Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorneys
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Uncategorized

Large Law Firm or Small Law Firm – How to Choose an Attorney to Represent You

Personal Injury Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Lazarus and Lazarus

Reputation, Reviews, and Results – Add them up and Make Your Decision

Every day people make decisions about what to buy. At the grocery store we might buy a product based on its appearance, price, or because it’s the product we had in our home our entire life. Perhaps a television commercial convinced us to buy a particular or maybe a review we saw online.

Fort Lauderdale Injury AttorneysDifferent products and services are purchased either frequently or infrequently. You buy food every week, go to the dentist probably once a year, and buy a car every three to five years, or longer. The average driver is in an accident every 17 years so looking for an attorney is not a familiar experience for most people. When you choose an attorney to protect your rights to compensation for damages and injuries you want to be very careful.

You may consider is hiring a large law firm, or you may consider a small firm. Let’s look at both.

Large law firms have many attorneys and often have offices in many cities in large office buildings with marble and glass. They advertise their services on billboards along the highway and on TV commercials. Clients usually meet their attorney once and after that they deal with assistants.

Small firms offer more individualized service and don’t spend a lot of money on advertising because many clients come through personal referrals, one client telling a friend who is in need.

The law firm of Lazarus and Lazarus is proud that we have earned a reputation for excellent personal service, knowledge of our primary area of expertise (injuries resulting from accidents), and results. We have many 5-star reviews on the internet and we are particularly proud that many of them are at Avvo.com, the internet’s most trusted source for attorney information. We have been working hard for our clients in the Fort Lauderdale area since 1992.

Our clients know they can call us 7 days a week and speak directly with Gary Lazarus or Arleen Lazarus about their case. Our experience has instilled in us a great empathy for the issues and problems that people experience when they are injured because of someone else’s carelessness. Medical, financial, and emotional distress are common and we have been walking people through them since 1992.

Call us at (954) 356-0006 if you or someone you know has been hurt in any type of accident. We are here to help.

Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorneys

 

 

Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorneys
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Fort Lauderdale Injury Attorneys | ,

Document Your Accident to Protect Your Rights – Fort Lauderdale Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus

Reliable Evidence such as Photos, Statements, and Medical Records are Essential

Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorneys

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is in the news every day for their critical involvement in the Covid-19 crisis, but they actually work to keep Americans healthy in many different ways. The CDC focuses its attention on infectious disease, food borne pathogens, environmental health, occupational safety and health, health promotion, injury prevention and educational activities designed to improve the health of United States citizens.

The CDC compiles statistics every year, which are very important to study so we can understand where we need to work harder to keep people safe. For example, many people probably don’t know that in a typical year more people are killed in unintentional falls than in motor vehicle accidents.

In 2018:

  • Deaths from accidents involving cars, trucks, and motorcycles were 37,595.
  • Deaths from unintentional falls were 39,433.
  • Deaths from unintentional poisonings were 65,773.
  • Unintentional deaths of all types were 173,040.

The number of injuries from these causes is much higher.

Injury Attorneys Fort Lauderdale
Your Phone Has a Camera – Use it to Photograph Evidence

So, what happens if you are injured and it wasn’t your fault? Fortunately the United States Constitution allows us to pursue justice which includes compensation for our medical bills and pain and suffering. But how do we get that justice?

First of all, putting together evidence that (a) you were injured and (b) it was someone else’s fault involves some thinking and diligence on the part of the victim. Almost everyone carries a cell phone with a camera, so use it.

Example: You are walking through a retail store and an overloaded display falls on you or you slip on a spilled substance and you’re injured. It’s likely a manager and employees will come to see if you are ok, but it’s not their job to document the incident and note any carelessness on the part of the store or its employees.

Your testimony later is helpful, but it is not the strongest evidence in an injury case. If possible, ask someone to help you with photographs, notes, and the names of witnesses. This is very important.

