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graveLosing a loved one is never easy, but it can be even more difficult when the death is unexpected. It can be difficult to know what to do after such a loss, but you don’t have to face the process alone. If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another party, you need to reach out to a skilled Miami wrongful death attorney who can help. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we understand how to move through these claims to help our clients get the maximum appropriate compensation in their case. Time is of the essence in these cases, so it is vital to act quickly.

In Florida, F.S. 409.25656 allows for the garnishment of any personal injury or wrongful death damages for certain financial obligations, including child support. The Tennessee Supreme Court recently addressed this issue in a wrongful death case in which the court held that an individual who owes child support is not able to receive monetary damages from a wrongful death claim.

In a recent case, a married couple had a son named Uriah who was born in 2009. A month later, the husband abandoned his wife, although they never divorced. He never provided any financial support to his wife for the child. In 2010, when Uriah was 18 months old, the wife died unexpectedly in a car crash involving a teenage driver. After the wreck, the court handed custody of the child to his maternal grandmother.

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carIf you or a loved one has been injured in a chain reaction accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have legal options and should reach out to a knowledgeable Miami car crash attorney as soon as possible. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we understand that the legal process is stressful, but you don’t have to go through it alone. We are prepared to answer your questions and address your concerns in regard to your case.

Earlier this year, a Florida National Guard soldier died and five others were injured in a chain reaction crash involving military vehicles in Sebring. An initial investigation revealed that three Palletized Load System vehicles (similar to a semitrailer truck) collided in a chain reaction crash. The convoy was traveling north on the highway when the third vehicle failed to stop for a red light in time and hit the second vehicle. The driver of that vehicle sustained fatal injuries and had to be extricated from the damaged vehicles. No civilians were involved in the accident.

Chain reaction accidents, also commonly known as multi-vehicle accidents, take place when more than two cars hit each other in a chain of rear-end accidents. Unfortunately, chain reaction accidents are more common than you may think. The National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that more than 15,000 people are killed in chain reaction accidents every year, and about 57.2 percent of crashes involve two or more vehicles. In addition, a total of 12 percent of the measured crashes involved three or more vehicles. The NHTSA also reports that around 40 percent of all car accident fatalities arise from multi-vehicle crashes.

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golf cartAn unexpected accident can not only result in painful injuries but also lead to numerous doctors’ visits and even days off from work. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your harm. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our seasoned Miami accident attorneys understand the nuances of Florida personal injury law and can apply this knowledge to your case. We are here to answer your questions and address your concerns.

Florida is known for its lush golf courses. While most people enjoy the activity without incident, the reality is that Florida golf cart accidents are quite common. Some of these accidents can result in serious and long-term injuries. In most cases, a person who sustains an injury can file a claim for damages against the at-fault party. The at-fault party’s insurance company will then evaluate the case and make or deny payments for medical expenses and other losses accordingly.

A Florida appeals court recently issued an opinion in a case involving a female pedestrian who suffered injuries after being hit by a golf cart. The woman was walking along a path in a retirement community when she was hit by another resident driving a golf cart. Sadly, the operator of the golf cart who caused the crash did not have enough insurance coverage to properly compensate the victim for her harm. As a result, the woman had to file a claim under her own insurance policy’s underinsured motorist (UM) provision.

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trainTrain accidents can lead to devastating damage. Not only can these accidents lead to serious injuries, but also in some cases, these accidents can lead to death. If you have been injured in a train accident, it is important to consult a Miami train accident attorney without delay. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we can help you seek the compensation you need to move on with your life. With years of experience, we understand how to navigate these complex claims.

