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dogbite.jpgEach year, more than 4.7 million people are the victims of dog bites, and over 800,000 require serious medical attention. Those at the highest risk are children between the ages of 5 and 9, and there are an average of a dozen deaths annually. Sadly, these incidents are largely preventable through the responsible ownership and proper training of dogs, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, (AVMA).

Part of the problem is the belief that only so-called “aggressive” breeds of dogs are likely to attack and bite a person. In fact, there is little scientific evidence to support that claim, and even the most loveable appearing dogs may actually be the ones to attack. The bottom line is that whether it is a pit bull or a poodle, safety and caution remain the rule when one is near a dog of any kind.

Florida personal injury lawyers are vigilant in cautioning people who may be at risk of serious dog bites, and urge the use of some preventative measures to ensure their safety. Since children are most often the victims of dog bite attacks, it is recommended you should NEVER leave an infant or young child alone or unsupervised around dogs. Kids need to be taught how to properly behave around not only strange dogs, but their own pets as well. Sudden movements, disturbing a dog that is sleeping, caring for their pups or eating can result in startling the animal, and triggering its natural protective mode. Other tips include never running past a strange dog, or attempting to pet it while reaching through or over a fence. Dogs are naturally inquisitive, and will approach humans to initially determine whether they pose a threat. Even though their tail may be wagging and the dog appears friendly, it is advised that you remain still while the dog investigates you by sniffing your scent.

teeendriver.jpgSchool is out, and the beach and other recreational activities are beckoning Florida’s teenaged drivers. Florida injury lawyers are reminding parents that they are the best source of safe driving advice to help keep their children, and other motorists, safe behind the wheel.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has just launched a newly updated website – www.flhsmv.gov/teens – to provide parents with important safety information aimed at teen drivers. Traffic accidents are the number one cause of death for the nation’s teen drivers, and many of those crashes are caused by actions that are easily avoidable. In Florida, a 15 year old teen may obtain a restricted driver’s permit, often referred to as a “learner’s permit”, and drive a vehicle only while accompanied by a licensed adult driver over 21 years old, and under certain other restrictions.

“Oftentimes, the excitement of receiving a new license can overshadow the common sense safety practices of Florida’s younger drivers”, according to Bruce Scheiner of Associates & Bruce L. Scheiner Personal Injury Lawyers. “The new section of this website is an excellent resource for parents who want to keep their kids safe on Florida roadways.”

Click it or ticket campaign in FloridaDrivers in Florida are now subject to a citation for not being buckled in by their seat belts – and law enforcement officers can now pull a driver over for that specific reason alone. The fine is higher if a minor under the age of 18 is not correctly restrained within the vehicle. Additional county fines and penalties are also applicable.

Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed the new law into effect in an effort to keep motorists safe, and reduce the injuries and deaths caused by motor vehicle crashes in the sunshine state. Crist noted, “The most important function of government is to protect – this law will save lives.” With that said, he signed into law the Dori Slosberg and Katie Marchetti Safety Belt Law named in memory of two Florida teens that were involved in separate traffic accidents, and died as a result of not wearing their seat belts. The Florida Highway Patrol predicts that at least 124 individuals will be saved each year as a result of the state’s new seat belt law.

Statewide seat belt usage in 2008 was 79.1%, making it 35th in the nation and below the national average of 83%, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there is an average of just over 700 motor vehicle accidents on Florida roadways every day. In 2008, 2,983 people lost their lives in motor vehicle accidents in Florida, and 199,658 people suffered some type of injury. Florida’s Department of Motor Vehicles, (DMV), also notes that in 2004, Florida experienced 2,179 traffic deaths of drivers and passengers in Seat Belt Equipped Vehicles (SBEV). The tragic note of this is that 62.1% (1,353) of the people killed were not wearing seat belts. Additionally, 69% (109 of 159) of the children ages 0 to 17 years old killed were not using safety equipment. These startling statistics make it clear that the odds are high that you or someone you know will be involved in some type of auto crash at some point in your lifetime.

fireworks.jpgAs millions of Americans prepare to enjoy a fun family holiday celebrating our nation’s birth, Florida injury lawyers are urging those using fireworks to always put safety before sparklers.

