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The Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death

June 18, 2020 by David R. Heil, PA

A wrongful death happens when a person loses their life due to the carelessness of another. While taking immediate legal action may not be a priority, it is important for family members and loved ones to retain a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. In addition to the emotional trauma of having a family member pass away, people may also face financial difficulties without the help of the deceased. The compensation provided by a lawsuit might ease this financial burden. If you believe this is the case, reach out to David R. Heil, PA in Winter Park, Florida. We can discuss your situation with compassion and provide you with the right next steps.

Medical malpractice

Medical practitioners have a legal and ethical duty to care for the health and wellbeing of their patients. Medical malpractice occurs when a hospital or doctor does not provide the accepted standard of care, thus resulting in injury or death of a patient. When it comes to medical malpractice, however, there is a time limit for taking legal action. Under Florida law, a person must file a lawsuit within a certain time period or the case may not be accepted.

The most frequent cases of medical malpractice lawsuits in Orlando include:

Failure to properly diagnose or treat a patient
Errors in administering medications
Failing to follow proper safety procedures

Car or bike accidents

Motor vehicle accidents or bicycle accidents are major causes of wrongful death in Florida. This is because many collisions are caused by reckless or distracted drivers. Individuals are expected to take a reasonable amount of care and caution to avoid accidents on the road. Instead, their judgment may be impaired by alcohol use or cell phone use. Breaking traffic rules or running a red light are other sources of negligent behavior. When you contact David R. Heil, PA, we can review the case and determine whether any traffic laws were violated during the accident.

Workplace injuries

Construction, transportation, manufacturing, and similar industries experience a higher risk of injury and death compared to other jobs. Some examples of workplace accidents include falling debris or exposure to harmful chemicals. In reality, employers are required to keep the workplace safe and free of any hazards that could result in the death of an individual. Organizations should do everything in their power to train employees about these dangers and provide the right safety equipment to prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Get professional legal help

We understand that wrongful deaths can be a traumatizing event. If your family member was involved in a serious injury or wrongful death due to the above causes, you may be able to file a lawsuit. Professional help is required to assess your damages and review your case. It is important to find an experienced attorney who knows how to navigate the complicated process. To learn more, contact a David R. Heil today. We are sure to handle your wrongful death suit with care.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim for a Sports Concussion

June 16, 2020 by David R. Heil, PA

A concussion is one of the most common kinds of sports injuries. Each year, thousands of concussions are sustained by athletes across the United States. Organizations such as the NFL are obliged to inform players of these risks. The failure to uphold this duty can result in a lawsuit. If you or a close relative has suffered from a sports-related concussion, you can file a claim to get the compensation you need.

Unfortunately, a concussion can temporarily or permanently damage the brain and affect functions such as balance, memory, and coordination. David R. Heil, PA understands the consequences of sports-related injuries and can seek compensation for your losses. Contact one of our experienced offices in Orlando, Winter Park or Melbourne, Florida, for the appropriate legal representation today.

About sports concussions

A concussion is a result of the brain shaking back in forth inside the skull. Activities that put people at risk for collisions are more likely to cause concussions, including hockey, soccer, rugby, and football. Although most individuals who have concussions do not experience unconsciousness, there is a risk of long-term physical consequences. Players must be informed of the signs so they can get the medical assistance they require right away. Symptoms include the following:

Dizziness
Headache
Irritability
Difficulty with coordination
Fatigue or drowsiness
Nausea and vomiting
Hypersensitivity to light and sound

Treating concussions

If you suspect that a player has gotten a concussion as the result of a sports injury or collision, they should be taken to a doctor right away. They will be able to perform the right tests and evaluate their condition. A physician in Florida can advise the appropriate treatment based on the severity of the concussion. The consequences of a concussion can last for months, meaning that a return to normal activity should be slow and gradual.

