Personal Injury Attorney

March 28, 2012

Marion County Personal Injury Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Orange Springs Airboat Accident Leaves One Man Dead, Another Injured

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 64-year-old Hawthorne, Florida man was killed Tuesday morning when a fishing expedition turned deadly.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission spokesman, the operator of the boat was killed after the airboat capsized. His 50-year-old fishing buddy visiting from New York suffered minor injuries and was taken to Putnam Community Medical Center in Palatka.

The men apparently placed their airboat in the Rodman Reservoir from the Orange Springs boat ramp around 8:30 a.m. The boat rolled over about a half mile from the ramp sending both men into the water.

Both men apparently shared a life jacket and used a cooler to stay afloat.

A man in a canoe found the pair drifting and attempted to paddle them to shore. As they neared the shore, a pontoon boat arrived and the occupants put the men on their boat to take them back to safety.

The Hawthorne man was apparently unresponsive. A Marion County Fire Rescue paramedic pronounced the man dead at the scene.

FWC officials claim the men were in the water for a couple of hours.

An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

Investigators were still trying to uncover the sunken airboat late Tuesday.

Airboats are great for navigating Florida’s swampy marshes and generally used for tourism and fishing trips. While their flat bottoms and raised fans make them perfect for shallow waters, their speed and open nature put occupants at risk for safety hazards. Airboats can reach high speeds, making them difficult to control in the water. Even the most experienced airboat operator can find themselves in an accident, so certain safety precautions should be considered when making an outing:

• Examine the airboat and make sure everything is in working condition. A boat that is in poor condition is unreliable, making it a potentially hazardous vehicle.

• Make sure everyone on the airboat wears a life vest before getting out on the water. A life vest can sometimes be the difference between life and death, even if the water is shallow.

• Pay attention to what is going on in and around the boat.

• Check the Weather Forecast. Inclement weather can be disastrous to your boating excursion, so plan accordingly.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, nearly 5,000 boating accidents resulted in more than 70 deaths and 3,000 injuries in 2009. An astounding 485 people drowned in Florida in 2009 with 72 percent of victims aged 25 and older, according to the Florida Department of Health. Of these drowning deaths, 73 percent were classified as capable swimmers.

Florida waters are some of the busiest in the nation, so it is no surprise that it logs numerous boating accidents. Because of this, it is in everyone’s best interests to be familiar with boating rules and regulations before a boating trip of any kind.

March 12, 2012

Hernando County, Florida Fatal Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Pennsylvania Motorcyclist Killed in Hernando Beach Collision

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 36-year-old Pennsylvania man was killed Sunday night in Hernando Beach after a collision with car launched him from his motorcycle.

The man was driving his Kawasaki motorcycle around 9:40 p.m. when a 2008 BMW sedan apparently attempted to turn left in front of him.

According to troopers, the driver of the BMW turned into the motorcyclists’ path causing him to crash into the side of the vehicle sending him flying from his motorcycle. The man landed in the middle of the road. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Troopers noted that the man was wearing a helmet.

The investigation remains underway.

Riding a motorcycle is an increasingly popular activity in the state of Florida and motorcycle registrations are on the rise. Despite their popularity, motorcycles are a potentially dangerous undertaking. With little to no protection, motorcycle riders are unfortunately at greater risk for injuries when they are involved in accidents with other cars. Due to motorcycles lacking the steel frame and other safety features that are standard in cars, injuries resulting from a collision are usually severe and can include:

• Brain Damage
• Paralysis
• Road Rash
• Spinal Cord Damage
• Broken Bones
• Wrongful Death

Numerous motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle. Often, these accidents involve a negligent motorist turning in front of or pulling out into an unexpected motorcyclist’s path, violating their right-of-way. As a result, the motorcyclist has simply two options, either crash into the car or crash trying to avoid the vehicle. In a majority of these cases, most motorists never even see the motorcycle, or take notice too late to dodge the crash.

If you have lost someone you care for in a motorcycle accident due to negligence, you should not be subject to financial hardship in addition to your grief. Under Florida law, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, loss of future earnings, loss of companionship and other damages. The Florida Fatal Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton understand that losing a loved one is never easy. We can explain the best strategies for winning full and fair compensation from all negligent parties, including reckless drivers, speeding motorists and manufacturers of defective equipment. At Whittel & Melton, we will fight for justice in your case no matter what the circumstances.

