| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | Uncategorized

Economic and Non-Economic Losses in a Personal Injury Auto Crash Case

A Thorough Investigation and Diligent Research are Essential for Maximum Compensation

When people are involved in a car, truck, or motorcycle crash their immediate concerns should be treating injuries and dealing with damages. Those priorities are important but in the days and weeks that follow any injury it is important to look into additional losses – economic and non-economic – that may have been sustained and that deserve compensation.

Initially victims of car crashes and other incidents involving injuries worry about covering their medical bills and their lost or damaged property. These are certainly substantial concerns, but it’s also important to look at all economic and non-economic losses and to address these issues immediately so there are no stones left unturned. This should be done as soon as possible because in all legal actions, time is important.

In a legal context, “time is of the essence” is a statement that may be included in the language of the provisions of a contract to emphasize that the parties must complete their obligations on time. In other words, the phrase “time is of the essence” means that timing is material to the performance of the contract. Cornell Law School

Examples of economic losses include:

  • Medical Expenses
  • Property Damages
  • Lost Wages
  • Rehabilitation Expenses

While economic losses refer to quantifiable financial expenses, non-economic damages refer to subjective, non-monetary losses. You may have frequently heard the term “pain and suffering,” and that’s what people are referring to. This includes compensation for:

  • Emotional distress
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of consortium (loss of spousal emotional or physical support)
  • Permanent disabilities and impairments
  • Permanent disfigurement

When you choose an attorney to handle your damage/injury it’s very important to select someone who is thorough and not just rush to a settlement for economic losses only.

Experience has taught us to probe deeply into every case a look for potential long-term effects, some which may last a lifetime. We fight hard for our clients to make sure they get the maximum compensation they deserve.

A consultation is free and easy to arrange. Please call us at (954) 356-0006 seven days a week.

| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | Auto Accident Attorneys

Is Your Insurance Company Really Your Friend? Lazarus Law Firm – Weston Personal Injury Attorneys

Weston Personal Injury Attorneys

Do you know what companies match to these slogans?

  1. Just do it.
  2. What’s in Your Wallet?
  3. Finger Lickin’ Good.
  4. Breakfast of Champions.
  5. You’re in Good Hands.

The answers are below, but most people know the answers right away. Slogans are a big part of branding and they are designed to get a response in consumers, sometimes an emotional one. Insurance companies want people to feel safe and protected when they pay their premiums every month and it works. State Farm Insurance says they are “Like a Good Neighbor” and everyone likes to have a good neighbor looking out for them.

All big corporations offer products and services that hopefully benefit the consumer who buys them but their primary goal is to make a profit which means they need to take in more money than they pay out. Insurance companies differ from others in that they only pay out benefits after a loss by their customer so they are very meticulous about trying to minimize money going out. That’s not to say they cheat people, but if they can offer a low settlement to the victim of an auto accident, for example, and the person accepts it….that’s a good day for them.

Insurance companies have employees called claim adjusters who review circumstances of a claim and determine what benefits their company should pay. They often ask a victim to sign a settlement agreement which may or may not be the best outcome available. Insurance companies and their adjusters are not “bad” but they will usually put their financial interests first, and that’s not good for a person who has just been injured in a car accident.

Is There a Solution?

Working with a personal injury attorney means you’ll have someone working for you who wants to see you obtain the best financial out come possible. Experienced attorneys have dealt with insurance companies for years and they know when  it’s time to settle and when it’s time to negotiate for more.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has represented victims of other’s negligence and won substantial outcomes since 1992. A free consultation is available by calling 954-356-0006.

The Answers are:

  1. Nike
  2. Capital One
  3. Kentucky Fried Chicken
  4. Wheaties
  5. Allstate Insurance

Weston Personal Injury Attorneys

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.

No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.

Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and the Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus.

South Florida Wrongful Death Attorneys
| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | WRONGFUL DEATH

Wrongful Death Cases in Florida – Lazarus and Lazarus Law Firm

South Florida Wrongful Death Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus

When someone is injured in an accident because of someone else’s negligence they have the right to sue and seek compensation for damages. The right to sue is guaranteed by the Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which ensures that citizens’ civil cases can be heard and decided upon by a jury of their peers. The jury trial provides a forum for all the facts to be presented, evaluated impartially and judged according to the law. Chapter 768 is a lengthy section of the Florida Statutes that covers issues related to negligence.

South Florida Wrongful Death AttorneysWhat happens when a person is killed in an accident? Who speaks for them, and do they have a right to justice?