In the meantime, athletes should record their symptoms and the ways their life has been impacted by their injuries. A personal injury attorney can give you information about filing claims for pain and suffering, mental distress, and loss of income during this time of recovery. Because a second concussion will only make the symptoms worse, athletes should avoid sporting activities until they have completely recovered.

Preventing future sports-related concussions

Concussions in sports are becoming more common, but how can we prevent them from happening in the first place? Of course, athletes need to be taught about the consequences of concussions. Sports teams should educate players about concussions and related injuries while providing the proper equipment to use during contact sports, such as helmets. In addition to that, coaches and referees should penalize aggressive players who engage in unsafe practices.

Sports organizations should have their practices and policies reviewed to make sure athletes are being taken care of. Whether the players are amateurs or professionals, it is important for them to be protected. When you contact David R. Heil, PA in Orlando or Melbourne, Florida, we may be able to help you prove negligence and file the necessary claims together. Learn more by scheduling a consultation today.

How To Avoid Distracted Driving Accidents in Orlando

May 18, 2020 by David R. Heil, PA

Distracted driving is a growing problem all across the United States. As technology becomes a bigger part of our lives, many people who attempt to multitask while driving end up in car accidents that lead to injuries and deaths. Distracted driving involves activities that take the attention of the driver away from the road. This isn’t necessarily limited to cell phone use but also includes eating and drinking or adjusting the radio.

At Heil Law, we educate drivers in Orlando, Florida, about the importance of eliminating distractions to avoid serious injury to yourself and others. If you are the victim of an accident caused by distracted driving, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. Reach out to David R. Heil to learn about the most common types of distractions victims face and how to avoid them while driving.

Types of distractions

When people think of distracted driving, they naturally assume it’s cell phone use. In fact, The National Safety Council has stated that using a cell phone while driving leads to nearly two million crashes each year. For this reason, many states have laws against using cell phones in the car to prevent accidents and keep residents safe. In the state of Florida, the law currently prohibits drivers from texting while driving.

There are other ways to become distracted while driving, however. Manual distractions happen when drivers cannot control their vehicle because their hands are not on the wheel. For example, car accidents in Orlando can be caused by people combing their hair or applying their makeup. Looking at a map or a GPS is considered a visual distraction and could be dangerous when a person’s eyes are not on the road.

How to avoid distracted driving accidents

Residents of Orlando, Florida, and the surrounding areas can avoid distractions and decrease their own likelihood of getting into a car accident. Before starting the car, set up everything you need beforehand. This includes adjusting the GPS, radio, and temperature so you don’t get distracted by them later. Put your cell phone away and think twice before picking it up. Cell phones should only be used in emergency situations if you are behind the wheel.

Don’t be afraid to pull over to the side of the road and put on your emergency signal if a distraction does come into play. This is also helpful if you have children or pets in the car that may need your attention. If you understand these dangers beforehand, you give yourself a better chance of a safe experience on the road. If you are the victim of a car accident in Orlando because of distracted driving, we urge you to get in touch with a personal injury attorney right away.

Contact a personal injury attorney

When distracted driving causes a car accident in Orlando, Florida, they may be liable for your injuries. This includes medical bills, pain, and suffering, or any prescription medications required as a result of the accident. If you were in an accident involving a distracted driver, reach out to the offices of David R. Heil P.A. today. Heil Law can give you more information and guide you through the claims process.

Car Saftey Tips – How to Share the Road With Motorcycles

April 23, 2020 by David R. Heil, PA

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of motorcyclists are seriously injured or killed as a result of an accident. Since motorcycles lack safety devices such as seat belts and airbags, many drivers don’t know how to safely navigate the road with them. Motorcycles are also less visible and stable than traditional four-wheel vehicles.

Drivers of cars, trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles should learn how to share the road with motorcycles and take proactive measures to increase their own safety. David R. Heil, PA is a personal injury attorney with years of experience handling motorcycle and car accidents in Orlando, Florida. If you have been involved in an accident with a motorcycle, reach out to Heil Law right away to learn about your options.

