The Villages Car Accident Lawyers at Oldham and Smith have extensive courtroom experience.  We know and understand the investigative and litigation process of presenting a strong case in front of a jury to ensure a successful outcome for our clients.

Personal Injury in the Villages

Personal injuries compensation may include:

• Emergency services including ambulance transportation to the hospital
• Hospital bills
• Physician bills
• Loss of wages
• Physical therapy
• Medical equipment
• Pain and suffering

If you have lost a loved one due to a car accident in the Villages, we want you and your family to know that our number-one goal is to protect you, our client, and to restore your financial losses during a tragic time in your life.  Monetary compensation can never make up for your loss, and the subsequent emotional devastation caused by your loved one being so abruptly snatched away; however, receiving just and fair compensation will allow you and your family to focus on moving forward with your lives.

Oldham and Smith has a team of experts ready to consult with you, and assist you in determining the legal recourse available to you and your family if you have suffered personal injuries, or lost a loved one in a Villages car accident.

Contact the Villages Car Accident Lawyers at Oldham and Smith today for a free consultation.

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While today’s car safety technology is a vast improvement from the past, serious, sometimes fatal, car accidents still occur.  In June, 2012, the National Center for Statistics and Analysis publication stated that “In 2010, there were an estimated 5,419,000 police-reported traffic crashes, in which 32,885 people were killed and 2,239,000 people were injured….”  The report further stated, “An average of 90 people died each day in motor vehicle crashes in 2010—an average of one every 16 minutes” (www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov).  These are sobering statistics from any perspective.

Car accident injuries are costly, debilitating, and all too often, life-changing.  If you have been seriously injured in a Bushnell car accident, Oldham and Smith has a team of compassionate and experienced lawyers who will fight for your rights to receive fair compensation for you and your loved ones.

It is not uncommon for insurance companies to attempt to have you sign an early settlement agreement that would prevent you from pursuing them or their client for damages in a lawsuit.  It is always in your best interest to seek the counsel of a qualified Oldham and Smith Bushnell car accident personal injury attorney before you agree to sign any document.

Personal Injury in Bushnell

We will partner with you and fight for compensation:

• Emergency ambulance transportation to a medical facility
• Physicians fees
• Prescriptions
• Hospital fees
• Medical equipment
• Car rental
• Physical rehabilitation/therapy
• Loss of wages
• Pain and suffering

If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, you need to contact a Bushnell Car Accident Attorney at Oldham and Smith law firm today for a free consultation.

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Depending on the reason a person is on a farm, and subsequently incurs an injury, it can be considered the “duty” of the owner, to provide compensation for injuries that occur on their property.

• Trespasser: A person who enters the farm without an invitation, or other right, and intrudes for their own purposes to satisfy his curiosity. Duty:  To refrain from willfully injuring the trespasser.
• Uninvited Licensee: A person who chooses to come upon the property for his or her own convenience without invitation either expressed or reasonably implied under the circumstances. (Example: teenagers partying in a field owned by a farmer.) Duty: Same as for Trespasser.
• Invitee: A person invited to the farm to conduct either business or personal matters. (Example: a customer invited to pick their own fruit on the farmer’s land.) Duty: Farmers owe invitees the highest level of concern and care, and must keep invitees away from unsafe environments or warn invitees of the unsafe premises.
• Licensee: A person who visits the farm for non-business purposes with the consent of the owner of the farm, such as a social guest. Duty: Same as an Invitee

Florida Workers’ Compensation normally covers injuries incurred by an employee while they are present at a work site, thus, they are not usually eligible for additional compensation.  However, there are some exceptions depending upon the reason an employee might be on a given property, etc.

Central Florida Premises Liability Claims for Farm Accidents

Farm accidents can cause massive and debilitating injuries, and sometimes death.  These accidents also fall under Florida’s premises liability law, and include:

• Automobile accidents caused by a farm animal on the highway/road
• Falling off a horse
• Being kicked by a horse, cow, or other animal
• Falling off of a combine, tractor or any heavy equipment
• Miscellaneous farm accidents

Oldham & Smith are Central Florida Premises Liability lawyers with the experience and expertise you need to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve to sustain you and your family while you recover from your injuries.

