For The Injured

Veterans Benefits

2010-11-23T18:12:00.002-05:00

The veterans benefits lawyers at Gordon & Doner, P.A. know there are many vets with legitimate claims who have not received the disability checks that they rightfully deserve.

If you believe that you have a service-related disability or disease and have been denied benefits, enlist an experienced veterans benefits lawyer at Gordon & Doner, P.A. today. Please complete our online contact form or call us toll free at 1-800-659-1159 for immediate help.

New Conflicts, New Disability Claims

The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan have greatly increased the ranks of veterans filing disability claims. As the number of claims has increased, so have the wrongful denials and the backlog of claims requests. At Gordon & Doner, P.A., our veterans benefits attorneys have the experience to help you make your strongest case and put your claim on a fast track.

You stood up for your country when it called. We’ll stand up for you and help you obtain the veterans disability compensation that you rightfully deserve.

The disability compensation program administered by the Veterans Benefits Administration provides monthly benefits in recognition of disabilities, diseases or injuries that occurred or were aggravated by active duty. There are a number of disability benefits available to veterans.

We’ll work with you on filing claims for disability compensation, unemployability, disability claims for traumatic brain injury—the signature injury of the Gulf conflict— and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The VA has recently expanded eligibility for benefits available to Vietnam veterans for diseases related to toxic chemical exposure. The benefits are on a graduated scale, depending on the extent of disability.

If you are the widow of a veteran, two types of veterans benefits -- a pension and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation -- may be available to you. Whether you are entitled to these benefits will depend on your own financial situation, including whether you are remarried, and whether your spouse's military service caused his or her death, or led to a service-connected total disability in the 10 years before death.

The veterans disability compensation lawyers at Gordon & Doner, P.A., in West Palm Beach represent veterans in filing claims for many types of disabilities. According to the VA, the most prevalent service-related disabilities listed by veterans who began receiving claims during 2009 were tinnitus, hearing loss, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), cervical strain, tendon inflammation, knee problems, degenerative arthritis of the spine, diabetes, scars and traumatic arthritis.

Labor Day

2010-09-03T11:14:00.002-04:00

The first Labor Day in the United States was celebrated on September 5th, 1882 in New York City. In the aftermath of the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the US military and US Marshals during the 1894 Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland put reconciliation with Labor as a top political priority.

While work safety has come a long way since 1882, work place dangers are still very real. At Gordon & Doner, PA, we zealously represent injured workers in their workers' compensation claims. You can depend on us to take care of your workers compensation claim, no matter how complex.

We wish you all a safe and fun weekend! If you would like to contact me directly, I can be reached at AWerner@fortheinjured.com.

Attend our Oil Spill educational seminar.

2010-06-29T10:29:00.002-04:00

Attend our Oil Spill educational seminar. Tonight, 7:00pm - 9:00pm at Boatman's Sombrero Resort and Marina, mile marker 50. 19 Sombrero Blvd. Marathon, FL 33050.

The spreading BP oil spill has disrupted the lives of people up and down the Gulf Coast, including thousands of Florida residents and businesses. The uncontrolled spill is spewing up to one million gallons of oil each day into the Gulf waters. A massive oil slick has moved within a few miles of Florida’s coast, threatening Florida’s beaches, its multi-billion dollar tourism industry and its way of life.

We hope that oil won’t tar any of Florida’s 825 miles of white sandy beaches or the state's 1,200 miles of coastline, but we’re prepared and ready to assist individuals and businesses that are harmed if the massive oil slick comes ashore.

If you are suffering economic harm because of BP's oil spill, contact the Florida attorneys at Gordon & Doner today at 1-800-659-1159 or use our online contact form.