Always Check Your Blind Spots

This is likely the most common reason for accidents involving cars and motorcycles in Orlando. Since motorcycles are smaller in size than other vehicles, they can be difficult to see while changing lanes. Sometimes motorcycles can blend into the background and other scenery, so people should pay extra attention to their blind spots. If you are the driver of a four-wheel car or truck, take several seconds to search your blind spots before proceeding forward. Increase your chances of success by making sure your side-view mirrors are also adjusted properly.

Give Motorcycles the Entire Lane

Many people don’t realize that motorcycles are entitled to their own lane of traffic. This means individuals should never drive their automobile in close proximity to a motorcycle or ride side-by-side in the same lane. Trying to share the same space is not only dangerous but also against the law. Although some states do allow motorcycles to ride next to each other, that doesn’t mean a car can follow the same rules. Drivers should give motorcycles the same amount of room they would as another car.

Watch the Weather

Heavy rain or other changes in weather can be devastating for cars and motorcycles alike. This is because slippery roads cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Windy conditions also make it hard for motorcycle drivers to have full control. Before setting out of the road in Orlando, Florida, and the surrounding areas, be sure to check your local weather and have a plan in place for what to do if the weather gets worse. Drive carefully and keep an eye out for motorcyclists who need to pull over due to rain.

Hire an Orlando Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been involved in an automobile or motorcycle accident, get the assistance you need and hire a personal injury lawyer. A skilled attorney can handle the legal work and act as your advocate throughout the entire process. David R. Heil, PA is an accomplished lawyer who offers first-class representation in Orlando, Florida. All clients at Heil Law are treated with fairness and integrity while their case is being handled. Learn more about our services or see what others have to say by reaching out and contacting one of our professionals today.

What To Do After an Accident Leads to Neck and Back Pain

February 14, 2020 by David R. Heil, PA

All too often, debilitating neck and back pain is brought on by a variety of causes. Car and truck accidents, slip and fall incidents, and medical malpractice is prevalent among personal injury claims. We understand that personal injuries can cause immense physical, emotional, and financial stress. Don’t accept a settlement from an insurance company before contacting a professional personal injury lawyer. With over 35 years of experience as a personal injury attorney in Orlando, I can provide you with the legal assistance you need.

Accidents that cause neck and back pain

If you’ve ever been in a car accident, you already know how seriously damaging they can be to the neck and back. These areas of the body are crucial to our daily lives, and yet they are very sensitive to sudden movement and force. If you are a victim of neck or back injury, you may be entitled to compensation for any lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. These frequent and often preventable accidents are just a few of the reasons individuals seek medical care each year. If you have experienced any of the following, contact David R. Heil, PA:

Treatment for neck and back pain

Thousands of people seek medical attention for whiplash every year, with the vast majority of victims suffering from motor vehicle accidents and rear-end collisions. Whiplash refers to neck injuries caused by an abrupt jerking motion of the head. This sudden movement causes great strain in the ligaments and muscles in the neck. Most commonly, the symptoms of whiplash arise in the first 24 hours following a traumatic incident. The effects may include but are not limited to headaches, dizziness, stiffness in the neck, and pain when turning your head.

Doctors will perform tests such as Xrays, MRIs, and CT scans to diagnose a whiplash injury and determine the right course of treatment. Although some victims of whiplash heal in just a few months with treatment, individuals can suffer from symptoms for months or even years. Some develop chronic pain that is difficult to treat and involves medication that can seriously inhibit their other abilities. Patients may also undergo physical therapy sessions or even surgery to repair the nerves or structural damage to the vertebrae and spine.

Contact a neck and back pain attorney in Orlando

As you can see, treatment for whiplash and other neck and back injuries can be expensive. Neck and back injuries are usually caused by another person’s negligence or recklessness. In these cases, the victim can take legal action against the other party to receive compensation for their losses. Get started by compiling all treatment-related paperwork and contact an Orlando attorney with experience in injury claims. David R. Heil, PA, is a personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process and make sure you get the compensation that you deserve.