Personal Injury Claim

June 27, 2012

Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Whittel & Melton on Grilling Safely this Fourth of July

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

For many Americans, the Fourth of July holiday means grabbing friends and family members and barbecuing on the grill. While cooking out is essentially a rite of summer, most people fail to realize the budding dangers for serious burns and other injuries right in your back yard.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 2005 to 2009, fire departments across the United States responded to around 8,200 home fires per year that involved grills, hibachis or barbecues. Annually, these fires cause an estimated $75 million in property damage and injure 120 people. In addition, 15 deaths are reported every year as a result of home and grill fires.

Since June and July are considered the peak months for grilling fires, it is important to discuss how you can keep you and your loved ones safe this summer. The most important thing to remember is to keep your grill away from your house or garage as it could cause these structures to ignite. While it is convenient to grill on your deck or patio, it is not a good idea. Make sure your grill is at least 10 feet away from your home in order to reduce the possibility of setting any structures on fire as well as prevent carbon monoxide from building up in a confined area. Always keep children and pets away from the grill area and never leave the grill unattended.

It is a great idea to make sure your grill is in good shape before cranking up the heat. Whether you are using a gas or charcoal grill, follow these safety tips to execute a memorable barbeque this Fourth of July.

Charcoal Grills

• Get the charcoal ready for use. You can use charcoal chimney starters to start the charcoal using newspaper for fuel. You can also use a starter fluid, but make sure it is specifically charcoal starter fluid. Electrical charcoal starters can also be used, and these do not use fire at all. Just make sure you have an extension cord appropriate for outdoor use.

• Do not add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire once it has been lit.

• Make sure charcoal fluid stays out of the hands of children and away from any heat sources
• After you are done grilling, let the coals cool completely. Once this is done, the charcoal can be disposed of in a metal container.

Propane Grills

• Check the hoses and connections between the grill and propane tank before using it.

• Never use a match to check for leaks.

• A propane leak will release bubbles – running water over a hose will show these bubbles if there is a leak.

• If your grill has a leak, turn off the gas tank and grill. If the leak stops, make sure to get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call your local fire department immediately.

• Should you start to smell gas while cooking, get everyone away from the grill right away and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.

As always, the Florida Personal Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton remind you and your loved ones to exercise safety first and enjoy your Fourth of July. Should the worst happen, we are equipped to handle cases involving fires, burns or other catastrophic injuries.

June 19, 2012

Federal Authorities Shut Down 26 Curbside Bus Companies Due to Safety Violations :: Whittel & Melton

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

U.S. transportation safety regulators shut down 26 bus companies last month operating curbside bus routes primarily on the I-95 corridor, Florida and the East Coast for alleged safety violations.

This action is the result of a larger investigation into crashes in New York and New Jersey last year that killed 17 people.

Officials claim U.S. Transportation Department truck and bus regulators served shutdown notices to three companies and their affiliates – Apex Bus, Inc., I-95 Coach, Inc. and New Century Travel, Inc.

All other operators that received citations were apparently associated with one of the three companies.

Regulators cited multiple safety violations, including drivers without a valid commercial license and vehicles not regularly inspected or repaired.

The bus companies transported passengers along Interstate 95 from New York to Florida.

Despite previous orders to stop service, several operators were still in business and three other companies were attempting to apply for operating authority.

While the commercial bus industry maintains a good safety record, federal accident investigators have apparently been pushing the Transportation Department to toughen up.

The crackdown started as a result of an investigation into curbside bus services to East Coast cities from New York’s Chinatown last year. The investigation by local authorities stemmed from several fatal crashes occurring in the Bronx last year that killed 15 people and on the New Jersey Turnpike that killed two others.

Congress is apparently contemplating legislation that would provide U.S. safety officials with more authority and tools needed to regulate commercial bus operators.

Public transportation accidents happen every day, often resulting in serious personal injuries and even wrongful death. If you or someone you love was injured in a bus accident, it is important to understand your legal rights. You may be able to pursue compensation against the transportation provider for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, lost wages and other expenses.

There are numerous organizations that can own and operate buses for public transportation, including government entities and school districts. Often bus companies and agencies have their own experts and attorneys that handle any mass transit accidents. However, these transit companies will often try and limit their responsibility for any damages you suffered whenever possible. The Florida Bus Accident Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can guide you and your loved ones through the legal process required for you to recover complete compensation. We can make sure your rights are protected and that you are treated with the respect you deserve. Before you speak with an insurance or bus company representative, make sure to speak with the Florida Bus Accident Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton first.

April 23, 2012

Florida Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers :: Nursing Home Assistant Accused of Holding Pillow over Elderly Patient’s Face

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 53-year-old nurse’s assistant at a nursing home in St. Johns County was arrested April 13 and charged with elderly abuse after he apparently held a pillow over the face of an 81-year-old female patient.

A co-worker allegedly overheard the woman screaming outside the room at 2:30 a.m. After opening the door to assist with the problem, the co-worker apparently witnessed the accused holding a pillow over the face of the victim.

