1. November 2011

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Allegations Regarding Widespread Boy Scout Sexual Abuse Coming to Light

For generations, the Boy Scouts of America has been seen by almost everyone as the gold standard for youth-oriented clubs and activities.  The organization taught young boys critically important values such as survival, teamwork and respect for each other and authority.  Unfortunately, it now seems that reports are beginning to leak regarding alleged Boy Scout sexual abuse and worse, how the organization may have taken steps to cover the tracks of those who allegedly engaged in this conduct.

Several sexual abuse lawsuits around the country have either already been filed or are about to be filed, and several motions and legal requests have been made with regards to the Boy Scouts of America and the organization’s efforts to conceal this conduct.  There was a $20 million judgment entered in a Portland, Oregon case last year.  Specifically, some suspect that as many as 5,000 confidential documents exist within the organization regarding alleged sexual abuse, with some documents relating to abuse that actually occurred and others dealing with alleged abuse that did not occur.

Florida Sexual Abuse Statistics

There are times when, as much as many people wish that an issue would simply go away, the public is better served by continuing forward and getting to the bottom of it.  As difficult as it could be to dig into what may have been happening with this beloved organization, it is important for the victims to move towards justice and for the public to know what actually did occur.  This issue could affect the statistics regarding Florida sexual abuse.  Every year, more than 11,000 allegations of Florida sexual abuse are made, although most experts agree that many instances of this conduct are never reported.

Florida Sexual Abuse Lawyers

When a child suffers from Florida sexual abuse, there are several different forms of legal recourse that could be available to the family.  For instance, the police can be contacted and the person accused of this conduct can be arrested and ultimately prosecuted.  In addition, the family could file Florida personal injury lawsuits against the accused abuser and perhaps the organization or employer in an effort to recover damages that would help with the victim’s individual recovery.

If you suspect that your child is being abused, you should trust your instincts and seek the help of Florida sexual abuse lawyers who have been fighting for the rights of families for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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31. October 2011

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State Probe on Florida Nursing Home Abuse Leads to 10 Shutdowns

In recent months, the state has come under some scrutiny for its perceived lack of enforcement on the nursing home and assisted living facility regulation.  Partially in response to the growing public outcry, the state launched an intensive sweep of investigations and reviews of assisted living centers around Florida, and the results were surprising for most.  These investigations of alleged Florida nursing home abuse led to at least 10 shutdowns and the possibility that dozens of other facilities will lose their licenses.

The state’s efforts were reportedly stepped up approximately five months ago and included investigations of facilities that had already come under some scrutiny.  These efforts led to the shutdown of 10 facilities and leaves at least 34 others in danger of losing their licenses to operate as the state attempts to remove them.  The allegations that were investigated included physical abuse, neglect that left one man dead from bed sores and several other reports of mistreatment.

Nursing Home Abuse Statistics

Clearly, any steps that are taken to enforce the rules and regulations of the state and to protect the dignity and safety of residents of assisted living centers are positive in nature.  We hope that those people who have been harmed by Florida nursing home abuse find safety in their next places of residence.  In addition, it’s believed that approximately one in three assisted living facilities faces accusations of abuse at some point, although experts agree that many more of these alleged situations are never reported.

Florida Elder Abuse Lawyers

When an assisted living facility is mistreating residents, looking to the state for help is one option for relief.  Another is for those who have been harmed to file Florida personal injury lawsuits against those responsible for this harm, including the facility itself.  Those who file these claims that prove to be successful could be awarded damages that compensate them for their losses.

If you or someone you love has suffered as a result of this form of mistreatment, you need to seek the help of Florida elder abuse lawyers who have been standing up for the rights of those harmed for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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28. October 2011

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Boy Struck and Seriously Injured in Pembroke Park Hit-and-Run Accident

People who get behind the wheel of a vehicle need to be aware of anyone near them who may be traveling on foot.  This is particularly true of children, as they may not and often do not have the same level of understanding of the realities of traffic as adults.  While the circumstances of the crash have not yet been revealed, what is known is that a boy was hit and seriously injured in a Pembroke Park hit-and-run accident Wednesday, and police are still attempting to identify and to locate the driver involved.

According to the authorities, this Pembroke Park hit-and-run accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at approximately 4 p.m.  An unidentified boy whose age was not released was hit at the intersection of West Hallandale Beach Boulevard and Southwest 32nd Avenue.  The boy did survive the crash and he was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment and observation.  No description of the fleeing vehicle was provided.

Florida Pedestrian Accident Statistics

First and foremost, we’d like to offer our support and our hope for the little boy who was seriously injured in this Pembroke Park hit-and-run accident, and we also hope that the driver involved in this crash is soon identified and apprehended.  In addition, this Pembroke Park pedestrian accident will now become part of the overall statistics regarding Florida pedestrian accidents.  Every year, more than 8,000 of these crashes occur, leading to 7,500 injuries and to nearly 500 fatalities.

