Personal Injury Attorney of Florida Legal Blog

Florida Highway Accident Kills 11 People

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

A horrific crash that has been described as looking like “Armageddon” killed 11 people and injured many more on a stretch of I-75 in Alachua County on January 29^th. The 11^th victim was found today – days after the crash took place. Smoke, fog, fire and debris have made the accident scene very difficult to process. The 11^th victim as well as several others have yet to be identified.
Florida Highway Patrol spokesman Lt. Pat Riordan said that 27-year-old Christie Diana Nguyen, of Gainesville, was among the 11 deaths from the pileup. Five members of a Kennesaw, Ga., church also died in the crash. This includes church Pastor Jose Carmo Jr. 43, his wife, Adrianna, 39, and their daughter, Leticia, 17, died in the crash. The van's driver, Carmo's brother Edson Carmo, 38, and his brother's girlfriend, Roselia DeSilva, 41, also died.
26-year-old Jason Lee Raikes of Richmond, Va. was the seventh fatality and Vontavia Robinson, 22, of Williston, was also killed, according to FHP.
Among the injured were several local women. Candice Grams of Boca Raton, Jennifer Deutsch of Parkland, Stacey Krause of Parkland and Michele Deutsch did not escape unharmed, but are nevertheless lucky to have survived such a major highway accident. Teddy Schrader, son of Pasco Commissioner Ted Schrader was also among the injured.

The victims, those injured and all of their families have a long road ahead navigating insurance issues and medical issues.

West Palm Beach Car Chase Leads to Injury Accident, 2 Arrests

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The Saturday before last, two young men fled from West Palm Beach police officers and caused an accident that sent three people to St. Mary’s Hospital. According to news reports, 28-year-old Willie Frank Boone and 20-year-old Gabriel James Butler led police on a lengthy chase through town, running multiple stop signs before colliding with a car driving southbound on Australian Avenue.

When Boone’s Chevy Impala slammed into the other car, it rolled over, injuring the three occupants of the vehicle. Boone fled the scene of the accident; police gave chase. The wild car chase concluded without further significant incidents. Eventually, Boone pulled into a home on the West Tenth Street, and he and Butler left the vehicle. Butler did not resist arrest, but Boone fled the scene. Officers apprehended Boone and charged him with eluding police officers, a hit-and-run West Palm Beach accident with injuries, driving with a suspended Florida license, and resisting an officer. Butler was also arrested at the scene.

If you were hurt in a hit-and-run auto accident in West Palm Beach or elsewhere, the team at the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb will help you obtain justice and demand appropriate compensation. Call the team now for expert guidance at 1-800-GOLD-LAW.

Sherriff's Deputy in Palm Beach Sent to Hospital after Scary Crash

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

The Saturday night before last, a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Deputy lost control of his cruiser while swerving to avoid a car accident. The police officer slammed into a store sign in Palm Beach Gardens, injuring himself in the process. According to early reports from WPBF report, the deputy's prognosis was looking positive. Ironically, the drivers involved in the accident he avoided did not get significantly hurt.

However, one can imagine what might have happened, had the deputy not acted instinctively to protect himself and the other drivers. Imagine if the cruiser had careened into the other two autos. A non-injury two-car accident would have been instantly transformed into a three-car accident: and who knows what injuries, property damage – even loss of life – might have ensued.

Was the deputy’s sense of civic responsibility so powerfully ingrained in him that he just instinctively sought to protect other drivers over even his own safety? From the news reports, it’s impossible to tell. However, this story does highlight how the split-second decisions we make – often unconsciously – determine not only our own fate in West Palm Beach car accidents, but also the fates of other drivers and passengers involved.

We wish the Sherriff’s Deputy a speedy and fast recovery. If you or someone you care about was hurt in a West Palm Beach auto accident, the team at the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb can help you. Learn more about our services here online, or get fast, efficient help by calling 1-800-GOLD-LAW.

Is It a Minor Slip and Fall? Injury Lawyer in West Palm Beach Wonders

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

When you think about the cases that a typical high-profile injury lawyer in West Palm Beach handles, you probably think about the catastrophic incidences. For instance, you might envision situations in which an elderly woman suffers a concussion falling down some stairs, or your landlord breaks her leg while climbing the dirty, slippery steps of your apartment building.

