Fort Walton Beach Personal Injury Blog

Workers' compensation benefits available for injured roof workers

On behalf of The Law Offices of Cameron D Simpson, P.A. posted in Workers' Compensation on Thursday, September 13, 2018.

A spokesperson for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in Florida says fall protection for employees who work at heights is not optional; it is a mandatory legal requirement. This followed the conclusion of a March investigation at a roofing company in Jacksonville. A significant number of workers' compensation claims involve falls from elevated levels.

According to OSHA, inspectors determined that two of the three violations that were identified at a job site were fourth-time repeats -- which is unacceptable. It was determined that roof workers had to rely on their balance abilities to stay safe because they were not provided with fall arrest harnesses, nor were there guardrails or safety nets. These workers were on the pitched roof of a two-story building.

Social Security Disability: Does Anxiety Disorder qualify?

On behalf of The Law Offices of Cameron D Simpson, P.A. posted in Social Security Disability on Wednesday, September 5, 2018.

Anyone in Florida who is unable to work due to an anxiety disorder might be in need of financial assistance. If he or she is eligible, an application for Social Security Disability benefits might be the way to go. However, it could be challenging to prove that such a disorder caused total disability. The reason for that is the subjective manner in which anxiety disorders are diagnosed. Doctors have to base such diagnoses on behavior and feelings as reported by the patients and not observed by the doctors.

Although Social Security covers anxiety disorders, the applicant must present a detailed history of treatment by mental health professionals and physicians. The records must show that the nature of the disorder is persistent and recurring. The documentation will have to demonstrate that the disorder's interference makes normal functioning on a daily basis impossible.

What to do immediately after a car crash

On behalf of The Law Offices of Cameron D Simpson, P.A. on Thursday, August 30, 2018.

In the event you become involved in a Florida car wreck, the decisions you make immediately afterward can impact you, either positively or negatively, for many months to come. One of your most important decisions should be to stay where you are until law enforcement officers arrive and give you permission to leave. If you leave too early without talking with them, you could face charges of leaving the scene of an accident or even hit-and-run, both of which are crimes in Florida.

Quickly assess yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 on your cellphone if any of you shows signs of injury, particularly one to the head. Give the operator your location and request immediate emergency medical assistance as well as law enforcement assistance. If you and your passengers appear to be okay, survey all other drivers involved in the crash and their passengers for injuries. Even if everyone appears to be fine, call 911 anyhow and request law enforcement assistance.

Personal injury suit can follow against deceased driver's estate

On behalf of The Law Offices of Cameron D Simpson, P.A. posted in Personal Injury on Wednesday, August 29, 2018.

The slightest distraction or lapse of attention while driving on the busy Florida highways can lead to tragic accidents in the blink of an eye. This was underscored by a recent three-vehicle crash that claimed one life and caused personal injury to two others. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident occurred in Pasco County on a recent Wednesday afternoon.

An accident report indicates that a 30-year-old Spring Hill resident was traveling north on U.S. 19 in a sedan, and a 22-year-old Weeki Wachee man in a pickup truck was driving in the adjacent lane. For an unknown reason, the woman's car veered into the next lane, striking the truck. That driver stopped, but the woman's car careened across the median and entered the lanes of the southbound traffic.

Can your car’s avoidance system prevent head-on collisions?

On behalf of The Law Offices of Cameron D Simpson, P.A. on Sunday, August 26, 2018.

If you are thinking about purchasing a new car in Florida, you may wish to consider buying one with a collision avoidance system. Per the results of a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, such systems can reduce your risk of head-on, single-vehicle and sideswipe accidents by 11 percent.

In addition, a collision avoidance system such as a blind spot and/or lane departure warning indicator can reduce your risk of suffering injuries in a vehicle crash by up to 21 percent. Why? Because they give you time to avoid the impending crash.

Workers' compensation claim might follow throat laceration

On behalf of The Law Offices of Cameron D Simpson, P.A. posted in Workers' Compensation on Friday, August 24, 2018.

Based on the safety regulations prescribed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, employees in Florida should be able to rely on their employers to provide work environments that are free of known hazards. Although accidents can certainly happen despite safety precautions, it is unacceptable for employers to put their employees' lives on the line willfully. Fortunately, the state's workers' compensation insurance program is there to protect injured workers and provide financial assistance to families who lose loved ones in work-related accidents.

OSHA reported the outcome of an investigation into a work-related accident that occurred on July 10. Reportedly, an employee of a company that does underground utility construction miraculously escaped death when a diamond concrete saw blade cut his throat. OSHA proposed a fine of more than $51,700. It was classified as a willful violation.

Unqualified cosmetic surgeon might face wrongful death lawsuit

On behalf of The Law Offices of Cameron D Simpson, P.A. posted in Wrongful Death on Tuesday, August 14, 2018.

Before making the decision to go ahead with cosmetic surgery, it makes sense to do some research regarding the surgeon being considered for the procedure. An emergency order was recently issued to stop a Florida doctor from performing specific procedures. Reportedly, his resume indicates that his cosmetic surgery qualifications were earned by attending weekend courses. The order followed the death of a patient, which led to the medical malpractice accusations. The surviving family members of the deceased patient might also choose to take action by filing a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court.

According to a statement by the doctor following the death of a 40-year-old woman, efforts of the medical staff at the clinic failed to resuscitate the patient when her heart stopped during surgery. Emergency responders took her to a regional medical center but she didn't survive. The health department and the autopsy report issued by the medical examiner indicated that the gluteal vein was pierced during the procedure, allowing clots to travel to the lungs, resulting in cardiac arrest.

Wrongful death claims that arise from boating accidents

On behalf of The Law Offices of Cameron D Simpson, P.A. posted in Wrongful Death on Wednesday, August 8, 2018.

For many people in Florida, summertime and water sports go hand in hand. However, safety authorities say boating is not always taken seriously, and rules are often disregarded. Every year, fatal water sports accidents lead to wrongful death lawsuits.

The Coast Guard auxiliary said some lives have already been lost in boating accidents this year. Officials urge boat owners and operators to attend boating safety courses or refresher classes to learn how to handle specific scenarios, the purpose of buoys and what they mean, and other safety requirements. They also underscore the importance of wearing safety jackets.

Workers' compensation: Worker critical after demolition accident

On behalf of The Law Offices of Cameron D Simpson, P.A. posted in Workers' Compensation on Friday, August 3, 2018.

Demolitions of multi-story buildings are dangerous procedures that often leave construction workers injured. Although their workers' compensation insurance benefits typically cover medical expenses, these victims are sometimes left with long-term health problems or disabilities. An unplanned collapse of a building being demolished in Florida recently caused critical injuries to a construction worker.

According to Miami Beach Police, they were alerted, along with rescue crews of the fire department, to a construction accident at about 10:30 a.m. on a recent Monday. They rushed to the scene where a 12-story apartment building had collapsed. One critically injured worker was rushed to the hospital.

Tourists should watch out for these common vacation hazards

On behalf of The Law Offices of Cameron D Simpson, P.A. on Thursday, July 26, 2018.

Florida is a beautiful place, and it is no wonder why countless tourists flock to the state every year to enjoy the fun and sun. There are risks that every visitor and resident alike should be aware of, though. Opportunities for injury exist everywhere, but there are many that are specific to Florida and tourists visiting the area. Being aware and staying safe are two of your best defenses against some of these hazards.

The following are three of the most common hazards facing tourists in Florida. If you have been injured as a result of an avoidable accident or another individual's negligence, you should get medical attention and consider consulting with an attorney for more information on the recourse that is available.