Miami Serious Injury Lawyers

Clearly, if or when the driver involved in this Pembroke Park hit-and-run accident is found, he or she will face serious criminal charges.  He could also face a Florida personal injury lawsuit if the family of the boy who was hit and injured decides to initiate such a filing.  If they do and their case is successful, it could lead to an award of damages that compensates the family for their losses.

If you or someone you love has been harmed in a crash, you need to seek the help of Miami serious injury lawyers who have been fighting for the rights of those injured for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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27. October 2011

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Man Arrested After Fatal Hollywood Hit-and-Run Accident

When someone is involved in a Florida pedestrian accident and someone is injured or killed, that driver is required by law to remain on the scene of the crash.  If the driver flees, his or her legal problems only multiply if or when that person is apprehended.  Tragically, a woman was killed on Monday in a Hollywood hit-and-run accident, and the driver was identified by witnesses to police who arrested him soon thereafter.  The driver was released after being given a $50,000 bond.

According to the authorities, this fatal Hollywood hit-and-run accident occurred on Monday night at 9:50 p.m.  A 30-year-old Hollywood woman was attempting to cross State Road 7 at Buchanan Street.  As she did so, she was hit by a 73-year-old male driver of a Dodge van.  She was killed instantly as a result, and as the driver fled the scene, witnesses called police who soon caught up to the van and made the arrest.

Florida Pedestrian Accident Statistics

First and foremost, we’d like to offer our condolences to the family and friends of the woman who was killed in this Hollywood hit-and-run accident, and we hope that the criminal prosecution process against the driver leads to a proper and a just result.  In addition, this Hollywood pedestrian accident will now become part of the overall statistics regarding Florida pedestrian accidents.  Every year, more than 8,000 of these crashes occur, leading to 7,500 injuries and to nearly 500 fatalities.

Florida Wrongful Death Lawyers

Clearly, the drive involved in this Hollywood hit-and-run accident faces serious criminal charges.  He could also face a Florida wrongful death lawsuit if the family of the woman who was killed decides to initiate such a filing.  If they do and their case is successful, it could lead to an award of damages that compensates the family for their medical, funeral and burial costs as well as their lost income and their loss of companionship.

If you have lost someone you love in a crash, you need to seek the help of Florida wrongful death lawyers who have been fighting for the rights of grieving families for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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26. October 2011

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Teen Succumbs to Injuries Suffered in Pembroke Pines Pedestrian Accident

Anyone who drives near a school early in the morning or early in the afternoon needs to be aware of the possibility that there will be pedestrians in the area, even if intersections near the building do not have crosswalks and the speed limit is not what it would normally be in a school zone.  It’s possible that more than one element combined to lead to tragedy last week when a teen girl was hit and seriously injured in a Pembroke Pines pedestrian accident.  Sadly, the girl succumbed to those injuries on Wednesday.

According to the authorities, this fatal Pembroke Pines pedestrian accident occurred on Wednesday at 6:50 a.m. when a 14-year-old girl was attempting to cross the street on her way to school at the intersection of Taft Street and Northwest 125th Avenue.  As she did so, she was hit and critically injured by the driver of a Honda minivan.  The result of the accident has prompted many to unleash an outcry that there is no crosswalk at that intersection and no school zone that requires drivers to slow down.

Florida Pedestrian Accident Statistics

First and foremost, we’d like to offer our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the girl who was killed in this Pembroke Pines pedestrian accident.  We hope that if anything positive comes from this tragedy that it’s action that results in the implementation of safer conditions for walkers in the area.  In addition, this crash will now become part of the overall statistics regarding Florida pedestrian accidents.  Every year, more than 8,000 of these crashes occur, leading to more than 7,500 injuries and to nearly 500 fatalities.

Miami Wrongful Death Lawyers

Based on the available facts regarding this fatal Pembroke Pines pedestrian accident, it could be possible that the driver of the minivan and perhaps the city bear some responsibility for both unsafe driving and unsafe conditions.  If the family of the girl who was killed files a Florida wrongful death lawsuit against the appropriate parties and it’s successful, they could be awarded damages as a result.

If you have lost someone you love in a crash, you need to seek the help of Miami wrongful death lawyers who have been fighting for the rights of grieving families for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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14. October 2011

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Number of Fatalities Resuting from Florida DUI Accidents Rank State a Dubious Third in the United States

For many years, billions of dollars have been spend around the United States by government entities, private organizations and even concerned individuals in an attempt to curb the always dangerous practice of drinking and driving.  While these efforts have no doubt had a positive effect, the unfortunate reality is that this reckless behavior continues.  This reality is made even more problematic when one considers the fact that the number of fatalities that result from Florida DUI accidents put the state in a dubious third place in the national rankings.

Specifically, fatalities from Florida DUI accidents are so high that only Texas and California have had more of them in recent years.  In 2009 alone, nearly 800 people were killed in Florida car accidents where alcohol or some other intoxicant was listed as a factor in the crash.  That number actually represented a drop from the number of people killed in Florida DUI accidents in 2008, but it clearly remains an enormous safety issue in the state.