Serious and sometimes catastrophic disasters – broken legs, concussions/brain damage, massive bleeding, even death – can occur due to slip and falls, but many legitimate cases appear ambiguous at first.

What should you do if you only “sort of” hurt yourself in a slip and fall?

The solution is obvious, but it isn’t commonly practiced. Basically, you want to treat the incident as if it were a potentially serious threat to your health and well being.
Some steps you should take include:

Copiously collect information.

Take pictures of the scene. Take witness statements. Journal your own thoughts and feelings after the accident, particularly as they relate to your injury. Obsessively collect any information that might be relevant: transcribe calls you have with insurance agents, doctors, witnesses of the event, etc.

Get medical attention right away.

Just because you “feel okay” does not mean that you are. The only way to know for sure is to get a thorough medical evaluation. This is important not just for legal reasons, but also for health reasons. If you identify a head injury early enough, for instance, you can prevent serious repercussions from it.

Get a free consultation from a reputable West Palm Beach slip-and-fall law firm

The team at the law offices of Craig Goldenfarb can help you plot out your next steps. Call toll free, 1-800-GOLD-LAW, to get your urgent questions answered for free by professionals.

Fatal Motorcycle Accident Rocks West Boynton: Driver Sped Through Red

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Last Wednesday evening, 49-year-old Ira Rosenberg died in a fatal Boynton Beach motorcycle accident on El Clair Ranch Road. According to a report from the Sun Sentinel, Mr. Rosenberg was driving a 1974 Harley Davidson when he ran a red light and hit a 1997 Pontiac traveling west. The bike hit the front of the car and flipped Rosenberg onto the road.

Police took him to Delray Medical Center, but he passed away just three hours after the accident. Thirty-year-old Denise Robinson, the Pontiac driver, suffered a wrist injury in the crash. Robinson had a 10-year-old boy in the car who escaped the accident uninjured. According to the Sentinel’s report, Rosenberg made a left through a red light – always a fraught and risky move.

Our sympathies and condolences go out to the Rosenberg family. The story illustrates how dangerous the roads can be and how even minor lapses in judgment – failure to pay attention to a traffic signal, a momentary glance down at a cell phone or text message – can lead to horrific, life-changing disasters.

If you or someone you love was hurt in a Boynton Beach motorcycle accident, it’s important to understand your legal responsibilities as well as your legal rights. The team here at the Law Office of Craig Goldenfarb can help explain what you need to do next. Connect with them today at 1-800-GOLD-LAW, or sign up on the website to receive a free Florida auto accident victim kit – great for helping you and your family deal with unexpected emergency roadside situations.

St. Lucie County Man Critical After Dump Truck Hits Him

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

WPTV has reported on a sad and scary St. Lucie County truck accident.

On December 30th, a dump truck on US Highway 1 hit a pedestrian. Local fire department officials responded to the accident and flew man, who is said to be in his 60s, to St. Lucie Medical Center via Air Rescue. News reports offer no clues about why the man was walking on the freeway. Photos of the aftermath of the St. Lucie truck accident also do not provide significant insight into the cause or aftermath of the crash.

Although this story did not make national headlines, it illustrates how fundamentally dynamic accident scenes can be. Consider this: after the accident, police and fire department officials showed up; a helicopter flew in and took the man to the hospital for emergency care; and traffic was renegotiated and restarted. Piecing together the precise physics of the crash after the fact, in other words, can be a daunting challenge. So many factors interplay during an accident and after an accident. Even with excellent evidence—photographs, accurate witness statements, complete police reports, etc.—challenges abound for truck accident victims and their attorneys.

If you or someone you care about was hurt in a St. Lucie truck accident, connect with the team at the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb by dialing us now at 1-800-GOLD-LAW, or sign-up to receive your free Florida auto accident victim kit here on our website.

Auto Accident Attorney in West Palm Beach: Did a Pedestrian Cause It?

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

Injured motorists will often turn to auto accident attorneys in West Palm Beach to investigate and make sense out of complex accidents. Often, a victim’s instincts about who might be to blame are way off the mark. If you try to build a case against an innocent defendant – or if you frame your legal argument incorrectly or inefficiently – your case could run into problems. In the worst-case scenario, you might even forfeit the opportunity to collect money for your pain, injuries, vehicle damage, and more.

