| lazaruslaw-2 | 0 Comments | CRUISE SHIP ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized

Safety Tips to avoid a Cruise Ship Accident

15736178-ships-anchored-at-nassau-cruise-port.jpg

It’s summertime in South Florida. Kids everywhere are finishing up school and parents are getting ready to take their loved ones on that big family trip they’ve been planning all year. With anticipated growth of the cruising industry and the Caribbean and the Bahamas being two of the most appealing destinations for cruisers, according to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s industry overview, many vacationers will be cruising for the first time to Florida’s nearby tropical paradises.

So what happens if you or your loved one are injured on a cruise ship? Do you know what to do? What can you do to prevent an accident? These are just some of the questions you should ask yourself and prepare for before taking a cruise.

Here are some helpful tips for your next big excursion:

Accident Prevention:
 • Listen to the instructions that are usually provided to all passengers by the ship’s crew before setting sail.
 • Bring a sufficient amount of medications/prescriptions that you would normally take on a daily basis.
 • Inform personnel of any food allergies that you might have or any other special needs that you will need for your trip.
 • Familiarize yourself with any pamphlets or safety instructions provided on the ship or in your cabin.
 • Avoid standing too close to the guard rails and be sure to keep children away from the guard rails.
 • If you consume alcohol while on your trip, drink moderately and responsibly. Avoid wandering around the ship by yourself.
 • Wear a life preserver when instructed to by the ship’s crew.
 • Avoid movement around the main deck during bad weather or turbulent water.

After an accident/injury:
 • If you are ill or injured, seek medical assistance immediately.
 • Retain copies of any documents that are provided to you by the ship’s personnel after you have been treated for your injuries.
 • Get as much information as you can from anyone who saw the accident or who knows the extent of your injuries.
 • Keep all records of your ticket purchase handy, as they usually contain disclaimers/fine print regarding your legal rights.
 • Consult with an attorney and make your records available to them.

Cruise ship accidents are not like other accidents. Victims in a cruise accident have one year from the date that the accident occurred to file a lawsuit. This and other rules and statutes regarding cruise accidents can be very complicated and can affect your rights if you don’t know what to do. There are skilled cruise ship accident attorneys ready to handle your case.

| lazaruslaw-2 | 0 Comments | PRODUCT SAFETY, Uncategorized

Lessons to Learn from Recall of Florida-grown Tomatoes

Florida is home to a wide variety of fresh produce and meats. With its incredible climate and vast land, South Floridians can find many locally-grown products at their neighborhood grocery store. However, products from our state – like any other – are susceptible to recalls for food-borne bacteria.

The Sun Sentinel recently reported that a product recall on grape tomatoes, which may contain salmonella, grown by Florida-based Six L’s Packing has expanded to include vegetable platters sold by Mann Packing of Salinas, California. According to the story, the platters contain sell-by dates of May 9 and 16, and while a spokeswoman for Mann Packing said that none of the platters were sold at retail stores in Florida, neither the amount of platters sold in Florida nor their buyers could be identified. In a press release earlier this month, the FDA provided a detailed list of retailers and their products which carry the tomatoes. Watch the story on the initial recall, reported by KRQE News 13:

 

 

Exposure to contaminated foods can lead to serious illness and even death. Here are just a few tips recommended by Prevention.com on avoiding exposure to salmonella from produce:

• Do not purchase bruised/damaged produce • Throw away rotten produce • Cut away bruised/damaged parts of produce
Consumers can’t be too careful when it comes to what they eat. According to Medline Plus, 76 million people in the US get sick from contaminated food, with symptoms ranging from upset stomach to dehydration.

If you have been exposed to salmonella or other contaminations, seek medical assistance immediately. Contact the FDA to notify them of the potentially harmful product so that they may further investigate the matter. If you believe that you have a claim, consult with an attorney.

| lazaruslaw-2 | 0 Comments | CRUISE SHIP ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized

Cruise Ship Passengers Killed, Seriously Injured in Accident

1393746-view-from-the-cruise-deck.jpg

Last week, two cruise ship passengers were involved in a jet ski accident in the Bahamas. According to My Fox Orlando, one of the passengers was killed, while the other was seriously hurt and taken to a hospital. Their identities have not been released.

As Florida Today reported, the vessel, Carnival Sensation, set sail from Port Canaveral, Florida on Thursday, May 5 and returned on May 9.

As summer approaches, vacationers will be flocking to Florida’s many ports for the getaways to the Bahamas, Mexico, and other extravagant destinations. However, accidents aboard cruise ships can happen to anyone. They can vary from incidents such as food poisoning to an accident which can cause injury or even death such as falling overboard or, as with the passengers aboard the Carnival Sensation, an accident during recreational activities like jet skiing or snorkeling. If you have been injured while on your cruise, consult with an attorney to discuss your options.

| lazaruslaw-2 | 0 Comments | DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS, Uncategorized

Nationwide Blender Recall

Recently, Haier America, the New-York based appliance company, announced a recall of over 530,000 of it s blenders. The Associated Press reported that the product defect stems from the blades.