A truck driver was killed in Florida in early December when a SunRail train slammed into a semitrailer, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The driver of the semi died at the scene of the accident. He had stopped on the tracks and was attempting to back into a business loading dock. As he tried to maneuver the truck, the crossing arms for the railroad tracks came down onto the truck. People were yelling at the driver, trying to warn him of the train. He tried to get out, but it was too late. Unfortunately, this is not the first time a train accident has led to a fatality in Florida. Earlier this year, a man was struck and killed by a SunRail train in Longwood. That death marked the sixth commuter train-related death in 2017, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

Railroad companies are responsible for making sure that railroad crossings, gates, and all accompanying signs are in proper working order. If a railroad company does not provide or maintain these key features, and an injury or death takes place, the company may be liable for the accident and any resulting harm. It is important to note that a conductor and his or her employer may be liable for a train accident as well.

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construction Unfortunately, workplace injuries and deaths are quite common in Florida and throughout the United States. If you have lost a loved one in an on-the-job accident, you need to reach out to a seasoned Miami workplace accident attorney who can assess the merits of your case. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, we understand the devastation that an unexpected death can have on a family, which is why we will handle your case with the utmost compassion.

Although the national average of workplace deaths has declined in recent years, Florida’s workplace fatalities have risen, making it the state with the third-highest number of fatal work injuries in the country. While the workplace death rate in Florida is still lower than the national average, things seem to be moving in the wrong direction. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida’s workplace fatalities rose from a rate of 2.7 for every 1,000 full-time workers to 3.1 for every 1,000 workers. Meanwhile, the national workplace fatality rate dropped from 3.43 to 3.38.

While a workplace accident can lead to death in any industry, it most often happens in construction. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, one-fifth of the nationwide workplace deaths in 2015 were in the construction industry. The four leading causes of death in the construction industry were as follows:  falls, being struck by objects, electrocutions, and being caught in-between equipment, objects, or collapsing structures.

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fracture

Falls are the leading cause of injuries to the elderly. While a fracture or broken bone may seem like a relatively minor injury, the reality is that these injuries can have a significant impact on an elder’s ability to perform basic day-to-day tasks. If you have suffered a broken bone or fracture in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence at a nursing home, we can help. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our Miami nursing home negligence attorneys can scrutinize the facts of your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your harm.

A fracture refers to a broken bone. It can be a thin crack to a complete break. A bone can be fractured in just one place or in many places. A fracture can occur on almost any bone in the body. A fracture can happen in one place or in multiple places on the same bone. A simple fracture occurs when the bone breaks but does not pierce the skin, whereas a compound fracture takes place when the bone breaks and pierces through the skin. For seniors at a nursing home, fractures can have devastating consequences. Particularly for adults who are 65 years old and older, fractures can take months to heal, and, in some cases, they never heal properly.

In nursing homes, fractures are most often results of slip and fall accidents. Unfortunately, many nursing homes do not take adequate measures to make sure their residents are safe from the risk of falls. Lack of proper supervision, poor lighting, and even physical abuse can contribute to a higher risk of falls. As a result, it is imperative that nursing homes take all necessary measures to make sure residents do not face unnecessary risks of falls or injuries.

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mcdonaldsBurn injuries can have serious and long-term consequences for a victim. Not only are these injuries extremely painful, but also they can leave terrible scars. If you or someone close to you has suffered a burn injury in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our Miami burn injury attorneys can analyze the facts of your case and provide you with an honest assessment of your claim.

Earlier this month, an Orlando woman filed a lawsuit against McDonalds, alleging the restaurant failed to properly secure the lid of a hot coffee cup, which led to her injuries. According to the complaint, the woman was at the drive-through at McDonald’s when an employee handed her a hot cup of coffee. As the woman took a sip, the hot coffee spilled onto her. The woman claims that the spill and subsequent injuries occurred because the McDonald’s employee did not secure the lid properly. She is seeking damages for physical injuries, mental anguish, loss of earnings, and medical expenses.

This is not the first Florida case involving a hot coffee spill. Earlier this year, a Florida woman was awarded $100,000 after a 2014 incident at a Starbucks drive-thru in Jacksonville that left her physically injured. About $85,000 of the total award was for pain and suffering, and about $15,000 was for medical bills. The woman alleged that the Starbucks employee failed to fasten the lid properly, which led to the 190-degree drink spilling all over her lap, leaving her with permanent scars from first- and second-degree burns.