Beyond the Other Driver

Perhaps an SUV flagrantly blew through a red light and caused your West Palm Beach car accident. Or maybe some motorist who was driving recklessly (perhaps even under the influence), clipped your vehicle, and sent you spinning into the sidewalk. In either case, you probably have a clear, defined, and emotionally powerful “gut instinct” about which driver is to blame.

However, you might be wrong.

Focusing only on the other driver’s negligence/carelessness/idiocy alone may not be appropriate. Other parties could be involved – and you might be able to seek damages from them.

They could include:

Municipal agencies responsible for keeping West Palm Beach County’s roads safe, clean and clear of debris, and supported by the proper signage;
Pedestrians who wandered into the road and caused cars to swerve;
Malfunctioning auto parts, which can cause a vehicle to swerve or act wildly – mimicking the behavior you might expect from a reckless or careless driver;
Distractions/problems caused by a third driver not involved in the crash. For instance, a car may slam on its brakes, provoking the car behind it to swerve into your vehicle. The driver responsible for the accident may leave the scene before anyone can notice.

The point here is that your West Palm Beach auto accident is likely far more complicated and nuanced than you realize. To make sense of your options, connect with the team here at the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb at 1-800-GOLD-LAW. We also invite you to sign up to receive a free Florida auto accident victim kit on our website.

West Palm Beach Golf Cart Accident: 14-Year-Old Girl in Hospital

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A West Palm Beach golf cart accident at Tequesta Country Club has put a 14-year-old girl in the hospital with major head injuries. According to the Palm Beach Post, the girl and a friend had being driving a golf cart on Fairview East late afternoon on Monday December 26, when the driver swerved to avoid a squirrel.

The 14-year-old flipped out of the vehicle and hit her head on the pavement. A helicopter flew her to St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach for treatment.

According to news reports from last Thursday, the girl was listed in stable condition, but she still needed around-the-clock supervision from her physician. The driver and her father have been issued traffic citations for the accident. Perhaps more interestingly, the father may face charges of child endangerment and neglect for allowing the 14-year-old to operate the golf cart.

We extend our sympathies to the victim in this golf cart crash. The accident highlights how even seemingly safe situations can lead to explosively dangerous, life-changing events. Even being thrown off of something as slow as a golf cart can lead to massive head trauma.

Whether you drive a golf cart or an 18-ton truck, accidents happen arbitrarily. You can protect against them—at least to an extent—with proper preparation and an attitude of safety.

Injury Lawyer in West Palm Beach: Examples of Pedestrian Accidents

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

A typical injury lawyer in West Palm Beach is bombarded with horrific tales of pedestrian accidents on a regular basis. What are some common situations in which pedestrians find themselves threatened and injured? What can you to do protect yourself?

3 Common Pedestrian Accident Scenarios in West Palm Beach (and Elsewhere)

Intersection/Crosswalk Mayhem

Whenever pedestrian traffic meets vehicular traffic, opportunities for disaster may emerge. Even when drivers and pedestrians are on their “best behavior” – and even when intersections are designed well – accidents can still happen.

Why? Simply put, human beings did not evolve to drive cars, trucks, or motorcycles, so our ability to do things like gauge stopping distances of fast-moving cars is inherently poor.

What you can do: Avoid busy intersections, if possible. When you cross the street, look both ways and turn off distractions, such as cell phones.

Alcohol + Narcotics + Walking = Recipe for Disaster

In their bestselling book, SuperFreakonomics, authors Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner build the case that DUI pedestrians are, mile for mile, more dangerous than DUI drivers.

What you can do: If and when you consume alcohol, prescription medications, or other narcotics, avoid driving. Call a cab or ask a sober person to drive you to your destination.

Pedestrians Tempting Fate

Pedestrians who cross where they shouldn’t, walk along busy streets at night without reflective clothing, and engage in other acts of obvious stupidity put themselves at a higher risk.

What to do: Abide by rules of common sense (e.g. don’t wear all black and go jogging on a busy street at night). Also, take time to read about potential root causes of pedestrian accidents – especially if you walk or run a lot near roads. Your education is ultimately your best defense.

If you were hurt in a pedestrian accident in West Palm Beach or elsewhere, the team at the law offices of Craig Goldenfarb can help. Explore our services here on our website or call us now at 1-800-GOLD-LAW.