March 8, 2012

Florida Trucking & Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Man Killed After Semi Collides into Motorcycle, Causing Three Separate Crashes

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A tractor-trailer slammed into a motorcycle on U.S. Highway 27 in Polk County this week, resulting in the death of one person and causing a chain reaction of crashes.

In total, three separate crashes involving nine vehicles occurred in the Lake Wales area.

According to a Polk County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman, the semi was traveling south when it drifted into the northbound lanes around 5:30 a.m. apparently due to poor visibility.

The tractor-trailer smashed into a motorcycle and a Ford Expedition. The 47-year-old motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Expedition was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center in critical condition.

A second crash occurred in a northbound lane just south of the first involving a Chrysler minivan, a Toyota RAV-4, a Dodge Charger and a Ford pickup truck. All occupants of the vehicles were taken to hospitals. Their injuries were not considered serious.

No one was apparently injured in a third crash that occurred in the southbound lanes, involving a Mitsubishi car and a Ford Taurus.

Authorities claim the poor visibility that caused the stream of collisions was the result of fog or smoke from a controlled burn about 1.5 miles away.

The series of collisions remain under investigation.

Every year across the United States more than 5,000 motorists die in large truck collisions, including collisions with tractor-trailers and semis. The aftermath of an accident involving a semi-truck can be disastrous, often leaving survivors of the crash with serious injuries that could take weeks, months or even years to recover from. The Florida Semi Truck Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton provide victims of big-rig accidents the legal representation they need to recover damages. We also offer representation to families who have unexpectedly and tragically lost their loved ones in a fatal tractor-trailer accident.

A semi-truck can weight approximately 80,000 pounds, and sustaining this type of impact can leave motorists and their passengers suffering from catastrophic injuries. Catastrophic injuries are life-threatening injuries that can leave a victim with an altered physical appearance, mental disabilities and physical impairments. In fact, some catastrophic injuries may never fully heal.
Many catastrophic injuries lead to wrongful death. Catastrophic injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Neurological Disorders
• Burn Injuries
• Neck Injuries
• Amputation
• Head Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Paralysis

Tractor-trailer accident victims can suffer from numerous injuries, including more minor injuries such as:

• Whiplash
• Broken Bones
• Sprains and Strains
• Cuts and Scrapes
• Deep Gashes

One of the most important things you can do after a Florida truck accident is to protect yourself and your loved ones from any further damage. This includes contacting a truck accident attorney to guide you through the legal process. While this may seem overwhelming, the Florida Semi Truck Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can make sure you and your family receives the money needed for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost earnings, emotional suffering and other damages.

February 25, 2012

The Villages Personal Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton Discuss How to Choose the Right Car Accident Attorney to Take on Your Case

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

Any auto collision can feel traumatic despite the severity. Accident victims may feel angry that it wasn’t their fault, and could be suffering from painful injuries that require lasting medical treatment. Fighting with insurance carriers who will try and give you as little as possible for your injuries and car damages can not only be exhausting, but often unproductive. Instead, The Villages Auto Accident Attorneys can fight on your behalf to make sure you recover the full and fair compensation you deserve.

So, how do you find the right car accident attorney for you?

Ask around.

Talk with your friends, relatives and neighbors to see if they have any personal experience with a car accident attorney in your area. Obtaining a personal referral can be a great first step in the decision making process.

Conduct an Interview with Several Car Accident Attorneys.

This can help you figure out how comfortable you are talking to each lawyer. The right car accident attorney will have a genuine interest in helping you, not just collecting money from you.

Find out if the lawyer you are interested in is active in the legal community or a member of an association.

This can be a good indication if your attorney is connected within the legal community, which may be more helpful to you and the outcome of your case.

Use the Internet.

The Internet can be a helpful tool for you to utilize in order to find information about anything or anyone – including auto accident attorneys. You can gain a tremendous amount of information about car accident lawyers through their web sites as well as gain valuable insight into what type of people they are. Navigating the web can also help you narrow down the field of attorneys available to you in your specific area and identify those that have extended hours and make house calls or hospital visits. After looking at an attorney’s web site, you should pursue a consultation before making any decisions on who to actually hire.