The co-worker claims the accused threw the pillow at the headboard after being spotted.

The incident was reported to a nursing supervisor who then contacted police.

The accused was booked into the St. Johns County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bond.

Retirement homes, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities have a duty to provide for the physical and medical care of their residents. This includes protecting residents from unnecessary harm. When these facilities and their staff fail to provide a proper standard of care, injury, serious illness and death can occur.

Nursing home abuse can come in many different forms, from intentional physical abuse to careless treatment leading to broken bones, bedsores and unexplained bruises, burns and cuts. Elderly mistreatment may also encompass the following:

• Physical or Sexual Assaults by Staff
• Medication Errors
• Failure to Follow Proper Treatment Plans
• Lack of Proper Supervision Leading to Slips, Trips or Falls
• Dehydration and Malnutrition

The Florida Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers at Whittel & Melton encourage everyone to keep a close watch on the seniors in their life. Unfortunately, this includes watching for signs of abuse at long-term care facilities as well as among the elderly that reside at home under someone else’s care. If any problems are identified, the top priority should be to remove the senior from the unsafe settings. Following this, all legal options should be taken into account so that the senior can recover for the suffering they experienced.

April 19, 2012

Orlando Theme Park Injury Lawyers Whittel & Melton :: International Drive Go-Kart Track Closed after Girl’s Leg Slashed

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

State inspectors Wednesday were looking into an International Drive go-kart attraction that apparently sent an 11-year-old girl and a man to hospitals.

The chief of the Florida Bureau of Fair Rides Inspection claims the collision impact, which happened around 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, caused a corner of the track to fall a few inches.

The attraction will remain closed until the investigation is complete.

The girl’s leg was cut and the man was complaining of chest pains. As of Wednesday, the conditions of the two were not available.

The Florida state bureau last inspected the attraction in December. They allegedly discovered one cart with a cracked framed and another with a faulty gas cap. The damages were apparently repaired.

The attraction was the site that killed a maintenance worker last July.

A 30-year-old man fell while working on the ride, which according to the website swings patrons 230 feet above the ground and rotates them 360 degrees at about 50 mph.

Florida residents and tourists flock to the many roller coasters, thrill rides and attractions that Florida’s numerous theme parks boast. While these attractions can provide limitless hours of entertainment, they also can be the cause of unnecessary tragedies. Go-karts pose numerous threats and dangerous, including:

• Exposed Gas Tanks
• Lack of Protection for the Arms, Head and Legs
• Uncovered Engines
• Exposed Machinery

Whether you suffered whiplash injuries on a ride or were the victim of another rider’s negligence, the Orlando Theme Park Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help you seek maximum compensation for your injuries. Amusement park owners, managers, manufacturers and insurance companies will vigorously attempt to dodge liability and will often try and limit the amount they pay you for your injuries. At Whittel & Melton, we can build a solid case in your favor by gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses and consulting with experts.

It’s important to realize that your window of opportunity to report an amusement park injury may be narrow. There is little time to mull over what you should do. By contacting a personal injury law firm immediately, you can get educated about your rights and begin pursuing compensation from any obtainable sources.

April 4, 2012

Tampa Motorcycle Injury Attorneys Whittel & Melton :: Apollo Beach Motorcyclist in Critical Condition Following Crash with 100-Year-Old Driver

by Whittel & Melton, LLC

A 22-year-old motorcyclist remained in critical condition Tuesday afternoon after being involved in a collision with a 100-year-old driver.

The Florida Highway Patrol claims a 2003 Buick Century made a left turn into the motorcyclist’s path.

The 22-year-old was ejected from his motorcycle and taken to Tampa General Hospital.

The Buick’s driver, apparently born in 1911, suffered minor injuries.

No charges have been filed as of yet. The investigation is pending.

The sunny, warm climate of Florida tends to entice a large number of motorcycle enthusiasts each year. However, when the number of motorcycles on the road is increased this invariably leads to a surge in motorcycle collisions. Many factors can contribute to a motorcycle crash, including:

• Weather Conditions
• Speeding
• Riding Skills
• Road Hazards
• Reduced Visibility

Motorcycle accidents often leave passengers with severe injuries due to the lack of standard safety features that other passenger vehicles are equipped with. Motorcycles are not outfitted with the protective metal frame, safety belts and airbags that provide safety to occupants of passenger cars, so motorcyclists likely experience catastrophic internal, brain and spinal cord injuries when involved in a wreck. These severe injuries can wind up costing you a substantial amount of time and money to recover from, and you may be unable to cover the cost of your medical bills due to time missed from work.

The Florida Motorcycle Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton know the financial difficulties many motorcycle injury victims face following an accident. You may require assistance to carry out daily tasks and be physically unable to work. You could be facing the stress of recovering from your injury, while at the same time trying to figure out how to cover household costs. At Whittel & Melton, we strive to help those injured in accidents recover financial compensation from the liable party. We can investigate your accident claim and put our resources at work for you while you focus on your road to recovery.

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 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.