Auto Accident Attorney in West Palm Beach: New Year's Eve DUI Drivers

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

It’s too late for an auto accident attorney in West Palm Beach to give you advice to prevent a New Year’s Eve car crash. We’ve already made it to 2012. Perhaps you or a friend did get into an auto accident in West Palm Beach County or a surrounding area. Perhaps you made it through the holiday unscathed. Going forward, however, you need some tips and tactics to protect yourself and others on the road on holidays like New Year’s Eve, Super Bowl Sunday, and the 4th of July.

Below, an auto accident attorney in West Palm Beach offers savvy tips for accident prevention on dangerous days (and nights):

Reduce the amount of driving you do on dangerous days.

Go to parties close to home. Stick to roads you know. Limit the number of hours and miles you log, particularly if you drive near places like college campuses or lively areas of your city. Accident prevention is a numbers game. Avoiding the most likely dangerous places to drive is just common sense.

Maximize your mindfulness behind the wheel.

You might be tempted to chat with friends, listen to live music, or even chat on your cell phone using a hands-free headset. Avoid the temptation. Minimize distractions, so that you can maximize your ability to pick up on and avoid the dangerous drivers out there.

Maintain your car.

Check your brakes, your fluid levels, your tire pressure, and other safety features regularly. Your ability to maneuver during an accident will depend intimately on the quality of your vehicle’s safety systems and maintenance.

Outthink yourself.

You know your own behaviors, flaws, and tendencies. If you are prone to “party hard” during the holidays and lose your sense of good judgment, develop contingency plans in advance. For instance, ask a friend to pick you up at a certain hour, no matter what you say at the time. If you have a history of getting behind the wheel when you really shouldn’t, give away your keys before you go out and take a cab home.

To make sense of your West Palm Beach auto accident, connect with the team at the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb. Pick up our free accident kit for Florida auto accident victims on our website, or call us at 1-800-GOLD-LAW for help with your case.

Florida Nursing Home Attorney: Reactions to Restraint Injuries

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST

One of the most testing tasks of any Florida nursing home attorney is revealing the details of a case with family members.

Consider nursing home abuse cases involving allegations of unreasonable restraint. This is a situation in which a caregiver restricts or restrains an elderly resident and causes harm. For instance, a nurse might strap a patient into his bed for hours or days at a time. The consequences can be grisly: bruises, contusions, bed sores that metastasize into life-threatening infections, psychological damage, immune system problems and worse.

How should a West Palm Beach nursing home lawyer discuss the ravages of nursing home abuse with clients? On the one hand, it’s important for clients to deal with reality—to know exactly what happened to their loved ones and why. On other hand, the situation can be delicate. How do you respect and dignify someone who has been through so much hardship? How do you convey the appropriate information, respectfully, to the victim's family?

The Power of Effective Communication
The quality of communication you have with your West Palm Beach Florida nursing home attorney can impact your case—both the actual quantitative results that you get (in terms of damages and “justice done”) and the qualitative results (e.g. how you feel about the case, how you feel about the punishments doled out, etc.).

At the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, we seek to understand and communicate with our clients. Connect with us toll-free now to discuss your experience. We will listen to you and help you through the challenges and opportunities ahead. Call us at 800-GOLD-LAW.

What to Do if You Suffer an Amusement Park Injury

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Suffering an amusement park injury can be scary – scarier than even getting hurt in an automobile or truck accident. Why? Because passersby, officials, even your friends may not take your situation seriously at first. How can you convince the people around you that you are indeed hurt and not just scared from a ride or “shaken up” by a roller coaster?

Rule #1: Ask One Person For Help – Be Specific
Individuals hurt in public places do themselves no favors when they request help from a large group of people. This may seem paradoxical. After all, logic would suggest that the more people you ask for help, the more likely you are to get the help you need. However, human psychology is often counterintuitive. Findings suggest that you should point to one person and ask for help directly. Vague cries to no one in particular, such as “help me, I am blacking out” may not get the attention you need. Highly specific cries, such as “you, in that black scarf, call 911, I am blacking out from the ride I just went on,” are far more likely to get an active, successful response.

Rule #2: Don’t Ignore Your Symptoms.
The most dangerous amusement park injuries may not stem from “obvious” problems like ferris wheels detaching from their harnesses and rolling madly through crowds. Rather, the most devastating problems appear subtle. For instance, a person may suffer a stroke while riding on a roller coaster or come down with botulism after eating a turned hot dog.