The oil spill was caused by the April 20 explosion on a drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico. An oil slick from a gushing well nearly one mile under water has had a drastic effect on hundreds of Florida businesses and property owners:

Hotels, restaurants, rental properties. Hotels, restaurants, resort management companies and rental property owners face harm because of reservation cancellations, loss of rents, loss of use of property, declines in property values and the future closing of any beaches fouled by oil. If your vacation property or business has been hurt by the oil spill, you may be eligible to recover money damages.
Commercial fishermen. Commercial fishermen, charter boat captains and businesses that support the fishing industry could be severely harmed by the closing of prime fishing waters and loss of future profits. The U.S. Secretary of Commerce has closed large areas of federal waters to fishing, causing significant harm to Florida commercial fishermen and charter boat operators. Florida has joined the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama in the declaration of a fisheries failure for commercial fishermen.
Tourism-related businesses. Tourism is Florida’s top industry, bringing in $65 billion a year. An estimated 23 million people visited the state in the first three months of 2010. But since the oil spill, businesses have been coping with the perception of contamination, bringing with it thousands of canceled vacation reservations and rentals. If significant amounts of oil wash ashore, more cancelled reservations and lost booking are inevitable. If the oil enters the loop currents, the damage from oil could spread beyond Florida’s gulf and threaten Miami and the east coast of Florida.
While BP has offered its own route for potential recovery, many people and businesses believe they will receive a more just compensation if represented by an attorney. At Gordon & Doner, we have extensive experience with economic loss litigation. We can help you collect money for the extra cleanup, replacement and repair costs you incur because of the spill. You may also be entitled to money for lost past and future earnings, and the destruction of irreplaceable items such as the fishing beds, beaches and waterways where you earn your livelihood.

At Gordon & Doner, we represent the people, not the powerful. We are dedicated to representing and fighting for the rights of the injured. Our efforts have resulted in over $200 million in verdicts and settlements. The attorneys at Gordon & Doner have received professional accolades for their work representing clients in West Palm Beach, Martin County, Stuart, Pembroke Pines, Miami and throughout Florida. If you or your loved one has suffered harm from the oil spill, contact our attorneys at 1-800-659-1159 or use our online contact form.

More Community Events to support the Josie Ratley Fund

2010-04-17T10:45:00.001-04:00

More Community Events to support the Josie Lou Ratley Fund

• Have the FHP Troopers Wash Your Vehicle for Josie! 17 troopers from Davie District
o Sat. April 17 from 9 AM - 2 PM. Rain Date: Sat April 24th
o Lighthouse Citgo Station, 4900 N. Federal Hwy, Lighthouse Point
o FHP Commanding Officer John Canepari - icuffm_2@yahoo.com - 305-219-4094

• IB students from Deerfield Beach Middle School Car Wash for Josie
o Sat. April 24 from 8 AM - 2 PM.
o 7-11 gas station on Hillsboro Blvd in Deerfield Beach.
o Contact Debbie Allen by email markallen91@bellsouth.net or 954-401-6113

• Beach Tennis Fundraiser – Saturday April 24th at 1pm on Deerfield Beach 300 NE 21st Ave. (next to the Volleyball Courts)
o Visit www.mybeachtennis.net for more information
o For questions contact Adrienne Cerra at 954-662-9658 or mybeachtennis@aol.com
o 100% of donations from event will benefit Josie’s Fund

• Walk for Josie – Sunday, April 25th from 1:30 pm – 5:00pm in Deerfield Beach
o This city-wide event will begin at three separate locations around the City of Deerfield Beach; the Pioneer Park group will leave at 2:20 pm, the Deerfield Elementary Group will leave at 2:30 pm and the St. Ambrose Church group will leave at 2:20pm. All those walking will end up at the track at Deerfield Beach Middle School arriving at approximately 3:00 pm. T-shirts bearing Josie’s art will be sold, as well as other items with all proceeds being donated to Josie’s Trust Fund.
o Contact Jon Esposito at 954-415-4678 or Janyce Becker at 954-427-1050; email: johnespo77@aol.com ; JBecker@deerfieldchamber.com

• PNA & ZeeZone Kick Off Event – Thursday April 29th 6:30-8:30 pm at The Isle Casino: 777 Isle of Capri Circle, Pompano Beach
o Business Networking Event includes Hors D’oeuvres, drinks and live music – $20 Registration Fee; Portion of proceeds to benefit Josie’s Fund
o Ruthy Marquez – 954-757-2108 or ruthy@pnanetwork.com

• Aces & Kings Band Performance at Sharkey’s For Josie Lou Ratley
o Saturday, May 1st from 9:00 pm – 2:00 am at Sharkey’s Raw Bar, 2388 N University Drive in Coral Springs
o For more information, please contact Pam Ford at 954-558-8819 or pamford458@yahoo.com

Community Events to support the Josie Ratley Fund

2010-04-01T09:59:00.001-04:00

A press conference was held yesterday at Broward General to update the public on the latest condition of Josie. We also brought the media up to date on the overwhelming community support that has been pouring in from all over South Florida.

