Last year, in July, we supported our local Veterans by participating in the “Honor Flight Send-Off” for WWII Veterans which happened in Winter Haven, FL right next to one of our local offices on Havendale Blvd. It was a heart-warming experience to say the least.

This month, we are participating in the Valentines for VETS program. On Friday, February 3rd, “Team Brooks” will be hand-making Valentines Cards for our Local Veterans. We will be sending them to the Voluntary Service at our Local VA Hospital in Tampa, Florida- The James A. Haley VA Hospital.
We are really excited about this and are always looking for ways to support our Veterans and for other ways to reach out into the Community.

We are ALWAYS open to suggestions. If you have any ideas about different ways to reach out into the community, or to support our local Veterans, post it on our Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/brookslawgroup. OR, give Jenna, our Marketing/PR Director a call at 888-WE-MEAN-IT (888-936-3264).

“We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” -Cynthia Ozick

Take Care, have a GREAT DAY!

~Your Friends at Brooks Law Group

• Trucks are bigger, heavier, and longer than cars;
• Trucks need more room to maneuver;
• Trucks take a lot more road to come to a stop.

Given their size and weight, common sense tells you that a collision between a tractor-trailer and a car, or even an SUV and a car, is likely to come out badly for the car. In fact, commercial truck crashes killed over 5,300 people in 2011 and injured over 125,000 more, many of them seriously.

Reasons for Crashes
As with other kinds of automobile collisions, there are various causes of big-rig accidents. Many of these collisions are the result of the same things that cause run-of-the-mill car accidents: poorly maintained trucks, speeding, overly aggressive driving, failing to yield the right of way, or bad driving conditions caused by rain or snow. However, some of the collisions are related to other factors unique to commercial trucks.

For example, some collisions occur because a truck is overloaded and therefore cannot stop in time. Other collisions are caused by the driver’s inexperience in operating a particular kind or size of truck. Still, other collisions are the result of tired truckers who have been on the road for too long and who are fatigued. Tired truck drivers are now more likely to be on the road, with the deregulation of the trucking industry, changes in the way goods are shipped to a “just-in-time” delivery system, and recent changes in the rules governing how long a trucker may drive before he is required to stop for a rest.

People injured by the negligence of commercial truck drivers are entitled to compensation for their injuries. But be aware that suits involving truckers are often more difficult than other kinds of collision suits, for several reasons. First, it may be difficult to find the trucker after the collision. The nature of a trucker’s job means that he might be involved in a collision in a state far from where he lives and to which he will never return.

Trucking companies are also very skilled in defending themselves against negligence claims (which, to them, are just a part of doing business), and they can be very aggressive in denying claims, because every dollar they pay out in compensation to accident victims is a dollar that does not go into their pockets.

Further complicating matters is the fact that most commercial big-rig accidents involve far more parties than the typical fender-bender. Parties can include the truck driver, the trucking company, the shipper(s), the insurance adjuster, and the insurer, and the legal relationships among all of these parties can be difficult to unravel.

Persons who have been involved in a collision with a trucker are entitled to recover compensation for items such as medical bills, time lost from work, pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, and loss of earning capacity. The complexity of these cases means that you should consult an experienced attorney and should NOT rely on the trucking company’s insurance adjuster to look out for your interests.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a big-rig collision, call us. We will be happy to discuss the matter with you and work to get you the compensation that you deserve.

Give is a call for a free consultation at 1-888-WE-MEAN-IT and speak to one of us right away!

Also, keep a look out for our new book that is going to be coming out in the next couple weeks titled: “9 Costly Mistakes to Avoid after a Truck Accident.”

Companies that manufacture or sell products generally have a legal duty to make sure that the products they make or sell are free from defects that present an unreasonable risk of harm to consumers. If a certain product turns out to be dangerous or defective, an injured consumer may have a products liability claim. There are as many different kinds of products liability claims as there are different kinds of products: The sale of contaminated food, the manufacture of improperly wired electronics, and the marketing of disintegrating tires can all support a products liability claim.

In order to win a products liability lawsuit, an injured consumer must prove that the product was defective. In general, there are three types of product defects:

1. A manufacturing defect occurs when a product is well designed but poorly made, such as the new TV that catches fire when plugged in because the wires were installed improperly;

2. A design defect occurs when a product is well made but poorly designed, such as metal on metal knee replacements or hip replacements that end up coming apart and causing damage to the recipient in a short period of time;

3. A marketing defect can include such things as improper instructions or the lack of a warning label telling the consumer how to use the product safely.

