Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys

Step-by-Step Through an Auto Accident Injury Case – Lazarus Law Firm

The Process of an Auto Accident Injury Case

Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys

If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor. Eleanor Roosevelt

We work hard to have a nice life and provide for ourselves and our families and we do our best to stay safe at home, at work, and on the road. But sometimes life takes a turn for the worse, and we become confused about what to do. Certainly the past few months have been stressful for everyone, and no one saw it coming, but many of us are starting to see a return to normal.

Life can change in an instant.

Car accidents fall into the category of sudden changes. There is nothing good about them, the minimum result is stress and car damage and at the other end of the spectrum are painful serious injuries. But the good news is that with some solid advice and experienced help you can navigate through the experience of being in an auto accident with reduced turbulence and financial turmoil.

What Happens After a Car Accident?

  1. First there is an investigation if the accident is serious. It’s important to make sure you and everyone else receives medical care if needed. It is also important to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities while not talking too much. Answer questions truthfully and as accurately as possible at the scene but never speculate or admit any guilt. The time for assigning fault comes later when the facts are more clear.
  2. Call an attorney and notify your insurance company. An experienced accident injury attorney will immediately start to protect your rights regarding medical treatment and damages to your vehicle. Insurance companies love to collect premiums but they are not always as attentive to payment for damages. Your Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneyslawyer will make sure you’re getting the care you deserve.
  3. It will take a little time for your attorney to sort out the facts from the crash, the extent of injuries, insurance coverage, and other issues. While this is going on the best thing for you to do is remain calm, stay available, and don’t talk about the accident with others. Definitely do not post on social media about the accident, it’s just not a good idea to do so. The advantage of having an attorney is that you can focus on you, your family, and your life. The attorney does all the work.
  4. Every case is different. Some are settled rather quickly and some take a little longer. Some cases need negotiations with insurance companies and some need to go to court. You can be assured that with the Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus our goal is to move quickly, efficiently, and with your best interests our primary goal.

There will be bumps along the way as we travel through life, but with help from friends, family, and dedicated professionals almost any problem can be worked out.

Our track record for personal service to our clients and monetary results speaks for itself and our client reviews are available online at www.avvo.com. If you have been involved in an accident you probably have questions, and we are here to help. Consultations with our firm are always free and confidential. We are available 7 days a week at (954) 356-0006.

Workplace Covid-19 Dangers
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Workplace Covid-19 Dangers | , ,

Workplace Covid-19 Dangers | Concerns About Returning to Work

Workplace Covid-19 Dangers

What is a virus? It is an ultra-microscopic (20 to 300 nm in diameter), metabolically inert, infectious agent that replicates only within the cells of living hosts, mainly bacteria, plants, and animals – composed of an RNA or DNA core, a protein coat, and, in more complex types, a surrounding envelope.

Every virus is truly unique, which makes them very hard to identify, treat, or kill. Polio, HIV/Aids, MERS, and Ebola are just a few viruses that have spread through the human population worldwide and killed many people. Cures for viruses are rare, there is usually only treatment and hopefully a vaccine to prevent further proliferation.

We do know that people can cut down on spreading the Covid-19 virus by maintaining a safe distance away from other people, washing hands, keeping hands away from eyes, nose, and mouth, and avoiding the droplets from other people’s coughs and sneezes. This situation is very fluid, however, and exact precautions for Covid-19 are not completely established. Current recommendations by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) are minimum precautions and everyone should remain vigilant for updates.

Millions of people have been sent home from their jobs, some on a temporary basis and many don’t know if they will ever return. As people are called back to work there are fears that being in close contact with other employees may be dangerous, and time will tell if reopening businesses is a good course of action or not.

It is the responsibility of every employer to provide a safe workplace, and enforcement of requirements to do so rests with Federal agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as well as state, county, and local authorities.

Can an Employer Force You to Return to Work?

No one can be forced to work if they don’t feel safe, but in some states an employer may terminate an employee if they don’t come to work. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, issued an executive order in early April prohibiting companies from firing people who stay home for certain coronavirus related reasons. Each instance will depend on existing laws for the particular area and the future legal ramifications for these issues is yet to be determined.

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 gives workers the right to refuse to work if they feel workplace conditions may place them in imminent harm. The Act states, in part, that employers must provide a workplace that is “free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.”Workplace Covid-19 Dangers

You may work in an office, a factory, restaurant, or any other place – the employer must follow the rules for your safety. If you believe that you have become ill or you have been injured because your employer did not provide a safe workplace you should ask an attorney to explain your options and your rights to protect yourself and get immediate treatment.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has helped victims injured in Florida due to the carelessness, negligence, and malpractice of others since 1992. We are available 7 days a week at (954) 356-0006 and our consultations are completely free and confidential.