Rule #3: Get Legal Help as Soon as Possible.
Connect with the Florida amusement park injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb by calling 800-GOLD-LAW. They can help you receive the compensation you need and deserve for your injuries.

Ricochet Effect: Visitor Falls in West Palm Beach Nursing Homes

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

One of the main responsibilities of your West Palm Beach injury lawyer is to build a sturdy, logically solid “cause and effect” argument, linking someone else’s misbehavior or negligence with your harm and damages. To build this scaffolding is harder than you might think.

For instance, say you or someone you loved slipped and fell at a nursing home while visiting an elderly resident, such as a great aunt. Sounds like a simple case. But is it really? Let's walk through this theoretical example and look at how many “moving pieces” might be involved.

West Palm Beach Nursing Home – A Visitor Slips and Falls – The Sordid After Effects

You and your cousin visit your great aunt Marcy in her West Palm Beach nursing home. The visit goes well. You exchange pleasantries and hugs. As you are about to leave, however, you freshen up in her bathroom and slip and fall on a tube of open ointment on the floor. You hit your head badly on the vanity, and the staff has to rush you to the emergency room. You are treated for a concussion and released. You think that’s the end of the story. However, weeks later, you start to have memory problems and lose your balance a lot. You go back to your doctor for a checkup, and you discover that you’ve sustained a lesion on your brain. Thus begins an epic, scary journey into rehabilitation and possible surgery.

If you look at the enormous chain of consequential events – which might extend years or even decades into your future – you will see that they all begin with a very small detail – the tube of ointment on the bathroom floor that should have been cleaned up. To win compensation for your injuries, you and your attorney will have to prove that recklessness or negligence caused all of the domino effects we just discussed. It’s not an easy task.

That’s why it’s so important to connect with a powerful, reputable team, such as the Palm Beach nursing home lawyers at the law offices of Craig Goldenfarb. Call us for immediate answers to your nursing home law questions at 1-800-GOLD-LAW.

Florida Medical Malpractice Attorney: Hope After Cancer Misdiagnosis

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

On some level, you may love it if a West Palm Beach medical malpractice attorney could get you compensated for your cancer misdiagnosis and hold all responsible parties – doctors, technicians, diagnostic technology companies – accountable for your pain, suffering, and scary prognosis. On another level, you may care far less about punishing people and getting money than you do about preserving your health and life and turning your bad situation around.

Can Things Be Turned Around After Cancer Misdiagnosis?

Cancer is not a universal human disease. In fact, epidemiologists and anthropologists have produced ample evidence to show that many societies – particularly societies which practice a “hunter-gatherer” lifestyle and stay away from Western habits of diet and exercise – almost never develop cancer. When these non-western cultures – be they native Americans before European settlers came or Pacific Islanders before colonization – adopt western lifestyles and dietary habits, cancer appears rapidly in the population.

Some serious scientists and researchers now believe that one element of western diet and lifestyle in particular – the consumption of lots of sugar – may be the main dietary cause of cancer. In an April 2011 article in New York Magazine, science journalist Gary Taubes discussed the specific mechanisms by which eating too much sugar can possibly cause or worsen cancer growths, due to sugar’s effect on the hormone insulin and insulin-like growth factor. Taubes quoted three of the country’s leading cancer experts, who all said that they religiously stay away from sugar because they fear that sugar may be a cause of cancer. Other research conducted by Fine and Feinman at New York University suggests that at least certain types of cancers may be treatable with a diet designed to lower and regulate insulin levels.

Obviously, this science is speculative, but it does suggest that people who have been diagnosed – or misdiagnosed – may have options to get treated or prolong their lives. Consult with your physician and oncologist to discuss your best next steps.

In terms of your legal rights, you may benefit tremendously from talking to a West Palm Beach medical malpractice attorney at the law offices of Craig Goldenfarb. Dial our team now at 800-GOLD-LAW.

The Consequences of Unreasonable Restraints in FL Nursing Homes

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A Florida nursing home abuse attorney often must pick up the pieces after extremely disturbing cases of abuse, neglect, and other bad acts at West Palm Beach area facilities.

One of the most disturbing kinds of nursing home abuse in Florida is unreasonable restraint. Caregivers can literally trap seniors in their beds for hours or even days at a stretch. Even less drastic forms of semi-incarceration – for instance, barring a senior from seeing visitors or hanging out with friends – can take a terrible toll. Obviously, unreasonable restraint is despicable. But what are the consequences?