The assembly of the blades may break or come apart, which could lead to cuts and lacerations. According to the story, there have been around 60 reports of blades breaking. The blenders were sold throughout the U.S. between 2006 and 2009. Haier America will offer free blade assembly to replace the defect.

We have noted in our blog many incidents in which consumers throughout the country, including South Florida have been injured due to defective products. Whether it is defective Chinese drywall, floor mats in cars or cribs, consumers are subject to the inconvenience and dangers caused by product recalls. Luckily, watch dog groups and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission are constantly investigating and enforcing safety standards.

The defective models are the stainless steel, 500-watt blenders with model number HB500BSS. If you have purchased one of these blenders or you need more information, you can get more information by calling 866-327-6147 or visit the company website or the CPSC.

| lazaruslaw-2 | 0 Comments | AUTO ACCIDENTS, PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized

Search Is On in South Florida for Hit-and-Run Driver

The Sun Sentinel reported on December 1 that an investigation is underway surrounding an incident just before Thanksgiving.

On November 25, a 62-year old pedestrian was struck by a car in Fort Lauderdale. Anostrave Benjamin is reported to be in critical condition at Broward General Medical Center. According to the story, a white Dodge Neon struck Benjamin while he was crossing West Sunrise Boulevard at Northwest Fourth Avenue Lauderdale. Though not much is not known about the vehicle, police stated that the Neon was missing hubcaps and had tinted windows.

55516_traffic_sign.jpg

We have discussed many stories about pedestrian accidents on our blog. Attention has grown due to incidents such as this, and staggering statistics which show that 502 pedestrians were killed in Florida in 2008. Despite the drop in fatalities over the past four years, it’s stories like this that remind us to be careful when crossing the streets in the major metropolitan areas of South Florida, especially during the holidays.

If anyone has information regarding this incident, police have asked that you call Fort Lauderdale Traffic Homicide Investigator Cheri Creque at 954-828-5825 or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.

| lazaruslaw-2 | 0 Comments | AUTO ACCIDENTS, BICYCLE ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized

South Florida Cycling Event Honors Teen Biker Killed by Driver

About a month ago, 17-year-old Rodolfo Rojo of Bay Harbor Islands was killed in an auto accident around 2:30 a.m. when he and his friends were riding their bikes on Biscayne Boulevard near 113th Street in Miami and Rojo was struck by a vehicle.

To honor Rojo, Critical Mass, an event in which cyclists gather in a large group to promote bicycle safety and awareness, dedicated their Friday bike ride in his memory. According to an article in the Miami Herald, the bike ride will proceed along the same route where Rojo was killed and parents and friends will leave a white painted bike with a plaque.

43472_bike_race_14.jpg

This is another unfortunate story pointing out a major problem with cycling fatalities in South Florida. According to the article, Florida has the highest number of fatalities in the U.S. Bicycles are classified as vehicles and cyclists have rights. Though they are required to have front and back lights when riding at night and cyclists and drivers must observe safety laws, a lack of bike lanes on Miami’s busy streets and growing numbers of bikers leaves many people concerned.

It is obvious that more action will need to be taken to ensure cyclist safety, focusing on both the driver and the cyclist’s observance of the law.

| lazaruslaw-2 | 0 Comments | AUTO ACCIDENTS, TRAIN ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized

Auto Accidents Involving Trains a Growing Concern in South Florida

Several publications in South Florida have reported on an auto accident last week in Fort Lauderdale in which a car was stuck on the tracks and hit by a Tri-Rail commuter train. Two women were killed in the accident while another passenger was seriously injured.

However, as a recent article in the Sun Sentinel showed, this is not the first auto accident with a train. Unfortunately, as the article noted, South Florida has a very high incidence of train accidents. For example, along with the recent accident in Fort Lauderdale, a similar accident occurred recently in Pompano Beach in which a train struck a car, killing one woman and injuring another.

The article listed five other accidents lthis past year alone, involving both Amtrak and Tri-Rail trains. The accidents were spread throughout the South Florida area, in cities such as Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach and Boynton Beach. Most of the incidents involved a collision with a car which was stuck on the tracks at a railroad crossing and involved serious injury or death.

It is difficult to pinpoint the cause for this high rate of accidents. Many organizations, such as Operation Lifesaver, were established to educate people on the issues and to prevent these accidents. As stated by Operation Lifesaver, statistics from the Federal Railroad Administration show that there were 2,391 highway-rail crossing collisions last year. Florida ranked 9th among the Top 15 states with 75 collisions, while the highest ranked state, Texas, had 228 collisions.

Despite efforts to educate, the problem persists in South Florida. In the wake of increased cell phone usage while driving, growing impatience of drivers during rush-hour traffic and increased dependence on public transit during tough economic times, changes must be made by drivers, regulating bodies, train companies and the cities which rely on must take action to ensure the safety of drivers, pedestrians and passengers.