Thankfully the answer is yes. A suit Wrongful Death may be filed with the court to seek compensation for damages.

A wrongful death claim may come after an auto, motorcycle, or truck accident, including DUI. Wrongful death cases also arise after a product liability issue, a workplace accident, an incident occurring because of negligent security, or any number of other tragedies including plane crashes that result because of the negligence of a person, product, or business entity.

Examples of damages after a wrongful death:

Medical bills,
Property damage,
Lost wages,
Pain and suffering, and
Loss of enjoyment of life.

Attorneys who are experienced with Florida Statutes and Federal and Local Law are capable of gathering the evidence necessary to proceed with personal injury and wrongful death cases. When considering attorneys to represent you in a legal case always look for length of experience and reviews by previous clients.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been serving victims of negligence in south Florida since 1992 and we are available 7 days a week be calling 954-356-0006.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.

No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.

Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and the Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus.

 

 

 

 

South Florida Personal Injury Attorneys
| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | Personal Injury Lawsuits | , ,

Time is of the Essence – The Importance of Timing in Personal Injury Cases

South Florida Personal Injury Attorneys

The phrase “time is of the esssence” is often included in legal contracts and it basically means that participants in the agreement must adhere to the deadlines for performance of specific duties. For example, if you sign a document to purchase a house there will likely be a date for closing and you will have to deliver the money for the purchase by that date. If you don’t you may lose your deposit and possibly be sued for the full purchase price.

When you buy insurance for your vehicle and a policy is issued you should read it baecause there are likely several references to timing and they should not be ignored. For example this is from an actual auto insurance policy: “Benefits will be paid only while the insured person is alive and only if the disability commences within 20 days of the accident and…..”

After an auto, motorcycle, or truck accident many injury victims are anxious to settle and recover monetary damages as soon as possible. They may be in a financial bind due to their inability to work or because of medical bills and there is an urge to rush into a settlement. In cases like this it’s often best to seek legal advice and remain patient.

Insurance companies will sometimes reach out to an injured person and offer a check but a qualified and experienced personal injury attorney can guide people to a conclusion that may, in the end, be far more substantial.

These are guidelines to consider after being involved in an accident:

  • Dont communicate with any insurance company without first consulting with an attorney.
  • Do not accept an offer or sign documents without asking advice from an attorney.
  • Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance company or anyone else.
  • Don’t post things on social media about your accident.

It’s also important to be aware of several Statutes of Limitations regarding personal injury and medical malpractice cases. An attorney can make sure these important laws are adhered to.

Remember that personal injury attorneys usually do not charge anything until your case is concluded. We work hard to protect your legal rights and always do everything possible to make sure you receive the maximum monetary compensation for your injuries, property damages, and pain and suffering.

Questions? We are available to speak with victimes of accidents 7 days a week at (954) 356-0006.

South Florida Personal Injury Attorneys
| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | South Florida Accident Attorney |

What to do if Your Car Stalls on the Highway – South Florida Personal Injury Accident Attorneys

South Florida Accident Attorneys

A recent tragedy here in south Florida concerns a dangerous situation that every driver should be prepared for: a stalled vehicle while driving down a major roadway. The headline Police: 11-Year-Old, Adult Killed in Crash While Trying to Push Stalled Vehicle out of Road is simply sad beyond words and it will take time to piece together what happened in that instance but there are some guidelines for how to handle a situation where a car suddenly stops running in traffic.

Keep in mind, these are guidelines and not firm rules – every situation is different.

  • Try not to panic if your car starts to stall. If possible, pull over to the side of the road before the vehicle shuts down. If you are able, try to pull over to the right. Then, once you come to a stop, turn on your hazard lights.
  • If you are not able to pull over to the side of the road before the vehicle stalls, do not exit the car. Instead, turn on your hazard lights. Call the police and tell them if the situation is dangerous to you and to other drivers. Then, call for a tow truck, roadside assistance or some other type of help.
  • While in the vehicle, keep your seatbelt on.
  • Chances are the traffic passing you will be traveling at a high rate of speed, and while it may seem safe to cross lanes of traffic it probably is not.
  • Even if you have the ability to repair your car, do not get out of the vehicle to attempt to repair the vehicle unless absolutely necessary.

Also: You might be able to prevent a stalled vehicle by having it serviced regularly.

South Florida roadways are among the most dangerous in the nation and we all need to be better educated about following traffic laws as well as how to handle stalled vehicles, roadway obstacles, heavy traffic, and inclement weather,

We are available for a free consultation if you or someone you know is involved in an accident. Call us at 954-356-0006 7 days a week.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.

