Florida

November 16, 2016

18 Passengers Aboard Burning Aircraft File Lawsuit

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A lawsuit has been filed by 18 passengers who were aboard an American Airlines aircraft that caught fire last month on the tarmac of Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport after an engine failed.

The lawsuit was filed Monday in Cook County Circuit Court and targets American aircraft manufacturer Boeing Inc. and engine manufacturer General Electric Aviation.

The lawsuit claims GE sold a faulty engine that Chicago-based Boeing used to assemble an unsafe aircraft. The passengers also claim American Airlines employees should have done a better job inspecting the plane. They allege employees failed to provide “assistance, supervision and instruction” during evacuation.

On Oct. 28, pilots aborted the takeoff of American Airlines Flight 383 to Miami. All 161 passengers and nine crew were safely evacuated, with 20 people suffering minor injuries.

Engine failure is one of the most potentially catastrophic aircraft defects that can happen. Once an engine stall after a flight has taken off, the results are usually tragic. Engine failure can arise from many things, including:

Congestion from loose air induction systems
Flaws in the design
Broken engine components
Excessive rubbing of engine blades

November 15, 2016

Child Killed In Polk County ATV Accident

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 5-year-old boy was killed in an ATV accident in Polk County Saturday.

Deputies said a 32-year-old father and his son, 5, were riding in an area near the 3700 block of West Socrum Loop Road. The child was sitting in front of his father on the ATV, wearing a soft helmet.

The man told deputies he was running the ATV on a dirt road when he made a U-Turn, accelerated and went over a grass mound. At that time, the passenger side front tire support arm broke, causing the ATV to roll several times.

Both riders were thrown from the ATV.

Both were transported to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, where the boy was pronounced dead. The father suffered possible broken ribs.

Deputies specified that the helmet the child was wearing was not designed for use with motorized vehicles. The investigation is ongoing.

Polk County has a variety of places where people enjoy tooling around on on all terrain vehicles (ATVs) like four-wheelers, three wheelers, and even dirt bikes. We see a growing number of children playing with these machines each year, which results in more and more injuries and wrongful deaths. Many people do not view these machines as dangerous, and see them as little more than toys, which is sadly not the case.

ATV accidents result in 150 deaths every year. More than 10,000 children under the age of 16 have been killed on ATVS since the 1980s. According to a survey from Johns Hopkins University, the amounts of deaths from ATV accidents have doubled since 1996.

November 14, 2016

Motorcyclist Killed In Polk County Crash With Motor Home

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A motorcyclist was killed Saturday afternoon in a Polk County crash, according to deputies.

A 1988 motor home driven by a 67-year-old Illinois man was traveling northbound on County Road 557, according to reports. The motor home turned left onto the on-ramp for Interstate 4 westbound. A portion of the trailer that was attached to the motor home was still on CR 557 when a black motorcycle hit it.

The trailer detached from the motor home.

A 22-year-old Haines City woman was ejected from the motorcycle.

The woman, who was wearing a helmet, died at the scene.

The driver of the motor home was not injured.

Motorhome or recreational vehicle (RV) accidents are similar to other car accidents as they may occur on city streets, on highways or even in parking lots. Collisions can occur with other vehicles, pedestrians, motorcycles or stationary objects. In addition to property damage, these accidents can cause injury or death. For a family that has unexpectedly lost someone in a motorcycle accident or car accident with an RV, getting medical bills paid and working with insurers can be overwhelming.

If you were injured or if a family member was killed in a motorcycle accident with an RV anywhere in Florida, our Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyers with Whittel & Melton can help. We will protect your interests and make sure your rights are protected so that you can recover just financial compensation. We know that no amount of money can bring back your loved one, but it can take away some of the financial strains that can endure after losing someone close to you.

November 8, 2016

Florida Roadways More Dangerous On Election Day – Stay Safe Today!

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Today, November 8, 2016 is an important day for all U.S. citizens, but the focus today is not just on who to vote for. It is important to highlight that roads today are more dangerous than usual as the distractions and emotions run high today!

According to a 2008 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, going all the way back to 1976, on average 24 more people die in car crashes and 800 more people suffer serious injuries during presidential election voting hours than on any other Tuesday in October or November. Our Florida Auto Accident Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton want to encourage you to rock your vote safely today!

What are the reasons for this increase in roadway hazards? Researchers have blamed the following:

There are more people rushing to get to and from their polling venue. People can vote early in the morning before work, on their lunch break, or hurry to get there after work before the polls close.
Some voters do not know where they are going and are unfamiliar with how to get to their particular voting spot.
Many voters emotions are running high today, making it easier for them to focus on their worries regarding on the election instead of getting from Point A to Point B safely. Expect to see more distracted drivers on the roads today!

