. We have hundreds of five-star reviews from clients on Google. In addition, we have received a “Best Law Firm” rating with U.S. News and World Report, an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and the highest possible AV rating with Martindale-Hubbell. Results Another important thing to look for when choosing the right attorney is whether they have successfully achieved results for their clients. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. Contact an Experienced Tampa Bay Attorney At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we have the skills and experience you need if you decide to hire a personal injury attorney. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.

What is a No Fee Promise?

Jun 20, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we are honored to represent thousands of clients who have been injured due to negligence. As part of this representation, we are proud to offer all of our clients a No Fee Promise. This means that you pay no fees or costs unless you receive compensation. What is a No Fee Promise? Our No Fee Promise means that if you decide to hire us to represent you in your injury claim, you pay Abrahamson & Uiterwyk nothing up front. This is also known as a contingency fee arrangement. We don’t collect any fees or costs unless you win. If you don’t receive compensation, then you owe us nothing. If compensation is obtained, either through a settlement or a verdict at trial, you pay us a percentage of the settlement or verdict. What are the Advantages of a No Fee Promise? A No Fee Promise is advantageous to a client for a number of reasons. Not having to pay money up front means that you don’t have to worry about paying thousands of dollars to an attorney in order to pursue your claim. In addition, a law firm in a contingency fee case generally only takes on a case if they believe there’s a good chance of success. A lawyer then has a huge incentive to work hard on your case in order to get the best possible outcome for everyone involved. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you should consider consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we are happy to answer any questions you may have about our No Fee Promise and other aspects of a personal injury claim. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.

How Abrahamson & Uiterwyk Helps Accident Victims and How We Can Help You

Jun 11, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, it is a stressful time. You may have decided to hire a personal injury attorney, and now you have the tough choice of deciding which attorney is right for you. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we have helped thousands of clients get compensation for their injuries, and we’d like to show you what we can do for you. Aggressive & Prompt Representation The attorneys at Abrahamson &. Uiterwyk work hard for our clients every day. We don’t represent the insurance companies; we represent accident victims. We fight hard for our clients and help them pursue the maximum compensation they deserve. We also work to bring cases to resolution in a timely manner. The Right Experience The most important thing to look for when hiring an attorney is whether that person or firm has the right experience. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we have over 30 years of experience representing accident victims. We know the right way to handle a negligence case because our attorneys do it every day. Our attorneys know how to communicate with insurance companies and get the job done. We can deal with insurance companies on your behalf and save you the stress and hassle. Personal Attention At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, our clients are more than just a file. Our clients are individuals who deserve personal attention through every step of the claims process. There is always someone available to answer your questions or listen to your concerns. We want you to know that we take your questions seriously and want to make sure that you know what’s happening with your case as it progresses. Results Over the years, the attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have successfully helped thousands of clients. We have obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for accident victims. You can see some of our results here. If you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence, let us show you what we can do for you. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we have been helping accident victims for over 30 years, and we’d love the chance to help you. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.

10 Reasons Why You Should Hire Our Injury Law Team

Jun 10, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

When you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence, you have many decisions to make. If you make the decision to pursue compensation for your losses, you’ve likely chosen to hire a personal injury attorney to help you through the process. With hundreds of personal injury lawyers throughout Florida, who are you going to hire? Here are 10 reasons why you should consider hiring the injury law team at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk: 1. Our No Fee Promise Simply stated, you pay us nothing to represent you unless you win. There are no attorney’s fees, no costs, or other expenses unless you win your case. No exceptions. 2. Focused on Personal Injuries At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we focus our practice on injury cases. We help victims of motorcycle accidents, car accidents, truck accidents, and slip and fall accidents pursue compensation for their injuries. 3. Experienced Injury Law Team Our injury law team has over 30 years of experience helping accident victims pursue compensation. The 10 attorneys and 40 legal staff have extensive experience protecting the rights of the injured. 4. Aggressive & Prompt Representation At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we represent accident victims and not the insurance company. We fight hard for the rights of our client and work toward a fair and prompt resolution to all claims. 5. Accreditations Abrahamson & Uiterwyk has been recognized for integrity and hard work. We were recently achieved “Best Law Firm” rating by U.S. News and World Report. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and an AV rating (the highest rating) with Martindale-Hubbell. 6. Results The attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. 7. Client Satisfaction Our clients are happy with the representation we’ve provided them and have proven this with over 1,000 5-star Google reviews. 8. Thousands of Injury Victims Represented We have represented over 20,000 injury victims over the last 30 years. We have helped these victims of negligence pursue compensation for their injuries. 9. Personal Attention Our staff is available to give each of our clients the personal attention they deserve. There is always someone available to answer your questions. 10. Immediate Help We have people on standby 24/7 ready to help you when you need it. Contact us any time of day to schedule your free, no obligation consultation. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you should consider setting up a consultation with the injury law team at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.

Abrahamson & Uiterwyk: Giving Back

May 31, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Over the years, Abrahamson & Uiterwyk has been proud and honored to represent thousands of injury victims. To show our appreciation for the trust the community has put in us, we began a scholarship program. Our hope is that this program will encourage students to pursue a quality education and achieve their dreams. As part of our scholarship program, we ask contestants to write an essay about safety. We receive hundreds of applicants who are interested in this program. Scholarship Winners Tristen Sharp and Melanie Mooney are two of the most recent recipients of the scholarship. Tristen Sharp 18-year old Tristen Sharp, a resident of Illinois, won our scholarship for her essay about distracted driving. Tristen was enrolled in a pre-law program and was pursuing a degree in political science at Illinois State University. Tristen hoped to attend law school in the future. One of the things about Tristen that made her stand out from the rest of the applicants is that she had twice been the victim of a negligent driver. Tristen sustained traumatic brain injury twice in an 18-month period and followed a long road to recovery. In her essay (which can be read here) Tristen points out that all drivers have a duty to others on the road to remain focused on driving and not get distracted. In her essay, Tristen lays out a plan for combatting distracted driving. We are so proud of Tristen and wish her all the best. Melanie Mooney Melanie Mooney was a high school senior residing in Indiana. Melanie was a member of student government and planned to attend Purdue University when she was awarded our scholarship. Applicants for the scholarship Melanie won were asked to write a “Safety Contract” and an essay on distracted driving. Melanie’s essay stood out from the crowd. In her essay (which can be read here) Melanie points out the toll that distracted driving takes on our society. Melanie notes that there are different types of distractions that can impair one’s ability to safely drive and lays out a plan for learning to avoid distractions. Melanie’s essay was outstanding and helpful, and we know she has a bright future. Notable Mentions We have had hundreds of applications over the years, but a few students stood out, and we’d like to tell you about them. Komel S. Patel Komel S. Patel was a freshman at the Florida International University when she won our scholarship contest. As part of the contest, applicants were asked to create a Family Safety Contract and to write an essay about the importance of the contract. Out of hundreds of applicants received at that time, Komel’s essay (which can be read here) stood out. In her essay, Komel talked about her own experience having almost been injured in an accident while she was walking in a parking lot texting on her phone. Komel pointed out the importance of drivers and pedestrians being aware of their surroundings at all times to keep everyone safe. We are proud of Komel and we know she has a bright future. Isaac Boulter Isaac Boulter was a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill when he won our scholarship contest. In his application, Isaac wrote an outstanding essay (which can be read here) on the topic of distracted driving. In his essay, Isaac included important statistics as well as personal stories. Isaac discussed the importance of not taking the risk of distracted driving as the results can be deadly. Isaac wrote an excellent essay, and we wish him all the best. Sona Patel Sona Patel was a student at the University of Michigan when she won our scholarship contest. Sona was an active student with a strong interest in finance. Sona and the other applicants were asked to write an essay about distracted driving. Sona wrote a compelling essay (which can be read here) encouraging people to avoid distracted driving. In her essay, Sona notes that even briefly taking your eyes off the road can lead to devastating consequences. We are proud to honor Sona and know she’ll make the most of her future. Contact Us At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we are proud to help our scholarship winners. If you’ve been injured in an accident with a distracted driver, you may want an experienced personal injury attorney in Tampa, Florida on your side. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we have over 30 years of experience helping the injured. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

Myths About Personal Injury Claims

May 30, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

There are a number of myths about personal injury claims, and here we clear up some of the most common myths. Myth #1: Personal Injury Claims are Frivolous Many people have a negative impression of personal injury claims and believe that the majority of them are frivolous. While there is a very small percentage of frivolous claims out there, the vast majority of personal injury claims are filed for a valid reason. When someone has been injured due to the negligence of another person, they usually have medical bills and lost time from work. An injury victim deserves to be compensated for these bills that they’ve incurred through someone else’s negligence. A victim also deserves to be compensated for any pain and suffering they’ve experienced as the result of an accident. A personal injury claim is an avenue for pursuing that compensation. Myth #2: It Costs a Lot of Money to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be hesitant to hire a lawyer because you don’t believe you can afford one. The majority of personal injury lawyers in Tampa, including Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, operate on a contingency basis. This means that the client pays no money up front and the attorney receives a percentage of any compensation recovered. Myth #3: All Personal Injury Claims Go to Trial Some people believe that most personal injury claims are resolved after a lengthy trial. However, the majority of personal injury cases never go to trial. Most cases settle before the need for a trial. Nonetheless, the attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk are prepared to take a case to trial in the unlikely event that it becomes necessary. Myth #4: I Have Plenty of Time to File a Personal Injury Claim This is one of the most common misconceptions about personal injury claims. When you’ve been injured, you have to keep in mind that there is a statute of limitations that can prevent you from filing a lawsuit against the negligent party if you wait too long. In addition, if you plan to hire an attorney, it is important to get them involved as soon as possible. An attorney may need to conduct an investigation into your claim, and the longer you wait, the more likely it is that evidence will disappear. Myth #5: Personal Injury Claims Can Take Years to Settle The length of time it takes for a personal injury claim to settle depends entirely on the particular circumstances of your case. However, very few cases take years to settle. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney If you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence, you should have an experienced personal injury attorney evaluate your case. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we have over 30 years of experience helping the injured, and we’d be happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

What Makes Abrahamson & Uiterwyk Different from Other Law Firms

May 27, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

When you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence, one of the most important things you can do for your case is to hire the right personal injury attorney. Although there are many considerations when deciding to hire a personal injury attorney, you should try to find a firm that stands out from the others. Abrahamson & Uiterwyk is not like other law firms, and we’d be happy to put our skills to work for you. Experience Our injury law team consists of 10 attorneys and 40 legal staff who have extensive experience helping the injured. Our team has over 30 years of experience handling injury cases ranging from car accidents to slip and falls. We know how to handle insurance companies because we do it every day. Focused Practice Unlike some other law firms, Abrahamson & Uiterwyk focuses only on injury cases including car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and slip and falls. Aggressive & Prompt Representation We represent victims injured by negligence. We do not represent the insurance companies. We use our experience to push insurance companies to settle claims fairly and quickly with our aggressive and prompt representation. Accreditations Our injury law team has received multiple accreditations. We were named a “Best Law Firm” for 2019 in the U.S. News and World Report. In addition, we have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and an “AV” rating at Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest possible rating. Client Satisfaction We have helped over 20,000 clients who were injured as a result of someone’s negligence. Our clients have expressed their gratitude for the services we provide as demonstrated by the hundreds of five-star reviews on Google. Proven Results The injury law team at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. We have also obtained numerous multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Personal Attention To some injury law firms, you’re just another client. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we ensure that all of our clients get the personalized attention they deserve. Schedule Your Free Consultation Today If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may want an experienced injury attorney on your side. Let the attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk show you how we can help. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.

Abrahamson & Uiterwyk: The Benefits of Hiring an Injury Law Team vs. an Individual Lawyer

May 23, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

When you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence, you have many important decisions to make. One of those decisions is whether to hire a personal injury lawyer. Once you’ve made the decision to do so, you then must decide whether to hire an injury law team or an individual lawyer. There are some distinct benefits to hiring an injury law team like the team at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk. Focused Practice Oftentimes an individual lawyer practices in a number of different areas of the law in order to keep their business going. The injury law team at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk focuses solely on personal injury cases. This allows us to become experts in injury cases since our lawyers deal with them every day. Personal Attention Individual lawyers don’t generally have a great deal of time to dedicate to answering all the questions and concerns of their clients. The injury law team at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk consist of 10 lawyers and 40 support staff which means there is always someone available if you have questions or need assistance. Resources of an Injury Law Team An injury law team tends to have more resources available to pursue a claim than an individual lawyer would have. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we have the combined experience of our team of lawyers and support staff. We also have the resources to focus on investigating your claim and putting together the best case to obtain a favorable outcome. We have access to expert witnesses and accident reconstructionists that can help us pursue compensation. We have the resources to take on the big cases. Experience Since individual lawyers often have to practice in many areas of the law, they may not have as much experience in your type of claim. The team of attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk represent a wealth of different types of experience that can be useful in handling different cases. Contact Our Injury Law Team If you’ve been injured as the result of someone’s negligence, let us show you what our injury law team can do for you. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we have over 30 years of experience helping the injured, and we are here to help you. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.

Abrahamson & Uiterwyk: Proven Results

May 21, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

When you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence, and you are looking for the best personal injury attorney in South Florida to help you with your claim, it is important to look for a team that has experience and has demonstrated that they can get the job done. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we have successfully helped our clients pursue compensation for their injuries. We’ve demonstrated that we can obtain multi-million dollar settlements and jury verdicts for clients. Examples of some of our proven results include: Motorcycle Accident–$11.1 million Jury Verdict Our team successfully won a substantial jury verdict for a client who was severely injured in a motorcycle accident. The negligent driver rear-ended our client who sustained a traumatic brain injury which resulted in severe brain damage. The original jury verdict was $15 million, but the jury found that our client was 25% at fault for his own injury because he was not wearing a helmet at the time. This verdict helped our client cover his $800,000 in medical bills and provided him with the financial security he needed to obtain further treatment. Motorcycle Accident/Wrongful Death–$5 million Settlement A 34-year old man was riding his motorcycle when a large tractor-trailer turned left into his right of way killing him. He was survived by his wife and two young children. We helped the family obtain a $5 million settlement for the wrongful death of their loved one. Premises Liability/Wrongful Death–$20 million Jury Verdict A teenaged young man was killed after his neighbor invited him to ride an ATV. He did not have proper safety equipment or adult supervision. While operating the ATV on the neighbor’s property, the young man struck a barbed wire fence and was decapitated. We obtained a $20 million verdict against the insurance company for the parents of the young man. After fighting hard to collect on the verdict, we were able to land on a seven-figure settlement with the insurance company. Motor Vehicle Accident–$6.1 million Settlement A 12-year old child sustained serious injuries after being struck by a cement truck. The accident resulted from negligent driving and the fact that the child was unable to access the crosswalk due to construction. A lawsuit was filed against the driver of the truck, his employer, and the contractor who was working on the road and sidewalk. Contact a Firm with Proven Results To learn more about our verdicts and settlements visit our Case Results page. If you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence, you may want an experienced personal injury team on your side. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we’ve proven that we can help our clients pursue the compensation they deserve. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.

Will My Rates Go Up if I Make a Claim on My Own Insurance?

May 9, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

When you’ve been involved in a car accident, you want to focus on getting medical care for your injuries and getting your car repaired. The last thing you want to think about is your insurance rate. But many accident victims are concerned about whether making a claim on their own insurance will increase their rates. The answer is: it depends. Florida Law Florida law prohibits insurers from increasing your insurance rates if it is determined that you were not substantially at fault for the accident. In Florida, you are required to have at least $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP). Your PIP benefits are available to cover some of your medical bills and lost wages. If you make a claim against your PIP coverage, then the insurance company should not raise your rates. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage If you make a claim on your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM) coverage, it will stand to reason that your rates would not increase because the accident was not your fault. Depending on the circumstances, your rates may not increase. However, if you make multiple UM claims over a period of time, the insurance company may use that information as a factor in determining your rates. Another Driver is At-Fault If the other driver is at fault for an accident, then your insurance company should be able to recoup any money they paid you from the other driver’s insurance company. This makes it less likely that you will see a rate increase. However, if you are involved in multiple car accidents, the insurance company could see you as a risk and raise the rates on your insurance. When You are at Fault If it is found that you are at fault for an accident, then it is very likely that your insurance rates will increase. The insurance company will find that you are a risky driver to insure. Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness in their policies, which means that your first accident may not lead to an increase in your rates, but subsequent accidents could. Every Situation is Different Whether your insurance rates will increase after an accident will depend entirely on the practices of your insurance company and the specific facts of a claim. Contact a Trusted Car Accident Attorney If you’ve been injured in an accident and you have questions about insurance, you may want to consult with an experienced and trusted personal injury attorney near you. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we have over 30 years of experience helping Floridians with insurance claims. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.

Should I Hire a Personal Injury Attorney for my Accident?

May 3, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

When you’ve been involved in an accident, whether it is a car accident or a slip and fall, you may wonder if you should hire a personal injury attorney to help you out. Whether to hire an attorney is a very personal decision and there a number of factors you should consider. Have You Been Injured? If you’ve been injured in a car accident or a slip and fall, chances are your medical bills are mounting and you’re in substantial pain. With the high costs of healthcare, your medical bills could be significant. You want to focus on healing from your injuries and not on haggling with the insurance company. If this is the case, it is likely in your best interests to let an attorney handle the insurance company so that you don’t have to worry about the details. Experience Dealing with Insurance Companies Chances are you haven’t been involved in dozens of car accidents or slip and falls and that you don’t have a lot of experience dealing with insurance companies. Most people are not prepared for the tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying claims. Experienced personal injury attorneys, like those at Abrahamson & Uiterwykdeal with insurance companies on a daily basis. They speak the language and know how to pursue the compensation you deserve. Ability to Evaluate a Claim When you’ve been injured in an accident, you probably have no idea how much your claim is worth. Sure, you know how much your medical bills are, but do you know the value of your pain and suffering and whether you are going to incur future medical bills? Insurance companies don’t have your best interests at heart and may offer you a settlement that will not cover all of your losses. The attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk have handled thousands of accident cases and are able to see a case for what it’s worth. Having an attorney on your side can be helpful in seeking to maximize your compensation. Taking a Case to Trial If settlement negotiations with an insurance company break down, there is always the chance that a case will have to go to trial. Chances are you don’t have the experience necessary to take a case a trial. Abrahamson & Uiterwyk has experienced trial attorneys on their team who can move a case forward in the unlikely event that a trial becomes necessary. Contact a Tampa Accident Attorney If you still have questions about whether you should hire a personal injury attorney for your accident claim, you should consult with the experienced and helpful Tampa injury lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk. We provide free consultations and are happy to answer any of your questions. Contact us online or call us at 800-538-4878 today to set up your free consultation.