No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.

Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and the Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus.

| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys

What are the Odds? Florida Accident Statistics Reveal our Roads are Dangerous Places

South Florida Personal Injury Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus

 

What is an accident?

accident: an undesirable or unfortunate happening that occurs unintentionally and usually results in harm, injury, damage, or loss; casualty; mishap.

In Law: such a happening resulting in injury that is in no way the fault of the injured person for which compensation or indemnity is legally sought.

Obviously no one expects to be in an accident, but the odds of being in a motor vehicle accident in Florida are higher than you might think.

Accident Attorneys in FloridaAccording to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Department (FLHSMV) there were 401,179 crashes on our roads in 2021. Google says there are 21.22 million people living in Florida so if you do the math it works out to one crash for every 52.8 residents. That’s not one-in-a-million like we would like to think.

Your chances of being in a car crash can be reduced significantly if you observe traffic laws: Never text while you are driving, obey the posted speed limit, and never drive when you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Maintain your vehicle’s safety systems and make sure your brakes and other components are checked according to manufacturer’s recommendations.

When Florida drivers are involved in an accident there is often a lot of confusion and uncertainty about what to do. We recommend you read our blog “Ten Things to do After a Car Accident”

The FLHSMV maintains a “Crash Dashboard” where you can break down crash data by county, type of accident, etc and you may visit the site by clicking here.

Questions about any accident? We’re here to help. We’re available 7 days a week by calling 954-356-0006

 

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The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.

No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.

Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and the Law Firm of Lazarus and 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

Auto Accident Injuries
| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | Traffic Collision Injuries

Common Traffic Collision Injuries – South Florida Accident Lawyers

Many Injuries Are Hidden and Don’t Cause Pain Until Later

If you’re in an automobile, motorcycle, or truck accident there are many factors that will determine if you are injured, and how serious the injuries may be. Speed is obviously an important consideration but many serious injuries happen when the speed is relatively low. Safety devices like seat belts and airbags greatly reduce the chances of being injured, but they are not guaranteed to prevent all injuries.

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in traffic crashes. If you’re in an accident and you feel like your neck or spine is “sore” please don’t just ignore it and figure it will go away later, because you might have whiplash, a very serious condition. The Mayo Clinic says:

“Whiplash is a neck injury due to forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, like the cracking of a whip. Whiplash most often occurs during a rear-end auto accident, but the injury can also result from a sports accident, physical abuse or other trauma. Common signs and symptoms of whiplash include neck pain, stiffness and headaches. Most people with whiplash get better within a few weeks by following a treatment plan that includes pain medication and exercise. However, some people have chronic neck pain and other long-lasting complications.”

We have seen whiplash victims experience serious pain for months and even years after the occurrence, and this is one of the reasons why an injury case should never be settled immediately without a thorough physical examination. Many people have medical expenses that are not covered when an insurance company attempts to settle for an inadequate lump sum. It’s best to get professional advice from an experienced personal injury attorney.

Concussions are also very common in automobile, truck, and motorcycle accidents. The long-lasting effects from traumatic brain injuriesTraffic Collision Injuries can be persistent serious headaches, dizziness, vision deficiencies, and even personality changes including the manifestation of violent tendencies, depression, and more. Concussions don’t always “get better with time” as some people believe. Always take the time to fully diagnose the severity of head injuries and be prepared for long-term medical care and medications.

Bone Fractures are usually diagnosed by x-rays or other medical imaging methods and are usually healed over time. Sometimes however, especially in older victims, the healing is very slow and there can be complications. Once again, rushing into a settlement without all the facts can be very costly in the future.

Tendon and Ligament Injuries are often hard to identify and diagnose and may not manifest as serious problems until well after an accident. Consulting with an attorney who understands these injuries is prudent because you will be guided to the best medical specialists to find or rule out these often debilitating injuries.

South Florida Accident Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus

Protecting your rights is one of the primary jobs for a qualified personal injury attorney who thinks of things a victim may not. The Law Office of Lazarus and Lazarus is committed to checking for any and all injuries, including those that may be hidden. Our priority is to protect your rights and see that you heal physically, mentally, and financially. Please call us if you have questions at (954) 356-0006, we are here to help.

 

 

Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys
| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | South Florida Accident Attorneys |

What State has the Highest Auto Insurance Rates? Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys

We love living in south Florida and so it doesn’t surprise us that Florida often ranks very high in many polls, studies, and surveys. For example, here are some areas where we are proud to be recognized according to U.S. News and World Report:

#7 Quality Education

#5 Economy

#3 Fiscal Stability

We also rank #3 in a dubious category, and that is highest auto insurance premiums.