October 26, 2016

Motorcyclist Killed in Crash In Hillsborough County

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A motorcyclist was killed Tuesday evening in a crash, and according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, charges could be filed against the driver who slammed into the biker.

The incident occurred just before 7 p.m.

HCSO believes the biker was operating a motorcycle on Boyette Road when he drove in between two vehicles as he was approaching the intersection of Balm Riverview Road.

At the same time, a female driver was heading westbound on Boyette Road, attempting to turn left and travel south. She pulled into the path of the motorcycle and struck the biker with the passenger side of her car.

The biker was apparently not wearing a helmet and died at the scene after he was ejected from the motorcycle, according to reports. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to police, the female driver had an “odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from her mouth and admitted to having consumed alcohol.”

The woman agreed to a blood draw and could be charged based on the result, investigators said.

Motorcycle accidents usually involve serious injuries, and in the worst cases, death. A motorcycle offers riders very little protection in the event of a collision, leaving bikers vulnerable to catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord trauma, traumatic brain injuries, loss of limbs, neck and back injuries, knee and shoulder injuries and broken bones.

Our Tampa Bay DUI Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can protect your rights after a motorcycle accident, and help you and your loved ones pursue compensation for losses. As former DUI prosecutors, we know how to hold drunk drivers accountable for the pain and suffering they cause to motorcycle accident victims and their families.

October 24, 2016

Moped Driver Dies A Week After Orange County Hit-And-Run Crash

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 64-year-old moped driver who was struck by a hit-and-run driver in Orange County last week has died, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash happened at 4:40 a.m. at the intersection of Colonial Drive and Forsyth Road.

According to troopers, the moped driver was stopped at the intersection in a left turn lane of westbound Colonial Drive, where he was trying to make a U-turn.

As he made the turn, troopers said a Honda Accord, traveling eastbound, hit the back of his moped. He was run over by the car. The driver of the car fled the scene.

The moped driver was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he later passed away.

The Honda, which was reported stolen, was found the day after the crash.

According to FHP, the crash remains under investigation and charges are pending.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a moped accident, or if you have lost someone close to you in an auto accident, our Florida Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help. We are dedicated to helping victims and families throughout the state of Florida who have suffered personal injuries or wrongful death due to the negligence and carelessness of other people. We know that no amount of money can bring back your loved one, but we are prepared to fight for the money you deserve.

October 13, 2016

Biketoberfest Is Here: Look Twice For Motorcycles in Daytona Beach

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Biketoberfest has been bringing bikers together from all over the world in Daytona Beach since 1992.

Biketoberfest is a celebration of Florida’s bike culture that involves trade shows, concerts and other special events. It also involves three days of rides throughout Volusia County. While this will surely be a fun event for everyone, our Florida Motorcycle Injury Lawyers know that there are safety risks anytime a group of motorcycles share the roadways with other motor vehicles.

We urge drivers to be aware that there will be lots of bikers out during Biketoberfest and motorists should be respectful of their right to share the road.

Biketoberfest will occur between October 13 and 16 this year, and drivers should be extra cautious during this time and in the days before and after the special event.

In 2015, more than 100,000 people were expected to turn out to the festival. Researchers last year said the event brings in over $40 million to the local economy.

Our Florida Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton urge you to “look left, look right, look twice, save a life.”

Biketoberfest Safety Tips

Allow for more following distance in between a car and a motorcycle. Motorcycles frequently slow down by downshifting or rolling off the throttle, so drivers should not count on a brake light to let them know when a bike will be stopping.
Leave motorcycle riders their own lane. Don’t try to crowd in or share the lane.
Don’t rely on turn signals. Motorcycle turn signals do not turn off automatically and sometimes riders forget to turn them off. Make sure you see what a rider is doing before you make any moves.

October 11, 2016

Samsung Stops Production of Galaxy Note 7 After Reports of Fire in Replacement Phones

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Samsung wants everyone to turn off their Galaxy Note 7 even if they have received a replacement. This comes right after the company said it was halting production of the smartphone.

Samsung Electronics says it is stopping production of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, a day after it put an end to global sales of the devices.

The South Korean company said in a regulatory filing Tuesday that it has made a final decision to stop production for the sake of consumer safety.

Samsung is struggling to regain consumer trust after a first round of recalls. The company stopped selling the device after finding that even the supposedly safer replacements it was providing for recalled Note 7 phones were catching fire.