Ankle Injuries

Apr 4, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

While it is easy to take your ankles for granted, they are an important part of your ability to be mobile. If you suffer an ankle injury it can hamper your ability to go to work or to do daily tasks. Ankle injuries are commonly the result of car accidents or slip and fall accidents. Types of ankle injuries include: Ankle Sprains An ankle sprain is an injury to a ligament that holds the bones and joints of the ankle together. A sprained ankle occurs when ligaments become stretched or torn. This is usually the result of twisting or rolling the ankle beyond its normal range of motion. Ankle sprains are graded based on severity: Grade I: a mild sprain where the ligaments have been stretched but are usually not torn. There may be swelling and some soreness but no loss of stability. Grade I sprains usually heal in a couple of weeks. Grade II:a moderate, more painful sprain where the ligament is partially torn. There is usually some swelling and bruising throughout the foot and ankle. The ankle may feel loose and unstable. Treatment includes immobilization of the ankle in a brace or splint. Grade II sprains can take up to 8 weeks to fully heal. Grade III:a severe sprain with gross instability in the joint. It typically results in a complete tear of the ligament. There is sharp and severe pain with significant swelling and bruising. Often the instability makes it difficult to walk, and crutches and a boot are needed. In some cases, surgery may be required and can take up to 6 months for a full recovery. Ankle Strain An ankle strain deals with the muscles and tendons of the ankle, and not the ligaments. An ankle strain occurs when muscles or tendons are stretched or torn. Ankle strains are less common than ankle sprains. Ankle Fractures An ankle fracture is a partial or complete break in the bone. A broken ankle involves the far or distal end of the tibia and/or fibula. Ankle fractures typically occur at the ankle joint. Doctors classify ankle fractures based on the area of the ankle that is broken. Contact a Trusted Personal Injury Attorney If you sustained an ankle injury due to someone’s negligence, it is important to contact a trusted personal injury attorney as soon as possible. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, our attorneys have extensive experience helping the injured. Contact us online or call us at 1-800-538-4878 today to schedule your free consultation.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health After an Accident

Mar 12, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Thousands of car accidents happen every day and while most of these accidents aren’t fatal, being involved in even a minor accident can cause long-term anxiety and fears about driving or riding in a car. A car accident not only affects your physical health, but it can have a lasting impact on your mental health as well. While you seek medical treatment for your physical injuries, many car accident victims push their psychological health aside and don’t get the care they need. This is understandable because the journey toward physical recovery can be a long one, but it’s just as important to take of your mental health after an accident. Depression and Anxiety Car accident victims frequently find themselves suffering from some form of depression or anxiety after their accident. Many victims are facing a life that looks different now that they’ve been injured. If you are experiencing troubling emotions that are affecting your everyday life, it is important that you seek the help of a doctor or a counselor. You may be suffering from the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You should seek the help of a professional if you find that you have: Increased anxiety Irritability or anger Recurring nightmares about the accident Unmanageable fear of driving or riding in a car Difficulty eating or sleeping Increased use of alcohol or drugs to cope Thoughts of harming yourself Don’t ignore your psychological symptoms. It is important to address your mental health challenges because it can also affect your physical recovery. Self-care In addition to seeking professional help, there are also things you can do to help reduce your depression and anxiety. Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally is essential when recovering from a car accident. Some things you can do for yourself include: Practice yoga—yoga has been found to have a profound effect on reducing depression and anxiety. Practice mindfulness—bringing your attention to the present moment can help you clear your head. Practicing meditation has been shown to help people manage their thoughts and feelings. Spend time with others—even if you don’t feel like talking, it can be comforting to know you’re not alone. Do things that feel good to you like taking a bath, spending time with friends and family, or giving yourself a special treat Give yourself permission to cry, rage, and express your feelings when you need to Contact a Trusted Attorney If you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence, it’s important to have a trusted attorney on your side. The attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk will evaluate your case for free. Contact us online or call us at 1-800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today

Amputation Injuries

Mar 8, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Amputation is one of the most life-altering injuries an accident victim can suffer. The victim of an amputation injury has had their life turned upside down and has to learn to live in a whole new way. Amputation injuries can lead to years of medical expenses and treatment. What is an Amputation Injury? An amputation injury occurs when someone loses a body part that becomes partially or completely severed from the body. Common amputations include fingers, toes, arms, and legs. Bleeding, pain and crushed tissue may occur in an amputation. In some cases, an amputated body part can be reattached, but this must occur soon after the accident and depends entirely on the condition of the body part that has been amputated. Amputation can be caused by some type of accident that severs the limb or digit. This is known as a traumatic amputation. Amputations can also occur surgically as the result of a serious infection, crush injury, or some other type of damage that makes the body part unsalvageable. Causes of Amputation Injuries Amputation injuries can be caused by a number of different situations, including: Motor vehicle accidents Construction accidents Defective tools and heavy machinery Defective household products Firearms/Fireworks Accidents Dangerous medications Medical negligence Building and car door accidents Of the above causes, motor vehicle accidents are one of the most common causes of traumatic amputation injuries. The Cost of Amputation Injuries Victims of amputation injuries suffer psychologically as well as physically. Amputation victims can lead full and happy lives, but the road to recovery can be long. Depending on the severity of the injuries, amputation victims may require the use of assistive devices such as a wheelchair. Some victims may require the use of prosthetic limbs which can be helpful in obtaining full function but are also extremely costly. Even losing a smaller limb, such as a finger, can require a long period of recovery and adjustment. Individuals with amputation injuries may require a great deal of medical assistance including surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, physical therapy, psychological counseling, and in-home assistance. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney If you’ve suffered an amputation injury as the result of someone’s negligence, it’s important that you contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk are here to help. Contact us online or call us at 1-800-538-4878 to set up a free consultation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Your Personal Injury Claim

Mar 7, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may not know how to react. If you decide to pursue a claim for your injuries, there are mistakes you should avoid that could have a detrimental effect on your ability to collect fair compensation. These mistakes include: Not Receiving and Following Through With Medical Care Even if you feel like your injuries are not serious, you should seek a medical evaluation after an accident. A doctor can assess the extent of your injuries and prescribe treatment. A report from a doctor linking your injury to the accident is an essential part of your case. It’s also important that you follow through with any recommended treatment and keep all of your doctor and therapy appointments. Failing to Get Proper Documentation Make sure to get proper documentation including receipts related to your medical care, vehicle repair, and any other expenses you’ve incurred as a result of the accident. These documents are essential to show your losses. Waiting to Pursue a Claim It’s important to act quickly and not wait until the last minute to pursue a claim. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to collect documentation and get witness statements. The sooner you can get a lawyer working on your case, the better. Withholding Details From Your Lawyer Your lawyer needs to know every pertinent detail of your case. This includes information about your medical expenses, as well as information about pre-existing medical conditions. Err on the side of providing your lawyer with as much information as possible. Never lie about the circumstances of your accident. Posting About Your Case on Social Media It may seem natural to post about the details of your life on social media, but resist the urge to share what happened in your accident. Even if your social media accounts are set to private, you should still treat them as if they’re public. An insurance company or opposing party may try to take your words and use them against you. Failing to Hire a Lawyer Hiring a Tampa lawyer that focuses on personal injury cases can be very advantageous. Your lawyer can handle all communications with insurance companies so that you can focus on healing. A lawyer can also help you fight effectively to pursue the maximum compensation to which you are entitled. If you’ve been injured in an accident, the experienced lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk are here to help you through the process. Contact us online or call us at 1-800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation today.

Shoulder Injuries: What You Should Know

Mar 6, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

The shoulder is the most complex joint in the body. It is, unfortunately, also the joint most prone to injury. From car accidents to slip and falls, shoulder injuries can be caused by a number of different factors. Once injured, a shoulder can cause life-altering medical problems. The shoulder is composed of the clavicle (collarbone), the scapula (shoulder blade), and the humerus (upper arm bone). The shoulder is the most movable joint in the body and can be unstable because the ball of the upper arm is larger than the shoulder socket that holds it. The joint is anchored by ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Common Shoulder Injuries Every year millions of people are treated for shoulder injuries. Rotator cuff injuries are the most common and sometimes require long-term treatment – a nuance that should be reflected in your rotator cuff injury settlement. Other common shoulder injuries include: Separation/dislocation Shoulder joint tear Shoulder instability Fractured shoulder blade Fractured collarbone Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) Tendinitis or tendon tears Bursitis Sprains and strains Joint injuries Tests for Shoulder Injuries When you see a doctor after an accident, they should order specific tests to help identify the source of your pain or other problems. These tests include: X-rays—to show any injury to the bones MRIs—to show any injury to the tendons and ligaments surrounding the joint CT Scans—combines x-ray and computer technology to produce a detailed look at the bones Electrical Studies—to evaluate nerve function Arthrogram—an x-ray with dye to better show the joint and its surrounding muscles and tendons Arthroscopy—a surgical procedure where the doctor looks inside the joint with a fiber optic camera. Treatment and Long-term Effects Some shoulder injuries can be treated with rest and a change in activities. Most shoulder injuries require some type of medication to help with pain and inflammation. A doctor may recommend a series of injections of numbing medication or steroids to help with the pain. Most shoulder injuries also require some type of physical therapy to fully recover. Rotator cuff tears and other shoulder injuries can require surgery as well. There can be a number of long-term effects resulting from some shoulder injuries. Chronic pain and inflammation can be a result of this type of injury. In addition, you may have permanent problems with mobility. It is important to stick to your treatment plan to help reduce the impact of these long-term effects. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury If you have injured your shoulder as the result of someone’s negligence, you should have an experienced personal injury attorney evaluate your case as soon as possible. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we have experience helping clients with many different types of injuries. Contact us online or call us at 1-800-538-4878 to set up your free consultation.

Understanding Soft Tissue Injuries

Feb 11, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident or a slip and fall at the grocery store, there’s a good chance you may have sustained a soft tissue injury. The human body is a complex system that includes soft tissue such as muscle, fascia, ligaments, and tendons. Damage to soft tissues can leave people struggling in pain and have the potential to lead to serious health problems. What is Soft Tissue? Soft tissue refers to tissue that connects, supports, or surrounds other structures or organs in the body. Soft tissue includes things like muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves. Common Soft Tissue Injuries Soft tissue injuries may be difficult to detect at first and can seem invisible, but these injuries can cause great pain and discomfort. Since soft tissue injuries may not present themselves right away, it is important to seek medical attention any time you are involved in a fall or a car accident. Common soft tissue injuries include: Whiplash—typically occurs when the rear impact in a car accident forces the head to move back and forth violently. This can lead to tears or strain of the muscles and tendons in the neck. Rotator Cuff Tear—a tear in the muscles and tendons of your shoulder, a rotator cuff tear can result from the sudden impact of a fall or accident. Symptoms include pain, weakness, and difficulty raising the arm. Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear—better known as an ACL tear, this injury involves a tear of the tissue that holds the bones of your knee together. Can be caused by a sudden sharp turn, jolt, or hard landing on the knee. An ACL injury can cause pain, swelling, difficulty walking and a decrease in range of motion. Disc Herniations/Bulges—refers to a problem with one of the rubbery cushions between the individual vertebrae of the spine. The disk either bulges or becomes displaced causing severe backpain. Herniated or bulging discs can result from the impact of a car accident or a slip and fall. Extensive physical therapy and sometimes surgery is required to treat the injury. In some cases, the muscles of the back can become weakened, resulting in chronic back and sciatic pain after an accident in Florida. Other Sprains, Strains, and Contusions Treatment for Soft Tissue Injuries Some soft tissue injuries can be healed through pain management therapy and physical therapy. However, other injuries may require surgery to repair torn muscles, ligaments, or tendons. Soft tissue injuries can be extremely painful and can take an extensive amount of time and treatment to heal properly. Some injuries may even be permanent and ongoing. Contact a Trusted Attorney If you’ve sustained soft tissue injuries as the result of someone’s negligence, you should consult with an experienced western/central Florida personal injury attorney. Contact the trusted lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk online or call us at 1-800-538-4878 to schedule your free consultation.

What is a Statute of Limitations?

Jan 18, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

A statute of limitations is a time limit, determined by the legislature, within which you must file a lawsuit. The purpose of a statute of limitations is to force plaintiffs to diligently pursue their claims and protect defendants from the litigation of a long-dormant claim. Whether you’ve been injured in a slip and fall, a car accident, or some other incident involving the negligence of another, it is crucial to comply with the statute of limitations in your case. Personal Injury Lawsuits The standard time limit for personal injury lawsuits can be found in Florida Statutes section 95.11 which states that an action founded on negligence must be brought within two years. Negligence cases include cases involving car accidents, slip and fall and some other situations where someone’s negligence has caused injury to another party. The statute of limitations for a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of death, and there are special rules with regard to the statute of limitations in a medical malpractice suit. There are some very rare exceptions to the statute of limitations, but you should consult with an attorney for more information. What if you Miss the Statute of Limitations? If you try to file a negligence lawsuit more than two years after the incident that caused your injury, there is a good chance that a defendant will argue that you are past the statute of limitations and your case will be dismissed. If that happens then, no matter how serious your injuries or how egregious the negligence involved, you will have lost your right to recover damages. The statute of limitations is also crucial even if you do not intend to file a lawsuit, but are hoping instead to settle your case. A negligent party will most likely have no incentive to enter into settlement negotiations if you don’t have the ability to file a successful lawsuit. The threat to file a lawsuit becomes empty once the statute of limitations has run out. Because of the statute of limitations, and other factors such as the potential loss of evidence, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney near you as soon as possible after you have been injured. Contact a Trusted Attorney If you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. Contact the trusted lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk online or call us at 1-800-538-4878 to schedule your free consultation.

Contingency Fees in a Personal Injury Case

Jan 15, 2019 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

You may have heard that personal injury lawyers will take cases on a contingency fee basis. But what does that mean? A contingency fee is the amount a lawyer receives when a case is successfully settled or won after trial. When you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence, you need an experienced attorney on your side. Contingency fee agreements allow everyone access to the justice system even if they can’t afford to pay for a lawyer. How does a Contingency Fee Work? Contingency fee arrangements can seem too good to be true, but in these cases the lawyer takes on any risk that a case will be not be successful and pays all case-related expenses up front. Upon a successful resolution of a case, clients may have to reimburse the lawyer for these expenses. Case-related expenses may include filing fees, deposition expenses, and costs paid to expert witnesses. For example, if a lawyer wins a settlement of $100,000 in a case where the contingency fee agreement calls for a 33 1/3% fee to the lawyer, the lawyer would receive $33,333.33. If the lawyer incurred $2,000 in case-related expenses, that amount might be subtracted from the remaining settlement to the client. If the case is not successful, the lawyer is out the expenses and hours he or she put into the case while the client isn’t out anything. The amount of a contingency fee will depend on a number of different factors. Most contingency fees in Florida are around 33 1/3% if the case settles before a lawsuit is filed and 40% if a lawsuit is filed. The amount may also depend on the complexity of the case, the nature of the injuries, and the needs of the client. Contingency fee agreements should always be in writing and should specifically spell out the amount of the contingency, which expenses may be deducted from the recovery, and when the expenses will be deducted. Advantages of a Contingency Fee Arrangement Contingency fee arrangements provide a number advantages. A lawyer in a contingency case has the incentive to only take on cases that have a reasonable chance of success. If paid at an hourly rate, a lawyer might agree to take a case regardless of its merit and just collect their fees throughout the process. When a lawyer takes a case on a contingency basis, the interests of the lawyer and the client are closely aligned. A lawyer has a huge incentive to win your case because if he or she doesn’t, there is no payment for the many hours spent working on the case. As a result, a lawyer will work hard for his or her client to resolve the case quickly and for the most money. A contingency fee arrangement gives the average injured person a fighting chance against large corporations and insurance companies. Contact a Trusted Attorney If you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. Contact the trusted lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk online or call us at 1-800-538-4878 to schedule your free consultation.

Determining Lost Wages in a Personal Injury Case

Nov 16, 2018 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

If you’ve been seriously injured as the result of someone’s negligence, you may be able to seek compensation for the damages you’ve sustained. Included in these damages may be any wages you lost because an injury forced you to remain out of work or will force you to miss work in the future. This is known as lost wages. Past Lost Wages When you’ve been injured by negligence, you might miss work because of surgeries, hospitalizations, and other medical treatments. You might also miss work due to any follow-up doctor appointment. Missing days of work can cause financial difficulties for some accident victims, and they may deserve compensation for these lost wages. To prove lost wages, there must be some evidence that you missed work as a direct result of your injury caused by negligence. This can be proven with medical records. Pay stubs and copies of income tax documents may be necessary to show the total amount of the wages lost. Future Lost Wages If you sustained a serious injury that will impact your ability to work in the future, you might be able to recover for future lost wages. Future lost wages are typically calculated as a loss of income based on what you would actually have earned in the future. To prove lost wages in the future, you must prove that the injury you sustained as a result of the accident is permanent and that there is some reasonable probability of further loss of earnings. Diminished earning capacity may lead to a loss of future earnings caused by a salary reduction or an inability to work. Your salary could be reduced because now you are only capable of working part-time or you are no longer able to work at the same type of job at the same salary. You may be able to recover future lost wages based on whatever difference there is between what you earned before the accident and what you are capable of earning in the future. Proving diminished earning capacity typically involves the use of expert witnesses who will analyze your situation and issue an opinion on what they believe you would have made if your injury had not changed your circumstances. The necessary evidence may include: Medical expert opinions about whether a full recovery from your injury is possible and how long that may take. If you do not fully recover from your injuries, there may be medical expert testimony giving an opinion on what your current capabilities and limitations might be. Evidence of how any injuries might affect your ability to perform the job you had prior to the accident Financial expert opinion comparing what your income may have been had you not been injured and what you could reasonably expect to have earned in the future post-injury. Contact a Trusted Attorney If you have been seriously injured as the result of someone’s negligence, you should have an experienced attorney evaluate your case. Contact the trusted lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk online or call us at 1-800-538-4878 to schedule your free consultation.