Cruise Ship Covid-19 Attorneys
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Cruise Ship Coronavirus Liability | , , ,

Covid-19 Exposes Cruise Industry Dangers and Negligence – Cruise Ship Coronavirus Attorneys

Cruise Ship Covid-19 Attorneys

The Covid-19 crisis has made us all far more aware of our surroundings related to our contact with others and the precautions we implement to protect ourselves from contagious diseases. We have taken for granted that our homes, workplaces, and places we frequent for shopping or leisure activities are clean and free from harmful germs.

When you think about being in an enclosed space with other people, elevators come to mind. If you have ever been on an elevator or in a movie theater when someone coughs or sneezes, the first thing you want to do is get away!

If you are prudent you wash your hands frequently and avoid being too close to people you don’t know for long periods of time.

Traveling on an airplane puts you in an enclosed space for a period of time, but usually only a couple hours. Trips in a taxi or commuter train are usually fairly short. Taking a cruise, however, is often several days or even weeks, and the precautions taken by cruise lines against airborne and food-borne illnesses have long been in doubt.

According to the International Air Travel Association, most aircraft have robust filter systems. Except for some smaller or much older aircraft, airplanes are equipped with True High-Efficiency Particle Filters (True HEPA) or High-Efficiency Particle Filters (HEPA).

Cruise Ship Covid-19 AttorneysOn the other hand, an article in US News and World Report  said “Air quality on cruise ships can be five times worse than on the streets of smog-choked Beijing, according to a new report by a Johns Hopkins University researcher.”

Even if you have a roomy and comfortable suite on a cruise ship, crew members are often forced into accommodations that are very cramped and unclean. Passengers come into contact with crew members constantly and there is no way to know if they have been screened for contagious diseases. Health experts have called cruise ships “incubators” for several viruses because people are confined to enclosed, unsanitary spaces for indeterminate periods of time.

The numbers of cruise ship passengers infected with Covid-19 is alarming, and there is mounting evidence that the companies that own and operate the vessels were aware of the dangers to passengers long ago.

Future generations will look back at this time of uncertainty and illness and judge us on our actions. Did we do everything we could to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and were corrective measures put in place, or did greedy corporations place profits above people?

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been putting people first since our start in 1992. People who are made sick or injured because of the carelessness, negligence, or malpractice of others can feel confident we will fight for their right to justice. The law provides a means for victims to receive compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost time from work. We have been challenging the large cruise lines for many years and we understand how to get results.

Please call us at (954) 356-0006 for a free consultation if you believe you were injured or made ill on a cruise ship.

Covid 19 Workplace Attorneys
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Coronavirus |

As Employees Return to Their Jobs Will They be Safe?

Covid 19 Workplace Attorneys

Employers Must Address Legitimate Fears About Covid-19 in the Workplace

Everyone has heard about “the flu season” but many people don’t know why it happens at a certain time each year. Contrary to popular belief, going out in the cold does not cause the common cold or the flu. People get sick when they come in contact with germs and that tends to happen more often when people gather indoors and are close to one another.

The flu season usually starts in the fall, partly because that’s when kids and teachers go back to school and they are suddenly mixed together indoors. The impact of the weather is simply that when it gets cold outside, people gather inside.

Covid-19 in the Workplace

Now we are faced with a truly unique situation. People who have been working from home will start moving back into workplaces in office buildings, factories, stores, and schools all at the sameCovid 19 Workplace Attorneys time. It’s not certain what will happen, but surely it will be imperative for employers to follow the common-sense precautions that have been recommended by the CDC:

  • Social Distancing
  • Hand Washing Stations and Hand Sanitizer Must be Provided
  • Face Masks and Face Shields
  • Thoroughly Clean all Surfaces Daily
  • Employees Who Demonstrate Symptoms Must be Tested and Separated from Others

Covid-19 Employer Responsibility

Employers must follow the Occupational Safety and Health Act’s general duty clause, which requires every employer to “furnish to each of employee a place of employment which is free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.” If someone contracts a serious illness and they believe it was because of an unsafe workplace, they should seek legal advice.

Covid 19 Workplace Attorneys

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been committed to help victims of serious injuries and illnesses caused by others. Coronavirus illnesses and deaths caused by negligent employers must be identified and brought to light so victims can be compensated for their sickness, medical bills, and loss of income. We are here to listen to your story and can set up a telephone or online consultation if you call (954) 356-0006.

CDC Guide to Properly Wearing a Cloth Face Covering

 

Cruise Ship Coronavirus Infection Attorneys
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Cruise Ship Coronavirus Liability – South Florida Covid-19 Infection Attorneys

Cruise Ship Coronavirus Infection Attorneys

Passenger Ships Have an Obligation to Provide a Safe Environment

Since the founding of our Law Firm in 1992 we have focused all our efforts on helping the victims of sickness and injuries caused by other’s carelessness, negligence, or malpractice. Because we are located very near 3 of the busiest ports in the world we have always reserved a portion of our practice for people who are harmed while taking a cruise out of the Port of Miami, Port Everglades, or the Port of Palm Beach.