If we have not already done so personally, thank you for all your emails of support for what we are doing on this important case in speaking out about teenage violence and all of the other related subjects. Yesterday alone, in three different parts of Broward County, there were teen violence forums held because of the Ratley case.

See below for a list of events that have been held or are being planned for Josie, please take a look at the attached document.

Community Events to support the Josie Ratley Fund

• GatorBoys Fundraiser – Saturday April 10th 10am-5pm at West Broward Community Church
o Gator wrestling, grizzly bear exhibit, kids activities
o Jimmy Riffle – gatorboy1@gmail.com 754-422-0903

• Fundraisers put on by Deerfield Middle School Students
o Car Wash Raised over $1000
o Planning walk/fundraiser – more details TBA
o Contact: Pam Gordon (mother of student) 754-234-5628

• Community Blood Centers of South Florida
o Contact: Eric Van Trump – evantrump@cbcsf.org; 954-214-8927 (cell)
o Held blood drive at Deerfield Middle on March 26th and again on April 10th at West Broward Comm. Church/Alligator Wrestling event

• South Florida Building Officials Association Annual Golf Tournament
0 John Hart – Jhart@sibfl.net, 305-318-7241
o Have the FHP Troopers Wash Your Vehicle! 17 troopers from Davie District
o Sat. April 17 from 9 AM - 2 PM. Rain Date: Sat April 24th
o Lighthouse Citgo Station, 4900 N. Federal Hwy, Lighthouse Point
o FHP Commanding Officer John Canepari - icuffm_2@yahoo.com - 305-219-4094

• Lighthouse Christian Academy in Oakland Park
o Private home tutoring and school scholarship at no charge.
o Elissa Grande, lcaofbroward@yahoo.com, 954-254-4108

• Calgary Alberta Canada offers to send care packages to the Ratley family
o Jordyn Ross - 403-873-6763.

• Students Offering Support - Bowling Against Bullies – held on March 26th
o Raised money and awareness regarding Teen Violence Prevention Week
o Susan Zighelboim at 305-793-0053.

• HopeFaithBelieve.com – sell decals and give proceeds to Josie’s Fund
o $10 per decal, will donate $5 of each sale directly to Josie’s fund (his cost is $3.50 per unit) the rest is put back to the company.
o Frank Fausone – ffausone@marcusmillichap.com – 407-285-7472

• Rev. Abraham J. Thomas – athoma43@bellsouth.net – 305-409-2428
o Wrote a book called Murderer – it illustrates that violence is not an option to settle differences. School system has approved the book for use but has not elected to purchase and distribute – geared toward 6th graders.

• Mothers Against Brain Injuries Inc. – MABII.org
o Mothers who have had children with brain injuries assist other families in similar situations.
o Heydie - 561-306-6902; hcgators@mac.com

• NVEE – National Voices for Equality Education and Enlightenment
o Jowharah Sanders 786-282-0035
o Provides support to victims and their families

Josie Ratley Artwork

2010-03-28T21:03:00.005-04:00

Josie Ratley Update - 3/28/10

2010-03-28T20:57:00.003-04:00

Josie is not doing well. She has been running a high fever recently. Doctors were actually beginning the process of weening her off the coma inducing drugs, now they have reversed that and she now still remains in a fully medically induced coma. The family is beside themselves. They were so hopeful that she would have woken up by now. This is truly going to be a marathon event.

I urge all of you to please continue your support of Josie and her family. They need it more now than ever. Financial donations can be made via the Gordon & Doner website at www.fortheinjured.com.

Should you have any questions, please contact me directly at AWerner@fortheinjured.com.