What are Punitive Damages?

Nov 8, 2018 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

When someone is sued for negligence that causes someone’s injury, the goal of the lawsuit is to provide compensation to an injured individual. The point of a verdict or settlement in a negligence lawsuit is typically to make the injured person whole again and not necessarily to punish the wrongdoer. Sometimes, however, the conduct is so egregious that it becomes appropriate to punish the negligent party. Compensatory Damages Plaintiffs in negligence cases can receive compensation for economic damages. Economic damages include tangible expenses such as medical costs, lost wages, and property damage. Plaintiffs can also sometimes receive compensation for non-economic damages. Non-economic damages are typically more subjective and include things such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. These economic and non-economic damages are called “compensatory damages” because they are designed to compensate the plaintiff for their losses. Punitive Damages In rare cases, negligent wrongdoers are asked to pay an injured individual a sum of money that is not calculated based on the economic or noneconomic harm or costs sustained by the injured party. These sums are known as “punitive damages.” The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the wrongdoer for particularly egregious conduct and to make an example of this person in order to deter other individuals from engaging in the same types of acts. Because they are not compensating the plaintiff for a particular loss, punitive damages are a windfall to a plaintiff and leave the plaintiff in a better position than they were before their injury. Under Florida law, punitive damages are only awarded if there is “clear and convincing evidence” that the defendant was guilty of “intentional misconduct or gross negligence.” Intentional misconduct means that the defendant had actual knowledge that the conduct was wrong and that there was ahigh probability that it could result in an injury, butthe defendant decided to engage in the conduct anyway. Gross negligence means the defendant’s conduct was so reckless that it constituted a conscious disregard for the life, safety, or rights of other people. Contact a Trusted Personal Injury Attorney While you may not be entitled to punitive damages in every case, if you’ve been injured by someone’s negligence you may be entitled to some type compensation and should have an experienced attorney evaluate your case. Contact the trusted lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk online or call us at 1-800-538-4878 to schedule your free consultation.

Third-party Claims in Worker Injury Cases

Nov 2, 2018 | Category: Car Accidents | By Erik Abrahamson

In Florida, if you’ve been injured on the job, you may be able to file a third-party claim against someone who is not your employer. This is in addition to any workers’ compensation claim. Third party claims are important because workers’ compensation claims do not typically provide for all the damages to which you are entitled. For instance, pain and suffering and other incidental expenses are not generally awarded in a workers’ compensation case. Common situations where third-party claims arise include: Automobile Accidents One of the most common categories of third-party claim in a workers’ compensation case involves auto accidents. If an employee is injured due to the negligence of another driver while traveling for the employee’s job, that worker can file a workers’ compensation claim. If the employee is seriously injured, they can also seek compensation from the at-fault driver. In some auto accident cases, the third-party may even be a co-worker if the employee was an injured passenger and the co-worker was the at-fault driver. Premises Liability In Florida, a business owner or property owner must keep their premises reasonably safe for people who enter the property. These owners must take reasonable steps to make sure people are safe and to warn others of potential hazards. If an employee is injured on somebody else’s premises while on the property for a work-related reason, the employee may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim and a claim against the business or property owner for premises liability. Product Liability If an employee is injured while on the job due to a defective or dangerous product, the employee may be able to file a third-party product liability claim against the manufacturer of the defective product. These products could include equipment or tools used by the employee during the course of employment. Defective products may include those that are defectively manufactured, defectively designed, or fail to contain adequate warnings of the dangers of using the product. Cases involving workers’ compensation and third-party claims may involve some legal complications, so it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after your injury. If you’ve been injured at work by the actions of a third party, you should have an attorney evaluate your case. Contact the trusted lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk onlineor call us at 1-800-538-4878 to schedule your free consultation.

Comparative Negligence in Florida

Oct 29, 2018 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Rarely is an accident or act of negligence entirely the fault of one person or one entity. Sometimes a negligence victim holds some degree of responsibility for their own injury. But should this mean that someone is not able to recover damages from the party that is mostly at fault for their injury? In Florida, the answer is no. Even if you have some degree of responsibility for your own injury, you may still be able to recover damages under the rule of comparative negligence. What is Comparative Negligence? Florida is one of the many states that applies the rule of modified comparative negligence. The comparative negligence statute (found here) states that when both a plaintiff and a defendant in a case are negligent in some way, the court must make a determination of each party’s percentage of fault and award any damages proportionate to this fault. For example, a jury in an auto accident case finds that a plaintiff sustained $100,000 in damages. The same jury also finds that the defendant in the case was 80% at fault for the accident (for running a red light and speeding) and the plaintiff was 20% at fault (for not wearing a seatbelt). In this case, the plaintiff would be apportioned $80,000 in damages from the defendant under the rule of comparative negligence. Florida has a “modified” comparative negligence rule. This means that a plaintiff can recover from a defendant as long as the plaintiff does not have more than 50% of the fault. If the plaintiff’s share of the fault is found to be over 50%, then the plaintiff recovers nothing. How is Comparative Negligence Different from Contributory Negligence? Five jurisdictions in the United States follow the rule of contributory negligence. Under the outdated rule of contributory negligence, an individual who is injured can be barred from receiving any damages for an injury if they contributed to that injury in any way. Even if a jury found that the victim was only 1% at fault for the injury, the victim will not be able to recover any damages against the party that was 99% at fault. The contributory negligence rule is very unfair to injured individuals and makes a personal injury case an uphill battle. If you’ve been injured by someone’s negligence, you should have an attorney evaluate your case. Contact the trusted lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk onlineor call us at 1-800-538-4878 to schedule your free consultation.

How to Prepare for Your Personal Injury Consultation

Oct 19, 2018 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

In Florida, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, offer free consultations to prospective clients. During this consultation, we will review the details and circumstances of your injury and determine whether we believe you have a viable case to pursue compensation. Being adequately prepared for this consultation can be helpful and make the process more efficient. Bring Questions to Ask the Attorney Before the consultation, spend some time thinking about questions you may have regarding the process. Some helpful questions may be: Do you think I have a viable case? Approximately how long will my case take to resolve? Does the attorney foresee any issues with the case? What can I do to assist with my case? Who will be my contact person, and how often can I expect to be updated? Gather Any Evidence It may be difficult to think clearly immediately after an accident, but it can be helpful to your case if you try to remain calm and collect evidence if you can. The attorney may like to see: Photographs of the scene where the injury occurred Photographs of any vehicles involved in a car accident Contact information for any eyewitnesses to the incident Any communications between you and any of the witnesses or parties involved in the incident. Bring Documentation Documentation can play an important role in a favorable outcome in your case. These documents may be important: Police reports or accident reports Any medical bills A copy of your medical insurance policy A copy of your car insurance policy A copy of your homeowner’s insurance policy Any emails between you and anyone at any insurance company Car repair estimates Pay stubs to show lost wages (if applicable) If you think of any other documents that may be relevant to your injury claim, bring those with you to the consultation as well. Schedule Your Free Consultation If you’ve been injured due to someone’s negligence, you should have an experienced personal injury attorney evaluate your case. Contact the trusted lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk online or call us at 1-800-538-4878 to schedule your free consultation.

When Should You Hire a Personal Injury Attorney

Oct 16, 2018 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

If you’ve been hurt in an automobile accident or some other incident and you think someone has been negligent, you may ask yourself whether you should hire a personal injury attorney to assist you with your case. While there may be some minor fender-benders that you can handle on your own through your insurance company, there are situations where the stakes are high, and you’ll want to have a personal injury attorney assist you in the process. So, when should you contact a personal injury attorney? When You’ve Sustained Serious Injuries If the injuries you sustained in an accident are serious, you may not only be facing large medical bills but potential complications and long-term consequences. Most insurance companies will measure the severity of your injuries by the dollar amount of your medical bills, and the length of time you need to recover. You should consider consulting an attorney for an injury that results in physical pain for several days or requires some medical care. If your injury necessitated surgery, hospitalization, rehabilitation, or physical therapy, you should definitely consider having your case evaluated by an attorney. If your case involves a car accident, it is important to keep in mind that Florida is a “no-fault” state, meaning that your injuries are covered by your own insurance. In order to hold an at-fault driver liable for your injuries, they must meet a certain threshold. If you feel your injuries may meet this threshold, then you should definitely consider consulting with an attorney. When Your Injuries Impact Your Daily Life If your injuries are severe enough, you may be unable to work and might lose wages while you’re trying to heal. It can be difficult for an insurance company to place a value on your lost wages. Figuring out exactly how injuries can affect your earning potential over time might be a complicated matter. You shouldn’t leave it to the insurance company to crunch these numbers. A personal injury attorney can pursue recovery for things like your lost wages and pain and suffering. When Determining Who is at Fault is Difficult Determining who is the party at fault for an accident or another incident can be difficult and complicated to prove in court. Insurance companies may be unwilling to pay your bills if they think that you are the one at fault in an accident. Determining liability can also be complex when there are multiple potential parties involved, as in the case of a Florida truck accident. An experienced attorney might help you find out who is at fault for the accident and help dispute claims that you were the one at fault for your own injuries. Not sure what to do? Get a Free Consultation If you’ve been injured in an accident and believe that someone else may be at fault, you should have your case evaluated by an experienced personal injury attorney. Contact the trusted personal injury lawyers in Tampa at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk or call us 1-800-538-4878 to schedule your free consultation.

Social Media and Your Personal Injury Claim

Oct 4, 2018 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Social media sites, like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, are places where people share their experiences, thoughts, and feelings with friends and family. However, if you’re in the middle of a personal injury claim, it is important to be very mindful of the impact your social media activity may have on your case. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind: Social Media is Public Record The information you post on social media is public, and you may have no reasonable expectation of privacy when it comes to any of the posts you put out in the world for all to see. This public includes insurance adjusters and defense attorneys. Social Media Can Impact Your Claim of Physical Injury When you’re seeking compensation for a personal injury, it is the job of the defense attorney to question your truthfulness and credibility. They will try and find evidence to minimize your injuries. Insurance companies may comb through your social media pages looking for photos or posts that might contradict your assertion that you have been seriously injured. For example, if you claim to have a back injury, an Instagram post that appears to show you dancing at a party could be detrimental to your case. Even though you may not have been actually dancing, the defense can try and make it appear as though you are not telling the whole truth about your injuries. Social Media Can Impact a Claim of Pain and Suffering When you’ve been injured, you may make a claim for pain and suffering. Perhaps you’ve experienced anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, and loss of enjoyment of life as a result of your injury. When people put up posts on social media, they are usually trying to put their best foot forward and only show some of the positive aspects of their lives. You usually post pictures of fun times with family and friends. Even photos of your pets could be interpreted by the defense as a demonstration that you are, in fact, enjoying life despite your injury. Defense attorneys will take any of these “positive” posts and attempt to use them to prove that you may not be suffering as much as you present. Approaching Social Media During a Personal Injury Claim If you have been injured in an accident, there are some important measures you may want to take to ensure your social media life doesn’t negatively impact your claim for personal injury. Make sure to discontinue all social media activity as soon as you are involved in an accident. Do not post about the accident. Consider the possibility of shutting down your social media accounts altogether. If you wish to keep your social media accounts open, make sure to set all of them to the highest privacy setting available. Do not open any new social media accounts. Do not accept any new friend or follower requests. Make your attorney aware of all of your social media accounts. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney If you’ve been injured in an accident, you should have your case evaluated by an experienced Florida personal injury attorney. Contact the trusted lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk or call us 1-800-538-4878 to schedule your free consultation.

How is Soft Tissue Damage Diagnosed?

May 24, 2017 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Injury Attorneys in Tampa Helping Victims Suffering Soft Tissue Damage Soft tissue injuries are among the most common types of injuries suffered in vehicle collisions and other accidents. But, proving soft tissue damage, its effects, and its causes can often be a challenge. The key is to obtain a prompt diagnosis, and to establish – with medical evidence – that your injury is the result of a traumatic impact consistent with the type of accident in which you were involved. This begs the question: How is soft tissue damage diagnosed? Diagnosing Soft Tissue Damage from a Traumatic Accident What is “soft tissue?” “Soft tissue” is a broad term that describes many of the more-fragile parts of the human body. Muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, and skin all fall within the category of soft tissue, while bones and cartilage are excluded. The organs, and the supportive and connective structures around the organs, are largely made up of soft tissue. Soft tissue is responsible for controlling many of the body’s key functionalities. What are some examples of soft tissue damage? There are six primary types of soft tissue damage. These injuries can result from traumatic events (such as falls and car accidents), or from repetitive stress (such as lifting on the job). Soft tissue injuries include: Bursitis – Bursitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the fluid-filled sacs between the bones and the muscles or tendons. These sacs, called “bursa,” can be damaged as a result of overuse or as a result of trauma to the ankle, elbow, hip, knee, shoulder, and other joints. Contusions – Contusion is the medical term for a bruise. The discoloration of bruises results from bleeding into the affected tissue after a blunt-force traumatic injury. Contusions can vary widely in severity, with severe contusions requiring medical attention. Sprains – A sprain is a ligament injury most commonly caused by a twisting or wrenching motion. While sprains are perhaps most commonly known as sports injuries, they can result from falls, bicycle and pedestrian accidents, motor vehicle collisions, and other traumatic incidents. Severe sprains can result in tears which often require surgery. Strains – Strains are injuries to the muscles and tendons – like other types of soft tissue injuries, they can have a wide variety of causes. Severe strains can result in tears as well, and patients who undergo surgery for torn muscles and tendons will often face long roads to recovery. Stress Injuries – When traumatic accidents result in stress fractures, the soft tissue connected to the broken bone will often be damaged as well. The severity of the injury will depend on the nature of the traumatic impact and the force involved, and will determine the type and extent of treatment required. Tendonitis – Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon. While the inflammation can subside without surgical intervention in most cases (with patients usually requiring rehabilitative physical therapy), if the inflammation results from a tear, surgery may be required. How is soft tissue damage diagnosed? One of the first steps in diagnosing a soft tissue injury is to examine the patient’s symptoms. Understanding the symptoms, and identifying what led to those symptoms, can help determine whether further diagnostic measures may be necessary. Physicians treating patients who have been involved in traumatic accidents will typically look for symptoms such as: Swelling, discoloration, or other physical abnormalities in the affected area (which may indicate inflammation or bruising) Inability to put weight on a joint or other part of the body Pain in and around the affected area Numbness or “pins and needles” sensations in the affected area or elsewhere (which may indicate a neurological injury (damage to the nerves)) When a patient presents signs of a possible soft tissue injury which may require treatment, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan will usually be used to provide a more-thorough diagnosis. Unlike an x-ray, which only shows bones, an MRI can provide a detailed image of the soft tissue inside the body. Based upon the patient’s physical examination and the MRI results, the soft tissue injury can then be diagnosed in one of three grades: Grade 1 Soft Tissue Injury A Grade 1 soft tissue injury is generally classified as “mild” and should heal on its own with appropriate rest, icing, compression, and elevation. Grade 1 injuries typically last around a week. Grade 2 Soft Tissue Injury Grade 2 soft tissue injuries are considered “moderate” and can take several weeks to repair, though surgical intervention is still unnecessary. Treatment modalities for Grade 2 soft tissue injuries are generally similar to those for Grade 1 injuries. Grade 3 Soft Tissue Injury Grade 3 soft tissue injuries involve a complete tear of the affected tissue. These injuries are considered “serious,” and surgery is usually required to repair the torn tissue. How is the cause of a soft tissue injury determined? The cause of a soft tissue injury can be determined based upon the nature and severity of the injury, as well as the events preceding the patient’s diagnosis. For example, if a patient appears at a hospital complaining of severe knee pain after being involved in a T-bone accident at an intersection, a likely diagnosis will be a soft tissue injury resulting from blunt-force trauma sustained in the accident. An investigation of the accident scene will provide additional evidence linking the injury to the collision. The soft tissue in the body is fragile, and the significant forces involved in a wide variety of types of accidents can easily lead to soft tissue injuries. Some of the most common causes of traumatic soft tissue injuries include: Auto Accidents Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents Construction Site Accidents Dog Attacks Motorcycle Accidents Nursing Home Accidents Slips and Falls Are you experiencing the symptoms of a soft tissue injury? Were you recently involved in an accident? If so, it is important that you seek a thorough diagnosis. If you would like more information, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation. Contact a Tampa Injury Lawyer at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced injury lawyers, you can call (800)...

