South Florida Injury Attorney Blog

There is never anything good about a hit and run crash where the end result was a death, an early morning crash in Davie lead to the death of an unidentified woman. See story below.

Sun Sentinel – Davie, FL -- A woman was killed in an early morning hit and run crash in Davie Thursday, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

Authorities are looking for a small, dark-colored SUV with heavy front-end damage that was involved in the crash and fled, Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Mark Wysocky said.

Because of the crash and investigation, a westbound portion of I-595 was closed to motorists for about three hours Thursday morning.

As you can see up until the story was printed they were still doing investigations. To the family of this victim our sincere condolences go out to you and yours. Picking up the pieces after something as tragic as this is always hard for any family but it is necessary to ensure that your family receives the compensation that you rightly deserve.

In any wrongful death case the court may rule that the defendant be required to pay medical bills; funeral costs and the estimated future earnings of the deceased. In some cases I have seen the court also rule that they may also be liable for loss of services for things like household chores that would normally be performed by the deceased as well as loss of advice and companionship.

If you lost your loved one due to a wrongful death, you may be eligible to receive compensation under the law. Call us at 954-431-8100 or 305-624-9186 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. You can also visit us at any of our offices located in Broward and Miami-Dade.

Continue reading "Hit and Run crash in Davie" »

Coral Springs, FL (Sun Sentinel) - Roof collapses at AmTrust bank in Coral Springs earlier today.

There were no reports of injuries Monday afternoon when a large portion of an overhang collapsed at the drive-through area of a Coral Springs bank.

No other area of the bank appeared to be affected by the collapse.

The outcome of this report could have been worse, with injuries to a bank customer using the drive thru at the time of the collapse.

In situations like this should you ever find yourself in one, you may be able to file premises liability against the bank or property owner but to ensure you have enough evidence to back your claim should you decide to file one for damages to yourself and your vehicle you should always keep the following to present to your legal counsel who should be an experienced attorney in premises liability:

1. Retain all records of Medical bills should you have been injured from the accident;

2. Get the police report for the incident;

3. Take photographs of the accident area and the immediate area;

4. Photographs of the damages to your vehicle and your person should you have any.

Once you have all of the above you should present to your Attorney who will review and ensure you receive the proper compensation that you deserve for your damages etc. Should you or a loved one become a victim of this type of accident, you should seek counsel from an experienced attorney in personal injury.

Contact us online or via telephone 954 431 8100 or 305 624 9186 for your FREE consultation.

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Lovely weather for the beach we had this weekend, but back to the grind. Monday news report in the Sun Sentinel – Sun Bather run over by Lifeguard. How safe is it on the beach?? We all know the water has its dangers but you would think that you would be safe on the beach except for the occasional sunburn. See the article on the North Carolina native, Ms. Mizelle who was visiting our sunny State for some sunshine.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sun Sentinel) – Sun Bather run over by Life Guard.

Rinda Mizelle was sunbathing on the beach in Fort Lauderdale, shorts shielding her face from the sun, when instantly she felt the weight of a lifeguard truck rolling across her body, she says.

"The left side of my body got it the worst," she said. "My right arm had to be stitched. We change my bandages twice a day."

Read more

As Ms. Mizelle’s Attorney stated in his interview the State of Florida has given sunbathers the right of way over all traffic on the beach, he also went on to state that within the last year there have been more injuries similar to Ms. Mizelle.

Should you or a loved one become a victim of injury, after seeking medical attention you should seek counsel from an experienced attorney in personal injury. As a Fort Lauderdale attorney we have represented victims that have been injured due to negligence by city officials or workers and been successful. As we have seen some cities have deadlines as to when you can file a claim, any experienced attorney would know to do their research with the city that the incident took place to ensure that you do not miss the date. In this case the victim lives out of state so in a matter like this I would advise my client to keep all records of injury; medical bills etc, and the report from the first responders on the scene should be kept. These records should be submitted to your Attorney to ensure that you have a strong case should you decide to file claim for your injuries.

Contact us online or via telephone 954 431 8100 or 305 624 9186 for your FREE consultation.

Continue reading "Sun bather run over by Life Guard" »

On this day I'm going to keep this short and straight to the point. Friday the 13th already has its myths and legends that go along with it so I will keep a positive note on this one.