Truth be told, the consequences can range from acute medical problems such as bed sores, bruising and bleeding, to chronic problems such as depression and lowered immune response. Below is a more comprehensive list.

Acute problems caused by unreasonable restraint:

Bed sores
Bruising
Malnutrition
Chafing near the restraints
Failure to take medications at specific times, which causes side effects or recurrence of symptoms
Lack of outdoor time leads to Vitamin D deficiency
A senior can hurt himself or herself trying to fight against the restraints

Long-term/indirect crises caused by unreasonable restraint:

Depression
Suicide
Loss of interest in activities
Loss of immune function
Loss of muscular strength and bone density, which can in turn make a senior more vulnerable for injuries such as slip and falls
Infection and secondary problems caused by bed sores, bruises and the cuts from the restraints

What to Do
It’s never too late to fight back, demand justice, and seek to obtain compensation for the wrongs done to your loved ones. Connect with the Florida nursing home neglect attorneys at the law offices of Craig Goldenfarb by calling 800-GOLD-LAW. Our team can help punish the wrongdoers and protect the care and legacy of the person you care about so much.

Injuries From a West Palm Beach, FL Beach Slip and Fall

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Even if you are young, stout, and in great health, a West Palm Beach, FL slip and fall accident can lead to devastating, life changing injuries. What are some common (and uncommon) complications that can happen after a beachside slip and fall?

Common Slip and Fall Related Injuries

Concussions/Head Injury

Although West Palm Beach beaches are sandy and soft, the promenades, roads and sidewalks around the beaches are hard as stone. If you slip and fall and hit your head on a hard surface, you can suffer a concussion and/or a traumatic brain injury. Head injuries are difficult to diagnose, as symptoms may present days or even weeks after the fall.

Broken Bone/Sprains

Thanks to weakened musculature and reduced bone density, South Florida seniors are particularly vulnerable to sprains and broken hips during slip and falls.

Cuts/Lacerations/Bruising

The nature and severity of your bruises, scrapes, cuts and internal bleeding will depend on dozens of highly specific factors, including your speed, the angle of impact, the hardness of the surface you hit, and the presence or absence of materials such as gravel or broken glass.

Not So Common West Palm Beach, FL Slip and Fall Injuries

Myofascial/Muscular Problems

Nodules of “sick” muscle tissue can develop in the wake of both acute and chronic injuries. These nodules, called myofascial trigger points, may cause conditions ranging from carpal tunnel syndrome to tennis elbow. A sudden, jolting fall can also cause trigger point nodules to form, possibly precipitating long-term problems ranging from migraine headaches to numbness and tingling in the extremities to heart palpitations.

Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome or Other Psychological Trauma

When we think about beachside psychological trauma, our minds are drawn to horror movies like Jaws. However, scary slips and falls can absolutely traumatize victims who may be haunted by nightmares and memories of the fall for months, if not years, afterwards.

Speak to a qualified physician about how to diagnose and manage your injuries. If you need help with legal questions about your West Palm Beach slip and fall, connect with the team at the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb. Call a West Palm Beach slip and fall lawyer at 800-GOLD-LAW to schedule your complimentary consultation.

West Palm Beach School Bus Accident on I-95 Terrifies Parents

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

WPTV has reported on a West Palm Beach school bus accident that has shaken the Boynton Beach community and scared the pants off of local parents. Fortunately, the disaster – which happened late afternoon on I-95 North near Woolbright Road – appears to have caused no fatalities or serious injuries.

Several students on the Don Estridge Middle School bus did suffer minor injuries, however, when an as yet unnamed driver crashed into them. Police shut the highway down for about 45 minutes, while the students were transferred to another bus.

Early news reports did not indicate enough about how the accident occurred for us to comment on issues like fault or to speculate on the dynamics of the crash.

Lessons We Can Learn From This West Palm Beach School Bus Accident
Any time a school bus gets into a collision, parents and school administrators panic – and for good reason! When school bus accidents happen, the results can be devastating.

If you or your child was recently hurt in a school bus crash in West Palm Beach or elsewhere in Southern Florida, you need concrete, practical action steps you can take to protect your legal rights, get compensation, secure the best medical care available, and hold careless or negligent drivers accountable.