Five Key Benefits of Having a Personal Injury Attorney Negotiate for You

Jan 13, 2017 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Experienced Attorneys Negotiating on Behalf of Victims in the Tampa, Florida Area If you have recently been seriously injured in an accident, you may be weighing your options between hiring an attorney and trying to deal with the insurance companies on your own. Many accident victims initially have reservations about hiring an attorney, and it is good to think critically and make informed decisions when it comes to protecting your legal rights. While there are numerous considerations involved in pursuing a claim for personal injury compensation, in the end it boils down to money: How much will you take home when your case is over? With this in mind, here are five important reasons to hire an experienced law firm to represent you: Benefit #1: You Will Know What Constitutes a Fair Settlement In personal injury cases, the amount you are entitled to recover is based upon the amount you have lost. So, what are your total losses? Or, more accurately, what will your total losses be when you take into account all of the effects your injuries will have on your life in the future? If you do not know how to calculate your losses – including past and future medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other forms of financial and non-financial harm – you simply will not know when to stop negotiating and accept a settlement. This is a win for the insurance company. By working with an experienced attorney, you can understand exactly how much you stand to lose and avoid settling for less than you deserve. Benefit #2: You Can Focus Your Time and Effort on Your Physical and Emotional Recovery Pursuing a successful personal injury case takes time. There is a reason that firms like ours have teams of attorneys and legal professionals who focus 100 percent of their time and effort on pursuing personal injury compensation. Negotiating a favorable settlement requires collection of evidence, adherence to a set of strict laws and procedures, and the ability to consistently put pressure on the insurance companies to make a reasonable offer. But, recovering from the physical and emotional trauma of an accident takes time as well. You will need to see your doctor – and maybe several doctors – on multiple occasions. You will need to rest. You will need to follow your doctors’ prescribed treatment plans, which may include physical and psychological therapy. Of course, while you are doing all of this, you will also need to try to keep up with the demands of your normal life. By hiring a Tampa personal injury attorney to negotiate for you, not only can you avoid unknowingly settling for less, but you can also avoid the demands of your claim interfering with your physical and emotional recovery. Benefit #3: You Will Turn the Tables and Put Experience on Your Side If you try to negotiate your claim on your own, you will be starting from a point of disadvantage. The insurance companies are large corporations, and they employ teams of people who are trained (and paid) to minimize accident victims’ financial compensation. While most accident victims have never been through a single insurance claim, the adjusters with whom they are negotiating have often handled hundreds, or even thousands, of claims. Hiring an injury lawyer in Tampa allows you to put experience on your side. An experienced injury attorney will have thorough knowledge of the process involved in negotiating an insurance settlement, and will be intimately familiar with the insurance companies’ tactics for minimizing liability. While the insurance companies often seek to take advantage of unrepresented claimants, it is a completely different story when they know that an experienced accident attorney is involved. Benefit #4: Your Case Will Be Ready for Trial if it Doesn’t Settle Although most personal injury claims settle, some go to trial. If the insurance companies refuse to negotiate a fair settlement, your only options will be to: Accept a reduced settlement that does not fully compensate you for your losses; or, Fight for just compensation in court. While your attorney is negotiating, he or she (and the firm’s legal team) will also be working behind the scenes to prepare your case for trial. This means filing a lawsuit, keeping pace with court deadlines, preparing motions and attending hearings, and doing all of the other things that lawyers do in order to fight for their clients. So, by working with an attorney, not only can you put more pressure on the insurance companies to negotiate fairly, but you can also rest assured knowing that you have a contingency plan in place, should a fair settlement offer never materialize. Benefit #5: Even with Legal Fees, You Can Take Home Significantly More than if You Try to Negotiate on Your Own Finally, while it is true that you will need to pay legal fees if you win, even with these legal fees, your financial recovery is still likely to be far greater than any amount you could have negotiated on your own. Most personal injury lawyers, including the lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, handle cases on a contingency-fee basis. This means that they receive a percentage of their clients’ financial recoveries. As a result, it costs nothing out-of-pocket to hire an attorney, and you pay nothing unless you secure financial compensation for your accident-related losses. You are entitled to make informed decisions throughout your case, and your legal team should be able to tell you exactly how much you can expect to take home from a settlement offer before you decide whether to accept or have your lawyer negotiate for more. Injured in the Greater Tampa Bay Area? Call Now for a Free Consultation If you have been injured in the greater Tampa Bay area and would like to speak with an attorney about your rights, contact Abrahamson & Uiterwyk for a free, no-obligation consultation. You can call us at (800) 538-4878 or start a Live Chat 24/7, or submit your information online...

Abrahamson & Uiterwyk Announces their 2016 Family Safety Contract essay winner

Aug 15, 2016 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Komel S. Patel, a student at the Florida International University, is the 2016 recipient of a $1500 scholarship for her Family Safety Contract submission Ms. Patel will be starting her freshman year at the Florida International University this year, and will be majoring in Biomedical Engineering. Ms. Patel is an avid martial arts trainee, and has been training for 5 years within which she has attained a 2nd degree black belt! Komel, along with hundreds of other applicants, were asked to create and submit a “Family Safety Contract”, together with an essay on the importance of creating this Family Safety Contract and the commitment to this contract by parents and children alike, whilst detailing specific experiences where safety plans and discussions can help us all. Our desire is to help students with their educational goals while also raising awareness about safety, planning and maintaining a mindset of safety first. Komel not only met, but exceeded all of our expectations with her submission of this essay and Family Safety Contract Congratulations from all of us at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk and best of luck in your academic pursuits! Here is the winning essay: Family Safety Essay Written by: Komel S. Patel It was about 7 PM, the sun had already set, and my parents had given me $5 to buy a gallon of milk, and their credit card to rent a Redbox movie. While they waited in the car, I made my way into the grocery store to pick up the needed items. As I finished checking out the gallon of milk, and picking out a movie for the family to watch, I started to make my way outside to the car. Right as I walked out the automatic doors, There was a ‘ding’ from my phone, notifying me that someone had texted. With the milk gallon and Redbox in one hand, and my phone in the other, I started replying back to my friend while continuing my way across the road to the parking lot. It wasn’t until the big SUV honked its horn and slammed the brakes, I realized that I was 2-3 seconds away from being run over by the monstrous vehicle driven by a fellow teenager. I froze, briefly, and then walked quickly to the area where the cars weren’t still going 20 mph. Foul thoughts started to run through my mine. “Did he seriously not see me walking? How stupid must he be?!” I then continued my way to the car at the back of the lot, infuriated with the ignorance of the driver. The speed limit in the parking lot had a maximum speed of 10 mph. But then it hit me. “Did I really just NOT realize that there was a car coming this way? More importantly, was I that distracted to not notice where I was walking?” I was 17, and I absolutely forgot to look both ways, a lesson taught by parents to their children at the age they begin to walk! I was ignorant myself! I slid the phone back into my back pocket, got into the car, and quietly sat inside as if nothing ever happened. We, as a society, are always discussing the topic of distracted driving, and how it’s almost equivalent, if not worse, to driving while under the influence. But we fail to acknowledge the fact that our fellow pedestrians are also partially accountable to the dangers that may occur. Though pedestrians believe they have the right of way at the marked crosswalks, they must be equally responsible for being alert of their surroundings. Pedestrians too, share the blame for being distracted while commuting. It is the ignorance and the distraction that can ultimately lead to a fatality, including anything from injury to death. Families become drastically impacted, both physically and emotionally. One minor misstep can cause one major accident, turning the lives of the victims and their families upside down. The biggest concern of distraction in this day is cell phones. People are constantly checking their Instagram notifications, texting back their friends, and snapchatting virtually every moment of their day. Drivers and pedestrians, alike, have a problem of paying attention to one task at a time, especially during the times that need 100% of their focus. According to the National Safety Council, pedestrian-vehicle injuries are the fifth leading cause of death for those between the ages of 5 and 19. It is for this crucial reason families should create a safety contract. We all love our families. This makes it important to create a Family Safety Contract. Families everywhere want a sense of safety for their loved ones, making it a necessity to create a contract between children and their parents to keep each other safe. The following can be set as an example of guidelines for a Family Safety Contract between parents and their children. Family Safety Contract I WILL pay attention to my surroundings I WILL NOT drive distracted I WILL safely pull over to the side of the road if it’s urgent to text or call someone back. I WILL NOT wear headphones to listen to music while walking on the street or driving I WILL look both ways before crossing the street I WILL NOT drive faster than the given speed limit I WILL wear a seat belt at all times I WILL NOT walk anywhere with my head down I WILL be a safe driver and pedestrian As teenagers and young adults, we believe we’re invincible. But the fact of the matter is that it can be only 2 seconds that makes the difference between life and death. Remember, the text, notification, and snap can wait. It simply isn’t worth it.

Keep on Your Hard Hat: A Close Look at Serious Types of Construction Site Injuries

Nov 23, 2015 | Category: Construction Accidents | By Erik Abrahamson

Florida construction accident statistics show that in 2012 alone, the construction industry had “the largest number of workplace fatalities in the state, up [34%] from the previous year.” This information comes directly from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and demonstrates just how dangerous construction sites can be Construction site injuries are some of the most serious forms of harm Common injuries at construction sites include the following: Falls. Whether you’re on a ladder, scaffolding, or other supporting structure, falls happen every day at a construction site somewhere. At times, the structure itself is defective or poorly positioned – and it doesn’t even need to be that high for a serious fall to occur. Slip and falls. A construction site is often a landmine of walking hazards, so slip and falls (as opposed to falling off a higher structure) happen frequently. Tools left lying around, building materials scattered everywhere, large holes in the floor, and uneven ground are just a few reasons for serious slip and falls. Eye injuries. Many people don’t associate eye injuries with construction sites, but they actually happen fairly often. Sharp or blunt objects and tools – as well as dangerous chemicals – can steal a person’s vision in a heartbeat. Electrocutions. Live electric wires are everywhere at some construction sites. When they’re not properly labeled, insulated, or worked with, the results can be catastrophic. Fires and explosions. Unfinished piping, leaking gas, and incomplete or mishandled electrical wiring can easily cause fires at a construction site and yes – even explosions. Other common construction site injuries can be caused by: Falling debris Getting caught in between machinery Being hit by a vehicle If you’re a worker who was injured on a site, you may be entitled to workers compensation (depending on your particular situation). Of course, if your employer is giving you grief about filing a claim, you may have to take them to court. But even if you were just visiting the site, or conducting some other business there, there’s still a chance you will get hurt — and badly. Do you need a St. Petersburg personal injury attorney? If you need an injury lawyer, talk to our firm today. We’ve helped hundreds of clients get compensation for their injuries. The staff of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk is available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. A free consultation is available, so call us at 1-800-538-4878.

What are Some Common Questions Victims Have About the Car Accident Lawsuit Process?

Jun 17, 2014 | Category: Car Accidents | By Erik Abrahamson

Dealing with the physical and financial repercussions of being involved in a serious accident can be a bewildering experience. If you’ve recently been seriously injured in a car accident, you may be looking for answers to some of these common questions asked about the car accident lawsuit process. How does the process of pursuing an injury claim work? The process typically begins with obtaining a statement from your doctor concluding that you have obtained the best recovery possible, which is called your maximum medical improvement. This allows us to assemble a comprehensive demand package including pertinent items like: Medical expenses Medical records Medical prognosis Lost income Proof of negligence Other important documents This package is used as we attempt to reach an appropriate settlement with the insurance company as we begin the negotiation process. Will my claim be going to court? In many cases, our focused, aggressive car accident lawyers are able to reach a fair settlement without ever filing a lawsuit. In other circumstances, however, if we are not able to reach a settlement with the insurance company through negotiation alone, pursuing a lawsuit is discussed. It’s important to note that not all accident claims justify an actual car acciden lawsuit, and not all lawsuits need to go to trial. What should I do while my case is being pursued? It is important to focus on your recovery while your case is progressing. Be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations and pursue the treatment and therapy. In addition to being necessary to recovering from your accident, this is also an important part of documenting your injuries, and it is important to keep your injury lawyer up to date on how your treatment is going. Call Us 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week for a Free Case Evaluation If you’ve been seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may have a lot questions about how to go about protecting your rights. Our injury law team can provide you with a free evaluation of your case during your initial consultation. Call us today at 1-800-538-4878 to get started.

What You Need to Know After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver

Jun 11, 2014 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

If you’ve been injured in an accident with an uninsured driver, you’ve probably have a lot of questions. Below we discuss some important facts that you may need to know. How to Handle the Immediate Aftermath of the Accident As with an accident, it’s important to document the accident to the best of your ability. This includes getting as much information from everyone involved in the accident as possible, as well as obtaining a police report. Get contact information from all potential witnesses and necessary information from all drivers, such as license and vehicle information, names, address, contact information and insurance details from any insured drivers. Do not admit liability at the scene of the accident. Remain civil, but do not make any agreements or offers from the uninsured driver. Seek medical attention as soon as possible for any potential injuries and document any necessary repair expenses. Seeking Compensation for an Accident with an Uninsured Driver Pursuing compensation for injuries that were sustained in an accident with an uninsured driver may sometimes be challenging, but there may be options, such as: Uninsured motorist coverage: Some car insurance policies provide coverage for these types of accidents. Pursuing an injury lawsuit against the uninsured motorist: While you may be able to sue the driver, collecting on the judgment can be difficult if the driver has few personal assets. Regardless of how you ultimately decide how to handle the matter, speaking with a car accident lawyer near you can be very helpful in understanding what your legal options are. Uninsured Driver Facts & Statistics Believe it or not, nearly 14% of all motorists do not have car insurance. That’s one in seven drivers in the United States who are potentially on the road uninsured. Research has found a close correlation between the health of the economy with the number of uninsured drivers who are on the road. All too many drivers make the mistake of letting their car insurance lapse when they are facing financial hardship. Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk now at 1-800-538-4878! If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in our area, it’s important not to delay doing what’s necessary to protect your rights. Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today to get started at 1-800-538-4878. Our St Petersburg car accident lawyers may be able to help.

What’s the Actual Average Cost of a Car Accident?

May 21, 2014 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Many car accident victims don’t realize the full extent of financial repercussions of a serious accident until sometime after an accident has taken place and expenses have begun piling up. According to the National Safety Council, the average economic cost of a car accident can vary considerably depending upon the severity of the accident. In 2012, for example, the NSC found that the average economic cost of a motor vehicle fatality was $1,410,000. The average cost of a disabling injury caused by a crash was $78,900, while the average cost of an accident involving property damage and non-disabling injuries was $8,900. Monetary Damages Financial expenses such as lost income and medical bills are two of the primary types of monetary damages that can be included in a personal injury claim. Other types of monetary damages include: Vehicle repairs Property damage Non-monetary Damages Car accident victims in Florida may also be able to seek compensation for additional damages that are not directly related to financial expenses. Pain and suffering are examples of non-monetary damages that can apply to some types of car accident injury claims. Punitive Damages When it comes to some personal injury cases, victims may be entitled to punitive damages due to the actual cause of the accident itself. In cases involving drunk driving, for example, Florida state law provides injury victims with the ability to seek punitive damages in addition to any compensatory damages that may apply to a claim. Punitive damages are designed to serve as a deterrent to irresponsible or negligent behavior as well as to punish individuals for their bad behavior. Have you recently been involved in a serious Tampa car accident that was caused by another person’s negligence? Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk now to speak with our injury law team. It’s difficult to focus on recovering from a severe accident when you are preoccupied with the considerable financial expenses associated with a serious accident. Call the car accident lawyers of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878 for a free evaluation of your case to learn how our injury law team may be able to stand up for you and your loved ones.

Two Easy Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Causing a Florida Boat Accident

May 15, 2014 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

According to a recent report from the U.S. Coast Guard, boating accident in the United States resulted in 3000 injuries and 651 deaths in 2012 alone. Many of these incidents could have been prevented if a vessel’s operator had received proper boating safety instruction or all passengers had been wearing a life jacket. Proper Boating Safety Instruction Operator inexperience is one of the leading causes of boating accidents in the United States and was the primary contributing factor to 51 boating fatalities in 2012. If you’re going to operate a boat on the open water, you have a duty to your passengers and other boaters to know what you are doing. Familiarize yourself with the local boating regulations and consider getting certified in proper boating procedures. When in doubt, avoid getting in over your head by avoiding boating in areas that may be potentially difficult to navigate. Wear a Life Jacket While wearing a life jacket is one of the easiest ways to avoid tragedy on the water in the even of a Florida boat accident, all too many people make the mistake of overlooking these safety devices until it’s too late. The Coast Guard reports that 85 percent of the victims killed in boating accidents due to drowning were not wearing a life jacket when their lives were lost. Only 20% of the children under 13 years of age who died in boating accidents due to drowning were wearing a life jacket when the tragedy took place. Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878 to put an experienced Florida boat accident lawyer to work for you! An experienced Florida boat accident lawyer might be able to help you obtain compensation for your injuries if you’ve been hurt due to another boater’s negligence. Call us today at 1-800-538-4878 for a free case evaluation to find out how we may be able to help.

What are Some Solutions to Texting While Driving that Might Actually Work in Clearwater?

May 9, 2014 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Distracted driving has become a big problem when it comes to road safety across Florida, including here in Clearwater. Thankfully, safety experts and policy makers are working hard to find possible solutions to texting while driving. Distracted Driving Mobile Apps Developers have raced to find their own solutions to the problem in recent years with a wide range of distracted driving apps designed to keep drivers focused while they’re behind the wheel. Pros to distracted driving apps: While they come in a variety of forms, distracted driving apps allow users to hold themselves accountable for their own behavior by installing software that makes it difficult to access a mobile device while driving. Cons to distracted driving apps: There are dozens of different distracted driving apps available, and each of them are a little bit different. While many of them are helpful, they still fall short of simply exercising some self-control and refraining from using mobile devices behind the wheel. Florida’s Texting While Driving Ban In 2013, Florida finally joined many other states throughout the country by passing a law that officially places a ban on texting while driving. Pros to distracted driving bans: By banning behaviors like texting while driving, governments can provide a clear message that distracted driving is unacceptable. The ban also provides real world consequences for those who continue to text and drive. Cons to distracted driving bans: Many argue that these laws simply do not go far enough. In Florida, for example, texting while driving is only a secondary offense, meaning officers can’t cite drivers for this behavior unless they’ve been detained for some other offense. Educational Outreach about Distracted Driving Some traffic safety experts believe that the only real solution to texting and driving lies in educational outreach. Texting while driving will continue to be a problem until individual drivers realize how dangerous distracted driving really is. Much like drunk driving rates have dropped in recent years thanks in part to educational campaigns that made drinking and driving socially unacceptable, similar educational outreach is need in order to put texting and driving in a similar light. Don’t delay. Get an evaluation of your case from our Clearwater injury law team by calling Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 727-217-5970. Call us today at 727-217-5970 for a free evaluation of your case if you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident in the Clearwater area.

