Florida residents are quite familiar with the pleasures of a cool dip in a swimming pool on a hot, humid day. Many Florida homeowners enjoy an in-ground or above-ground swimming pool in their own back yards. With the right security features and safety standards, swimming and water play can be the fun and invigorating recreational activity it is meant to be. However, without proper attention to the potential hazards and adherence to Florida law, tragedy can strike, quickly resulting in permanent disability or death. Children are at particular risk, and a non-fatal submersion mishap frequently leads to brain damage, which can impair the child’s cognitive functioning for life. If your child or other loved one has been injured in a swimming pool accident, we understand the anguish you are experiencing and the challenges you face. At Osborne & Francis Law Firm PLLC, our experienced injury attorneys fight vigorously to obtain maximum compensation for your damages. We are with you every step of the way.
So you've been in a car accident. What happens next? There are many things that you should do but here are the three most important:
Number One: See a doctor immediately.
A broken bone is easy to see, but some injuries are not. The most common injuries from car accidents happen in the neck, back, or head. The only way to diagnose and treat them is by seeing a doctor. A doctor can help ease the pain, provide medication, reassure you of how your injury may impact your daily life, and tell you what not to do to make it worse.
A visit to the doctor can also give you legally protected time off to recover and rest your body after an accident, and it documents and provides the evidence you may need for your case. Even a five-mile-per-hour car accident can cause a serious injury. So whether you've had a severe accident or a minor collision, see a doctor. And if you don't have medical insurance, let us know and we'll make sure that you receive the proper care.
Number Two: Write everything down.
Even if it seems small, during times of stress or injury it is common to forget the little details. Make sure you keep note of the pain that you're in. With neck, back, and head injuries, sometimes simple activities such as walking up the stairs or picking up a toddler may cause severe pain.
You may not be sleeping well at night. Documenting how much you sleep and how often you wake up due to pain is also very important. And lastly, if you have any cuts or bruises, take daily photos as you heal. This will provide visual evidence of the injuries that you've suffered.
Number Three: Do not speak to an insurance company until you've spoken to a lawyer.
Please understand that the insurance adjuster works for a billion-dollar corporation and not for you. Their interests are solely for their insurance company, and their goal is to provide you with the least amount of financial settlement as quickly as possible. When you do speak with them, remember they will record the conversation. Why do they do this? Because they've been trained to ask questions that may confuse you. So talk to us before you talk to them.
So remember: See a doctor, document everything, and call us before calling the insurance company for your free private consultation. We are here for you. Real tough lawyers fighting real tough issues.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regularly compiles data about swimming pool and spa submersion accidents. The following information highlights the risks posed by swimming pools throughout the U.S.:
One of the great tragedies regarding swimming pool accidents is that they are largely preventable nature. In most cases, adequate supervision, basic barriers or even swimming lessons can prevent a swimming pool accident and the resulting injuries. Common causes of swimming pool incidents include:
Florida swimming pool owners have a number of legal responsibilities, and homeowners owe a duty of care as well. The injury lawyers of Osborne & Francis Law Firm PLLC perform a thorough investigation and identify all negligent parties who share liability for your loved one’s swimming pool accident injury or fatality. Call (561) 293-2600 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you.