What causes premiums to be high or low? According to Insure.com several affect auto insurance rates including population density (rural areas are low) and weather. Also, the number of uninsured drivers will impact premiums because drivers who follow the rules wind up paying for those who don’t. The Insurance Research Council estimates that 23% of Florida drivers do not have insurance which is the 5th highest rate in the nation.

Competition is also a factor in the cost of automobile insurance. States with a high number of insurance companies fight hard to get Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneyscustomers and they tend to lower prices. For example, Ohio and Virginia are both high-density states but they have large numbers of insurance carriers, so their rates are reasonable.

Here are the top ten states and their average annual auto insurance premiums:

1. Michigan: $2,239 average annual premium
2. Louisiana: $2,126
3. Florida: $2,050
4. Rhode Island: $1,852
5. Connecticut: $1,831
6. Washington, D.C.: $1,827
7. California: $1,731
8. Georgia: $1,668
9. Delaware: $1,646
10. Texas: $1,589

South Florida Automobile, Motorcycle, and Truck Accident Attorney

We recommend that drivers carry the best quality insurance they can afford. Do your homework and compare, but if you’re ever involved in a serious accident you’ll be grateful if you are fully covered.

Should you be involved in an accident and you don’t think your insurance company is performing as it should to help you, let us know. We deal with insurance companies on a daily basis and it’s a good idea to have an experienced attorney on your side. Call us at (954) 356-0006, we’re here to help.

 

 

 

South Florida Accident Attorneys
| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | Florida Accident Attorneys

Be Aware of the 5 Most Common Auto Accident Causes and Avoid Them – Florida Accident Attorneys

Albert Einstein said “Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses avoid them.”

What did he mean by that? We know that if there is such thing as a good problem, it’s the one that never happens. And isn’t it true that you can’t avoid something bad if you don’t see it or know that it’s coming? That’s why we have headlights on our automobiles, and we focus on the road ahead.

Some people say “Oh well, accidents happen” and think there is nothing you can do about them. We believe accidents can often be avoided if you are aware of their potential. Let’s discuss how to be a genius:

What are the most common accidents?

  1. Read-end Collisions. How can these be avoided? You can avoid rear-ending someone if you focus on the road, do not allow yourself to  be distracted by your cell phone or other occupants, make sure your brakes are working properly, and leave a safe stopping distance between you and the car ahead. You can actually help to avoid someone crashing into you by making sure your brake lights work and by trying to leave an emergency exit route in case you see someone coming up fast behind you. When you stop at a light, don’t be 6 inches from the car ahead, so hopefully you can get out of the way.
  2. T-Bone or Cross-Traffic Accidents. These usually happen when someone runs a red light or stop sign. Just because you have a green light does not mean you should blindly enter an intersection. Move into an intersection with your peripheral vision engaged, checking for other vehicles left and right. Driving defensively means you never assume other drivers will obey traffic laws and that they can see you. They might be texting and driving, a big no-no.
  3. Clipping other cars while merging. Ease your way into moving traffic and try to do it at the same speed. Use your mirrors and your eyes by looking over your shoulder if you can. Never assume the other car will speed up or slow down. If you’re the one merging, the other drivers likely have the right-of-way.
  4. Low-speed Collisions. Parking lots are the scene of more accidents than any other place, and they can be dangerous, especially when a pedestrian is involved. Move slowly, don’t let your guard down, and don’t be distracted.
  5. Single Vehicle Collisions. These crashes are all-too-common, and often happen because the driver is distracted, texting, or intoxicated. Florida Accident AttorneysJust don’t do those things. There is time later to reply to a text or make a call. Never, ever, drink and drive.

Now that you are aware of over 80% of all accident causes, don’t you think you can give some serious thought to avoiding them? It is far better to avoid an accident than to deal with one after the fact. If you can’t avoid an accident, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is who to call for help in solving the resulting problems.

Florida Accident Attorneys

Choosing an attorney to help you deal with damages, injuries, legal issues, and more is crucial. You’ll want to select someone with years of experience and a proven track record helping victims get the help they need. We invite you to look at reviews from our clients over many years, who have kindly reported their experiences with our firm. We work very hard to see that you are compensated fairly for your pain and suffering as well as lost time from work and other damages. Call us at 954-356-0006 for a free consultation.