Clearwater Parents: Reduce Child Injuries with These Tips on Car Safety for Kids

May 5, 2014 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 148,000 kids under the age of 13 were injured in 2011 alone in auto accidents, while 650 lost their lives. In all too many of these instances, tragedy could have been prevented if some basic safety precautions like the ones below had been in place. Proper Car Seat Installation Remember, proper car seat use can reduce the chance of death in the event of an accident by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers. If you have a young child, ensuring that your car seat has been properly installed is one of the easiest ways to improve child safety. However, research on car safety for kids has shown that as many as 72 percent of car and booster seats are not properly installed in passenger vehicles. Information on proper installation can typically be found with the seat’s owner manual, while the Centers for Disease Control recommends that a Child Passenger Safety Technician can assure that the device has been installed correctly. Proper Seat Belt Use For children who are too old for a car or booster seat, simply ensuring that they are properly buckled up whenever the vehicle is in motion can go a long way toward improving child safety for kids. Be sure to provide a good example by ensuring that all adult passengers are buckled up as well. Other Car Safety Tips Avoid distractions while driving, include becoming preoccupied with a child while you’re behind the wheel. Try to drive well rested. New parents in particular have trouble getting enough sleep according to the National Sleep Foundation, and this can negatively impact your ability to drive safely. Do you have a child who has been seriously injured in Clearwater car accident? Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk at 1-800-538-4878! If a member of your family has been the victim of senseless car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may need the help of an experienced Clearwater injury lawyer who can stand up for your family’s rights. Call our car accident law team now at 1-800-538-4878 for a free case evaluation to discuss how we may be able to help.

What Symptoms Should Tampa Parents Look for Following a Child Head Injury?

Apr 16, 2014 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

When it comes to a child head injury, it’s not always easy to tell just how serious a young victim’s injuries might be. In many cases, injured children may be unable to recognize important head injury symptoms on their own. This is why parents and guardians need to remain vigilant for symptoms of a potentially serious condition in the hours and following a child head injury. Symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury According to the Mayo Clinic, possible symptoms of a concussion or other mild traumatic brain injury to look for after a head injury include: Feeling dazed, confused or otherwise disoriented Brief loss of consciousness Vertigo or dizziness Increased sensitivity to bright lights or loud noises Changes in mood Trouble concentrating or remembering Depression Anxiety Insomnia Headache Nausea or vomiting Symptoms of Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries In some cases, a head injury can result in moderate to severe brain injuries. Possible symptoms of these types of injuries include: Extreme confusion or disorientation Prolonged loss of consciousness Strange behavior Slurred speech Tingling or numbness in toes or fingers Ongoing vomiting or nausea Severe or persistent headache Seizures Convulsions One pupil more dilated than another Clear fluid draining from an ear or nose Additional Child Head Injury Symptoms The Mayo Clinic notes that there are additional symptoms that parents and guardians should look for in children who may be too young or confused to report the presence of the symptoms outline above, including: Changes in appetite or nursing Inability to sleep or other changes in sleep Disinterest in toys or playing Inability to focus or pay attention Inconsolable or persistent crying If you have a young family member who has sustained a serious child head injury, our Tampa child injury lawyers may be able to help. Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk at 813-324-5202 today if you or a loved one has been seriously hurt due to another person’s negligence. We can evaluate your case for free and may be able to stand up for the rights of your family.

What Should You Do After a Florida Hit and Run Accident?

Mar 27, 2014 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Dealing with any type of car accident can be an ordeal, but hit and run accidents can be particularly traumatic, especially in the immediate aftermath of the accident. Staying calm and handling the situation as responsibly and rationally as possible can play a major role in protecting your rights. Don’t chase the driver If another driver makes the decision to attempt to leave the scene of an accident, do not give in to the temptation to follow or chase the driver. On the one hand, there is no way for you to know what could be going through the mind of a hit and run driver, and there is no good reason to risk being involved in a potentially dangerous confrontation. At the same time, you may risk causing another accident while attempting to drive right after being in a collision due to adrenaline or jarred nerves. Record as much information as possible Any information that you can record about the fleeing vehicle could be helpful in reporting your accident. Remember, your recollection of the event is likely to be clearest immediately after the accident has taken place. Helpful information to record may include: Make, model and color of the vehicle License plate number Description of driver and passengers Time of day Any pertinent details regarding how the accident took place Report the accident Be sure to report your hit and run accident to the police, preferably while you are still at the scene of the accident. Even if the accident does not seem serious or you don’t have much information about the other driver to report, having a police report on hand may be very helpful. If you or anyone else has been injured in the incident, seek medical attention. Remember, the symptoms of some severe car accident injuries such as neck and spine trauma may not appear until hours or days have passed after an accident. Have you been the victim of a Florida hit and run accident? Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878! If you’ve been hurt in a hit and run accident, you may need an experienced Tampa car accident lawyer who will stand up for your rights. Call us now at 1-800-538-4878 for a free evaluation of your case from our injury law team.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain after a Car Accident in Sarasota

Mar 11, 2014 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Experiencing pain or discomfort is not uncommon in the aftermath of being involved in a car accident. Sometimes passengers experience shoulder pain after a car accident due to a mild bruise or strain and find that their symptoms clear up on their own fairly quickly. In other cases, car accident victims can experience shoulder pain due to a severe injury that may require considerable medical care. Soft Tissue Shoulder Injuries Shoulder pain after a car accident is often the result of mild to moderate bruising. A bruise or contusion is caused by a direct blow to the body that damages muscle fibers and other soft tissues. These injuries often result in localized pain and/or swelling. Shoulder pain can also be caused by strains of shoulder muscles and tendons or sprains of shoulder ligaments. Common symptoms can include pain, swelling, bruising, and a limited range of motion. Shoulder Fractures Car accidents can also be responsible for broken bones in the shoulder area, including fractures of the collarbone (clavicle), shoulder bone (scapula), and top of the upper arm bone (proximal humerus). Rotator Cuff Tears The force impact involved in a car accident can also cause rotator cuff injuries involving damage to the muscles and tendons responsible for securing the top of the arm within the socket of the shoulder. Common symptoms of these types of acute rotator cuff tears include severe pain and weakness within the upper arm. It can take some time to resolve these injuries, so ensuring your Florida accident settlement for a rotator cuff injury is adequate is extremely important. Remember, symptoms of a severe shoulder injury are not always apparent at the scene of an accident. If you suspect that you may have sustained a serious injury such as a fracture or rotator cuff tear, seek medical attention as quickly as possible. In the event that you have been seriously injured in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to seek financial compensation for your injuries by pursuing a personal injury claim. Are you suffering from an injury caused by a car accident in Sarasota? The Sarasota car accident lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk may be able to fight for your rights. Call our office now at 1-800-538-4878 to get started today.

How Often Do Truck Drivers Cause Florida Truck Accidents?

Dec 12, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

When many drivers think about the leading causes of truck accidents, factors like truck driver fatigue and driver inexperience are likely to come to mind. However, recent research has shown that truck drivers may be responsible for a much lower percentage of truck accidents than one might assume. Two Recent Studies on the Causes of Truck Accidents For example, a 2013 study conducted by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute revealed that car drivers were at least somewhat responsible for the vast majority of truck accidents. According to the study, truck drivers were partially or completely to blame for 27 percent of all truck accidents included in the institute’s research. Car drivers, on the other hand, were either partly or fully to blame in 81 percent of these accidents. Similarly, the American Trucking Association used data culled from a handful of studies to show that car drivers tended to be responsible for some of the most serious types of truck accidents. According to a NHTSA study included in the research, car drivers were more likely to be responsible for truck accidents involving head-on crashes, rear end crashes and sideswipes. Truck drivers were responsible for the majority of backing accidents included in the study. How Do Other Drivers Cause Truck Accidents Several years ago, the Office of Motor Carriers of the Federal Highway Administration released a report underlying the types of irresponsible behaviors that were most closely linked to collisions between commercial trucks and other vehicles. According to the report, some of the most unsafe driver-related behaviors involved in fatal commercial truck accidents include: Running out of a lane or off of the road Failure to yield right of way Speeding Inattentive driving Reckless or erratic driving Have you been hurt in a commercial truck accident in our area? Call our Tampa truck accident lawyers now at 1-800-538-4878. Regardless of who was at fault, a truck accident can have devastating consequences that can include serious injury and loss of life. If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in Tampa truck accident, call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878.

Avoid Tampa Bicycle Accidents by Riding Safe in Florida Storms

Dec 3, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Riding a bike can be a great way to stay physically fit while reducing your impact on the environment. However, getting around on a bike safely can be a little tricky if you get caught in one of the heavy storms that are so common in our area. The four bike safety tips provided below are designed to help riders avoid being involved in a Tampa bicycle accident and ride safely in inclement weather. Dress Appropriately If you know that you might need to ride in the rain, a little planning ahead can help ensure you arrive at your destination safely and comfortably. A hooded waterproof jacket is a must for cycling in a major storm. Some cyclists also like to include waterproof gloves and booties in their rain gear. Watch for Oil Patches Keep an eye out for those rainbow-colored patches of oil when you are riding in the rain. Roads tend to be at their slipperiest just as it starts to rain as water mixes with any residual oils that may be resting on the pavement’s surface. These can create temporary oil slicks that can pose a real safety hazard to cyclists. Consider Upgrading Your Glasses As the fitness website Active.com points out, your regular sunglasses may be too dim to wear safely when you are riding in the rain. Wearing glasses with yellow or clear lenses may make it much easier to see in low light conditions. Some cyclists suggest applying a product like Rain-X to the lenses as a way to keep glasses from fogging up during a storm. Use a LED Lamp Another upgrade that you might consider adding to your bike is a nice bright LED lamp. Conditions can become quite dark during a heavy Florida storm, and these can be very helpful in ensuring that motorists can see you. Some riders use two lamps with one white LED lamp on the handlebars and a second red LED lamp flashing in the rear. Have you been injured in a bike accident due to someone else’s irresponsible behavior? Call our Tampa bicycle accident lawyers today. Abrahamson & Uiterwyk may be able to help if you’ve been seriously injured in a bicycle accident in Florida. Call us today at 1-800-538-4878 to get started with a free case evaluation.

New Distracted Driving Statistics: More Drivers than Ever Surfing the Web Behind the Wheel

Dec 2, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

According to a new study from State Farm, 24% of drivers admit to having used their mobile devices to surf the internet while they were driving. That figure is up from 13% in 2009 and includes drivers of all ages. About the State Farm Study State Farm’s Annual Distracted Driving Study includes results from a 2013 survey of some 1000 drivers who answered a variety of questions about how they interact with their mobile devices behind the wheel. The insurance company has conducted the study annually for the past several years, resulting in some disturbing findings about distracted driving as more people than ever adopt the use of smartphones into their daily lives. Authors of the study point out that most drivers are aware of the dangers of texting while driving. Part of the trouble lies in the fact that many people may not realize how dangerous it is to be distracted by their devices in other ways while they’re driving. More Distracted Driving Statistics from the Study More drivers than ever now own smartphones, especially when it comes to middle-aged drivers. 82% of drivers aged 40 to 49 reported owning a smartphone in 2013, up from 47% in 2011. More drivers are using hands-free devices to talk on their phones behind the wheel than in previous years. Slightly less younger drivers aged 18 to 29 admit to texting while driving, with percentages down to 69% in 2013 from 71% in 2011. 54% of drivers 18 to 29 access the internet from their phone while driving, while 40% of drivers in this age bracket access social media behind the wheel. What Can Be Done to Address Distracted Driving Epidemic? Most people in the traffic safety community agree that driver education needs to be at the center of efforts to reduce the number of people who use mobile devices behind the wheel. At present, the majority of the research done on distracted driving, as well as the legislative efforts aimed at addressing it, have been focused exclusively on texting while driving. While the dangers of texting while driving are indeed high, distracted driving statistics like those provided by the State Farm study show that texting while driving is only part of the problem. Have You or a Loved One Been Seriously Hurt by a Distracted Driver? Call Our Injury Law Team Today! It only takes a moment of distraction behind the wheel to cause an accident that can devastating consequences. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured by a distracted driver, our Tampa car accident lawyers may be able to help. Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878 for a free case evaluation.

FDA Increases Warnings on Several Cancer Drugs

Oct 29, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strengthened warnings for two cancer treatment drugs. The medications include Rituxan, used to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Arzerra, used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Suppressing the immune system The medications Rituxan and Arzerra work by suppressing the body’s immune system. The patient must work closely with the treating physician to avoid infections. Hepatitis B The hepatitis B virus causes inflammation and irritation of the liver. This inflammation and irritation can lead to reduced liver function, liver damage, cirrhosis or cancer. It can be transmitted through blood or body fluids by a person who has the virus. Symptoms may include: Dark urine, and skin that is yellow Achy joints and muscles Low-grade fever Fatigue Vomiting and nausea Loss of appetite It is possible to become infected with the hepatitis B virus and show no symptoms. The patient may be unaware that they have this virus. The only sure way to be certain that the patient is free of the hepatitis B virus is to test for it. Reactivation The FDA had already placed a warning on both of these medications to alert physicians and patients of the reactivation of hepatitis B. In spite of the first FDA warnings, patients with a history of hepatitis B continued to experience reactivation of that condition when taking Rituxan or Arzerra. Therefore, the FDA has issued even stronger warnings of the risk and recommends that all patients be screened for hepatitis B prior to beginning treatment involving Rituxan or Arzerra. If You’ve Been Hurt, a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help When Florida residents believe they have been injured by dangerous drugs, they should work closely with a physician to reduce physical damage. In addition, they may also want to contact an injury lawyer serving Brandon to obtain more information regarding their rights. The law offices of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk offer a free initial consultation and case evaluation. Call 1-800-538-4878 today. Because of the fact that cases involving defective medication injuries may be highly complex and exceedingly specific, our law firm commonly works with other law firms who have considerable experience in each particular case type. Thus, we may be referring these types of cases to a separate firm, with whom we typically associate and work with on a co-counsel basis.

Manufacturing Defects Responsible for the Most Wrongful Deaths

Oct 16, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

As consumers, people rely on the assumption that the product they are purchasing is safe and adequate for its intended use. For the most part, these products come with a written warranty and warnings regarding safe operation. When a defect created at the manufacturing level causes injury or death, however, protecting the victim’s rights can be difficult. Automobiles A manufacturing defect on an automobile can occur in any one of the number of parts that go into building a car. When this defect causes an automobile collision, it can be hard to prove that the faulty party caused the injury. Many factors come under investigation by the law enforcement officers at the crash site. It is not always readily apparent that the tire was defective, the brakes failed or steering capabilities locked up. Heavy equipment Many professions rely on the use of heavy equipment. Several industries such as building, mining and manufacturing may use such things as forklifts, jackhammers, cranes and dump trucks in the course of doing business. A manufacturing defect in heavy equipment can turn deadly remarkably quickly. Medication The issue of manufacturer’s defects in medication is a particularly dangerous one. Issues arise like the steroids tainted with fungal meningitis at the manufacturing level. Proving liability There are a number of considerations in determining the association between defective products and wrongful death. For some instances like the tainted steroids, it may be a matter of identifying the bad drug and tracing it back to the source. In the case of automobile brakes, it may be more difficult to prove that it was the fault of the defective brakes and not the driver. Likewise, an industrial accident must be investigated to determine whether the cause was the person operating the equipment or a manufacturer’s defect. We Can Help. Call Now for a Free Consultation Should Florida residents need more information regarding establishing the connection between a wrongful death and potential manufacturers defects, they may wish to contact a Tampa wrongful death lawyer. Call the law offices of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk for a free initial case evaluation and consultation at 1-800-538-4878 today. Because of the fact that cases involving product or medication defect injuries may be highly complex and exceedingly specific, our law firm commonly works with other law firms who have considerable experience in each particular case type. Thus, we may be referring these types of cases to a separate firm, with whom we typically associate and work with on a co-counsel basis.

What You Need to Know about Construction Accident Lawsuits

Sep 21, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

On the job accidents, like those often seen on construction sites, can result in financial, emotional and physical struggles for the injured employee and their family. After all, hurt workers are often faced with rehabilitation costs and medical bills in addition to a loss of income. Therefore, calling an experienced construction accident attorney to help injured workers receive compensation may be a wise idea. Some types of construction accidents are more common than others, and they are as follows: Injuries caused by falling debris. This type of accident occurs when pieces of construction material fall from several stories hitting workers below. Even small pieces of material can become a dangerous projectile when dropped from a great height. Long-term spinal injuries. This type of injury often requires ongoing treatment due to excessive heavy lifting. Electrocution. Electrocution of workers due to exposed wires. Falls from high-rise buildings, ladders, roofs or slips on floors. This type of accident is typically due to inadequate safety measures. Vehicular accidents. Roadside workers becoming injured due to being hit by a motorist. Injuries caused by a misuse or malfunction of heavy machinery. Examples of heavy machinery found on most construction sites include loaders, bulldozers, cranes, trucks and forklifts. Injuries that occur due to a power tool accident. This type of incident can result in burns, cuts or even amputations. What does it take to form a construction accident case? Many individuals assume worker’s compensation will cover any workplace accident they may experience. However, many possible limitations can be placed on compensation resulting in less than adequate compensation. Construction jobs can pay quite well. However, the pay is well earned due to the dangers that surround the construction field. Severely injured construction workers are often unable to find work post-injury that paid as good as their previous job. This means families are often forced to deal with large medical bills, emotional issues and other costs due to a workplace accident. If you’ve been hurt, a personal injury attorney may be able to help Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk at 1-800-538-4878 for a free, no-obligation initial consultation. Because of the fact that cases involving Workers Compensation injuries may be highly complex and exceedingly specific, our law firm commonly works with other law firms who have considerable experience in each particular case type. Thus, we may be referring these types of cases to a separate firm, with whom we typically associate and work with on a co-counsel basis.