Josie Ratley Update 3/25/10

2010-03-25T16:04:00.003-04:00

Josie is still in a coma. Doctors are optimistic that she will wake up but they do feel that there has been left side brain damage that could affect the right side of her body; arm, hand, speech, etc.

People have taken to facebook in support of Josie. You can visit the following sites to show your support:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&ref=mf&gid=106527412702007

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Keep-Josie-in-your-prayers/366545054425?ref=mf

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Josiethat-guy-will-get-what-he-deserves-for-hurting-youPRAY-FOR-JOSIE-3/374538801967?ref=search&sid=18703265.2707590868..1

If you would like to donate to Josie's medical care, you can do so through our website: www.fortheinjured.com.

Thank you all for your help and prayers.

Josie Lou Ratley Donations

2010-03-24T14:54:00.001-04:00

Thank you for everyone's support and prayers for Josie Lou Ratley and her family. If you would like to make a donation please visit: http://www.fortheinjured.com/josie_lou_ratley_info.asp

JOSIE LOU RATLEY

2010-03-21T14:26:00.000-04:00

JOSIE LOU RATLEY
Press Conference - 3/19/10 12:30 p.m.
Broward General Medical Center, Auditorium A

On Wednesday morning, 15 year old Josie Ratley kissed her mom goodbye and left for school. She spent the day at Deerfield Beach Middle School where she attends the 8th grade. The school bell rang at 2:40pm and JoJo went to the area on school grounds where she was to get on her school bus to go home. She never made it home.

Instead, tonight she is a patient at Broward General Medical Center in the PICU, in an induced coma; part of her skull has been removed to allow the swelling on her brain to go down and she is black and blue all over her body from the attack that took place Wednesday on school grounds, allegedly at the hands and feet of Wayne Treacy.

JoJo's mom is numb. She has not slept in the past 48 hours and no words can express the emotional trauma she and her family are going through right now. The mother told me, “My baby should be home with me right now.” “Instead she is fighting for her life in a hospital bed.” Josie is a sweet and loving girl who has an amazing talent for art.

Josie's family's message to the community is that, if you are home tonight watching this at your dinner table with your own family, that you do two things. Please say a prayer for Josie. And please have an age appropriate discussion with your children about what happened to Josie. Speak to your children tonight. Communicate with them.

The family does want to thank the BSO for their hard work and quick arrest of Wayne Treacy and the SAO and ASA Maria Schneider for their work in court, as well as to thank the community for its outpouring of support, prayers, and good wishes. They do ask the media to respect their privacy during this tremendously difficult time. The family has no private health insurance. Those that have expressed a desire to assist the family financially for the medical care of Josie can do so through a directed trust account that has been set up at Wachovia Bank in c/o the Law Office of Gordon & Doner for the benefit of Josie Lou Ratley. Wachovia Bank is located at 2989 PGA Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.

Bike Week

2010-03-10T11:37:00.003-05:00

As I am sure most bike enthusiasts know, Bike Week just concluded in Daytona Beach. In light of this, I thought it would be a good time to share some sobering statistics with you.

In Florida last year, approximately two (2) motorcyclists were killed EVERY DAY and another twenty three (23) injured. By the end of the year, over five hundred (500) motorcyclist were dead and another eight thousand five hundred (8500) injured. That is in one year in Florida alone! Unfortunately, motorcyclists are typically stereotyped as speeding, reckless drivers. However, more often than not, motorcycle accidents are caused by negligent automobile or truck drivers, not the motorcyclist.

While it is often not the motorcyclist who is at fault, they are typically the most injured. Just last week, a Palm Beach resident died when a pick-up truck failed to yield the right of way. See the link below for the full article.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/jupiter-man-65-killed-in-motorcycle-accident-265002.html

At Gordon & Doner, we specialize in representing cyclists who are the victims of others negligence. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at AWerner@fortheinjured.com.

No Second Chances

2010-01-18T19:48:00.004-05:00

The years in high school can be the best times; you build relationships and memories that can last a lifetime. It’s also about doing a lot of growing up, and people start trusting you to make the right choices. You’re old enough to drive - and it’s exciting because it’s about freedom and doing your own thing. But the sad truth is, traffic accidents kill and injure more high school students than any other age group.