Just because a product is involved with an injury does not mean that the product is unsafe. For example, auto accidents often result in injuries or death, but not every injury suffered in a car accident is due to a defective product. A products liability claim would arise only if the car was dangerous, such as a car whose gas tank explodes when it is rear-ended.

Products liability is a complex area of law. In addition to these general rules, a number of specific laws affect who is liable to consumers and what kinds of products are covered. Your case may also be affected by State Laws or by various Federal Laws. Contact us to help you negotiate this legal maze and get you the recovery you deserve.

IF YOU ARE INJURED BY A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT…
Contact our firm immediately. SAVE THE DEFECTIVE PRODUCT! Or if it is a product of surgery, find out the brand of the product if possible.  Also, do not alter or tamper with the product because this could make it difficult to prove your case. Save everything related to the defective product, including the medical records, sales receipt, instructions, warnings, and accessories (if applicable).

Products liability cases are complex. In some cases, the dispute involves more than one victim bringing a claim against a manufacturer. Manufacturers often try to blame you or some other party to avoid liability. Our firm will help you negotiate the legal pitfalls.

STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS
We have all heard that “haste makes waste,” but this may not be true when you have been injured. Whether your injury was caused by a car accident, a slip and fall, or a defective product, you should contact our firm as soon as possible. One reason for this is that your injury starts the ticking of a legal clock, known as the “statute of limitations.”

A statute of limitations is nothing more than a legal rule that limits how long you may wait before bringing a claim against another person. If you do not make your claim before the statute of limitations passes, the law may prevent you from ever doing so.

Statutes of limitations are followed strictly by our courts. If you are even a single day late, your claim may be dismissed-”close enough” does not help with the statute of limitations.

So how long is the statute of limitations for an injury claim? The general answer is that it depends on the facts of the case and the way in which you were injured. CALL US AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY so that we can evaluate your case. We’ll make sure that the statute of limitations’ clock doesn’t run out on you.

If you are interested in receiving help on your potential case, please contact us for Free Case Evaluation (Secure Online) or call at 1-888-WE-MEAN-IT (888-936-3264).

Please be sure to provide us with as much information as is reasonably available. The quality of our evaluation is dependent upon the accuracy of the information you provide to us.

Any initial consultation with our firm is free. For more information, call us at 1-888-WE-MEAN-IT (888-936-3264), or contact us by email @ info@brookslawgroup.com.

Atrial fibrillation, affecting over two million Americans, occurs when the heart does not beat properly causing blood clots to form and increasing risk of a stroke.

Other medications like Warfarin (Coumadin) have been on the market a long time and have been used for the same conditions that Pradaxa is now marketed. Warfarin and Pradaxa work differently, however, to accomplish similar, but not identical goals.

Warfarin helps to prevent over clotting in the blood by inhibiting the development of Vitamin K clotting factors in the blood. Vitamin K is the central ingredient used by the body to develop clotting. In some people, particularly as we age, the body produces too much clotting ability and this can result in strokes.

Pradaxa works differently. Pradaxa inhibits the development of thrombins in the blood. The formation of thrombin in the body is a key step to coagulation and the stemming of blood loss. It is thought that Pradaxa’s inhibition of natural thrombin formation helps in controlling “over clotting” and stroke.

The difference in the way Warfarin (Coumadin) and Pradaxa (dabigatran) act upon the body is significant.

If a patient taking Warfarin is, for example, in an automobile accident and requires emergent surgery, physicians can reverse the action of Warfarin by giving Vitamin K and/or packed red blood cells.

The same patient on Pradaxa in an auto accident can not have the effects of Pradaxa (dabigatran) reversed as easily or as controllable. Pradaxa has a half-life of 12 – 14 hours and, so simply discontinuing it still places a patient in need of emergency surgery at high risk of uncontrollable bleeding.

Pradaxa has also been reported to cause internal bleeding without the emergent surgery problem. The bleeding can be serious, and sometimes leads to death. Boehringer Ingelheim, the manufacture of Pradaxa has acknowledged a link between Pradaxa and at least 260 deaths since 2010.

Because of this risk, people taking Pradaxa should be aware of the signs and symptoms of the problems caused by Pradaxa which should be reported immediately to your doctor.  They include the following:

• lethargy
• bleeding gums;
• bleeding from cuts that takes a long time to stop;
• blood in the urine (brownish urine);
• blood in the stool (tarry appearing or dark stool);
• coughing up blood;
• low blood pressure;
• frequent or difficult to control nosebleeds;
• unusual bruising;
• vomiting blood; or
• vaginal bleeding that is heavier than normal;

You should speak to your doctor before you have any surgery, medical procedure or dental procedure.  Furthermore, make sure to immediately notify your doctor if you develop any side effects while taking Pradaxa (dabigatran).