It is important that drivers take it upon themselves to be proactive and use proper safety procedures to ensure the safety of themselves and their passengers. Following are seven steps recommended by Operation Lifesaver which should be used by all drivers of motor vehicles when approaching and crossing train track intersections:

1. Approach crossing with care. Slow down when you see an Advanced Warning Sign.

2. Prepare to stop. Turn off fans and radio, roll down windows.
Look and listen for a train.

3. Stop at least 15 feet from nearest rail, but not more than 50 feet, if you see a train.

4. If it won’t fit, don’t commit. Trains extend beyond the width of the rails at least 3 feet on each side. If your vehicle has a trailer, remember the additional length.

5. Double check, back left and right. Before you move look in both directions.

6. Cross tracks with care. If your vehicle has a manual transmission, use a gear that will not require shifting until you reach the opposite side.

7. Keep going once you start, even if lights start to flash or gates come
down.

| lazaruslaw-2 | 0 Comments | AUTO ACCIDENTS, CELL PHONE USE, Uncategorized

School Bus Drivers in Miami-Dade: No Texting While Driving

The Sun Sentinel reported that the Miami-Dade school board passed a ban on Tuesday which disallows bus drivers from using their cell phones. The ban also includes other district employees who use district-owned vehicles. However, the ban does not include school police officers.

This is just another case of a South Florida city cracking down cell phone usage while driving, as we have already seen a similar ban on texting in Parkland, Florida. The report noted that 19 states have banned texting while driving and six states require every driver to use hand-held devices if they are making a phone call. According to the Sentinel, there are some experts who think distracted driving is more dangerous than driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. While Florida does not have any official laws on the books yet, Rep. Doug Holder of Sarasota has been very active in pushing for legislation on this issue.

555003_first_day_in_first_grade.jpg

School buses safety is a major concern for parents. According to the National Coalition for School Bus Safety, over 22 million kids around the country ride the bus. A 2002 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study showed that school buses were involved in over 26,000 crashes, which resulted in almost 1,000 incapacitating injuries. Earlier in October school buses caught everyone’s attention in South Florida when a man in Tequesta, Florida was struck and killed by a school bus.

In our practice we encounter the issue of cell phone use while driving on a daily basis. It is a fact that distracted driving causes accidents and accidents can cause serious personal injuries to those who are unfortunately involved in these accidents. Please contact our offices if you or someone you know has been injured in an automobile accident so we can protect your rights.

| lazaruslaw-2 | 0 Comments | DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS, Uncategorized

Florida Senator Bill Nelson Addresses Current Defective Chinese Drywall Problem

We recently wrote about Maclaren’s recall of Chinese-made strollers and how South Florida consumers have been exposed to and affected by defective products made in China. We also noted how our government representatives are taking action on this important matter.

WPTV Channel 5 News in West Palm Beach recently reported that Senator Bill Nelson was in West Palm Beach last Thursday speaking with local leaders on stimulating Florida’s economy. According to the report, which also includes a video link provided by WPTV, Senator Nelson addressed several issues, from unemployment and the current financial crisis to health care.

 

 

However, Senator Nelson also had strong words over the current problem facing some homeowner’s about defective Chinese drywall which is believed to contain deposits of toxic sulphuric gas. Senator Nelson is pressing for a class action suit against the distributors of the product, stating the importance of holding those parties accountable for the problems which homeowners with the defective drywall face. Senator Nelson said that it is ultimately their responsibility to make the homeowners whole. He has also stated that he spoke with President Obama and his staff, and asked that the President address this issue on his current visit to China.

According to one article, over 500 million pounds of Chinese drywall was imported into the United States, which accounts to about 100,000 homes. Though the Florida Department of Health has received about 150 complaints, experts say that about 35,000 homes may have used the drywall.

f you or someone you know has been affected by Chinese Drywall n their home please contact our offices as soon as possible to discuss your potential claim.

| lazaruslaw-2 | 0 Comments | DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS, Uncategorized

Defective Chinese Products the Cause of Maclaren Stroller Recall

Recently, Chinese-manufactured products have been a topic of controversy, both for consumers in South Florida and in the rest of the U.S. We have seen defects in toys, toothpaste, drywall, and now, baby strollers.

According to CNN Money, the Connecticut-based stroller maker Maclaren has recalled 1 million umbrella strollers due to a product defect which can lacerate or even amputate a child’s fingertips. There have already been 12 amputations across the U.S. due to children getting their fingertips stuck in the side hinges of the strollers while it is being opened or closed.

 

 

China’s presence in the global market has grown over the years. Companies across the U.S. and Europe are setting up shop in China. Though these companies are keeping at pace with competition due to the cost advantages of manufacturing abroad, there have been dire consequences. Despite many factors such as rapid economic expansion and a lack of resources to keep up with such growth, it seems that differing standards in quality controls have been central to the many Chinese product recalls over the years.

China has responded to the growing concerns. In 2007, MSNBC reported that the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, which oversees Chinese-made products, set systems to address problems with quality control due to toxins found in products ranging from toys to toothpaste.

However, after two years, it seems that problems persist. CNN reported that the Florida Department of Health received over 150 complaints about levels of sulfur and sulfuric gases found in Chinese drywall.
Read more “Defective Chinese Products the Cause of Maclaren Stroller Recall”