Tragically, A 15-year-old Lake County girl was killed this past Saturday when she was a passenger in a car with three other teens. The 2007 Acura she was in lost control a drove into the path of oncoming traffic. Alcohol was reported not to be a factor.

At Gordon & Doner, we have produced a video for teens which teaches them that their actions can have horrible consequences while driving a motor vehicle. If you would like to schedule a presentation for teen drivers using this video, please call 561-333-3333.

Also, if you would like to speak with the author of this blog, I can be reached directly at AWerner@fortheinjured.com.

Child on scooter killed, another injured in hit-and-run

2009-12-06T20:37:00.008-05:00

Earlier today, the Palm beach Post reported that a young girl was killed and another injured when hit by a car while driving motorized scooters. This awful local tragedy raises a couple of safety concerns of mine.

First, please do not allow your children to ride motorized scooters in the street. They usually do not have the same safety features of a street legal vehicle making them more difficult to see by passing motorists. In addition, the rider is usually not wearing safety gear. While it seems like a lot of fun, it probably is not a good idea.

Second, please drive slow through residential neighborhoods and pay attention to your surroundings. Often times, people are in a rush to get wherever they are going or just not paying attention to the road. This is even more prevalent now that almost everyone has the ability to send text messages. Take your time, slow down and focus on the road.

If you would like to read the full article as written in the Palm Beach Post, you can click on the following link. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/child-on-scooter-killed-another-injured-in-boynton-103712.html

If you have any questions for the author of this blog, I can be reached directly at AWerner@fortheinjured.com.

Teen Safe Driving Video

2009-11-15T23:22:00.001-05:00

Car crashes are the number one killer of teens in the country. Gordon & Doner has created a sobering video that should be viewed by all new drivers before they get on the road. The name of the video is No Second Chances - Teen Safe Driving Video.

Please click on the link below to view:
www.fortheinjured.com/no-second-chances.asp

If you would like to contact the author of this blog directly, I can be reached at AWerner@fortheinjured.com.

Social Security Disability

2009-10-04T20:04:00.003-04:00

I just got off the phone with a potential new client who was seeking disability benefits. This client made some common mistakes Social Security Disability candidates often make. Keep in mind, these people I refer to are truly disabled and entitled to benefits. However, certain actions or inactions often result in a denial or at least a delay in benefits. This prompted me to create the following list of guidelines that should be considered when disabled:

1. If denied after your initial application is filed, APPEAL, do not give up. Your appeal must be filed within 60 days. All too often, I receive a phone call after the time to appeal has expired.

2. Make sure you treat with a physician as often as necessary. Your case is based primarily on your medical records. Even if you do not have insurance, try to seek out a free clinic or even the ER if need be.

3. Apply for benefits as soon as you become disabled. In order to be eligible for Social Security Disability, as opposed to SSI, you must have worked 20 of the last 40 quarters. So, if you stop working, you only have a certain about of time in which you qualify.

4. Let you representative know about ALL of your disabilities. Often, people fail to disclose certain disabilities because of embarrassment. Please try to keep in mind that your lawyer and the judge have heard it all. It would be a shame to lose your case because you failed to disclose everything.

5. Do not go to a Social Security Disability hearing without representation. Social Security representatives are knowledgeable about the Social Security Disability rules; consequently they are able to present the facts of your disability claim in a manner that is most favorable to you. At Gordon & Doner, our a fee is contingent on obtaining you benefits. So, everyone can afford representation.

While this list is not exhaustive, it is certainly a good starting point. If you have any questions, or would like the assistance of a Social Security Lawyer, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at AWerner@fortheinjured.com.

Workers' Compensation Update II

2009-08-20T00:15:00.002-04:00

I just got back in town from the Florida Workers' Compensation Educational Conference. There was a lot of discussion about recent legislative "fix" to the October 2008 Emma Murray decision. For those of you not familiar with what is going on in workers' compensation law, you can read my prior posts regarding this subject.