10 of the Most Common Workplace Injuries

Sep 11, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

According to Hilda Solis, who is the Secretary of Labor, 12 individuals everyday go to work and never come home. In addition, 3.3 million individuals suffer an injury at their workplace from which they never recover. These are preventable accidents that devastate families, disable workers and damage the economy. Therefore, understanding what the most common workplace injuries are is wise. Top ten workplace incidents: There are multiple ways a workplace injury can occur. Ten of the most common accidents are: Violent acts: These attacks are often started over arguments relating to office politics or other issues. These confrontations can lead to serious injuries. Repetitive motion injuries: This type of injury occurs when repetitive motions such as constantly using a computer or typing for hours at a time cause an injury. These repetitive motions can strain the tendons and muscles, create back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and vision issues. Machine Entanglement: This type of injury is common in factories where heavy machinery is being used. Fingers, shoes, hair and clothing can become entangled in machinery if no precautions are taken. Vehicle accidents: This type of accident often occurs when employees drive for business purposes. Collision injuries: This type of accident occurs when an individual accidentally runs into an object such as a chair, table, glass window, door or wall. Falling object injuries: This type of accident occurs when objects from shelves are dropped onto another person. Head injuries are most often the result of a falling object injury. Reaction injuries: This type of accident occurs when an individual slips or trips but does not fall. This type of incident can result in body trauma and muscle injuries in addition to other medical issues. Falling from heights injuries: This type of accident most often occurs when an individual falls from a stairway, ladder or roof. They can also be a result of faulty equipment. Tripping and slipping injuries: This type of accident often occurs when individuals fall on wet floors or trip over something in the workplace environment. Overexertion injuries: This type of injury is sustained by carrying, throwing, pushing, lifting or pulling objects. Moreover, this type of accident is the cause of most workplace injuries. Call Now and Put Our Injury Law Team to Work for You! If you or someone you love has been a victim of a workplace accident, you may benefit from the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. By contacting the law offices of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk at 1-800-538-4878, Florida residents can get a free initial case evaluation and consultation.

Brain Injury Study: Longer Recovery Time for Children with Previous Concussions

Aug 7, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

A new study has revealed that children and young adults have a longer recovery time from a concussion if they have previously sustained another concussion or repeated blows to the head. The study indicates that a previous hit that occurred within one year can increase the necessary recovery time for these individuals. About the Study The study was conducted by Boston Children’s Hospitals. While doctors had previously believed that it was detrimental for children to suffer multiple blows to the head, the study is the first of its kind to affirmatively find this connection. It is also the first study to set a recovery time frame. The study analyzed children and young adults between the ages of 11 and 22 who were brought into an emergency room with a second or subsequent concussion. The study was published in the Pediatrics journal. Findings of the Study Patients who had sustained a concussion within a year or who had suffered multiple blows to the head over their lifetime were found to need more time to recover from the injury, compared to individuals who sustained their first concussion. However, patients who had a concussion more than a year previously did not have an increased recovery time. The amount of time that patients needed to recover from subsequent concussions was greater than doctors had previously thought. Patients who sustained their first concussion needed about 12 days to recover Individuals who had sustained multiple concussion took about 28 days to recover Patients who had sustained a second concussion within a year’s time took about 35 days to recover The study found that approximately 60 percent of the patients had been injured due to sports. Implications of the Study Due to the increased recovery time, coaches and parents may want to consider leaving their kids on the sidelines after an injury. Doctors are still uncertain about how concussions can affect the developing brain of a child. However, research indicates that repeated blows can result in permanent brain damage, a condition similar to Alzheimer’s, and an increased risk of suicide in adult patients. If you have sustained a brain injury that was caused by another, a Tampa brain injury attorney may be able to help. Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk at 1-800-538-4878 for a free initial consultation and case evaluation.

Summer Temperatures May See Rise in Wrongful Deaths Caused by Children Left in Hot Cars

Aug 5, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

As summer begins, we must remember the importance of keeping children safe from heat stroke. All individuals can experience heat stroke if they remain in a hot environment for too long. However, unattended vehicles present a particularly dangerous situation for kids. How does the age of the child play a role in vehicular heat stroke? Obviously, children who are older are more apt to exit a car if they begin to feel heat stroke symptoms. The following statistics from San Francisco State University show the numbers of children killed due to vehicular heat stroke from the ages of less than 1 to 5 years old during the years from 1998 to 2012: 31 percent: Children less than 1-year-old 22 percent: 1-year old children 20 percent: 2-year old children 14 percent: 3-year old children 6 percent: 4-year old children 3 percent: 5-year olds How quickly can a vehicle heat up? Temperatures inside a car can reach over 125 degrees Fahrenheit in around 20 minutes when summertime temperatures are present. After 40 minutes, the inside of a vehicle can reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms of heat stroke As a parent or caregiver, knowing the signs of heat stroke is imperative. Below are symptoms of heat exhaustion, which happens before heat stroke: Lightheadedness or dizziness Dark urine Damp skin Nausea Headaches Symptoms of full-blown heat stroke include: Confusion or irrational behavior Seizure Loss of consciousness Rapid shallow breathing Weakened pulse Fever in excess of 104 degrees What to do if heat stroke or heat exhaustion is suspected: Immediate action is required to counteract heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Seeking medical help is crucial. Other tips include raising the person’s feet, getting them in a cool environment or applying wet cloths or cool water to lower their body temperature. Call now for a free case evaluation from our injury law team! If you have lost a loved one due to someone’s negligence in our, a Tampa wrongful death lawyer from Abrahamson & Uiterwyk may be able to help. Call us today for a free consultation at 1-800-538-4878.

Florida Billboard Campaign Reminds Parents Not to Leave Kids in Hot Cars

Jun 21, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Nationwide, there have been 560 documented cases of children dying from hyperthermia while either left in or gaining access to a car since 1998. Florida is one of the 20 states with laws targeting leaving children in a vehicle. Recently, officials in Broward County have begun taking prevention efforts a step further with a publicity and education campaign to prevent childhood deaths from heat stroke. Unwanted Distinction for Florida Driver’s Florida ranks number six in the percentage of hyperthermia deaths of children in vehicles. Broward County’s “Look Before You Lock” campaign seeks to remind people to look before they lock the car door. The county is using a combination of billboards and educational materials distributed to social service agencies, schools, parents, and doctor’s offices to spread the word. Primary Cause of the Deaths is “Forgotten” Children According to the San Francisco State University’s Department of Geosciences, the circumstances surrounding 52% of vehicle related heatstroke deaths for children was because they had been “forgotten.” This accounts for some 288 children dying because of a memory lapse on the part of a caregiver. For 31% of these deaths, the child was less than one year old. Understanding Heatstroke & Hyperthermia Heatstroke occurs when a person’s thermoregulatory system becomes overwhelmed, and temperature exceeds 104°F. A car sitting in full sun can easily reach temperatures in excess of 130°F and see an increase in temperature of 43°F in less than an hour. Recommendations for safety include the following: Do not leave unattended child in a vehicle. Called 911 immediately upon seeing an unaccompanied child in a hot vehicle. Insure that everyone has left the vehicle when unloading, including sleeping children. Lock the car to prevent access by children. Use visual cues such as placing a purse or briefcase in the back seat as a reminder when transporting children. Make looking before leaving the vehicle routine. Call Today and Put Our Personal Injury Lawyers’ 100+ Years of Experience to Work for You! Florida officials are working to reduce vehicle related hyperthermia deaths. Should one of these tragedies occur, it may be difficult to understand what legal steps need to be taken. The Tampa car accident lawyers with the legal expertise to help understand the process is the law offices of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk. Call 1-800-538-4878 for a free initial consultation and case evaluation.

Federal Agency Pushes for Lower Blood Alcohol Limit in Effort to Reduce Drunk Driving Accidents

Jun 20, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

In May 2013, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a recommendation that the laws of all states impose a lower blood alcohol content level as the standard for drunk driving. The consensus is that fatal automobile accidents involving drunk driving in the United States occurs with unacceptable frequency. The NTSB believes that moving from the current 0.08 blood alcohol level standard to the accepted international standard of 0.05 is a step toward decreasing impaired driving. Mixed Reviews for Agency’s Recommendations The NTSB recommendation has been met by mixed reviews. While no one disagrees with the statistics used by NTSB, some groups such as the restaurant and beverage industry strongly disagree with the recommendation. Statements made by the American Beverage Institute expressed concern that the NTSB ignored established facts and targeted moderate drinkers. Reducing Deaths Caused by Impaired Driving The goal of the NTSB is to eliminate drunk driving altogether. This recommendation has been lauded as a step toward that goal. While many factors affect blood alcohol content such as weight and gender, the board believes at a 0.05 blood alcohol content a driver is impaired. They point to a drop in coordination, steering difficulty, delayed reaction time for emergency situations and inability to track moving objects are all evident at 0.05 blood alcohol content levels. However, some proponents of driving safety believe that the acceptable blood alcohol content should be even lower. Recommendation has MADD’s Support MADD welcomes the NTSB’s recommendation while expressing concern that it is not enough. The Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving (CEDD) is MADD’s three-pronged effort structured to maximize lives saved. This campaign has been adopted as a national policy and includes high visibility enforcement, using ignition locks for convicted offenders, and development of technology to prevent starting a car while drunk. MADD has always provided support to victims of substance impaired driving without regard to impairment levels. Have been seriously injured by a drunk driver? Our injury law team will fight for your rights! Being a victim of a drunk driver can leave scars that last a lifetime. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by an impaired driver, our injury law team may be able to help. Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878 for a free case evaluation and initial consultation.

Eco-Cuisine Recalls Products That May Be Contaminated with Salmonella

Jun 14, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

A Boulder, Colorado company is recalling a number of food mixes after being alerted that they may be contaminated with salmonella. The company, Eco-Cuisine, Inc., provides food service operators with a variety of food mixes. After notification by CHS Foods that ingredients used in these mixes had been recalled, Eco-Cuisine ceased production and distribution. The investigation into the cause of contamination by the FDA is continuing. What is Salmonella? Salmonella is bacteria that lead to an infection called Salmonellosis. In the United States, approximately 42,000 cases of Salmonellosis have been reported every year. This infection presents with abdominal cramps, fever, and diarrhea up to 3 days following infection. Most people recover after 4 to 7 days without treatment. Commonly located in the intestines, this infection can spread to the bloodstream. Death can occur if the victim does not start treatment with antibiotics. Children under five years old, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk. Food Poisoning Prevention According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), steps can be taken to prevent the spread of the Salmonella bacteria. These include: Thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Do not eat raw eggs or food products containing raw or unpasteurized eggs and milk. Wash hands, work areas, and food preparation tools immediately after contact with raw meat or poultry. Wash hands before preparing or handling food. Wash hands before attending to infants. Avoid cross contamination of foods. The CDC also recommends any food served in a restaurant that appears to be under cooked should be sent back to the kitchen. The CDC warns that care must be taken with small children around pets or other animals. Salmonella resides in the intestines of chicks and ducklings contaminating the entire surface of the animal. Reptiles also are likely to carry this bacteria. When in contact with pets or other animals, a good practice to adopt is frequent hand washing. We’ll Fight for Your Rights! If you have been severely hurt due to another person’s negligence, Abrahamson & Uiterwyk may be able to help. Call us today at 1-800-538-4878 for a free initial consultation and case evaluation.

New Link Found Traumatic Brain Injury Victims and Homelessness

May 7, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

According to a new study, individuals who sustain traumatic brain injuries are more likely to wind up becoming homeless, compared to other individuals who have not sustained injuries of this nature. Even more alarming, the majority of individuals who wound up homeless sustained the injury immediately before losing their homes. Findings from the Study Researchers at St. Michael’s Hospital analyzed data pertaining to brain injury victims. The data included a review of scientific studies that were based on homeless individuals and brain injuries. The review found that anywhere between 8 and 53 percent of the homeless individuals assessed had sustained traumatic brain injuries. Although many homeless individuals appeared to have sustained a traumatic brain injury, the extent of their injuries is generally unknown. Some of the injuries that were observed were considered minor, while others were considered serious. Furthermore, the long-term consequences stemming from these injuries may also be unknown due to the subjects’ lack of healthcare access and monitoring. Implications of the Study The study was published in the journal BMC Public Health. Its publishers believe that by finding a link between brain injuries and homelessness, healthcare providers and others may be able to identify and prevent these injuries from occurring. Furthermore, by reducing the number of brain injuries, financial resources could be saved and drastic long-term consequences would be reduced. Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries Individuals may sustain traumatic brain injuries for a variety of reasons. However, most of these injuries form as a result of blow or a jolt to the head. Other traumatic brain injuries occur when the head is penetrated. Long-Term Implications of Traumatic Brain Injuries An individual who sustains a traumatic brain injury may face several significant consequences. Physical consequences often result, such as a change in mental status, unconsciousness or amnesia. Traumatic brain injury victims may also suffer from long-term memory loss, problems concentrating, poor ability to pay attention and cognitive difficulties. These injuries can cause problems in the victims’ interpersonal relationships and with retaining jobs. Call Today and Put the Injury Law Team of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk to Work for You! If you or a loved one has suffered from a brain injury, call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878 to schedule a free case evaluation with a Tampa injury lawyer.

Some Men More Likely to Become Traumatic Brain Injury Victims

Apr 20, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

It is well documented that men have a higher statistical probability of sustaining a traumatic brain injury in comparison to women. However, recent research indicates that some men are much more susceptible to sustaining a brain injury compared to other men. For example, males who have lower incomes may be more statistically likely to sustain brain injuries than other males. The research also indicates that young men and men who have poor mental skills are significantly more likely to sustain a brain injury. Swedish Study on Traumatic Brain Injury Rates for Different Types of Men The research originates from a study involving approximately 300,000 young males in Sweden. The researchers analyzed data involving these men who had been recruited for military service during the years between 1989 and 1994. The men had their mental skills assessed and continued to be assessed for the subsequent 19 years after the initial evaluation. Out of the men who were evaluated, approximately 4,700 men had sustained a brain injury that was considered mild before their mental skills were assessed by the researchers. Approximately 800 of the participants sustained two brain injuries or more during the time of assessment. According to the researchers, the most prevalent reasons for the sustained brain injuries were fall accidents, traffic accidents and assaults. Lasting Impact for Many Brain Injury Victims According to the research, individuals who sustained a mild brain injury generally had a 5.6 percent lower rate of mental ability. For individuals who sustained two or more brain injuries, a 15 percent lower mental ability coincided, compared to participants who had not sustained a brain injury. Researchers assessed the data and determined that a number of risk factors corresponded with brain injuries, including: Lower socioeconomic level Lower mental skills Less education Higher degree of physical fitness Individuals who sustained brain injuries also had a higher probability of being admitted to a hospital due to intoxication and were more likely to be receiving early disability benefits. Call Today & Put Our Experienced Tampa Brain Injury Lawyers to Work for You! Brain injuries often cause serious consequences that can dramatically alter a person’s life. They may also cause a person to incur exorbitant medical bills between their initial assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. If you or a loved one has been affected by a brain injury that was caused by the negligence of another person, a Tampa personal injury lawyer may be able to assist you with your case. Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today for a free case evaluation at 1-800-538-4878.

Computer Model from John Hopkins May Help Avoid Concussions

Apr 9, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) reported in an October 17, 2011 article by Bob Roehr that 80 percent of traumatic brain injuries are mild and often not brought to the attention of a physician. When these “mild” jolts and blows to the head are not allowed to heal, a progressive, neurodegenerative deterioration can be triggered. This permanent damage from improperly treated concussions is the subject of a class action lawsuit involving retired National Football League (NFL) players. These former players claim that the NFL knowingly withheld information regarding the harm caused by untreated repeated concussions. Seeing the Damage Being able to identify brain areas traumatized by concussion has been elusive due to difficulties in understanding how these injuries are presented and certain nuances of head movement. Even using diagnostic imaging techniques such as MRI and CT scans, results may not be immediately apparent. According to a Johns Hopkins University study led by K. T. Ramesh, a technique called diffusion tensor imaging may allow physicians to diagnose and treat concussions early. In addition to enhancing a doctor’s ability to identify the damage, applications extend to the development of safeguards to prevent concussive injuries. Ongoing Study Ramesh and his team at Johns Hopkins continue to collect data and engage in more testing before this new imaging technique gains acceptance by the medical community. Using data collection devices embedded in existing equipment for football players and active duty military will confirm the viability of the diffusion tensor imaging model. Impact on Brain Injury Litigation Concussions, even mild ones, should be assessed by a physician immediately to prevent more serious injury. The difficulty in pinpointing the cause of concussion-related brain injury can create a lack of clarity in understanding the damage. Using imaging models such as the one under study at Johns Hopkins, documentation may be able to be obtained showing location of the injury and identifying the cause. Our Experienced Injury Law Team will Fight for Your Rights Should Florida residents find themselves dealing with the realities of brain injury caused by concussion, a Tampa personal injury attorney may be able to help. If you’ve experienced a traumatic brain injury due to another person’s negligence, call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk at 1-800-538-4878 for a free initial consultation.