Driving through one of the cities out west that currently has a lot of road work being done, I noticed that bicycle lanes were added to the roadways and that is always positive to see. In Florida we have lots of cyclists on the roads these days and with the economy as bad as it is everyone is trying to save and cut costs somewhere. In downtown Fort Lauderdale I have seen the use of golf carts as a form of transportation in and around Las Olas and its immediate environs.

I advise anyone using these forms of transportation to get around make your safety and that of your passenger your first priority always. Too many times we have seen at our office victims of injury from bicycle and motor cycle accidents were in some cases proper safety gear was not worn. We cannot stress that proper safety gear be worn at all times, always ensure when your are bicycling or riding your motorcycle that you have on your helmet and reflective clothing so you can be identified by other users of the roadway.

I said this one will be short and extremely straight to the point ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING when either bicycling or riding your bike. As always should your or your loved one be involved in any form of accident always seek legal counsel to ensure your are compensated for your inury and damages.

At the offices of Cohn & Smith, PA, our staff is ready and able to assist you to ensure your know your rights, contacts us online or via telephone 954 431 8100 or 305 305 624 9186 for your FREE consultation.

Continuing where we left off previously, here is the remainder of the steps that you should follow should you or your loved one be involved in any type of accident.

1. Make notes about the accident, damages to all vehicles involved. Get all auto registration and/or insurance information from the other driver and get witness contact information.

2. Be polite, but don't tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was. Do not accuse the other drivers of being at fault at this time. Do not spontaneously discuss your personal condition, mental frame of mind, or anything unrelated to the accident. Limit your discussion of the accident to the police and your insurance agent. Even if the facts are embarrassing or detrimental to you, be truthful.

3. If you have a camera, and it is safe to do so, photograph the accident scene.

4. If possible, do not leave the accident scene before the police officers and other drivers do.

5. If you get a call from the other driver’s insurance company asking for your version of what happened at the accident scene, politely decline to make a statement until you have consulted with a lawyer.

6. Consider contacting an attorney experienced in handling automobile accident cases.

As always we advise to seek legal counsel to ensure you know your rights and you get proper compensation for your injuries and damages that you may have incurred. We have offices conveniently located in Broward, Miami-Dade and West Palm Beach and has successfully represented seriously injured individuals throughout the cities of Broward County such as Sunrise, Plantation, Davie, Cooper City, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Weston, Tamarac and Margate. Contact our office for a free consultation at 954 431-8100 or 305 624-9186 or visit us online.

Living in South Florida certainly has its advantages the lovely weather and the beaches are the two main things not to mention the abundance of tourist attractions from night clubs to 5 star restaurants to parks for riding or if you are an avid health fanatic walking or jogging or, just spending time with good company and with perfect weather. So living in “So Flo” as it’s affectionately called can be considered GREAT but, then along with the good there is some bad.

Within recent times and on the news there have numerous accidents some ending in loss of life. At the Law Offices of Cohn & Smith we are specialized in all types’ accident-related cases, and with over 33years of experience we have put together a list of steps that I have separated into two blogs. Following these 11 steps we have listed below will assist your legal counsel in preparing a strong case on your behalf should you decide to file claim.

Below are some things we suggest you keep in mind if you or a family member is involved in an accident:

1. Stay as calm as possible. Check for injuries. If you really think your injuries warrant being taken by ambulance to the hospital, insist on it. Make sure to tell all of the doctors you see after the accident how your injuries occurred and that they resulted from your recent accident.

2. If the accident involves a significant collision and there are likely to be serious injuries, don’t move your vehicle unless its position puts you in danger or you are instructed to move it by a police officer.

3. Call the police, even if the accident is minor.

4. Notify your insurance agent about the accident immediately.

5. Don't sign any document unless it is for the police or your insurance agent.

Our offices are conveniently located in Broward, Miami-Dade and West Palm Beach. We have successfully represented injured individuals throughout the cities of Broward County such as Sunrise, Plantation, Davie, Cooper City, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Weston, Tamarac and Margate. Contact our office for a free consultation at 954 431-8100 or 305 624-9186 or visit us online.

In the news lately there have been lots of car accidents some have been the norm where one driver avoided another and got into an accident; there have been others involving school buses and basically just drivers not paying proper attention to the road, causing harm to other innocent drivers. I decided to review some commentary to ensure you have as much information as possible when choosing an attorney experienced in auto injury.