The most common types of unintentional injuries are:

  • Car Accidents
  • Slip and Fall Accidents
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Assault
  • Workplace Accidents
  • Premises Liability
  • Product Liability

Immediately after urgent care is afforded anyone injured, it is prudent to make a telephone call to an attorney who deals with personal injury law. An experienced attorney will act quickly to gather information necessary for the truth about the accident’s cause to be documented properly.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been helping injury victims since 1992 and we are always available to answer questions. We can be reached at (954) 356-0006 seven days a week. Nosotros hablamos español.

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

Auto Insurance – Expectations versus Reality • Automobile, Truck, and Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Lazarus and Lazarus

Six Types of Auto Insurance Policies to Consider

Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys

The Covid-19 crisis has caused many people to look at their finances and make decisions about what they need and what they can afford. I know people who have cut out things like Netflix and going out to eat, but automobile insurance is a must-have commodity. Still, you want to get the best coverage and get the lowest price. Can it be done?

We aren’t insurance agents, so we can’t recommend any particular company or coverage but we encounter people every day who have been involved in motor-vehicle accidents and we have learned that many people have very inaccurate ideas about what they need, what’s covered, and what happens after a theft or an accident. Many people buy minimal insurance and then expect maximum coverage, which is unreasonable.

Here are the six basic types of vehicle coverage:

  • Collision Coverage | Collision coverage covers your vehicle if you’re involved in a crash. How much it will cover depends on how much you want it to cover – if you want 100% replacement value that will cost more than 50%. It’s you choice and keep in mind it will cover your vehicle but not the other one, nor the stationary object if that’s what was involved.
  • Comprehensive Coverage | This is the insurance that will cover the thing or things you collided with in the accident. It is wide-ranging coverage and can cover everything from theft to vandalism to hail and floods.
  • Liability Coverage | This is required in most states and covers damage or injuries to other objects or people and the amount of coverage depends, once again, on how much money you want to spend. Most states require at least $10,000.
  • Medical Payments Coverage | The previous types of coverage will take care of damage to other things and people but may not cover your medical bills. Some people look to rely on their own health insurance but you should check and make sure that will work out in case of an accident.
  • Personal Injury Protection Coverage (PIP) | This coverage is available in certain states and most often it is a minimum coverage required by law in some states to cover medical expenses.
  • Underinsured (UIM) and Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage | If you are involved in an accident and the other driver has no insurance, and is at fault, you may be unable to collect for damages unless you pay for this coverage. Considering there are millions of drivers in Florida with no insurance at all, it’s is a good idea to have this type of insurance.

Note: Florida is one of a handful of states which does not require bodily injury coverage and this illustrates why it is vital to carry UM/UIM coverage

Once again, because we aren’t insurance agents we can’t break down the reasons you should or should not have all these types of insurance but we highly recommend taking the time to address your needs with a licensed agent. Never assume your coverage will include, for example, the cost of a rental car. Don’t assume all your medical bills will be paid if you have a lengthy stay in the hospital and/or require surgery. Hospitals are expensive!

Accidents involving motorcycles often result in very serious injuries and yet often the riders purchase only basic insurance. Medical Payments Coverage might be a good investment if you own a motorcycle.

Keep in mind that south Florida is ranked as a high-risk area for driving and it is also rated as one of the most expensive areas for cost of car insurance. Do extensive research and then make your decision carefully.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has represented hundreds of victims of auto, truck, and motorcycle accidents since 1992 and we know how to deal with insurance companies to make sure they pay what is specified in their policies. We do not charge a fee for our consultations or for representing clients unless there is a settlement or judgement. Please call us at (954) 356-0006 seven days a week.

Protect Your Rights: Always Consult with an Experienced Attorney if you are Involved in a Car, Truck, or Motorcycle Accident

Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | AUTO ACCIDENTS, MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS | , ,

Delays and Misdiagnoses of Accident Injuries Because of Covid-19 Pandemic

Broward County Injury Attorneys – Automobile, Motorcycle, Truck Accidents

Immediate Proper Treatment is Essential for Long Term Recovery

One of the most common issues victims of accidents face is receiving the right diagnosis immediately after the injury. Proper assessment and treatment is not only essential, an error by a physician can make the injury worse.