Connect with the team at the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb today by calling 800-GOLD-LAW or explore many unique free resources on our website

No Charges for Driver Who Hurt Cop in West Palm Beach Motorcycle Wreck

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Palm Beach Post reports that 65-year-old Marie Nonsant will not be charged in connection with a West Palm Beach motorcycle accident that caused severe head injuries to 40-year-old police officer Keith Gorski.

On November 23^rd, Gorski was pursuing a vehicle on Congress Avenue at high speed when his bike was hit by Nonsant’s 2007 Toyota. Nearly a month later, the officer is still at St. Mary’s Medical Center recovering from his head injury. A city spokesman reports that Gorski might be moved to a rehab facility soon.

Last week, local Palm Beach Law Enforcement Officers established a fund to help Gorski’s family during this difficult time. The Law Enforcement Assistance Foundations (L.E.A.F.) is operating the fund.

Hopefully officer Gorski will recover soon and will be back on West Palm Beach County’s roads protecting the citizenry. We wish him a quick and full recovery.

This motorcycle accident highlights how high-speed driving can often set the stage for injury accidents. Obviously, officer Gorski was speeding as part of his job. But no matter what your intentions are – and how well trained you are – you can substantially up your risk for a West Palm Beach auto accident injury by driving fast, weaving in and out of lanes, and generally driving while stressed.

If you or someone you care about was hurt in a crash, connect with the West Palm Beach motorcycle accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb. Dial 800-GOLD-LAW to schedule an immediate consultation.

Auto Accident in West Boynton Seriously Injures Elderly Couple

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

The Sun Sentinel is reporting that an elderly couple was seriously hurt in a West Boynton automobile accident last Wednesday. According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the couple had been driving on Old Boynton Road in the early afternoon, when their vehicle collided with another car at an intersection.

Rescue workers managed to free the man and the woman from their vehicle and evacuate them to Delray Medical Center. Investigators believe that 18-year-old Alexander Worrall may have caused the accident at Military Trail by failing to stop at a red light. Investigators from the Sheriff’s Department tested Worrall for DUI; the toxicology results have not been released.

According to Florida Law, if a driver hurts someone – or kills someone – while under the influence of drugs, alcohol or even prescription medications, he or she can be subject to much stiffer penalties. These can include longer jail sentence, steeper fines, far more extensive probation, and possibly even the escalation of what would normally be a relatively minor charge (e.g., misdemeanor) to a more serious charge (e.g., felony).

Many Palm Beach County car accidents are more complicated than they appear to be from simple news reports. After all, the dynamics of auto accidents are often extremely complex. Attributing fault or blame is not easy. For instance, an accident caused by “obvious” driver error might ultimately be blamed on mechanical failure or even a problem with the road design itself.

To protect yourself, your rights and your capacity to collect your due compensation, connect with the team here at the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb. Call 800-GOLD-LAW to get a confidential, comprehensive consultation.

College Student Dies from Apparent Heart Attack; Would Defibrillator Have Helped?

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Florida attorney Craig Goldenfarb, National Chairperson of the AED Litigation Group of the American Association of Justice commented on the untimely death of Oregon State freshman defensive tackle Fred Thompson, who died of an apparent heart attack at the Dixon Rec Center on the Ohio State University campus while playing a pick-up basketball game. Did the school have an AED on site and, if so, was it used to try to save the life of this young man? Schools are required to have Automated External Defibrillators on site for use in such instances. Perhaps a life could have been saved. For more information, contact the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb.

http://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/index.ssf/2011/12/oregon_state_football_freshman.html

Boynton Beach Wreck on I-95 Kills West Palm Beach Man

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

A West Palm Beach tennis instructor was killed in a Florida car accident on Interstate 95 before dawn on November 29th.

Brian C. Newcomer’s 2009 Honda Accord ran out of gas and came to a stop on the right center lane of the highway. Florida Highway Patrol Spokesman Lt. David Frith reports that before Newcomer could exit, another vehicle struck his car. This vehicle was a 2008 Suzuki, driven by Fort Lauderdale resident Jeffrey R. Kreiling.

Kreiling suffered serious injuries, said Frith, and was taken to Delray Medical Center.

Newcomer’s girlfriend, Jessica A. Janik, 27, was visiting from New York and was also in the car. She sustained minor injuries and was also taken to Delray Medical Center.