There have been at least five reports of people claiming the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 replacements have caught fire.

One report came out of Kentucky – the owner said he woke up to a hissing sound and smoke filling the room when he realized his phone was on fire.

Samsung released this statement Monday night:

“Consumers with either an original Galaxy Note 7 or replacement Galaxy Note 7 device should power down and stop using the device and take advantage of the remedies available.”

Cell phone retailers including AT&T and Verizon are offering refunds for the Galaxy Note 7 or an exchange for a different smartphone.

On September 2, 2016, Samsung recalled the Galaxy Note 7 in 10 countries, including the U.S., just 2 weeks after the product was launched. Six days later, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advised passengers not to use, charge, or even stow Galaxy Note 7 phones on domestic flights.

An investigation was immediately launched in response to dozens of consumer complaints about Samsung phones catching fire. The problem was identified as a potential battery flaw that affects about 1 in 42,000 units.

The Samsung Note 7 recall highlights how dangerous electronic devices can be. Samsung Note 7’s use lithium-ion batteries, which are useful because they can store large amounts of energy in a small space. However, this same quality is what makes lithium-ion batteries hazardous. The more energy stored, the potentially more dangerous the battery becomes.

October 6, 2016

Lakeland Mobile Home Park Accused Of Housing Discrimination

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The United States Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against a Lakeland mobile home park for racial discrimination.

The DOJ said it investigated the mobile home park last year to see if it was complying with the Fair Housing Act.

Their reports found that African-American potential buyers were treated differently than potential white buyers.

Among other things, the lawsuit alleges that the mobile home park told African-Americans about fewer mobile homes for sale than whites, quoted higher sales prices for African-Americans and told African-Americans higher down payments would be required.

The DOJ said it was seeking financial compensation for victims and civil penalties for the owner and managers.

Most cases of discrimination have to do with employment, however, race discrimination in the sale or rental of an apartment or home is also illegal under both state and federal law.

Housing discrimination can happen in various ways. A landlord who refuses to rent to African-Americans, charges them higher rent than non-blacks, or a developer or property owner who refuses to sell to a minority or charges more is guilty of housing discrimination.

October 5, 2016

Be Prepared for Hurricane Matthew

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Gov. Rick Scott on Monday signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency for all of Florida as Hurricane Matthew threatened to wreak havoc on the East Coast later in the week.

Hurricane Matthew was southeast of Jamaica on Monday but was predicted to head north and likely produce “devastating impacts from storm surge, extreme winds, heavy rains, flash floods, and/or mudslides in portions of the watch and warning areas in Haiti, Cuba, and the Bahamas,” the National Hurricane Center said in an advisory.

While the path remains unclear as the storm goes further north, the Hurricane Center said direct hurricane impacts are possible in Florida later in the week.

Our Florida Hurricane & Storm Damage Lawyers at Whittel & Melton want you to be prepared for Hurricane Matthew. We urge you to read through the following and make sure you and your family are properly outfitted with supplies in case of an emergency.

Have a 3-7 day supply of each item for every person in your home:

Water

1 gallon of water per person per day stored in clean plastic containers

Food

Purchase foods that require no refrigeration and little preparation, such as:

Ready-to-eat canned food
Canned juices, milk, soup
Snacks like cookies, cereals, etc.
Soft drinks, instant coffee, tea
Lots of ice – so you can freeze your water supply!

For Baby

Formula, bottles, powdered milk, jarred baby foods
Diapers, moist towelettes and special medications

Pets

Newspapers or cat litter
Canned or Dry Food
Plastic sheets to cover floor of pet’s room

Medicine

First aid kit
Rubbing alcohol
Aspirin, non-aspirin pain reliever, antacid
Extra prescription medication – ask your physician how to store prescription medication
Personal Items
Toilet paper, towels, soap, shampoo
Personal and feminine hygiene products
Denture needs, contact lenses and an extra pair of eyeglasses

Other Supplies

Battery-operated radio, flashlights, non-electric can opener, extra batteries
ABC-rated fire extinguisher in a small canister
Portable cooler
Plenty of absorbent towels, plastic trash bags
Wind-up or battery-operated clock
Tarp or sheet plastic, duct tape, hammer and nails for temporary roof repairs
Cleaning supplies such as chlorine bleach
Aluminum foil, paper napkins and plates, plastic cups
Can of spray paint – this can be used to identify your home by insurance adjusters in case it’s damaged
At least one change of clothing per person, sturdy shoes, hat and work gloves
Pillows and blankets or sleeping bags