The companies that own and operate cruise ships are among the most profitable in the world, and yet they are constantly found to be liable for passenger injuries and illnesses due to cutting corners on safety.

Coronavirus Infection AttorneysPeople falling overboard, slipping on decks, becoming ill from food poisoning, and victims of crime have been reaching out to us for years and we help them despite the fact that cruise lines routinely deny responsibility and resist their obligation to compensate victims.

Now we are experiencing what may be the greatest demonstration of carelessness and negligence by several cruise line corporations by exposing passengers to a potentially lethal illness.

It has become apparent that cruise ship owners and operators were made aware of the Covid-19 virus and yet continued to operate. Hundreds of people became ill on ships, and many have died. Many victims are in the hospital, fighting the virus alone in isolation units, with no health insurance or means to pay their medical bills. This is unacceptable.

We are Here to Help

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus understands the legal intricacies of dealing with cruise ship companies who try to hide behind international registrations to shield them from the justice that is owed to victims of their carelessness.

If you or someone you know became ill while traveling on a cruise ship in the past few months, we would be happy to arrange a telephone or online consultation. Our communications with victims are free and completely confidential. Please call (954) 356-0006 and we monitor phones 7 days a week.

Florida Personal Injury Attorneys Gary Lazarus and Arleen Lazarus

 

 

Job Related Covid-19 Infections
| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | Coronavirus | ,

Are Employers Liable for a Safe Working Environment During the Covid-19 Crisis?

Wrongful Death Lawsuit May Signal More to Come Because of Employer Negligence

A Walmart employee, Mr. Wando Evans, who had over 15 years of service to the world’s largest retailer died from coronavirus-related complications at the age of 51 and his family is blaming his employer.

Job Related Covid-19 InfectionsA lawsuit filed in Illinois alleges that Walmart failed to act when they knew the man was ill, and they failed to take reasonable precautions to ensure employee safety as specified by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

The current pandemic and resultant health crisis, business closures, unemployment, and stay-at-home orders are completely unfamiliar to most Americans, but this new normal may go on indefinitely.

Workplace Safety | Covid-19

From a legal perspective this is also new territory because never in our lifetimes has there been such a widespread and contagious disease where proper safety precautions can reduce the rate of infection and save lives.

Many employees are put in situations where they must work to earn money for their families and they expect and deserve to perform their job duties in a safe environment.

Covid-19 Workplace SafetyEach state has different statutes related to negligence and liabilities and the courts will determine on a case-by-case basis where the blame for, unfortunately, many more illnesses and deaths will occur.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been helping people victimized by the carelessness of others since 1992 and our client reviews demonstrate the levels of service we deliver to each and every client. If you believe you have been forced to work in an unsafe environment we are able to have a discussion with you to discuss your options. Our office is equipped to arrange a free online consultation so you may remain in your home and visually communicate with us.

We monitor our phone lines 7 days a week at (954) 356-0006

Preparing for the Coronavirus Quarantine
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Coronavirus | ,

Planning Your Prescription Medication Needs During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Keep an Ample Supply but Make Sure You’re Getting the Right Medication

Headlines like this one “Pharmacy Shelves Empty as Health Officials Urge Home Preparedness to Protect Against Coronavirus” (wusa9.com March 2020) can certainly cause anxiety in people, especially those who depend on prescription medications to stay alive.

This coronavirus crisis is causing financial hardships, increased anxiety, and of course serious sickness and death. It is vitally important for everyone to remain calm, follow the guidelines established by health officials, and take care of themselves as well as their loved ones.

One of the things people should do is be prepared by having sufficient medications on hand because they may not be able to get to the pharmacy as often as they normally do.

How Much Medication Should You Have on Hand?

According to an article at AARP.org “If you want a reserve of prescription medication at home, start by talking to your doctor” said Robert McLean, a rheumatologist and president of the AmericanCoronavirus Quarantine College of Physicians. “It’s possible your physician could bump up your prescription from a 30-day supply to a 90-day supply. Then, call your pharmacy to make sure it can fill it.”

Pharmacy Errors

We have helped people who have been injured by pharmacy errors for 28 years, and we know there are many factors that contribute to mistakes made by pharmacies and pharmacists, but one of the most common is that they get too busy.

We have always stressed the importance of slowing down the patient-pharmacy relationship long enough speak with the pharmacist and verify that you receive the medications that were ordered by your physician. Make sure the dosages are correct and that there will be no adverse reactions with other medications, foods, or supplements.

We’re Here to Help

If you believe you may have experienced an error by a pharmacist or pharmacy we are here to answer your questions. We are prepared to arrange a consultation by phone or online if you call us at (954) 356-0006.