A Little Exercise Shown to Help Ward Off Drowsy Driving

Apr 8, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Every year, people die in preventable car accidents that were caused by a drowsy or fatigued driver. However, new research demonstrates that exercising may help prevent fatigued driving. The research indicates that those who exercise more often had a much higher probability of being in good health and of getting better sleep, compared to individuals who do not exercise. The research derived from a 2013 Sleep in America poll that the National Sleep Foundation conducted. More than 1,000 individuals participated in the survey. Participants ranged in age from 23 to 60. Each person who participated in the survey listed their degree of physical activity and graded their own level of physical activity by characterizing it as “no activity”, “light,” “moderate” and “vigorous.” Individuals who reported that they had “no activity” were more likely to suffer from sleep conditions. About 50 percent of these participants reported that they wake up during the night. Additionally, about 25 percent of these individuals reported that they had trouble going back to sleep after they woke up nearly every night. Individuals who reported that they had no physical exercise were more likely to suffer from sleep apnea, which may mean that they are more prone to fall asleep in the daytime when they are more likely to be driving. However, individuals who reported that they exercised were more likely to have better sleep habits. For example, participants who said their level of physical activity was “vigorous” were two times more likely to sleep well during the nights, compared to participants who reported that they had no physical activity. The participants who vigorously exercised reported that they had a good night’s sleep for every night or most nights of the week. The majority also reported that they did not have problems waking up early or going back to sleep after waking up. Individuals who suffer from sleep apnea or other sleeping disorders may be at an increased risk of causing an automotive accident. The research indicates that even a little exercise may result in a positive effect on people’s sleeping habits, which in turn can make them safer drivers. Injured by a drowsy driver? Put our experienced injury law team to work for you! If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a fatigued driver, a Tampa injury attorney may be able to help. Contact the office of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878 for a free initial consultation.

Victims of Spinal Injury Accidents May Benefit from Mindwalker Robotic Exoskeleton

Mar 26, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

When a car crash victim suffers a spinal injury, the devastating results can affect everything from loss of mobility and chronic pain to considerable medical expenses and loss of income. Thankfully, new technology has emerged to help spinal injury victims walk again. The MindWalker device, developed by a Belgian company, helps deliver electrical signals from the brain when a person thinks about walking to a new robotic exoskeleton device designed help patients regain mobility of their limbs. Many other exoskeleton devices have been developed in recent years. In fact, the military has used many of these items for veterans returning home after fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Human Universal Load Carrier and Ekso System are two such devices which help people make use of their limbs after a spinal injury has left them immobile. However, the downside to both of these devices is that people still have to use crutches and experience limited mobility. The MindWalker has been designed to increase mobility and quality of life for spinal injury victims considerably. The device’s frame is fit to a person’s legs and torso. When an individual thinks of walking, a sensor translates this command to the robotic exoskeleton that facilitates the necessary movements of a patient’s’ legs. Experts are mindful that victims may still need to use crutches but are hoping that some will not and that mobility will be easier thanks to the exoskeleton device. Spinal cord injuries change a person’s life. Robotic exoskeletons encourage movement, which can improve a person’s day-to-day life and help victims return to work. Instead of focusing on healing the spinal cord injury, these exoskeleton devices focus on improving mobility. Call Now and Put Our Personal Injury Lawyers’ 100+ Years of Combined Experience to Work for You! If you have suffered a spinal injury in our area due to someone’s negligence, call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878. Our experienced Tampa-area injury law firm can provide you with a free consultation and case evaluation.

The Risks of Ambien Use and Drowsy Driving

Mar 15, 2013 | Category: Car Accidents | By Erik Abrahamson

The Food and Drug Administration has recently issued a mandate requiring the manufacturers of Ambien and Edluar to reduce its recommended dosage by half of the current quantity, particularly for women patients. The change is being instituted due a growing fear that the current higher recommended dosage may result in a heightened state of drowsiness even after a person achieves a good night’s sleep. The Food and Drug Administration has expressed concern that some patients may be impaired the morning after using the sleep aid. This condition may impair their ability to safely execute activities that require patients to be alert, such as driving. The administration further noted that some patients who have high levels of the prescription medicine in their system may be impaired even if they are fully conscious. The mandate comes after public accidents have garnered the media’s attention, including the accident involving Congressman Patrick Kennedy and another involving Tiger Woods. The Food and Drug Administration has examined over 700 reports regarding an association between the use sleep aids and impaired driving capability. Over 40 million prescriptions were issued for the medicine in 2011, possibly causing an influx in impaired drivers. Driving on American roadways today can be difficult, given the heavy traffic and the distracted driving that today’s drivers confront. Coupling these factors with drowsy driving can result in being responsible for a tragic accident. Drowsy driving leads to serious accidents in the United States, resulting in a number of serious injuries and fatalities every year. Let Us Put Our Attorneys’ 100+ Years of Combined Experience to Work for You! Car accidents occur on Tampa roadways every day, often due to driver negligence. If you have been involved in a car accident and you believe that a sleeping aid may have played a part in the accident, a Tampa personal injury lawyer may be able to assist you. You may be able to recover damages for your property damage, medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering. For a free initial consultation, call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878.

Dog Bites for Certain Breeds No Longer Covered by Farmers Insurance

Mar 14, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Farmers Insurance has recently announced a change in its policy regarding dog bite claims. The insurance company will no longer provide liability coverage for any dog bite claims that arise from confrontations with pit bulls, rottweilers, and wolf hybrids. The insurance company did not cancel any policies. However, it began requiring customers to agree to an exclusion waiver since the middle of January 2013. Those policyholders who did not sign the exclusion waiver will not have their policies renewed. While some policyholders are not pleased with the insurance company’s move. Farmers’ representatives state that the three breeds of dogs are responsible for 25 percent of the dog bite claims that the company receives annually. They also say that these claims often result in more monetary harm than other types of dog bite claims. Statistics do support the insurance company’s contention. Pit bulls and rottweilers are responsible for more than 50 percent of the fatal dog attacks that occur in the United States. Florida has a strict liability statute regarding dog bites. If a victim is bitten by another person’s dog, the owner can often be held liable for damages that result from the bite. Farmers Insurance’s policy can affect dog bite victims by keeping them from being able to get compensation for their medical bills from the insurance company itself. However, compensation may be available by bringing forth a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner. Call Now and Put Our Injury Attorneys’ 100+ Years of Combined Experience to Work for You! Dog bite victims may be able to receive damages to compensate them for their medical damages, follow-up treatment, lost income, pain, and suffering. If you’ve been seriously injured due to another person’s negligence, call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878 for a free case evaluation.

Department of Transportation Looks to Improve Bus Safety

Mar 12, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

With spring just around the corner and tourists making vacation plans, the U.S. Department of Transportation recently revealed its efforts to improve long-distance bus safety. In updating its Motor Coach Safety Action Plan, the DOT put in place a three-point plan that: Targets commercial bus companies that run a high risk of having accidents. Adds more bus inspectors. Educates bus passengers on how to evaluate a bus company. Long-distance travel on motor coaches has been increasing each year. According to the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, about 750 million passenger trips are taken each year. As the number of trips increase, so do bus crashes. There was an average of 17 bus passenger deaths from 2001 through 2010. The DOT stepped up its efforts to improve motor coach safety after 28 people died in eight bus crashes in 2011. The total number of fatalities included 15 people who died in a crash on a New York highway, and four people who died when a bus overturned near Doswell, Virginia. The National Transportation Safety Board issued a report in August 2012 that found serious driver fatigue and poor management by the bus company contributed to the crash in Virginia. Beginning in April, DOT will send out specially trained investigators to examine the buses of companies that have the highest risk of crashes. As part of the plan, DOT will also update the requirements for training safety inspectors and investigators and review all bus companies and safety management controls. The Action Plan builds upon DOT’s existing strategies and programs. For instance, after DOT’s inspections of bus companies in 2012, 880 bus drivers were fired and 1,831 buses were taken off the roads. Further, DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) closed 26 bus companies that consistently disregarded federal safety rules and regulations. To help passengers in evaluating bus companies, the FMCSA developed a website titled, “Look Before You Book,” and an easy-to-use app called, “SaferBus.” The website and the app allow bus passengers to check out a motor coach company’s safety record before going on a bus trip. Call Now and Put Our Attorneys’ 100+ Years of Experience to Work for You! If you have been injured in a commercial bus accident in our area, a Tampa personal injury attorney may be able to help you. Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878 for a free case evaluation.

Understanding Nursing Home Abuse: 5 Warning Signs to Look for

Feb 28, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

According to a recent report, more than 44 percent of nursing home residents have sustained some form of nursing home abuse. Furthermore, 48 percent of nursing home residents report that they believe that they had been treated in a rough manner. As the baby boomer generation continues to age, more individuals are will soon be requiring nursing home treatment than ever. Concerned family members may be able to prevent future abuse from occurring if they notice and report the following warning signs. Lack of Cleanliness When visiting the nursing home, family members should observe the general appearance of the residents of the home. If they appear to be unclean as if they had not been showered or tended to for some time, abuse may be on the horizon or currently occurring. Some residents may not have proper hygiene because there are not enough members of the support staff or the staff members are not adequately trained. Family members should also check the general appearance of the facility itself. An unclean facility may be a sign that neglect is occurring at the home. Poor Diet Another warning sign of nursing home abuse or neglect is when a loved one suddenly begins to look thinner. Additionally, some nursing home residents may not be receiving enough water or other fluids. Dehydration is a clear sign of nursing home abuse and should be immediately reported and acted upon. Bed Sores Bed sores occur when nursing home patients are left in the same position for prolonged periods of time. The skin may break down, resulting in these sores. Immobile patients are particularly susceptible to acquiring this condition. Patients with other conditions may also develop bed sores, such as individuals with diabetes, neuropathy, renal compromise or poor diet. Infections When a nursing home resident suffers from an infection, concerned family members should monitor the situation. If repeated infections occur, neglect may be present. Lack of Access to Necessary Medical Services Nursing homes are established to provide needed care to elderly and other patients. Physicians may be on staff that can provide necessary medical services to these patients. If non-medical staff members begin to conduct work that was previously completed by a physician, the nursing home may be cutting corners. Call Now and Put Our Attorneys’ 100+ Years’ Experience to Work for You! If you or a loved one has been adversely affected by nursing home abuse or neglect, a Tampa accident attorney may be able to help. Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk now for a free case evaluation at 1-800-538-4878 for a free case evaluation.

Stay Safe on the Road by Avoiding Drowsy Driving

Feb 20, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Drowsy driving is a term used to describe a situation in which a driver is too tired to pay proper attention to the road, possibly to the point of falling asleep at the wheel. The consequences can be dangerous—and sometimes fatal. Usually, drowsy driving occurs when the driver has not had enough sleep. This can be due to a number of reasons: from working long hours to insomnia. However, it can be also be caused by driving for long periods of time. Truck drivers can be particularly prone to spending excessive time on the road. Moreover, the mere size and weight of the vehicles they drive makes it easier to get tired. This is why they are required to adhere to specific hours of service. Other causes of drowsy driving include food, alcohol and medications. Driving on a full stomach can sometimes lead to drowsy driving for drivers who tend to feel tired after a big meal. Even a modest amount of alcohol is known to slow down normal brain function with disastrous results, and many medications can cause drowsiness, which cuts down on the level of alertness on the road. According to a new study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published in a Center for Disease Control report on morbidity and mortality, up to 33 percent of fatal wrongful death automobile accidents involve drowsy driving of some kind. In that same report, drowsy driving was linked with short sleep duration (which was defined as less than six hours a day) and snoring. To avoid drowsy driving, you have to get enough rest. Seven or more hours of sleep are recommended for adults. Also, avoid anything that can cause drowsy driving, such as heavy meals, alcohol or medications. Be aware of the warning signs of drowsy driving when you’re on the road. If you are frequently yawning or blinking, experience difficulty remembering the past few miles, missing exits or drifting from lane to lane, look for a place to pull over or park your vehicle. If you have a companion with you in the car, let him or her take over from you. Call Now and Put Our Attorneys’ 100+ Years of Experience to Work for You! Unfortunately, even the most conscientious drivers are sometimes seriously injured in car accidents in Florida through no fault of their own. If you have been a victim of another driver’s negligence, a Tampa car crash lawyer may be able to help. Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878 for a free case evaluation.

Protecting the Elderly from Slip and Falls

Feb 19, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

For senior citizens, slip and fall accidents can result in significant injuries that often can leave victims with long-term mobility issues. Fractures are all too common in a typical slip and fall involving a senior citizen. These fractures may not heal quickly due to the fact that older bones tend to be more fragile and also tend to take longer to heal. This may result in a senior citizen being bedridden for weeks or even months while waiting for their bones to heal. To complicate matters even further, if a senior citizen were to fracture their hip, which is not uncommon in Florida slip and fall accidents, there could be significant complications if surgical repair is required. Existing medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension as well as cardiovascular issues not only makes surgery more difficult, in some situations it will preclude them from having surgery altogether. The best way to avoid all of these complications is to help reduce the likelihood of a senior citizen being involved in a slip and fall accident. Issues involving vision, balance and coordination often play a role in slip and fall accidents. Addressing such conditions by making improvements to a senior citizen’s environment may be very helpful in making such accidents less likely. One way to ensure that your elderly friends or family members that live on their own are safe is to help them retrofit their home specifically to prevent slip and fall accidents. Some ways to help include: Installing slip resistant flooring Removing obstructions Adding shower rails and/or grab bars in the bathroom Ensure any stairs have sturdy rails These changes can help to reduce the likelihood that an elderly person will be involved in a slip and fall accident. Call Now and Put our Attorneys’ 100+ Years of Experience to Work for You! If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident due to someone’s neglect, our experienced legal team may be able to help. Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878 for a free case evaluation.

Female Drunk Driving Incidents on the Rise

Feb 7, 2013 | Category: Car Accidents | By Erik Abrahamson

A new trend is emerging that is alarming to many individuals: the rate of drunk driving incidents caused by female drivers is on the rise. While the total number of fatalities attributed to drunk driving accidents has decreased across the nation during the last few years, early reports indicate that 2012 may have seen an increase in the total number of drunk driving accidents. This potential increase is the first increase in several years. The new trend regarding female drivers may partially explain this increase. A conference in Washington, D.C. invited individuals to discuss about the potential reasons for the increase involving drunk female drivers. The Transportation Research Board hosted the annual conference. While a number of statistics were presented, the data is limited and prevented proponents from making any official recommendations. While women are traditionally less risky drivers as evidenced by lower automotive insurance rates for this demographic, some women are exhibiting riskier behaviors such as drunk driving. Additionally, these particular women may engage in more risk-taking tendencies, may have memory problems and may have difficulty learning from negative past experiences. Another reason for the trend is that more women are binge drinking than in previous decades. Binge drinkers are defined as individuals who have five or more drinks at one time. These individuals are more likely to drive while intoxicated and more likely to be arrested than any other types of drivers. The Traffic Injury Research Foundation supports the theory that more women are causing drunk driving accidents. The organization cites data that the number of DUI arrests of drunk women has repeatedly climbed over the last few years. This increase has been quite significant, with a 30 percent hike between the years 1998 and 2007. While men previously far outnumbered women regarding the number of DUI arrests, this gap has narrowed dramatically during the last few years. When a person causes an automotive accident due to negligent or reckless actions, the victim may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit in order to pursue compensation for the injuries that he or she sustained. Call Now and Put Our Attorneys’ 100+ Years of Experience to Work for You! If you have been seriously injured in a car accident due to another’s neglect, you need an experienced Tampa auto accident attorney who will fight for your rights. Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878 for a free case evaluation and initial consultation.

Federal Study of Nursing Homes Reveal Elder Abuse Violations

Feb 1, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

According to a recent report provided by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, many nursing homes are suspected of having serious safety and health violations for their patients. While the study was conducted on St. Louis nursing homes, the results are believed to be indicative of the safety of nursing homes throughout Florida and the country. A similar report by the National Center on Elder Abuse reports that approximately one-third of nursing home residents are the victims of abuse or neglect. A non-profit investigative journalism group named ProPublica made the information public on an online database through the Freedom of Information Act. This organization investigates when allegations are made against different types of organizations. According to information in the report, eight nursing homes in St. Louis were found to be the location of elder abuse or neglect. These nursing homes were fined over $67,000 due to the safety and health infractions. These most recent findings add to the 513 nursing home facilities in Missouri that have been fined since 2009 for similar infractions, for a sum in excess of $675,000. The report uncovered several unsettling findings. One or more facilities used lockdown as a form of punishment on nursing home patients. One patient suffered with chest pain for longer than 12 hours before a doctor was contacted and then died in his hospital emergency room. A patient who suffered from dementia escaped supervision and went missing for 24 hours. The patient was later found dead in a nearby creek due to drowning. One patient received five times more medication than he or she was supposed to receive. Two nursing home patients died after having fevers of at least 104 degrees and no emergency calls were made for medical assistance for these patients. Six residents were sexually abused at one particular nursing home even though other patients had made complaints that should have provided ample warning to management. Call Now and Put Our Attorneys’ 100+ Years of Experience to Work for You! Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect occurs throughout every major area in the country, including Florida. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a personal injury, a Tampa personal injury attorney may be able to assist you with your case. Contact Abrahamson & Uiterwyk now at 1-800-538-4878 for a free initial consultation.

New Study Released Regarding Concussions Involving Youth Contact Sports

Jan 26, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

A new study concerning the dangers associated with children playing contact sports illustrates the risk of concussions that comes with participating in these activities. Dr. Robert C. Cantu, M.D., studied the effects of concussions on children who play contact sports and published his findings in a book called Concussions and Our Kids. A concussion causes the brain to shake inside the skull, resulting in a change in alertness of the injured individual. The change can be relatively mild or so intense that a person loses consciousness. Dr. Cantu says a concussion can occur without getting hit in the head. In this instance, a concussion occurs when an athlete is shaken so roughly that his head or shoulders violently changes speed or direction. The most damaging type of force to the head is a rotational acceleration which occurs when the brain is hit, goes off center and rotates or spins, according to the study. A concussion can also result from linear acceleration which occurs when the brain moves back and forth in a straight line or from side to side in one direction. A concussion can cause such symptoms as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, depression, irritability and nervousness. According to Dr. Cantu, youths have concussions more than adults because they have less myelin in their brains. Myelin is a fatty substance that helps the brain absorb a shock. Children’s heads and brains are also disproportionately large for their bodies, which means that they cannot brace for an impact in the same manner as adults. Repeated head trauma can result in degeneration of brain tissue and an abnormal protein accumulation similar to that found in Alzheimer’s patients. Dr. Cantu recommends: No tackle football and no “heading” for soccer for athletes under 14 years old. Raising the ban on body checking in ice hockey from 13 years old to 14 years old. Mandatory chin straps for batting helmets. Banning youth and high school baseball players from sliding head first toward a base. Making it mandatory for girls playing field hockey and lacrosse to have full-coverage helmets. Call Now and Put Our Attorneys’ 100+ Years of Combined Experience to Work for You If you or a family member has been seriously injured due to another’s negligence, contact a Tampa injury lawyer who may be able to help you get financial compensation for your child’s injuries. Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today for more information at 1-800-538-4878.