Medical resources are stressed to say the least and this is causing many other illnesses and injuries to be demoted or reclassified as non-urgent.

It’s important to remember that with trauma resulting from automobile, truck, or motorcycle accidents, the actual injuries may be hidden and not manifest as serious for a few hours or days after the actual event. A sore neck may be a muscle strain or it may involve serious injury to the spine. An ache in the belly may be from a bruise or it may involve internal bleeding. Don’t guess or play Dr. Google and search the internet for answers.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Injuries Should Never be Delayed

It seems certain that Covid-19 is not going to abate any time soon even though there is optimism about vaccine distribution.

Victims need and deserve accurate, prompt medical care.

How Can You Make Sure You’re Getting the Assessment and Treatment you Deserve?

One of the advantages of having a qualified accident injury attorney on your side is that one of our primary duties is to make sure your personal well-being is first and foremost. We have been helping victims recover from accidents physically, mentally, and financially since 1992 and our record for results is excellent. Please feel free to review our client reviews at AVVO, the leading source for attorney information. We’re here to help, so if you have questions we’re available 7 days a week at (954) 356-0006.

Click Here to get the latest Covid-19 Information from Broward.org

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus | Broward County Automobile, Truck, and Motorcycle Accident Attorneys | 954-356-0006

Florida Premises Negligence Law
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Florida Premises Liability

Premises Liability Involves More Than Preventing Slips and Falls – Covid Compliance is Also Mandatory – Lazarus Law Firm

Premises Liability in Florida – Lazarus and Lazarus Law Firm

Every day we wake up and venture out into the world to work, play, shop, visit friends, or any number of other activities that we enjoy or just need to do. We certainly do not expect to be injured as we walk across a parking lot, ride an elevator, or attend a sporting event. But every year thousands of people are injured on property due to the failure of someone to maintain a safe environment.

We are fortunate to live in a country where laws have been enacted in all 50 states covering negligence and liability as they relate to property owners and the responsibility to maintain a safe environment for people who may be present on that property. Chapter 768 of the Florida Statutes is very broad and covers negligence and liability issues including pits and holes left open and uncovered, slips and falls, and other incidents that occur due to negligence.

Business owners are expected to provide an environment that is safe for customers, visitors, and employees when it comes to Covid-19. Federal, state, and local laws and guidelines must be followed and ignorance is not an acceptable escape from liability. The OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for Covid-19 is a starting place for business owners to make sure they are compliant.

Injuries Due to Negligence FloridaMany people think that slip and fall cases involve minor injuries but often they are quite serious. Also, many people suffer cuts, burns, and other serious traumatic injuries due to unsafe conditions, and some people lose their lives because of negligence by others.

Property owners in Florida are expected to provide adequate lighting in parking lots and other areas that are open to the public at night. Signs should be posted to warn of unsafe conditions, and surveillance cameras should be operational to discourage illegal activity. Adequate security personnel is also expected when private property is open to the public, and when people are injured because of a lack of it, the law allows people to seek compensation for injuries and other damages. People have been injured in Florida due to inadequate security at malls, ATMs, parks, sporting events, concerts, office buildings, hotels, dormitories, and many more locations.

Cases in Florida that resulted in large settlements awarded to victims include:

  • $248,500 awarded to a Tampa man who suffered an injured leg when he was ejected from a bar by bouncers.
  • $2.1 million to a child who was hurt at a Davie bowling alley.
  • $55,000 awarded to a woman who was injured in a Pollo Tropical restaurant parking lot.