Having an attorney that is experienced car accident injury on your side will ensure that you get the settlement you deserve for your suffering and they will also ensure that the person responsible for your damages is held accountable for their irresponsible actions. A good vehicular accident attorney's understands that you deserve proper compensation and will make sure that your case is handled in a professionally so that you can be confident you will be heard and understood by the judge. They will be able to act quickly to ensure that you do not suffer while you wait for the case to reach its conclusion.

Medical costs can mount up quickly and a personal injury lawyer is well aware of this, and will make sure that your case is treated with the confidentially, with respect and in a timely manner. Once you secure the services of an experience auto injury attorney they will have a full plan for your case and review it with you so that you are confident about everything that will take place.

It is absolutely crucial that you move forward in filing your claim as soon as possible, as it is never wise to wait around. Your attorney needs to be on the case as soon as possible, as case preparation can be timely and you want to give him/her enough time to prepare and build a strong case on your behalf.

Attorney Alan Cohn has been representing car accident victims both in and out of the courtroom for years. His experience will help you recover for your injuries and get you back on your feet. Cohn & Smith PA have offices conveniently located in Broward, Miami-Dade and West Palm Beach and has successfully represented seriously injured individuals throughout the cities of Broward County such as Sunrise, Plantation, Davie, Cooper City, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Weston, Tamarac and Margate. Contact our office for a free consultation at 954 431-8100 or 305 624-9186 or visit us online.

Well the weekend has passed and we are almost through the week, it's "Wednesday HUMP Day". I found this article about a gentleman in his 80’s who received burns whilst repairing a battery on a docked boat, last month in Fort Lauderdale. The article states that the Fire Marshall will be investigating and that the owner of the property could not be reached for comment.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sun Sentinel) — A man in his 80s suffered severe burns Wednesday afternoon while repairing a docked boat, a fire official said.

The man was repairing an 18- to 20-foot vessel docked in the 500 block of Coconut Isle Drive, and an explosion involving a battery occurred about 2:45 p.m., according to Matt Little, spokesman for Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue.

The cause of the explosion will be investigated by a Fire Marshal, Little said.

The man, who remained conscious after the explosion, was taken to Broward General Medical Center, Little said.

Little said he had no additional information about the incident. The man's latest condition was unavailable. Friends or relatives of the property owner couldn't be reached for comment despite a message left at a listed number.

There are lots of events in this article that any Experienced Attorney will see that the injured gentleman has grounds to file claim. First I would advise him to seek legal counsel from an experienced Personal Injury attorney who is also experienced in premises liability; workplace and boating accidents. He should then get all his medical reports and the accident from the First responders to present to his legal counsel along with his rehabilitation records. Once he has all this in place his attorney of choice would be able to advise him as to what his legal options are and how to proceed to ensure he gets the compensation that he rightfully deserves.

Should you or your loved one find yourself in a similar situation you should immediately contact my office as I am experienced attorney in personal injury and premises liability to ensure you know your legal rights and get the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or via telephone 954 431 8100 or 305 624 9186. We have offices located throughout Broward: Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Weston; and Miami-Dade: Aventura.

Continue reading "Man in Fort Lauderdale receives serious burn injuries" »

As I am writing and posting blogs, whilst doing my research I stumble onto a lot of informative articles that I plan on using. I found this article totally informative as it encompassed valid reasons as to why you should hire an Attorney experienced in motor cycle accidents.

Please note I totally forgot save the source so please forgive me.

If you have had the misfortune of having been involved in a motorcycle accident then one thing you should do at the earliest opportunity is to contact a specialist attorney who can advise you on where you stand from a legal angle. It is important to get the right kind of advice in regards to this because they are the people who fully understand the ins and outs of how to successfully be awarded damages for injuries received.

You can therefore see that if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident it is advisable to get the right legal advice from someone who fully understands these types of cases. Just make sure that you really do take your time in deciding who is going to represent you as it is best to try and use someone with experience in order to get the best possible end result.

We offer FREE consultations and my staff is always ready to answer any question you may have. Therefore, should you or your loved one find yourself in a similar situation you should immediately contact my office as I am experienced attorney in motor cycle accident injury to ensure you know your legal rights and get the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or via telephone 954 431 8100 or 305 624 9186. We have offices located throughout Broward: Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Weston; and Miami-Dade: Aventura.

In an earlier blog this month I mentioned that March is considered Bicycle month in South Florida. Just got a notification that the City of Coconut Creek with be hosting a Bicycle Safety event this weekend at Sabal Pines Park.