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Originally, Pradaxa was believed to be highly effective in alleviating the stroke risk for atrial fibrillation patients; but now, with so many people experiencing devastating side effects, including hundreds of deaths linked to this drug, the manufacturer’s lawsuits are increasing.

Potential Defective Drug Under Investigation by Other Agencies

Drug Risk, the medication resource center, is in the process of organizing and reporting risks related to the use of Pradaxa.  There are new reports by the American College of Cardiology suggesting that Pradaxa appears to carry even greater risks of complications from bleeding than was previously believed; and, in fact, may place individuals at a higher risk for bleeding issues than warfarin.  In a report issued by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, they believe the use Pradaxa carries a risk of bleeding resulting in death that is almost five times greater than the risks related to the use of warfarin.

Oldham & Smith specializes in Florida Mass Tort Litigation for Defective Drugs.  We are a team of experts with the experience and determination to pursue justice for you or your loved ones if you have been injured by using Pradaxa.  Contact us today for a free consultation.

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Asbestos related cancers are referred to as mesotheliomas.  These cancers usually occur in the abdomen, heart, or lining of the lungs, and normally fall into one of three categories such as:

1. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurring in the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum
2. Pericardial mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart, and known as the pericardium
3. Pleural mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura.

Cancer caused by asbestos is somewhat difficult to diagnose in its early stages because it often mimics some minor respiratory infections.  Physicians normally do not suspect mesothelioma unless they are aware of the patient’s history of exposure to asbestos.

Even though asbestos has been used as insulation and fire-retardant for hundreds of years, and has been linked to illnesses for some time, it has only been in the last 50 years that it has been linked to cancer.

After asbestos became recognized as a carcinogen, the Environmental Protection Agency and Consumer Product Safety Commission started imposing strict mandates for industrial and commercial usage.  Fully aware of the known hazards posed by asbestos fibers, this did not; however, prevent the asbestos producers from continuing to expose workers.

Attorneys Help Recover Asbestos Cancer Compensation

Many asbestos companies have been held responsible for exposing workers to this well-known carcinogen, and have had to pay out compensation.

The prognosis for this type of cancer is often not the best, but new treatments are being discovered giving hope to those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

If you have received a mesothelioma diagnosis, you may be able to pursue financial compensation.  Contact Oldham & Smith, Tavares, Florida Mesothelioma & Asbestos Cancer Attorneys for a consultation today.

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There are many ways a child can experience an injury during the birthing process.  Medical malpractice almost always plays a role in birth injuries. You will find a few of these listed below; however, please keep in mind that there can be many others:

• A heart rate change that goes unnoticed by medical personnel
• Jaundice or an infection that is not properly treated
• Injuries caused by forceps
• Cesarean section complications
• Medical personnel’s failure to respond to seizures
• Medical personnel’s improper use of vacuum extraction

Birth injuries not only impact the child; these injuries impact the entire family emotionally and financially; sometimes causing catastrophic financial losses. The Tavares, FL community is not immune to this devastation.

As an example:  If a child experiences a birth injury causing cerebral palsy (CP), the child often needs special care and equipment on a day-to-day basis for the rest of his life since many of them are confined to wheel chairs due to their lack of motor skills/coordination.   In addition, while studies indicate that CP does not progress over time, some studies indicate CP often causes an individual to age faster.

Some questions to ask if your child has experienced a birth injury:

• If your child has cerebral palsy, what caused it?
• How do I know if my child’s disability is the result of a birth injury?
• What is Florida’s statute of limitations for birth injuries?

If you believe your child’s birth injury is the result of negligence by medical personnel, contact Oldham & Smith Tavares, FL Medical Malpractice Birth Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.

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Following are answers to three FAQs:

1. How often do I need to follow up with my hip implant surgeon?

Blood tests and imaging procedures will indicate if there are problems with your hip implant. Follow ups will be determined by your orthopaedic surgeon based upon your individual circumstances. Communicate with your doctor if you begin to feel any discomfort, or if you have any concerns. Some signs of problems include pain, swelling, numbness and/or difficulty in walking.