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accidentThe rise of technology has been convenient for a lot of day-to-day tasks. With the click of a button, we can figure out the nearest restaurant and how to get there. But there is a downside as well. Technology-related distractions, such as the use of cell phones, have contributed to many accidents on the road. If a driver who was using their cell phone behind the wheel has injured you, you may be entitled to compensation. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our Miami distracted driving accident lawyers are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable for the harm that they cause.

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, the United States has seen a 14 percent spike in roadway fatalities over the last two years. It has also seen the biggest back-to-back increase in auto accident death rates per mile driven in more than 50 years. In 2016 alone, over 37,000 people died in roadway accidents. This group includes drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Many blame the increase in accidents on technology-related distractions, such as cell phones. Official figures from the U.S. Department of Transportation rebut this sentiment, showing that only about 9 percent of traffic deaths are caused by distracted driving in general and even fewer specifically by phone use. However, the National Safety Council (NSC) has challenged this data, pointing out that police reports often lack the ability to record technology-related distractions as the cause of an accident. Additionally, many times, the report is contingent on the driver admitting to the distraction, which leads to systematic undercounting. Both the NSC and a recent study by Cambridge Mobile Telematics claim that cell phones play a much larger role in accidents than official figures show. In fact, the NSC claims that based on the under-reporting of distracted driving crashes, the number of fatal crashes that actually take place each year could be double what is recorded in federal data.

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pillsWhile medications are used to heal, they also have the potential to cause harm if not properly administered. Unfortunately, medication errors are common both in general practice and in hospitals. If you or someone close to you has been adversely affected by a medication error, you need to speak to a skilled Miami medical malpractice attorney who can assess the merits of your case. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, you can rest assured that we are dedicated to examining your case and determining your legal rights and options.

A recent report published in the journal The Consultant Pharmacist highlights the importance of a comprehensive medication review after a patient was prescribed the wrong medication for over 10 years. The case involved a 69-year-old patient with paranoid schizophrenia who was brought to the emergency room following violent behavior against staff at the nursing home facility where he lived. At that time, a transcription error had occurred – a prescription for one drug was deleted, and another drug was added. During a subsequent hospitalization, the error was not discovered, but instead the dose of the wrong medication was increased.

Unfortunately, this story is not unique. Since the year 2000, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received more than 95,000 reports of medication errors throughout the country. The FDA defines a medication error as “any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or patient harm while the medication is in the control of the healthcare professional, patient, or consumer.” Medication errors can happen in a number of ways, including when the wrong medication was prescribed or given, the wrong dosage was given, the wrong directions for use were provided, or a mix of medication was administered that is dangerous when combined.

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halloweenHalloween is an entertaining occasion for both children and adults as they get to dress up, participate in trick-or-treating, and attend Halloween parties. While Halloween can be exciting, the reality is that accidents and injuries do occur on this day. If you or someone close to you was injured in an accident that was not your fault on Halloween, we can help. At the Law Offices of Robert Dixon, our Miami personal injury attorneys have the skill, experience, and determination to handle your case.

While we have heard horror stories about poisoned candy and razor blades hidden in apples, the biggest danger on Halloween is that of car accidents. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that between 2009 and 2013, 43 percent of all motor vehicle deaths that took place on Halloween night resulted from a drunk driving-related crash. In addition, 26 percent of pedestrian fatalities on Halloween involved a drunk driver in 2013. According to the Safe Kids USA organization, children are more than twice as likely to be killed by a car while walking on Halloween night than at any other time of the year.

Just because it is Halloween does not mean that drivers do not need to follow the rules of the road. Drivers who cause an accident by driving carelessly will likely be liable for any resulting harm under the theory of negligence. Negligence occurs when a person causes injuries or death because he or she failed to act as a reasonably prudent person would act under the same or similar circumstances. For example, a reasonably prudent driver would not speed in residential areas in Halloween, understanding the risk of hitting children who may be trick-or-treating. As a result, a driver who causes an accident in this way would be liable for the resulting harm.

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