The incident occured at approximately 4:20 a.m., one mile south of the Woolbright Road exit. Frith said that Newcomer’s vehicle had stopped along a curve, limiting visibility from behind.

Frith advises Florida drivers that, in a situation in which you must come to a stop on a highway, you have only a few moments to exit the car. He recommends turning on the hazard lights and stepping out of the car as quickly as possible.

The legal team of Craig Goldenfarb would like to extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Newcomer, and wish Janik and Kreiling a speedy and complete recovery.

Florida DOT Website Hosts Controversial, Violent Video

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

“May be unsuitable for small children.”

These words precede a recent Florida Department of Transportation video, filled with image after image of local residents killed while crossing the street. These graphic scenes show cars ramming into Floridians at high speeds, sending the bodies flying. One memorable scene shows a police officer approaching a full body bag, laying on a highway emergency lane.

Critics of the video include Florida State Senator Mike Fasano. He believes that, while the message is important, the content is inappropriate.

“[The images] were truly graphic, and something that... shouldn’t be on a state website,” said Fasano.

The FDOT created the informational video to alert the public to the dangers of crossing the street without looking. The video is part of a new campaign called “See the Blindspots.” It aims to reduce the number of pedestrian fatalities in Florida.

With 466 deaths in 2009, Florida has the highest number of pedestrian fatalities in the nation. Second place goes to Texas, at 344 deaths. Tampa Bay and Orlando are two of the worst areas for pedestrian deaths in the nation.

At the time of this writing, the Florida Department of Transportation had removed the video from its website.

Craig Goldenfarb and his team of West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys would like to remind Florida residents to be safe. Look both ways and check for oncoming traffic before crossing the street in order to help keep you or your loved ones from becoming a statistic.

Click on our Facebook page, and the Law Office of Craig Goldenfarb will make a donation to charity

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

In the spirit of giving during the holiday season, Craig Goldenfarb invites everyone to click "Like" on the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb Facebook page. For every new "Like" we get in the month of December, Craig will donate $1 to Family Promise, an interfaith non-profit right here in Northern Palm Beach County. This organization helps families with shelter, food, and other living expenses. Please cut and paste this into your status box to help me spread the word. You click, I'll donate. Thanks!

Three-Car Wreck in Belle Glade Proves Fatal for West Palm Beach Driver

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

A 26-year-old resident of West Palm Beach died in a three-car wreck in the early morning on November 20th.

Rakson Rodriguez was driving his Infiniti sedan west on State Road 700 when he struck the back of a pick-up truck driven by West Palm Beach resident Alain Pena, 33.

The collision forced both vehicles into the guard rail. The Infiniti flipped and ejected Rodriguez. The sheriff’s traffic homicide investigators believe that Rodriguez died immediately on impact with the ground.

The Belle Glade auto accident occurred around 5:15 a.m. on State Road 700. According to reports from the Palm Beach County Sherriff’s Office, the approximate location was four miles east of Hatton Highway and six miles west of State Road 80.

A third vehicle, driven by Key West resident Eduardo Ceballo, 48, also struck the pick-up truck after the initial impact. Ceballo and Pena were taken to Belle Glade’s Lakeside Medical Center with minor injuries.

Craig Goldenfarb and his legal team would like to send their condolences for those who knew Rodriguez, and extend our sympathies to his family and friends.

Three Pompano Beach Men Drown After Car Crashes Into Lake

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 EST

Three men were found dead in a vehicle which was submerged in a Pompano Beach lake. The white 1997 Mercury Marquis skipped over a guard rail after the driver lost control during a turn.

The Broward County Sheriff’s Office extracted the men around 5 a.m. on November 19. The men were taken to the North Broward Medical Center in Deerfield Beach, where they were pronounced dead.

The police received a call at 4:38 a.m., notifying them that a white 1997 Mercury Marquis had plunged into a lake near the intersection of Andrews Avenue Extension and West Sample Road.

Mike Jachles, a spokesman for the sheriff’s office, has identified the men. All three are Pompano Beach residents: Gregory Holloway, 19, Tommy Neloms, 24, and Victor Durham, 29.

Police have not determined who was driving. However, traffic homicide detectives know that the men were traveling in a group of vehicles leaving the nearby 525 Club.

Our West Palm Beach accident attorneys would like to offer their condolences to friends, family, and loved ones who grieve for these three untimely deaths.