Preparing for the Coronavirus Quarantine

Accident Attorney During Coronavirus Crisis
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | South Florida Accident Attorneys | ,

What to do if You are Injured During the Coronavirus Crisis

Help is Here and the System Will Continue to Work

Recent weeks have taken us all into what might be called uncharted waters because we have never experienced anything quite like this. The first thing we will say is that panic will only make every situation worse, and it’s best to slow down and try to remain calm. We will get through this together.

Most people are staying home and that’s best, but many of us still have to venture out to shop for food or go to jobs that have been deemed to be essential. People who go out in their automobiles are doing so in an environment that is populated with other people who are likely on edge and not focused on the road and other cars.

It’s a recipe for accidents.

If you are in an accident on the road, or perhaps in a store or on some other property, remember that our first responders, the police and paramedics are still there for us. The first thing to do after any accident is to make sure any injured people are attended to immediately.

Next, get some advice from someone who can calmly assess the situation and make sure your rights are protected and your responsibilities are understood: an experienced and qualified injury attorney.

Our civil justice system is still in place, and it will continue to work for people who are injured.

If you have questions about some type of injury or harm that happened to you or a loved one and you’re not sure how to proceed, you do not have to come to one of our offices. We can arrange a free, virtual consultation online if you call (954) 356-0006. We monitor our phone lines 24/7 and will respond to you promptly.

| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Florida Pharmacy Error Attorneys | , ,

Dangerous Pharmacies – Woman Charged with Impersonating Pharmacist

Pharmacy Negligence and Malpractice

Sometimes you just have to say out loud, “How does something like that happen?”

Walgreen’s recently settled with authorities in California after a woman was criminally charged with impersonating a pharmacist. Allegedly she used the license numbers of other pharmacists to work in more than one pharmacy from 2006 to 2017 and no one caught on according to a story by the Associated Press. It’s inconceivable that someone Pharmacy Negligence Attorneys Floridacould get away with this for even one hour, much less several years.

The phony pharmacist was charged will filling over 745,000 prescriptions and many of them were for opioids such as fentanyl and morphine. Some opioids, in very small amounts, can quickly kill a human being.

We can only hope that it’s very rare for an impostor to successfully gain access to a licensed pharmacy, all the drugs, and patient records contained therein, but if it happened even once it shows there is a lack of diligence, due care, proper procedures, and protocol on the part of the pharmacy.

We have been representing people hurt by pharmacy errors, negligence, and malpractice for 25 years and we urge everyone who does business with any pharmacy to closely scrutinize their medications. Make sure what you receive is what your physician intended. Take time to speak with your pharmacists and ask them to double check your medication each time you visit the pharmacy.

Everyone is capable of making a mistake, but our experience has taught us that when dealing with pharmacies there are often not enough steps to absolutely insure that all prescriptions are properly dispensed.

If you have any questions about a situation involving your medication, your doctor, nurse, or pharmacy we are here to help. We can be reached 7 days a week at (954) 356-0006.

 

 

 

Auto Accident Insurance Delays and Denials
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Auto Accident Insurance Delays and Denials • Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys

Auto Accident Insurance Delays and Denials

You’re a safe driver, and you’ve always paid your auto insurance premiums on time. But when you are involved in an accident, it seems like your friends at the insurance company aren’t in a hurry to help you get your car fixed, pay for your injuries, or give you any help at all. We can help.

One of the first things that happens after an accident is the insurance companies involved start to play the blame game. They often delay issuing payment for damages and will try to stall while they also try to limit what they will pay. They may deny your claim entirely.

Auto Accident Insurance Delays and DenialsEveryone who is involved in an accident that involves significant damage to property or any injuries at all should consult with a personal injury attorney. Keep in mind that many injuries do not become apparent until days or weeks after the accident.

Believe it or not, some insurance companies will delay paying benefits to people who are injured and cannot work so they can offer a lower settlement and hope for an acceptance because the victim is desperate. This sounds callous but we see it happen. Of course not all insurance companies engage in these tactics, and sometimes delays are due to “processing” and other technicalities but that doesn’t help the person who needs to pay bills.

You may need someone to deal with the insurance company, or you may need someone to actually move forward with a lawsuit. Either way, it’s best to get legal advice. Keep in mind that there are limitations on time about when you can file a lawsuit and if you miss that window while haggling with your insurance company you may lose your right to sue.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been working with victims of accidents in south Florida for over 25 years. We have dealt with every insurance company and heard every imaginable excuse why they can’t pay what they should pay for injuries and damages. We don’t accept excuses, we get results.

Please call us if you have any questions about an auto, truck, or motorcycle accident. We’re here to help: (954) 356-0006

Auto Accident Insurance Delays and Denials