Ask for a Free Initial Consultation.

The right car accident attorney will not charge you for an initial consultation. It is important to show up prepared for your consultation and ask a lot of questions. Common questions may include inquiries regarding their experience, success rates, fees and availability. In addition, you should bring along any documents in your possession that pertains to the accident. These can include accident reports, pictures, doctor evaluations and any possible witnesses contact information.

The right car accident attorney will be knowledgeable about the laws and procedures involved in car accident or personal injury cases. It is important to remember that who you choose as your Car Accident Attorney in The Villages is ultimately your choice. Keep in mind that you may be working closely with this person for weeks, possibly months, so it is important to make the right choice for your situation.

Dealing with the aftermath of any type of collision can be difficult. An experienced and dedicated car accident attorney is your best bet in recovering the compensation you deserve. Fortunately, the residents of The Villages and surrounding areas have a car accident attorney they can rely on at Whittel & Melton.

February 24, 2012

Florida Dog Bite Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Dog Euthanized After Attacking Four People in West Palm Beach

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A dog was euthanized Thursday evening after wounding four people in West Palm Beach, including a city firefighter and a 3-year-old girl.

According to the director for Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, the dog’s brain tissue will be tested for rabies as a precaution.

The dog, a cane corso mix, apparently bit a 13-year-old girl on the arm around 6 p.m. Shortly after the attack, West Palm Beach Fire-Rescue crews arrived at the scene.

The dog appeared to have attacked its owner’s grandmother before biting the girl, but the woman did not require medical attention.

While Fire-Rescue crews were treating the girl, the dog apparently freed itself from restraints and nipped the buttocks of a 3-year-old girl. A firefighter quickly intervened and was bitten on the forearm and hand as he attempted to separate the girl from the dog.

The firefighter and the two girls were taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center.

The 13-year-old does not live at the residence and it is unclear whether the 3-year-old lives there.

Following the attack, the dog was classified as vicious and the owner was not allowed to keep it. It is unknown if the owner will face any charges stemming from the attack.
The director for Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control claims the owner was in violation of some regulations. The dog was apparently not current on its rabies vaccinations, and it appears the dog was not licensed, which is a civil infraction. The dog also apparently was not vaccinated, which is a violation of state and local law. It was unknown whether the dog had been sterilized, as required by local ordinance.

A dog bite attack can be a traumatic event, especially for a child bitten by a dog, which may result in serious injuries or even wrongful death. Numerous deaths are reported every year as a result of vicious dog attacks. Most dog bite attacks leave a victim with permanent scarring, nerve damage and at great risk for developing and infection. Often there is psychological harm that remains with the victim well beyond the physical personal injury.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and the American Veterinary Medical Association, nearly five million people across the U.S. are attacked by dogs every year. In fact, it is estimated that every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. requires medical treatment for a dog bite-related injury. Unfortunately, children are the most common victims of vicious dog attacks. The CDC has reported that dog attacks pose a greater risk to children’s health than whooping cough, mumps, and measles combined. Perhaps even more frightening, nearly two-thirds of dog bite injuries among children ages four and younger are to the head and neck region.

For most dog attack cases, the owner is liable for any injuries caused by their dog. The Florida Dog Attack Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help you and your loved ones recover damages associated with a dog bite injury. It is important to note that your ability to recover financial compensation relies heavily upon the scope of your injuries as well as the medical care needed to treat those injuries. Due to statutes of limitations, the ability to file a dog mauling claim is time sensitive, so it is imperative to contact Whittel & Melton immediately right away.

February 22, 2012

Florida Personal Injury Attorneys Whittel & Melton on How to Select a Committed Auto Accident Attorney in Brooksville, FL

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

The attorney you select to represent your interests following a motor vehicle accident can greatly influence the outcome of your case as well as your future financial security. When choosing a car accident attorney in Hernando County or Brooksville there can be a temptation to consider claims of past results, but be warned, every case is unique, and what the lawyers at Whittel & Melton understand is individual attention to each claim is the only recipe for success.