Covid 19 Compliance FloridaPeople should understand that often when people do fall, the injuries are far more serious than a bruise to the knee. Often victims, especially seniors, suffer painful ligament tears or dislocations of their hips or knees and the pain from these injuries can persist for years. Back injuries are also common and very painful.

If you are inured or made ill as a customer, visitor, or employee due to the non-compliance or negligence of a business owner or employer, you have rights.

Contacting an attorney who understands premises liability as well as the injuries that can result from the lack of due care by property owners is usually the best course of action if you are hurt on someone’s property. If you’re not sure and have questions, we can help. We are available 7 days a week to speak to you if you call (954) 356-0006.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus

 

| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys

How to Determine if You Have a Florida Personal Injury Case – Lazarus & Lazarus

Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys

You’ve been in an accident but you’re not sure who was at fault for the accident and you are also not completely sure if you injuries are serious to warrant a call to an attorney. A friend tells you, “just let it go, it’s not worth all the trouble.” Friends don’t always give good advice.

Every accident has the potential to be serious because circumstances can change, issues can arise from hidden damage property, and injuries may also manifest as serious weeks after the actual accident.

Florida Personal Injury AttorneysHere is a fact: The United States Constitution and Florida law give people who have been injured in accidents the right to seek compensation from those responsible. Very few people, however, understand the statutes which apply to negligence and personal injuries which is why attorneys are available to help. Florida law imposes a “duty of care” on people and businesses which means that we all have to follow duties in certain circumstances and if someone fails to, and causes injury to someone else, they can be determined to be negligent. Everyone who drives an automobile in Florida is expected to drive in a reasonable and safe manner, obeying all traffic laws and maintaining their vehicles so they operate safely. If an individual drives with no brakes, for example, and they crash into the rear of your car causing injury, you have the right to sue for damages, pain, and suffering.

If a company does not maintain their property in a safe condition and someone is injured, they may be found to be negligent. If a professional person such as a physician does not treat a patient with the duty of care all doctors are expected to use, they may be negligent or be guilty of medical malpractice. Understanding the responsibilities everyone assumes under the law and the rights of Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneyscitizens to seek compensation for damages is why personal injury attorneys exist.

In many accidents, there is negligence by more than one party. Known as comparative negligence, one party may be 75% responsible and the other 25%. This is an area best reviewed by an experienced attorney. Many people feel that if they were even minimally responsible for an accident, they do not have a case, and this is incorrect. Call an attorney.

Products that are defective and cause injury fall into a category called strict liability which is different than negligence. Anyone who sells commercial products in Florida is responsible to sell a safe product and if it is not there may be a liability for injuries caused by defect(s).

Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys

Most attorneys, including those at Lazarus & Lazarus do not charge victims for an initial consultation, nor do they collect any fees until a case is concluded. Our primary goal is to obtain justice for people who have been injured, lost time from work, and had property lost or damaged in an accident or because of a defective product. If you’re not sure about whether you have a case or not, call. We’re here to help.

A phone call to Lazarus & Lazarus at (954) 356-0006 is free as is your consultation, and all communication with our office is completely confidential.

 

South Florida Accident Attorneys
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Florida Accident Attorney |

Covid-19 May be Indirectly Causing Deaths on the Road – Lazarus Law Firm • Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorneys

Serious Auto, Truck, and Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in South Florida

As Injury Attorneys in South Florida since 1992, we have consistently tracked the number of accidents on our roads and highways and we’ve also tracked the causes. We have learned that accidents increase around the holidays, just as they do across the country, and of course accidents increase when drugs, alcohol, or speeding and reckless driving are involved.

What we’re seeing now is something truly unique: a possible increase in accidents due to a pandemic. Covid-19.

Covid-19 Accident Statistics

It will take more time and research to determine exactly happening, we do know this:

While 2019 was the third year in a row with fewer deaths, preliminary stats for 2020 are alarming. There are more deaths per mile traveled even through there are fewer cars on the road which means there is some underlying reason. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is compiling reports and they are reporting less frequent use of seat belts, and possible more frequent use of drugs and alcohol by drivers as well as more instances of reckless driving.