Recent Study Reveals Positive News for Brain Injury Victims

Jan 25, 2013 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

The human brain can naturally recover from a traumatic injury and allow individuals to continue their daily life functions, according to new research from the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) for Cognitive Brain Imaging (CCBI). The findings, published in Cerebral Cortex, showed that when one part of the brain suffers an injury, secondary areas of the brain are triggered to take over so that the individual can continue to function. The Research Procedure and Its Findings CMU researchers conducted their study using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) on 16 healthy adults. The researchers simulated damage to the Wernicke area, which is the part of the brain connected to language comprehension. The subjects were asked to perform sentence comprehension tasks while researchers used the fMRI to determine how their brain activity changed due to the simulated damage. Researchers found that after the simulated damage, the brain rounded up and activated secondary areas to take over the job of the damaged area of the brain. CCBI Director Marcel Just referred to these secondary areas as a “back-up team.” According to Just, this “team” consists of: Areas that were the mirror-image of the damaged portion of the brain, called “contralateral areas Areas adjacent to the damaged portion of the brain A frontal executive area Just stated that the first two areas have similar brain capabilities as the area of the brain that were damaged, while the third area recruits back-up areas that have similar capabilities. The study also showed that areas of the brain connected to the Wernicke area were also impacted by the trauma. According to Just, since thinking is a network function, if one part of the network is damaged, the network associated with that area is also impaired. Is There Hope for Brain Injury Victims? The study is encouraging for individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury. However, there is no guarantee that victims will fully recover from their brain injuries. Call Now and Put Our Attorneys’ 100+ Years of Experience to Work for You! If you have experienced a brain injury due to a vehicle crash, slip and fall, or other accident, contact a Tampa injury attorney. The Tampa injury attorney may be able to help by obtaining compensation for you from those responsible for the brain injury. Call the experienced injury law team of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878 for a free initial consultation.

Do “Check Engine” Lights Improve Automotive Maintenance & Safety?

Nov 14, 2012 | Category: Car Accidents | By Erik Abrahamson

According to a new study from the American Auto Association, car maintenance alert systems that inform drivers when their vehicle requires attention appear to encourage more frequent automotive maintenance. As a vehicle owner, few things are quite as frustrating as when the “check engine” light comes on with no further indication as to what might be wrong with the automobile. Depending on the model of your vehicle, it’s often impossible to know just how serious the problem might be until you’ve brought your automobile in to have it checked out. However, it turns out that this inconvenience is doing drivers plenty of good in the long term, according to the AAA report. 63% of the drivers who participated in the study owned vehicles with some type of car maintenance alert system. Just over half of these drivers reported that they rely entirely on these alert systems and only bring their vehicle in for maintenance when they are instructed to do so by their dashboard. Only about 35% of drivers stated that they have their car maintained more often than their maintenance system recommends, while 15% of respondents admitted to ignoring their maintenance reminder systems. According to John Nielsen of AAA Automotive Engineering and Repair, the fact that modern car maintenance alert systems have taken so much of the guesswork out of vehicle maintenance is a good thing. “The challenge now,” said Nielsen, “is educating consumers to trust that their vehicle will alert them when maintenance is needed.” Have you been seriously injured in an automotive accident in our area through no fault of your own? Call Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878 for a free initial consultation and put our experienced Tampa injury lawyers to work for you! Call Now and Put Our Experienced Attorneys to Work for You!

Study Reveals Most Teens Continue to Text and Drive

Oct 25, 2012 | Category: Car Accidents | By Erik Abrahamson

A recent study released by State Farm has revealed that teenagers are continuing to text and drive even though they’ve been warned of the dangers that they are posing to themselves and others. Despite an abundance of media coverage discussing the dangers associated with this behavior, the telephone‐based survey has shown that young drivers are still not getting the message. When asked whether they considered texting and driving may increase their likelihood of being killed in an automotive accident, only 35% of the 14 to 17 year olds surveyed responded in the positive. This compares to 57% of those surveyed who believed that drinking and driving could result in the loss of their lives. Any activity that diverts a local driver’s attention away from the road can increase their chances of causing a Tampa car accident. According to a study released by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, drivers who text while driving are 23 times more likely to put themselves and others in danger on the road than other drivers. Sadly, distracted drivers are often responsible for automotive accidents resulting in innocent people becoming seriously injured. Individuals who have been hurt in such an accident are advised to seek the assistance of a Florida auto accident lawyer to ensure that their rights are protected. Have you been seriously injured in an automotive accident in our area? Contact the experience Tampa personal injury attorneys of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878 for a free consultation. Call Now and Put Our Attorneys’ 100+ Years of Experience to Work for You!

Study Recommends New Auto Safety Devices for Older Drivers

Oct 9, 2012 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

A new study released by MIT and the Hartford Financial Services Group has revealed several advances in automotive safety technology that may be of particular interest to seniors. Drivers in our area may find some of the devices listed below to be helpful in avoiding a car accident in Florida. Voice Command Technology: Hands-free access to various car features that allow drivers to keep their attention on the road. Emergency Response: Allows drivers who have been injured or are experiencing a medical emergency to request assistance from within their vehicle. Lane Departure Warnings: An advanced warning system that monitors a vehicle’s position and alerts drivers if their vehicle wanders. Blind Spot Warnings: Informs drivers with a limited range of motion of objects in their blind spot while parking or changing lanes with this new warning system. Smart Headlights: Reduces glare and maintains night vision by adjusting the brightness of the light based on a vehicle’s proximity to other traffic. Parking Assistance Systems: Provides parking assistance by warning drivers of obstacles or parking automatically. Unfortunately, even the safest drivers in our area may find themselves in need of a Tampa car accident attorney after being seriously injured in an auto accident through no fault of their own. Let Us Put Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys to Work for You! If you’ve been seriously injured in an automotive accident due to another person’s negligence, please contact the experienced Tampa personal injury lawyers of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878. Sources: https://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/19/for-older-drivers-ranking-the-help/https://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/09/18/new-research-by-the-hartford-and-mit-agelab-reveal/https://newsroom.thehartford.com/News-Releases/New-Research-By-The-Hartford-And-MIT-AgeLab-Reveals-Top-Ten-Car-Technologies-For-Mature-Drivers-536.aspx

Driving Safety Tips for Winter

Aug 15, 2012 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

In most parts of the country, drivers need to be prepared for all sorts of weather surprises when it comes to driving safely during the winter. The following five tips will help you stay safe when you are on the road during inclement weather and may help you avoid being injured in a Tampa car accident. Buckle up. Wearing a seatbelt can drastically reduce your chances of being seriously injured if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident. Take the time to buckle up no matter how short of distance you may be traveling, and remind all of your passengers to do the same. Watch for areas that ice up quickly. Areas like bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled streets can ice up much more quickly than the rest of the roads when conditions are wet and below freezing. Exercise extra caution while approaching exposed roadways like bridges when you are driving during winter weather. Leave plenty of room to stop. Tailgating is a particularly dangerous driving habit during adverse winter weather conditions. Take some advice from the Weather Channel and allow at least three times more space than usual between yourself and the vehicle in front of you when you’re driving on icy roads. Stay informed. Weather conditions can change dramatically very quickly, so be sure to stay up to date on the latest forecasts by tuning in to your favorite news channel from time to time. Keep an emergency kit in your car. Keeping a handful of basic supplies in your vehicle can really pay off if you happen to find yourself stranded on the road due to winter weather. Edmunds.com recommends that you stock your trunk with some useful, common sense items like a first aid kit, jumper cables, roadside flares, flashlights, blankets, water, oil and a well-stocked toolbox. Unfortunately, even the safest drivers are often involved in some form of driving accident at some point in their lives. In the event that you are seriously injured in car accident in our area, please contact the Tampa personal injury attorneys at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-800-538-4878!

Port Charlotte Man Killed in Manatee County Car Accident

Jun 16, 2012 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

A 79-year old Florida driver was killed and two passengers were injured this Saturday in a Manatee car collision along Interstate 275. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the driver was heading north on I-275 in the early morning hours when he experienced an unidentified medical condition. He then collapsed onto one of his passengers, 75-year old Richard Dalpian. The 2006 Mercury proceeded to veer into a concrete wall running parallel to the interstate and was then ricocheted across multiple lanes of traffic. The automobile then veered back across the interstate hitting the wall once again where it finally came to a rest. Other drivers narrowly missed the out of control vehicle. The driver, Port Charlotte resident James Boyer, was pronounced dead at the scene. A second passenger, 98 year-old Maria Dalpian, was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Richard Dalpian sustained minor injuries and was also taken to Manatee Memorial hospital. The Florida Highway Patrol reports that all passengers were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the collision. Such safety precautions have saved lives in many Manatee County and Tampa car accidents. The hospital has yet to release an update regarding the passenger’s current medical conditions.

Drive-By Shooting Ends in Car Accident

Jun 7, 2012 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

A drive-by shooting in Manatee County turned into a wild high-speed chase on Sunday afternoon that ended in a vehicular collision. The shooting occurred on 6th Street East in Bradenton. A description of the assailant’s car was sent out to all local officers, and the chase started after the car in question was identified by the police about a half hour later. While the police were following the car, its passengers committed yet another drive-by shooting, this time near 30th Avenue East. The police then continued to follow the car at a high speed as it raced down U.S. 301 over the DeSoto Bridge and into Palmetto City. The chase extended beyond the Manatee Convention Center, crossing into the neighboring county. The suspects’ car flipped onto its side when it hit another car at the intersection of 17th Street East and U.S. 301. Three suspects were removed from the wreckage and taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment. Their injuries were non-life-threatening. All three suspects will face multiple criminal charges for their involvement in the chase and shootings. Two people were in the car that the suspects struck, but they fortunately only sustained some minor physical injuries. They were taken to Manatee Memorial hospital as well. All injured parties involved are expected to make full recoveries. The suspects did not actually strike anyone as they were shooting, officials claim and had managed to not hurt or kill anyone during the police chase until the final accident the suspects .

Will Statewide Crackdown on Aggressive Driving Decrease Tampa Car Accidents?

Mar 2, 2012 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

The Florida Highway Patrol will be inducing a three day long crackdown on aggressive driving in an effort to make the states safer which may help decrease local car accidents in Tampa. FHP troopers will be focusing on three specific behaviors in this effort to decrease aggressive driving, including: Following to closely Changing lanes improperly Speeding The department will be using billboards and radio messages to alert the public of the crackdown and remind drivers that aggressive driving can have serious consequences. Drivers who are pulled over for aggressive driving can expect to be receive a ticket with fines that start at $150. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines aggressive driving as “the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property.” The NHTSA partnered with the American Automobile Association in a study that revealed nearly 13,000 people were injured or killed as a result of aggressive driving over a seven-year period. The Tampa city government reminds drivers on its website that aggressive driving can cost the public in ways they may have not considered outside of possible fines or Tampa car accidents. Aggressive driving can also lower an automobile’s gas mileage by as much as 33% at highways speeds due to the fact that gas mileage quickly decreases at speeds over 60 mph. Sources: https://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/hillsborough/crackdown-on-aggressive-driving-02272012 https://news.yahoo.com/video/tampawfts-22220379/fhp-targeting-aggressive-drivers-28436688.html https://www.tampagov.net/dept_police/about_us/investigations_and_support/Special_Support_Division/Traffic_Unit/_Information/aggressive_driving_facts.asp https://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/aggressive/aggproplanner/page05.htm

Two Injured in I-75 SUV Rollover

Sep 30, 2011 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

A wreck on Interstate 75 in Brandon left two women critically injured. Saturday afternoon, Tenisha S. Ramnath lost control of her vehicle, ending in a wreck and critical injuries for her and her passenger, 34-year-old Chandradaye Rampersad. Florida Highway Patrol reported 26-year-old Ramnath was driving a 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander north on I-75 at about 2:30 p.m. near State Road 60 when she lost control of her vehicle. The SUV veered across the highway and into a center median. It then crashed into the concrete barrier wall and flipped over it. Upon flipping, the SUV landed upside down on its roof on a concrete embankment. It then overturned again into an upright position just north of the CSX railroad tracks. Both Ramnath and Rampersad were taken to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition. The wreck remains under investigation.

87-year-old Hit and Killed by 92-year-old Driver

Sep 30, 2011 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

An elderly woman was struck and killed Thursday morning on her walk home from a local grocery store. Store owner, Mike Mikhail, reported 87-year-old Dorothy Rutter as a regular. She was a resident of Palm Lakes Village. Happy Foods Store in Dunedin was one of the only places the residents could visit. “They don’t have rides. They don’t have cars. The only place they can come to is this plaza here”, said Mikhail. As she attempted to cross County Road 1 on her way back to Palm Lakes Village at about 9:20 a.m., Rutter was struck by a Toyota. The driver of the Toyota was 92-year-old Sarah W. Berkowitz of Clearwater. “I went over here and looked, and I see her laying in the street,” said Happy Foods Store clerk, Sue Vassallo. Rutter was flown to Bayfront Medical Center where she died from injuries around 3 p.m. Berkowitz was not injured. Investigators have not deemed speeding or alcohol influence to be the cause of the accident. However, Palm Lakes Tenant President, Barbara Rasmussen believes the lack of a crosswalk is to blame. She has been urging the city and county to install a crosswalk over County Road 1 for over 2 years. City officials say there is a plan to have a crosswalk with flashing lights to signal to drivers when someone is crossing the street. According to e-mails from the city of Dunedin, a crosswalk has been in the works since November 2010. However, the city is still waiting for the permit to be approved by the county.

Bradenton Bicyclist Injured in Robbery

Sep 19, 2011 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

A Bradenton man was treated for injuries early Saturday morning, August 20th. According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the bicyclist was “pushed to the ground and robbed.” The incident took place in the 5600 block of 12th Street East in Bradenton. The victim, Felipe Aguilar, 33, was riding his bike to a friend’s house at around 1:00 a.m. Saturday when he was pushed off his bike and onto the ground. Two more men then turned him on his back and robbed him, stealing his wallet, money, and bike which they used to flee the scene. Aguilar suffered lacerations on the back of his due to the fall. He was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

Fatal Hit-and-Run in New Port Richey

Aug 25, 2011 | Category: Personal Injury | By Erik Abrahamson

Wednesday, August 10, a New Port Richey man died in a hit-and-run accident on SR 54 near Little Road. Jon Kelly Swoager, 46, was driving his pickup truck westbound on SR 54 when he was hit head on by a 2010 Nissan Sentra. According to Florida Highway Patrol, it was raining hard at about 9 a.m. when a hatchback cut off the Nissan, suddenly moving out of the center lane and into the inside lane driving eastbound. When the Nissan’s driver, James Profita, 61, attempted to avoid the hatchback, he lost control of his vehicle. The Nissan rotated sideways and crossed over the median, into the westbound lane where he hit Swoager head on. The hatchback left the scene. Profita was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in serious condition. Swoager was taken to Community Hospital where he died later that day.

Boy’s Leg Amputated After Jet Ski Accident

Aug 4, 2011 | Category: Accidents | By Erik Abrahamson

As the result of a serious water scooter accident, doctors amputated the leg of an injured 14-year-old boy, John Dahl. Dahl was riding a water scooter piloted by another 14-year-old boy in Redington Shores Monday evening when the accident occurred. Attached to the scooter was a wakeboard holding a third boy. As the scooter’s speed increased, the wakeboard rider feel off. However, the boy continued to pilot the scooter at high speeds. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation spokesman Gary Morse reported that Dahl became “upset about the speed of the boat and the way it was being operated”. Dahl then jumped off the water scooter and his leg became tangled in the towline attached to the wakeboard. Fortunately, the other two boys were not injured and both Dahl and the driver were wearing lifejackets. Tampa General Hospital spokeswoman, Ellen Fiss reported that Dahl was recovering and remained in serious condition as of Tuesday morning. The identity of the water scooter’s operator has yet to be released as a criminal investigation is pending. Officials described the investigations as “nothing earth-shattering” but standard procedure for boating accidents involving serious injury.

Motorcyclist Kills Pedestrian in Spring Hill

Aug 4, 2011 | Category: Accidents | By Erik Abrahamson

Thursday morning a Spring Hill motorcyclist hit and killed a female pedestrian when he sped through a red light on Spring Hill Drive. Witness, Terry Jacobson said, “That was one of the worst things I’ve ever seen in my life.” As of Thursday evening, the elderly victim had yet to be identified. Investigators are requesting public assistance, as she was not carrying identification and no friends or family have come forward. The motorcyclist was identified as 30 year old, James Paul Conaty of Spring Hill. Although he was wearing a helmet, Contay was flown to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg where he sustained serious injuries. Conaty has rather lengthy traffic and criminal records consisting of three DUI charges, several traffic tickets, and 20 Florida arrests on charges of battery, assault and threatening a witness. In his most serious DUI charge, Conaty served two and half years in prison when his blood alcohol level was reported as more than double the level at which a driver is considered to be under the influence. This accident will most likely add to his record of speeding and careless driving. However, authorities are waiting for results from Conaty’s toxicology report before pressing charges.

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