1. What are other medical side-effects that may occur with a metal-on-metal hip implant?

All hip implants are known to have a few adverse side-effects for some patients. Infection and joint dislocation can cause great pain and will need a doctor’s attention to remedy. Some reports have shown that metal particles released due to friction may cause a reaction around the hip joint. This reaction may lead to deterioration of the soft tissue surrounding the joint; and in turn, loosen the implant and cause the device to fail. The metal particles, or ions, can enter the bloodstream and cause a negative reaction to the nervous system, heart and thyroid gland. Any adverse reaction needs immediate medical attention.

1. What chance do I have of developing a negative reaction to my metal-on-metal hip implant?

Current reports show an upward trend in issues with the metal-on-metal implants. Most of these devices have been recalled for modification or discontinuation. Each medical case is different. Consult with your doctor to evaluate your risk.

Any hip implant problem may require follow up surgery. If you experience any negative side effects from your implant, contact a Tavares Hip Implant Lawyer at Oldham & Smith for a free consultation to prevent having to pay for additional medical care related to your hip implants.

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Never underestimate the amount of time it will take to prepare for filing a claim. Most lawyers do not want to only have a month or two to investigate a potential case. The medical malpractice attorneys at Oldham & Smith want to be able to develop the most substantial case to present in order to get the monies you deserve. The sooner you contact us, the better we can help you.

One of the only exceptions the Florida’s two-year statute of limitations is if you or your family are somehow unaware of the injury or defect from a medical procedure, medication or treatment within the two-year time frame. Delayed reactions that cause pain, suffering or sickness after a two-year period has passed may still qualify for medical malpractice. However, Florida has a strict rule, known as the statute of repose that states that no claim can be filed against a healthcare provider more than four years after the actual incident of malpractice unless fraud, concealment or misrepresentation can be proven on behalf of the healthcare provider.

There are special requirements if your case is going to involve a Florida State Agency or a Veterans Administration Hospital or Clinic.

The effect that Florida Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitations has on you can be debilitating if you fail to act in a timely manner. The specialized Medical Malpractice Attorneys at Oldham & Smith know the stipulations and intricacies of Florida law. We want to be your best advocate and help you for the present and the future. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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If you find yourself injured due to negligence at a theme park, other attraction, or hotel, our Orlando Tourist Accident Attorneys want to help you.

Causes of Preventable Accidents

A few of the many causes of injury accidents include:

• Defective or broken rides
• Uneven surfaces or holes in walkways
• Railings that are unsafe or insufficient
• Slick ground or floors
• Poor lighting
• Broken steps

Every owner of a theme park or tourist attraction has the responsibility to maintain their property in a safe and orderly manner. If some rides are unsafe for some visitors, there must be signs alerting the public to those conditions.

Three Considerations for Tourist Accidents

1. Were there warning signs posted to alert the public to dangerous conditions?
2. How long had the hazardous condition been present?
3. Was the staff of the attraction or theme park aware of the danger?

Enlisting a Tourist Accident Attorney in Orlando

There are limitations to the time you have to file a claim, so seek help immediately. You do not have to reside in Orlando, or Florida, or even in the United States to seek damages for your personal injuries; citizenship is not required for Oldham & Smith to represent you. Contact our tourist accident attorneys today for a free consultation.

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Unfortunately, a child is at a high risk of injury if he or she is not supervised properly while playing. Some injuries are unavoidable or unpreventable; however, other injuries are foreseeable and should be prevented.

Child Supervision on Playgrounds

Proper supervision should always be provided during recess or outdoor play time. School and other childcare facilities are required by law to have a certain child to teacher ratio, both in classrooms and on playgrounds. If guidelines are not followed properly, or a supervisor gets distracted and fails to ensure your child’s safety, then an Orlando Child Injury Attorney may be able to help recuperate damages if your child is injured.

Child Injuries Due to Equipment

Equipment on playgrounds, and even in backyards, should be maintained with great care to help reduce the risk of injuries. Certain ground coverings or floorings can add an extra measure of safety to playgrounds. If your child is injured due to unsafe equipment, the care provider and the equipment manufacturer may both play a role in the incident, and should be held liable for your child’s medical expenses.

Orlando Child Injury Attorneys at Oldham & Smith

When you take your child to daycare or send him to school, you assume proper safety measures will be met. If your child has suffered an injury while playing at school that was partially or fully caused by another’s negligence, our Child Injury Attorneys want to help you recover damages for the expenses you are facing now and in the future. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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