Bad Decisions and Reckless BehaviorAccident Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale

Data compiled from crashes to this point indicate that more drivers are under the influence of alcohol than the past few years and more drivers are exceeding the speed limit. It also seems that persons involved in crashes are wearing the seat belts less often than previous years. It’s not possible at this time to say accidents and fatalities are rising directly because of Covid-19 but it could be a factor.

This too Shall Pass

The Covid-19 crisis is unlike anything we have ever faced and it’s normal for people to feel more anxiety, but experts say it will eventually end. Until then we all need to support each other and encourage one another to maintain our composure. Our families and friends depend on us to stay safe and exercise good judgement, which includes safe driving.

If You are in an Accident

The system goes on despite shutdowns, and if you are in an accident we urge you to follow the protocols we have recommended for years. Click here to see our suggested actions to take after an accident.

We are Here to Help – Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys

If you have questions, we are here to help. Call us at (954) 356-0006 seven days a week. Our discussions are always confidential.

 

Florida Lawsuit Time Limits
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Uncategorized

Time and Tide Wait for No Man – Florida Lawsuit Time Limits

Florida Lawsuit Time Limits

There is no solid data about how many people procrastinate, but it seems possible that it is tied to age. One study found that 80% of college students procrastinate which is probably why so many of them have to “cram” before a major exam. We guess they are busy with social activities.

Later in life when bills start coming in every month most people learn to stop procrastinating because if they don’t the electric company turns of their power and that puts a damper on “Netflix and Chill” plans.

Time and tide wait for no man – Geoffrey Chaucer

Lawmakers have time limitations built in to most laws, both civil and criminal. This means the government has a certain amount of time to prosecute someone for a crime, and a person has limited time to file a lawsuit. Once the deadline passes, it’s too late.

Fort Lauderdale Accident AttorneysIn Florida there are time limitations for different situations and for civil cases most of them are found in Title VIII Chapter 95. These limitations cover everything from how long a debtor has to collect a debt to how long a person has to file a lawsuit for damages. This latter situation is where we have witnessed many people lose the opportunity to be compensated for injuries and damage resulting from another person’s negligence.

The time limits sometimes start the moment of the incident, and some start on other dates and times. Understanding these laws and limitations is not easy, and it’s one of the reasons attorneys go to law school. It is one thing that should definitely not be a do-it-yourself project.

Let’s look at a hypothetical situation: You are out driving one day and someone hits your car from behind, fairly hard. You’re a little shook up you don’t want to make a big deal out of it so you ask the other driver to pay for damages to your car and let it go. A few weeks later you feel an ache in your neck and back but a couple Advils make it go away and you live with it.

More time passes and finally you think you should look into calling an attorney, but you are told it’s too late. The deadline has passed.

Medial Malpractice cases have a time deadline to file a lawsuit. Auto, truck, and motorcycle accidents have a deadline, and if you ever want to sue an employer for back pay, there is a deadline for that. The clock is always ticking.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been helping people negotiate with insurance companies to recover damages and pay medical bills since 1992. When necessary we file lawsuits and we do so timely so as to be successful. Our reputation is excellent for service and expertise, and our online reviews can be reviewed by clicking here. Please call us at (954) 356-0006 if you have any questions. Our initial consultations are always free and confidential.

Prescription Errors South Florida Covid-19
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Prescription Errors | , ,

Covid-19-Related Chaos and Errors at the Pharmacy – Lazarus and Lazarus Law Firm

South Florida Prescription Error Attorneys

You’re running around town on a Saturday afternoon taking care of those errands you can’t attend to during the week. One of your stops is at the dry cleaners where you pick up your shirts, lightly starched, so you’ll be ready for work on Monday. When you arrive home you realize you didn’t receive your shirts, you have someone else’s laundry! Well, it’s inconvenient but it’s not the worst thing that ever happened so you return and get the right items.