Whittel & Melton Provides Free Consultations

If you reside in Brooksville, Weeki Wachee or any other area in Hernando County and are suffering from injuries obtained in a car accident, the Brooksville Auto Accident Attorneys at Whittel & Melton may be able to assist you with recovering compensation for damages. The Law Offices of Whittel & Melton, LLC handles personal injury cases throughout the state of Florida, and offers a complimentary confidential consultation with a personal injury attorney to discuss the facts of your case.

Are you fighting to recover compensation stemming from an auto accident injury, but thought speaking to a personal injury attorney would be too expensive? The Personal Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton understand the anxiety and tension that go hand in hand with compensation claims, and that legal technicalities and insurance systems can often be overwhelming to you. Our car accident injury lawyers will listen to your needs and aggressively fight for a full and fair financial recovery on your behalf. When you contact Whittel & Melton, we assure you that you will speak directly with a Florida Personal Injury Attorney.

Do Not Delay in Contacting a Brooksville Car Accident Attorney

It is important to take action immediately following a car accident. The Florida Personal Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can assess your claim and start protecting your rights and interests right away. Our attorneys can work with you to make sure critical evidence is preserved, any injuries are properly assessed and negotiate with insurance companies.

In the state of Florida, you only have four years from the date of the actual accident to file a personal injury claim. By waiting too long to secure legal counsel, you run the risk of receiving an insufficient settlement, or worse, the right to file claim at all.

Contact Your Personal Injury Lawyer in Brooksville Today!

If you or a family member has been the victim of an auto accident, then our personal injury attorneys in Brooksville can help you and your loved ones get on the road towards recovery. Our Brooksville Injury Lawyers can advocate on your behalf and guide you through the legal process to make sure maximum compensation is recovered for you and your family.

If you or a loved one is suffering from an auto accident injury in Brooksville, contact the Florida Personal Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton for a complimentary consultation. By contacting us, you will discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer and be able to move ahead with the rigorous representation needed to recover a full and fair settlement you and the ones you care for deserve. We can negotiate with insurance companies, and as trial attorneys, are fully prepared to aggressively pursue your right to compensation in the courtroom. If you have been hurt in a Brooksville auto collision, you should be properly compensated for your sufferings. At Whittel & Melton, our Florida Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to making sure you recover physically, emotionally and financially.

A dedicated personal injury attorney understands the financial limitations one faces after being involved in a car accident and suffering injuries. That is why, at Whittel & Melton, there are no fees or costs involved unless we recover reimbursements for you and your family. If you are a resident of Brooksville or any other surrounding area, contact the Law Offices of Whittel & Melton today to get started towards financial recovery for your injury claim.

As personal injury attorneys, we are here to navigate you through the legal process to successfully regain what is rightfully yours under the law. Contact Whittel & Melton to start the process associated with a compensation claim, so that you can gain the financial restoration you merit.

February 17, 2012

Pensacola Burn Injury Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Florida Man Loses Part of His Tongue After Electronic Cigarette Explodes

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A Florida Panhandle man lost a piece of his tongue and a few of his front teeth after the electronic cigarette he was smoking Monday night exploded.

The fire chief for the North Bay Fire Department near Niceville equated the incident to a bottle rocket igniting in the man’s mouth.

The man was using electronic cigarettes in an effort to quit smoking.

Authorities have yet to identify what model cigarette the man was smoking.

The man is being treated for his injuries at a Mobile, Alabama burn unit.

While cigarette explosions are uncommon to hear of, burn injuries are not. In fact, deaths resulting in fires and burns are the third leading cause of fatal home injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Information collected by the CDC shows that firefighters responded to 384,000 home fires across the United States in 2010, resulting in the deaths of 2,640 people and leaving another 13,350 injured. Likewise, the American Burn Association’s 2011 Fact Sheet estimates nearly 450,000 Americans receive medical care for burns each year. The majority of these burn deaths and injuries are a result of residential fires, but a vast number of injuries and deaths can be linked to car accidents, explosions, motorcycle collisions, industrial accidents and workplace malfunctions.