“Please celebrate safely,” notes attorney Bruce L. Scheiner, “No one wants to have such a happy event marred by a negligent or careless accident.”

Each year, injuries resulting from improper use and handling of commonly available fireworks and pyrotechnics turn a family gathering into a catastrophe. With the proliferation of roadside fireworks vendors, and even commercial stores open all year, the opportunities for an accident are plentiful.

oahu_waterpark1.jpgWith the dog days of Florida’s sizzling summer and the family travel season in full swing, Florida injury lawyers are urging visitors to our many amusement and theme parks to exercise safety to avoid potential personal injury.

“Whether you are visiting the world-famous resort destinations in Orlando or the local water park or community pool just around the corner, ensuring a safe summer for you and your family means following a few simple rules,” said Attorney PJ Scheiner of Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers.

According to the widely respected website ThemeParkInsider.com founded and edited by Robert Niles, former attractions host at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, these are the top 10 things to consider to keep your park experience safe and enjoyable:

The aching neck of a Fibromyalgia patient“While the onset of Fibromyalgia can be triggered by a number of factors, medical professionals concur that a traumatic incident like a vehicle crash can trigger the disease in people who had no previous problems with ongoing pain and were in perfect health prior to the trauma”, said Starr Joyce, Medical Consultant to Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers.

In a study of 2,000 Fibromyalgia patients, it was discovered that 65% of those patients had some form of traumatic incident. Of that percentage, 52% of the cases were caused by a vehicle crash.

There are likely very few medical conditions as misunderstood as the one known as Fibromyalgia. Medical practitioners from rheumatologists to psychologists to the family MD have long been studying and debating the causes and treatments for this mysterious condition.

BLShurricaneAd.jpgEveryone at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers wishes Florida residents a safe, peaceful summer and an uneventful hurricane season.

We also urge you to be prepared.

“While in the end it will be up to Mother Nature, nothing ensures a safe hurricane season as much as a prepared household, business or family,” said Bruce L. Scheiner, founder and senior attorney at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers. “If you live in Colorado, prepare for winter. If you live in South Florida, prepare for hurricane season. Do it now, not at the last minute when stores are sold out and packed with last-minute shoppers.”

MoveOver.jpgThe injury of two Cape Coral police officers in separate crashes this week is a tragic reminder that motorists need to use extra caution in yielding to emergency vehicles in Southwest Florida.

Officer Damien Garcia, 26, suffered head injuries and a broken leg, according to media reports, in an on-duty motorcycle accident when Garcia’s police motorcycle hit a vehicle that pulled out in front of him as he traveled south on Cultural Park Boulevard.

And a 29-year-old Cape Coral woman is facing DUI charges for a car accident that injured Cape Coral Police Officer Robert Reese, 46, over the weekend. Both the accused driver and the passenger also suffered injuries.

A seatbelt could keep you out of an ambulanceTwo Fort Myers-area teenagers remain in critical condition at Lee Memorial Hospital and another has died following separate car accidents this week in Estero and Bonita Springs.

Florida injury lawyers at Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Personal Injury Lawyers, urge parents to have a comprehensive talk with their teenagers as the summer driving season gets underway.

The News-Press is reporting none of teenagers were wearing seat belts.

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Florida boating accident lawyers and personal injury and wrongful death attorneys remind boaters that increased law enforcement presence on the water this summer is aimed at reducing traffic boating accidents.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is stepping up enforcement along the Naples shoreline — reminding boaters that most accidents are caused by boat operators, whether your boat or another boat on the water.

Carelessness, inattention, navigation-rule violations, poor choices during bad weather, inexperience and alcohol consumption can all lead to tragedy on the water.

As the summer season kicks into gear, safety advocates remind boaters that being out on the water can be fun, but it can also be dangerous.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit offers the following tips:

-Take a safety course offered through the U.S. Power Squadron and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxillary.

-Wear a life jacket.

-Don’t operate a vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

-File a float plan with a loved one or close friend so they know where you are going and when to expect your return.

-Take a fully charged cell phone.
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Here are some other important safety facts to keep in mind:
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