Bottom line of all is that most in the industry believe the current law, as it is currently written, is unconstitutional. It severely limits an injured workers access to courts as a result of unreasonable attorney's fees.

Fortunately, the consensus is that it should not take nearly as long as the five years it took us to get the Emma Murray decision to reach the Florida Supreme Court again.

Yamaha Rhino ATV Post

2009-07-14T21:20:00.002-04:00

Yamaha Rhino ATV accidents have been the cause of numerous injuries and deaths. While rollover accidents are known to happen with this type of vehicle, it is much more prevalent with this specific model, due to its high/narrow stance and powerful engine. It has even been known to tip over while traveling on flat surfaces at slow speeds.

To date, hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturer. They have involved crushed or amputated limbs and/or death due to this unreasonably dangerous product. Most often, fatal and severe injuries involve children due to their smaller size.

If someone you know has been injured due to a Yamaha Rhino ATV accident, the lawyers at Gordon & Doner can be relied on to help. If you have any questions, please contact me directly at AWerner@fortheinjured.com

Sunday Night Seatbelt News

2009-07-05T21:20:00.003-04:00

Another tragic example of why it is so important to wear your seat belt.

I cannot tell you how often I see injures that could have been less tragic had someone been wearing their seat belt. See below for the full story.

http://www.suwanneedemocrat.com/suwannee/local_story_186091131.html

If you have any questions for the author of this blog, please contact me at AWerner@fortheinjured.com.

Workers' Compensation Update

2009-06-24T22:27:00.003-04:00

Unfortunately, the governor of the State of Florida, Charlie Crist, signed a new workers' compensation bill into law. This new law will greatly reduce attorney's fees thereby limiting Claimant's access to courts.

I found the following article on-line which seems to sum it all up very well:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-9540-Boca-Raton-Liberal-Examiner~y2009m5d30-Crist-Adds-Insult-To-Injury

Sunday Night Slip and Fall Post

2009-05-31T23:00:00.002-04:00

Slip and fall accidents are the most common claims in premises liability lawsuits. Some of the most frequent causes of such injuries is a a slippery floor, poor lighting or an uneven surface .

According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2005, , falls were the leading cause of injury deaths among older adults. They are also the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma.

According to Florida law, property owners may be held liable for slip and fall injuries resulting from dangerous conditions on their premises. Such accidents occur when someone slips, trips or falls as a result of dangerous or hazardous conditions on someone else’s property.

The attorneys at Gordon & Doner, P.A., can help you determine who is at fault for your accident. They will see if you are entitled to recover damages for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

All questions are welcome. You can contact the author at AWerner@fortheinjured.com.

Memorial Day

2009-05-22T14:39:00.002-04:00

For the Injured wishes you all a safe Memorial Day Weekend. Please take some time to remember the military men and women who gave their life defending our country.

Wednesday Night Post

2009-05-20T20:39:00.005-04:00

Nursing home abuse is real problem, especially in Florida with our expanding elderly population. Often times, because of the victim's mental or physical limitations, the crime goes unreported and unnoticed.

Though nursing homes are strictly regulated, their residents too often suffer from abuse at the hands of their caretakers. While this of course is not the case for all nursing homes, the rate of problem facilities is far too great. According to a General Accounting Office (GAO) study, 25 percent of the nations’ over 17,000 nursing facilities “…had deficiencies that caused actual harm to residents or placed residents at risk of death or serious jeopardy.”

Earlier today, according to the Herald Tribune, a Punta Gorda Elderly Care Center worker was arrested and charged with felony elder abuse. Letitia Calderwood, had allegedly kicked a 76-year-old woman in the back and slapped her in the face.

While the above example of abuse is glaringly obvious, it can often be much more subtle. For example, a patient can be abused due to simple neglect. To best prevent this sort of abuse, family and friends should visit their loved ones often and at random times. It is also helpful to communicate regularly with their caregivers.

If you believe a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse, you may be entitled to legal recourse. If you have any questions regarding this or any other matter, I can be contacted a AWerner@fortheinjured.com.