Burn victims require special medical treatment in order to make a full recovery, which can be costly. If your or a loved one has suffered the devastating aftermath of a burn injury caused by someone else’s negligence, you should speak with a Florida Burn Injury Attorney at Whittel & Melton as soon as possible. Accidents that result in serious burn injuries or even wrongful death are often the result of another party’s inattention or negligence. Our personal injury lawyers can help you recover the costs associated with burn therapy and other medical bills, lost wages and other damages.

No matter how small or catastrophic the injury, the Florida Burn Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help. Our lawyers are dedicated to fighting for the rights of burn victims and making sure the responsible parties are held accountable. We understand that traumatic injuries like burns are the most painful and difficult injuries to recover from. We can negotiate with insurance companies and any other responsible parties to obtain a full and fair settlement for your claim.

February 6, 2012

Florida Personal Injury Attorneys Whittel & Melton Discuss How to Choose the Right Car Accident Attorney in Spring Hill, FL

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

If you have been involved in a car wreck in the Spring Hill, Florida area, the decision to hire a car accident attorney may be one of the first things to think about. Choosing the right car accident lawyer in Spring Hill for your unique situation is a serious undertaking. Car accidents are all too common and if you are suffering from an auto accident injury, you should always take the appropriate and necessary steps to protect your health and property.

Whenever a car accident involves multiple parties, arguments can erupt over who is to blame. When assuming who is legally responsible for the accident, it may be required to select a car accident attorney in Spring Hill that can provide you with the effective representation you need, and who will charge a reasonable fee.

Why Hire a Spring Hill Automobile Accident Attorney?

Oftentimes, people attempt to contact insurance companies on their own after a car accident. This is one of the most common and costly mistakes someone involved in an auto collision can make. Did you know that by hiring the right attorney you may be able to recover double, possibly triple, the amount of money from the insurance companies in regards to your injuries or property damage? You want to recover the most compensation possible to receive the appropriate medical treatment for your injuries. With that said, it is the insurance company’s job to give you the lowest amount of money for your accident claim, and they generally could care less about your suffering. Luckily, residents of Spring Hill can place their trust in the hands of Whittel & Melton, LLC.

Don’t you think you should do everything in you power to get the most out of your auto accident personal injury settlement? Representing yourself in court can be extremely stressful and is seldom successful. An experienced personal injury lawyer can review the facts of your case and best determine how to advance legally.

We Know Car Accident & Seek Damages for All Personal Injury Claims

There are many types of catastrophic injuries you may suffer from following a car accident, including:

• Brain Injuries
• Amputation
• Burn Injuries
• Whiplash
• Wrongful Death

In addition to injuries, you may be suffering from emotional distress and mental anguish. Medical bills can add up quickly after a car accident. If you or a loved one were injured in a motor vehicle accident that you did not cause, you may be entitled to receive compensation for medical bills, loss of earnings, pain and suffering and property damage.

How to Find a Good Personal Injury Attorney in Spring Hill

It is important to remember that a good personal injury attorney will do more for you than simply settle a claim. In fact, the right car accident lawyer will handle each claim on a case-by-case basis because while some cases are similar, each claim is different. The following are just a few of the benefits to hiring our Spring Hill Personal Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton:

• We will carefully scrutinize all aspect of your case including the nature and extent of your injuries to best establish the full scope of your accident injury expenses.
• We can answer any and all questions you have in a timely manner and while aggressive in the courtroom, protecting your rights is our number one priority.
• Should you not have health insurance, we will do our best to find you medical treatment right away.
• We are available to make house calls and hospital visits, so if you are not able to come to us we can always make ourselves available to you.

You only have one chance to obtain justice for your injuries, so it is extremely important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after you have been involved in a Spring Hill collision.

Contact An Automobile Accident Attorney in Spring Hill Today!

If you or someone you love was injured in an automobile accident, we urge you to contact the Florida Personal Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton right away. Understand that you are not alone on your road to recovery, and a reliable car accident attorney can play a pivotal role in getting you the money you deserve. Fortunately, residents throughout Florida, and Hernando County, including Spring Hill, Brooksville, Weeki Wachee, Hernando Beach, Nobleton, Masaryktown and Ridge Manor have a car accident attorney they can fully rely on at Whittel & Melton, LLC.