PIP Law Changes Benefits for Auto Accident Victims

Let us help remind you of the new bill recently

approved by the Florida Legislature and expected to be signed

by Governor Rick Scott in the upcoming days, will change

 the benefits automobile accident victims currently receive.

Currently, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance pays

up to $10,000 in medical benefits to anyone injured in an

auto accident, regardless of who is at fault. The injured

victim is free to receive medical attention from any

medical provider and at any time after the accident.

As a result of the new bill, a car accident victim must

receive treatment within 14 days in an ambulance or

hospital, or from a physician, osteopathic physician,

chiropractic physician or dentist. They can receive the

$10,000 medical benefit only if a physician, osteopathic

physician, dentist, supervised physician’s assistant or

advanced registered nurse practitioner determines that

the insured has an “emergency medical condition.” If not,

the PIP medical benefit is limited to $2,500. Also, there’s

no reimbursement for massage therapy or acupuncture.

If an injury surfaces after the 14-day window, motorists

will have to seek medical treatment through their health

insurance, Medicaid or Medicare. The injured person may

also present a claim for injuries against the at-fault party

or through their Uninsured Motorist policy.

As a result of this new law, it’s extremely important that

when someone is injured in an accident to seek medical

attention immediately. Waiting for the pain to subside

or feel better eventually will only lead to a lack of PIP

benefits.

Your Legal Rights In a Dog Attack

If you are a dog owner or if you have been bitten by a dog, you should know the legal ramifications of a dog bite or attack. Dog owners are 100% liable if their dog bites or attacks another person and injures them. Also, the person attacked usually has the right to total compensation for the injury. Of course, the exceptions are if the person bitten was trespassing or provoking the dog.

What you need to know as a home owner, is that if you have a dangerous or vicious dog, you are under 100% responsibility to make sure your dog does not bite anyone. You are responsible to keep your dog confined indoors or within a secure fence and you should keep the dog muzzled and on leash when walking the dog. If the dog bites or injures someone, you are then 100% liable to pay for the dog bite injury. Your homeowner's insurance policy will usually cover dog attacks as long as you inform your insurance company that you own a dog and the type of dog breed you have. If you are a renter and you have dog, it is important to get renter's insurance that will cover you if your dog bites or injures a person. Otherwise you could be sued directly if your dog bites someone.

If you are bitten by a dog, of course the first thing to consider is medical attention. Dog bites are highly toxic, and likely to become infected. Get medical help right away by going to the hospital emergency room or calling an ambulance if your injuries warrant that. Because the dog owner is liable, be sure to get photos of your injuries for documentation. Next, call an attorney to help you handle your case. Usually the dog owner's home owner's insurance or renter's insurance will cover your medical costs.

Injury from Harmful Medications

Drug side effect lawsuits: If a person suffers serious side effects from taking a medication as prescribed or according to the directions in the label, that person has a right to sue for monetary damages from being harmed by the medication.

Locate a South Florida personal injury attorney: A pharmaceutical company whose medication is for sale or is available by prescription must provide information on any potential harmful side effects of taking that medication. However, the public is not properly informed of any possible harmful effects of taking the medication and a person taking the drug is harmed by taking that medication, then the injured person has a legal right to be compensated.

If you or a loved one has experienced harmful side effects from a medication, you or your loved one may be able to sue the manufacturer of the medication. You have the right to be informed of any potentially harmful side effects of the medication that are prescribed. If you took a medication thinking that it was safe, but were harmed by the medication instead, you may have a right to be compensated by the drug company. If you have been harmed by your medication, it is in your best interest to contact an attorney who specializes in personal injury claims.

• Chantix, an anti-smoking drug has recently been linked to increased risk of heart attack, depression, and even suicide.
• Vioxx, prescribed for arthritis, has been found to also contribute to heart attack and stroke.
• Accutune, a popular drug for sever acne has been linked to whole host of side effects including Crohns Disease or ulcerative colitis.

Patients have a right to take safe medication. If you have been harmed by your medication, talk to a personal injury attorney about your case. You may entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries.

Chantix Anti-Smoking Drug: Important Message

A recent study has revealed that Chantix, the most popular anti-smoking drug in the market, may increase the risk of heart attack and other heart disease, the exact ailments smokers are trying to prevent by kicking the habit. If you believe you were affected contact our office for a free consultation.

In the five years since Chantix was approved, it has been the subject of several Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety reviews, particularly one concerning depression, suicidal thoughts and suicidal actions, which earned the drug the FDA’s strongest warning label, the “black box.” This past June, the FDA warned that Chantix may be linked to an increased risk of heart problems.

Read the full article about Chantix and Heartattacks.

If you or some you know has taken Chantix and suffered a heart attack or adverse cardiovascular problems; or has suffered psychological problems such as depression or suicidal thoughts, please contact our office for a free consultation. You may be entitled to receive monetary compensation.

Call Now for a Free Consultation:  In Broward, (954) 653-9969; Miami-Dade, (305) 259-7100; For Myers & Naples, (239) 332-0268 or toll-free, (866) 913-3948

Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident?

Have you or a family member been injured in a car accident that was someone else's fault? Are you currently missing work and missing paychecks? Perhaps you've even lost your job because of your injuries. You are entitled to know your legal rights.  An accident victim in South Florida who has suffered lasting or permanent injuries when someone else was careless or at fault, is able to seek legal action. If you seek legal action, you may be awarded moneyary compensation for your pain, suffering, damages, medical bills, and lost wages.

Here are some precautions to take if you are ever involved in a car accident:

1. Notify the police immediately. It's a bad idea to agree to not call the police if the other party involved asks you not to. Even if they agree to pay you for your damages, always call the police anyway - Right away.
2. Call an ambulance or have one called for you if you need it. Get medical help right away if you are injured.
3. Get witness names and phone numbers
4. Be sure that you get a copy of the police report
5. Get photos of the scene of the accident and the cars that were involved in the accident.
6. Seek legal help from a qualified South Florida attorney