Sunday Night Post

2009-05-10T23:21:00.008-04:00

Florida is the deadliest state in the nation for bicycle riders. I came upon this interesting statistic while reading through the news the other day. According to wptv.com, Florida had 119 fatalities, ahead of California with 109. I have to say, I was not surprised. Doing what I do and having lived most of my life in South Florida, I know how dangerous the roads are.

While bicyclists are well within the law to ride alongside motor vehicles, they often do so with fatal consequences. Often times, these accidents are caused by careless drivers who fail to respect that they must share the road with bicyclists. Needless to say, the person on the bicycle is the one who usually pays the consequences.

According to a recent article in the Sun-Sentinel, there have been three fatal accidents in Palm Beach County alone as of April 19th. In order to reduce the amount of accidents, local police departments, as well as the Palm Beach County School Board are working to educate the public to reduce injuries.

In a related statistic, South Florida drivers have also been ranked year after year as having the wost road rage in the country. Anyone who has experience driving on South Florida roads knows this first hand. I think it is safe to assume that reckless behavior by drivers has contributed to the high number of fatal accidents between motor vehicles and bicycles. Hopefully, with the efforts discussed above, drivers will learn to have more respect for bicyclists. If not, the consequences will continue to be devastating, if not fatal.

All questions and comments are welcome. Please feel free to contact the author, Adam Werner, Esq. at AWerner@fortheinjured.com.

Wednesday Night Post

2009-05-06T21:24:00.008-04:00

As someone who represents Claimant's in their Social Security Disability appeals, I have seen first hand how frustrating and long the process can be. Some Claimant's do not receive their benefits for two to four years from the date of initial application. Often, it takes as long as a year before getting a hearing before a live judge. During this time, the disabled are not only fighting for their heath, but are often struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

In order to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, you much have worked at least 20 of the last 40 quarters (if over the age of 21). Note, there is a different test for eligibility if you are younger. In addition to having enough quarters, you must also be considered disabled under the law. According to SocialSecurity.gov, "the law defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months."

If you think you meet the requirements, you should apply quickly to avoid any additional delay. If denied, do not be discouraged, you have four opportunities to appeal the unfavorable decision. Hiring a representative to guide you through the appeals process can help to ease your tensions and increase your chances of successfully obtaining benefits.

If you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact the author, Adam Werner, Esq. at AWerner@fortheinjured.com

Sunday Night Trucking Accident Post

2009-05-02T09:58:00.015-04:00

As some of you know from my previous posts, I work for one of the most well known injury law firms in South Florida, Gordon & Doner, P.A. Catastrophic trucking accidents are some of the most horrific accidents we see. Often times, they could have been avoided had the trucking company been more diligent in their vehicle safety and driver screening.

At maximum capacity, an 18-wheeler can weigh as much as 80 tons. Something that would have been no more than a fender bender with two average size sedans, is now a horrible wreck. In 2007, Florida had the second highest amount of fatal crashes involving large trucks, following California.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one of every eight traffic fatalities is caused by a collision with a large truck, and most deaths that occur in these accidents are the passengers of the automobiles. Tractor trailers – large trucks that weigh 20-30 times more than passenger cars – account for only 3 percent of registered vehicles on the roads, yet are involved in 12 of all the traffic fatalities, according to NHTSA.

Tractor trailer and truck accidents are caused by a variety of factors including vehicle safety, driver skill level, and driver fatigue. Common sense dictates that a properly trained and licensed driver of these large trucks will improve performance and reduce auto accidents. However, a Federal Highway Administration study in 1996 concluded that the trucking sector is not providing adequate training for new drivers of large trucks. Specifically, the study determined: Less than one-third of new drivers of tractor trailers and other large trucks are properly trained and only 10 percent of trucking companies offer sufficient training for their new drivers.

In 1984, the Department of Transportation released its Proposed Minimum Standards for Training Tractor-Trailer Drivers, but, unfortunately, the new standards were made voluntary instead of mandatory. Under the proposal, drivers would receive 320 hours of instruction – half of which would be behind-the-wheel and on-the-road. Currently, drivers with a CDL license are not required to have on-the-road experience.

Personally, I always try to keep my distance from large trucks. If you you like to contact me, I can be reached at AWerner@fortheinjured.com