Category Archives: Personal Injury

Florida Domestic Violence Awareness

Posted on September 6, 2012 by Blick Law

Domestic Violence is a serious criminal offense that occurs frequently in Florida, and the sensitive nature of the offense is sometimes diminished by a misconception that it is often falsely reported. However, the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics considers Domestic Violence to be one of the most chronically underreported crimes, and according to reports it is estimated that 85 % of Domestic Violence victims are women

Domestic Violence is statutorily defined in Florida as “any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member.”

Incidents of Domestic Violence effect Floridians daily, and according to the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the following Domestic Violence statistics took place between 2010 and 2011 alone:

  • 113,378 crimes of domestic violence were reported to Florida law enforcement agencies resulting in 67,810 arrests.
  • Florida’s certified domestic violence centers provided 477,489 nights of emergency shelter to 15,789 survivors of domestic violence and their children.
  • Advocates created 87,474 tailored safety plans, provided a total of 484,950 hours of outreach and counseling services, and answered 130,393 domestic violence hotline calls from individual seeking emergency services, information, and safety planning assistance.

Domestic Violence continues to be a growing problem that effects all genders, all races, and all ages. Additionally, the effect on children who witness incidents of Domestic Violence is extensive; and families must be made aware of the trauma, and life altering consequences that can occur due to exposure to Domestic Violence.

If you or a loved one have been a victim of Domestic Violence and need help, call Blick Law Firm today at 813-931-0840. Schedule a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer.

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Burn Victims: Recovery for Pain and Suffering

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Blick Law

Every year, innocent victims of fires incur life altering burns, pain, and disfigurement and are forced into a life of constant rehabilitation. The pain and suffering that results are an unfortunate and devastating aspect of the severity of injuries that can occur due to exposure to fire; and most times the burn victims themselves are not even at fault.

If another party is responsible for the fire, you are entitled to seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering includes any pain, disfigurement, emotional distress, disability, and even embarrassment attributable to the burn injury sustained; and the recovery for these damages includes both present and future losses.

Cases involving burn victims vary in their severity, but ultimately are traumatizing no matter how severe; and the pain involved in treating these injuries is overwhelming. Many factors are considered when assessing the amount of recovery available to burn victims, beginning with liability, the severity of the burns, the amount of rehabilitation and treatment required, the extent of the disability incurred, disfigurement, and the extent of emotional distress. These factors are difficult to quantify in terms of recovery, but  can result in substantial awards for damage.

If you or a loved has been injured in a fire, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840. Call today to schedule a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick.

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Florida Hurricane Safety

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Blick Law

Weather conditions in Florida frequently cause safety concerns on the roadways, and it is important to be aware of potential dangers and take safety precautions to avoid them.

Inclement weather causes tricky road conditions like standing water or flooding. These road conditions often times conceal dangerous debris, tree branches, and even power lines that are not visible. Many drivers attempt to drive through flooded areas and risk encountering hazards to save time or to avoid an inconvenient detour; drivers should always consider the safety risks and take necessary precautions by avoiding flooded areas.

Many times, weather conditions cause traffic lights to become inoperative, creating confusion on the roadways that can lead to deadly collisions. When encountering a downed traffic light, every driver approaching the intersection should come to a complete stop and yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection.

Be cautious, and consider that the roads are wet and cars are more prone to skidding and loss of control.

In the event Hurricane conditions cause the need to evacuate, have a plan ready, know where you will go, and research several alternate routes in the event of closed roads and severe traffic congestion.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of dangerous roadway conditions, call Blick Law Firm today at (813) 931-0840 to schedule a free 15 minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer.

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Florida Boating Laws

Posted on August 25, 2012 by Blick Law

The waters of Florida are both a national and international resource alike, and recreational boating on these waters contributes to the well-being of both residents and visitors. As a result, boating laws are in place to protect the safety, aesthetics, and future of Florida’s waterways.

Florida law enforcement officers and Florida Wildlife officials patrol the waterways daily to ensure safety and compliance with boating laws. It is important while boating to be aware of the laws regulating waterway use, and be informed of what your responsibilities are.

By law, all watercraft operators are responsible for operating their vessel in a reasonable and prudent manner with regard for other vessel traffic, posted restrictions, the presence of a divers-down flag, and other circumstances so as not to endanger people or property. Non-compliance with the safety rules of the waterways can result in both non-criminal and criminal violations.

In Florida, laws against boating while impaired by alcohol or other drugs are as strict as those for driving a vehicle while impaired. Florida law prohibits anyone from boating under the influence (BUI). That is, it is illegal to operate any vessel or to manipulate any water skis, sailboard, or similar device while intoxicated due to alcohol or any combination of alcohol, a controlled substance, or drugs.

If you have been stopped while boating and need legal advice, call Blick Law Firm today. Schedule a free 15-minute appointment with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick.

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2012 London Olympic Games Influence: Young Athletes, Injury, and Overuse

Posted on August 15, 2012 by Blick Law

Throughout the course of the Summer London 2012 Olympic Games, millions of people have enjoyed the spirit of competition and the thrill of victory. At a young age, competition in various sports and games is common and important throughout the development of a child.

With the growing problem of childhood obesity and unhealthy diet habits, some parents have encouraged increased participation in sports and activities. This is great to develop healthy exercise habits in children and maintain a competitive spirit that they can continue into their adult lives.

However, some children are pushed to heightened levels of performance that their growing bodies many times cannot handle, and begin to wear down quickly. In growing proportion, children are developing early onset cases of Arthritis and Tendonitis, and even examples of Tendon Transplants for elbow injuries to young baseball pitchers has been required for children as young as 10 years old. While it is important for parents to ensure their children stay active, it is vital to monitor young athletes and avoid injury from overuse.

At Blick Law firm we handle a variety of injury cases, and we pride ourselves on Helping the Hurting. If you or a loved have been injured and need advice, call Blick Law Firm today at (813)931- 0840 to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick!

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Pedestrian Safety, A Florida Problem

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Blick Law

Florida leads the country in pedestrian deaths each year, and this statistic has become a major concern for the Florida Department of Transportation. According to an annual study by nonprofit organization Transportation for America, Florida includes four of the five most dangerous metropolitan areas in the country for pedestrians and bikers…. and the Tampa area is listed as number two.

Under Florida Law, drivers are required to come to a complete STOP when approaching a pedestrian cross-walk. However, many cross-walk signs do not notify motorists of their obligation to stop, and most drivers interpret cross-walk signs as a notice to YIELD to pedestrians. This misinformation creates a dangerous miscommunication between driver and pedestrian, and has led to many fatal and life-altering personal injury accidents.

While laws are in place to protect pedestrians from motorists, Florida law also maintains that pedestrians have an obligation to be responsible and cognizant of their surroundings when utilizing the roadways. Among the factors contributing to the increased pedestrian death in Florida is a lack of awareness by both motorists and pedestrians. As a result, it is important to stay educated about the potential safety hazards while walking, biking, and driving on Florida roadways. Unfortunately for many people, roadway safety concerns are not fully appreciated until disaster hits close to home.

If you, or your family have been a victim of a personal injury accident call Blick Law firm at (813) 931-0840 to learn about your rights. Schedule an appointment today for a free case evaluation with Attorney Michael Blickensderfer. Think quick, call Blick!

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