(Sun Sentinel, FL) The City of Coconut Creek Parks & Recreation Department, the Coconut Creek Police Department, Broward County Bike Patrol and Alex’s Bicycle Pro Shop are sponsoring “Let’s Move Bicycle Safety,” an event where kids can learn how to ride a bike and change a flat bicycle tire. The pro shop will have racing bikes on display and kids can meet a professional bike racer.

The event is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 31 at Sabal Pines Park, 5005 Northwest 39 Avenue. It’s free and no registration is required. For more information, call 954-956-1580 or visit www.coconutcreek.net/events.

As a Fort Lauderdale Attorney I have represented families of victims of bicycle accidents, recently I posted a blog about a 15year old what was involved in an accident in Davie whilst riding to school. I cannot begin to stress the Due Diligence that cyclist have to follow when sharing the roadways with vehicles or even in the parks with other cyclist, skateboarders, people running or walking.

1. PLEASE ALWAYS WEAR PROPER HEADGEAR /HELMET

2. Wear brightclothes - so you will be seen by other bicyclist; pedestrians; and road users;

3. Ensure your bicycle is outfitted with lights and reflectors;

4. Also just like when driving no texting the same applies for cyclist no texting and no use of headphones or headsets as you may be distracted and not be alert to the noises around you such as a car horn blowing;

5. Always wear the right clothing - pants with loose pant legs can get caught up in the bike chain; wear the correct shoes preferrable sneakers as other types of footwear will not grip the pedals. Barefoot riding is NOT an option.

As a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Attorney practicing this type of law for over 10 years, I have represented cyclist that have been the victims of reckless drivers on the road with success. I have ensured that their loved ones receive the compensation that they deserve. Should you or a loved one become a victim of personal injury please do not hesitate to contact our office for your free consultation via telephone 954 431 8100 or 305 624 9186 or online.

Within the past couple days on the news there have been reports of hit and run accidents some involving bicyclists being hit by negligent drivers and mainly pedestrians on crosswalks etc. As an Attorney practising in Davie and its environs, I am experienced in these types on injuries whether it be personal injury; accidents involving cyclists; pedestrians or vehicular, I always advise my clients to seek legal counsel to ensure that you know your rights and you get the compensation you deserve. Below is a story from the Miami Herald involving the Davie Police Chief.

Davie, FL (Miami Herald) Police Chief Patrick Lynn was driving his unmarked car Wednesday morning when he hit a teenage boy riding a bicycle just yards from police headquarters.

"I'm a little upset that the chief was at fault in the accident and didn't get a ticket," she said Thursday. "If I would have hit someone, I would have gotten a ticket. So because he's a police chief he doesn't get in trouble?" Read more…..

As you see from the story above the cyclist was rightly in the crosswalk when he was hit. The report stated that the light was red and the teenager had right of way. Luckily for all parties involved there were no serious injuries, but I would advise my client to still visit your Medical practitioner as with some accidents, "silent injuries" as we call them, may take a couple days to surface, but still should be documented to assist you should you decide to file claim.

Should you or a loved one be a victim of personal injury due to a negligent driver you should immediately seek legal counsel to ensure you know your rights. Contact our local office for your free consultation via telephone 954 431 8100 or 305 624 9186 or online.

Continue reading "Bicyclist hit in Davie" »

(Sun Sentinel, Fort Lauderdale, FL) A 39-year-old construction worker was recovering in the hospital Thursday after falling down an elevator shaft, according to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue.

He was extricated, stabilized and taken to Broward General Medical Center. The injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, he said.

As a Fort Lauderdale Attorney practicing worker's compensation law for the past 10 years in South Florida, I have represented numerous families who have been victims of this type of personal injury. I would advise the family of the injured worker to keep all record of his injury in the form of pictures of his immediate injury with timeline showing his recovery; pictures of the job site and the exact location where the injury occurred; request a copy the accident report from the first responders whether it be the Fire Rescue or the Fort Lauderdale Police; also seeing that worker was taken to Broward General Hospital, his family should request copies of his medical reports should be kept, as this will assist his legal counsel in filing a strong worker's compensation claim should he decide to.

Should your or a loved one be a victim of personal injury accident requiring worker's compensation you should immediately seek legal counsel to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact any of our offices located in : Fort Lauderdale, Weston; Coral Springs; Aventura; Pembroke Pines or Silver Lakes for your free consultation via telephone 954 431 8100 or 305 624 9186 or online.

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