One of your stops the following Saturday is the pharmacy. Surely your pharmacist is trained so well you don’t even think about a mistake with your pills. Think again.

According to the New York Times mistakes happen all too often, including these:

Edward Walker, 38, landed in an emergency room, his eyes swollen and burning after he put drops in them for five days in November 2018 to treat a mild irritation. A Walgreens in Illinois had accidentally supplied him with ear drops — not eye drops.

For Mary Scheuerman, 85, the error was discovered only when she was dying in a Florida hospital in December 2018. A Publix pharmacy had dispensed a powerful chemotherapy drug instead of the antidepressant her doctor had prescribed. She died about two weeks later.

These terrible incidents were pre-Covid-19.

Pharmacies today are busier than ever because of the sheer number of prescriptions being written for patients, and with Covid-19 pandemic people are more confused than ever about taking their Fort Lauderdale Pharmacy Negligence Attorneysmedications. At the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak the World Health Organization issued a warning about ibuprofen (the ingredient in Advil) and warned people not to take it. Later they dropped that warning, but many people are still leery and they just don’t know what to do.

Patients are concerned and asking questions about vaccines, experimental medications, and many people are panicking when they get a mild fever because they think they might be infected with Covid-19. The volume of work for pharmacists has risen since the pandemic started and that, according to multiple studies, is what leads to more mistakes.

South Florida Prescription Error Attorneys

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has focused on prescription errors since our beginning in 1992. South Florida is home for millions of seniors who take more prescriptions than younger people, and they are often the victims of pharmacy errors. We have always advised people to double-check their prescription medications but now with the pandemic continuing we urge people to be even more vigilant that they received the right order from their physician and that they get the proper medication and the right dosage from the pharmacy.

If you believe you have been given the wrong medication or dosage and you suffered because of that mistake, we can help. Calling us at (954) 356-0006 will put you directly in tough with Mr. Gary Lazarus or Arleen Lazarus and a free, confidential consultation can be arranged promptly.

 

Fort Lauderdale Hit and Run Accident Attorneys
| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys |

What to do After a Hit and Run Accident – Fort Lauderdale Accident Attorneys Lazarus & Lazarus

South Florida Hit and Run Accidents

There is nothing good about having an accident on the road or in a parking lot. If you have one you certainly hope that no one is injured and you also hope the incident can be handled smoothly, letting the police and insurance companies do their jobs so you can move on. Sometimes a bad situation is made worse when one of the parties involved in an accident decides to leave the scene and not accept responsibility or provide certain information as required by law:

Under Florida Statute 316.027, if a person is involved in an accident or crash that results in injury or death to any person, including a passenger, the person is required to:

a) Stop Immediately.
b) Provide their name, address, registration information, and driver’s license.
c) Render reasonable assistance to the injured or deceased person by transporting, or making arrangements for the transportation, of the person to a medical professional for treatment if it is apparent that treatment is needed or the person requests assistance.Fort Lauderdale Hit and Run Accident Attorneys

The term most often used when someone fails to do these things is “hit and run accident” and more than one hit-and-run crash occurs every minute on U.S. roads, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

If you are involved in a serious accident and the other driver tries to flee the scene, what should you do?

If you are able, try to take note of the make, model, and color of the vehicle and hopefully the license plate. Call the police immediately and tell them about the other vehicle. Do not attempt to chase or stop the car and driver. There’s a reasonable chance this person will resist and you could be injured.

Most people are quite shaken after an accident, and this is normal. Once things are settled it’s a good idea to call an attorney who specializes in vehicle accidents who can help you get compensation for damages and injuries through your insurance company or the individual who left the scene. The sooner you call, the better. Don’t despair, help is available.

The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been helping the victims of hit and run accidents since 1992, getting the compensation they need to move on with their lives. Please call us at (954) 356-0006 for a free and confidential consultation.