1. What Should I Do if I Am in an Accident?

1. STAY CALM.
2. Move yourself and your passengers out of harm’s way.  Call the police.
3. Assist anyone who is injured.  Call for an ambulance if necessary.
4. Get the name, address, phone number, and license number of the other driver(s) and car(s). Exchange insurance information. DO NOT discuss the accident (except with the police), but DO make notes of anything the other driver(s) says about the accident.
5. Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses.
6. Get photographs of your vehicle, contact your insurance company, and write down everything you remember about the collision ASAP.
7. Contact our firm to discuss your legal options.

2. How Are Insurance Claims Handled?

As soon as possible after the accident, contact your insurance company.  If the accident was the other driver’s fault, your claim should be paid by his or her insurance company.  If the other driver does not have insurance, or does not have enough insurance, your insurance may pay your claim, depending on what kind of coverage you have.

Some insurance companies will tell you that you don’t need an attorney to represent you if you are injured in the accident.  This is bad advice.  Never give an insurance company official statements about the accident without consulting with us so that we can protect your rights.

3. How Are Property Damage Claims Handled?

Most property damage claims are handled quickly and efficiently and usually do not require a lawyer.  If the accident is not your fault, the other driver’s insurance should pay to fix your car, unless it would cost more to fix your car than it is worth.  If this is the case, your car is “totaled,” and you will only receive the market value of your car before the accident. Many repair shops will help you by providing free repair estimates for insurance purposes.

4. What if I Am Injured?

As with property damage, if the other driver is responsible for the accident, he or she is also responsible for your medical bills.  If you have been injured, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.  Remember: An injury may not appear until long after the accident.

5. Do I Need an Attorney?

If you were not hurt, or the only damage suffered is property damage, you probably will not need an attorney.  However, if you have been injured or have missed work, you should contact us immediately to help you get your fair due from the insurance companies.  Unfortunately, many insurance companies make it difficult to recover for certain kinds of injuries (such as whiplash) without a lawyer’s help.

6. How Much Will It Cost to Get Legal Help?

Most attorneys who handle personal injury lawsuits, do so on a contingent basis.  This means that you do not have to pay for the attorney’s services out of your own pocket, but instead the attorney will receive a share of the recovery if you are successful.   If you don’t win, you don’t pay. We believe that you deserve good legal help even if you do not have a lot of money.

7. What Is My Claim Worth?

The answer depends on a number of different factors. You should be compensated for your medical bills and lost wages, both past and future.  You also should recover something for the pain and suffering the accident has caused you. If your injuries are serious enough, they may affect you for the rest of your life, and so you should be able to recover for your lost earning capacity.

8. How Long Will It Take to Settle My Claim?

Many cases settle quickly, to everyone’s satisfaction.  Others continue for months or even years, depending on whether there are disputed facts and on the amount of medical treatment you require.  Still other cases cannot be settled without a trial, which may take longer.

9. Who Do I Talk to?

If you have been in an accident and have questions about whether you need a lawyer or whether you have a right to monetary damages, call us.  Decisions that must be made after an accident are very important. We will be happy to talk to you about your case.

10. How Can I get a Hold of you?

You can call us at our main number at 888-WE-MEAN-IT to reach ANY of our offices.  We now have offices at 4 locations: Two in Winter Haven, one in Lakeland, and one in Tampa.  We have auto accident specialists available to speak with you 24/7.  Give us a call today.  We are here to help you get answers.

We are also proud to announce that we have a new attorney associated with our firm.  Tara Connor comes to us from a busy trial practice in Jacksonville.  Tara will be practicing in the area of Personal Injury and Wrongful Death.

Although we are growing, we are driven to maintain that “small firm feel” of relationships, communication, and trust.  We continue to be focused on Personal Injury, Social Security Disability and Wrongful Death Law.  We believe that a strategic and focused approach brings a wealth of experience, strength, and hope to your case.  We also will help you find an attorney for ANY legal need even if it is outside our area of practice.  We have a dedicated person to help you find the attorney that best suits your needs. We will help you do this as our way of saying thanks for the trust you have repeatedly placed in our hands.

Our focus is and always will be you!  Our continuing association with people like you is one of the joys of our profession.  Long after your case is over, we continue to value your friendship.  The friendship of those we serve is the foundation of our progress.

I want to extend Warm wishes throughout the coming year.