Florida Car Accident Statistics

First and foremost, we’d like to join in the chorus of people and organizations that earnestly ask people to do whatever it takes to avoid drinking and driving, as too many bad things can happen as a result of this faulty decision.  In addition, these fatalities resulting from Florida DUI accidents represent a large portion of the overall statistics regarding Florida car accidents.  Every year, 200,000 people are injured in these crashes and 3,000 people are killed.

Florida DUI Accident Lawyers

When people are injured or killed as a result of a Florida DUI accident, the drunk driver always faces serious criminal charges.  That driver could also face a Florida wrongful death lawsuit if someone is killed as a result of this conduct.  If a family of someone who was lost in this manner initiates such a filing and the case is successful, that family will recover damages that compensate them for their losses.

If you have lost someone you love to a drunk driver, you need to seek the help of Florida wrongful death lawyers who have been fighting for the rights of grieving families for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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13. October 2011

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Youth Drug Counselor Arrested on Allegations of Florida Sexual Abuse

When young people encounter substance abuse problems and run afoul of the law, the state provides different programs for them to work through these issues so that they can put these problems in the past and move on with their lives.  Unfortunately, there are terrible situations that have arisen with these programs in the past, and another one was publicized yesterday when a youth counselor was arrested on allegations of Florida sexual abuse of a minor.

According to police, these allegations of Florida sexual abuse were levied against a counselor who had worked at a non-profit organization known as Starting Place, located at 351 North State Road 7 in Plantation, which receives funds from the state to engage in youth substance abuse counseling.  The counselor who was arrested allegedly coerced a boy who had been ordered by the court into treatment into sexual situations.  The suspect faces charges of four counts of sexual battery on a minor.

Florida Sexual Abuse Statistics

First, we’d like to offer our support to the boy who was allegedly forced into this terrible situation, and we hope that he is able to ultimately obtain the help he obviously needs.  We also hope that the criminal investigation leads to a fair and just result.  In addition, this situation will now become part of the overall statistics regarding Florida sexual abuse.  Every year, more than 11,000 such reports are filed, although most experts agree that many of these instances are never reported.

Florida Sexual Abuse Lawyers

If these allegations of Florida sexual abuse are accurate, then the suspect could face substantial criminal penalties.  In addition, even though the man accused has been terminated, it seems possible that the boy’s family could file a Florida personal injury lawsuit in response to this situation.  If such a case is filed and it’s successful, the family could recover damages that compensate them for their needs for help and for their losses.

If you or someone you love has suffered as a result of this conduct, you need to seek the help of Florida sexual abuse lawyers who have been holding those responsible for this type of harm accountable for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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12. October 2011

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Two Bills Filed in State Legislature That Would Ban Texting While Driving

In recent years, several jurisdictions around the United States have taken notice of the dangers associated with sending text messages while driving and have banned that practice.  To date, Florida has not enacted such a law on a state-wide basis, but that could be in the process of changing as two similar bills were proposed in the state legislature that would ban sending text messages while driving in an effort to bring down the number of Florida car accidents caused by distracted driving.

According to several reports, the bills that have been offered would specifically outlaw “manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, symbols, or other characters into a wireless communications device …. for the purpose of nonvoice interpersonal communication, including, but not limited to, communication methods known as texting, e-mailing, and instant messaging” actions.  There would also be several exceptions, and an offense would be considered secondary, meaning that police could not pull someone over for this violation but could cite someone for texting if the motorist is pulled over for some other reason.

Florida Car Accident Statistics

We actually hope that the legislature continues to do its job and take steps to make the roads of Florida safer for all motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians and anyone else.  That’s because the statistics regarding Florida car accidents remain startling for anyone who reads them.  Specifically, on an annual basis in the state, 200,000 people are injured in Florida car accidents and 3,000 others are killed.

Florida Car Accident Lawyers

While passing a law banning this practice would lead to citations, the fact of the matter is that if someone is injured in a Florida car accident because the other driver involved was distracted by a wireless device, that distracted driver could still be found liable for damages if the injured party files a successful Florida personal injury lawsuit.  Damages could be awarded for medical costs, lost income and pain and suffering.

If you or someone you love has been harmed by a negligent driver, you need to seek the help of Florida car accident lawyers who have been fighting for the rights of the injured for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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10. October 2011

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Woman Killed, Man Badly Injured in Hollywood Car Accident

Drivers who have experience behind the wheel tend to acquire an innate ability over time to anticipate mistakes that are made by other motorists and to avoid collisions as a result.  However, there are certain mistakes that are made that no one could foresee, such as when a driver suddenly loses control of a vehicle and crashes into another.  Tragically, this is what apparently occurred on Friday that led to a Hollywood car accident where one driver was killed and the other was seriously injured.

According to the authorities, this fatal Hollywood car accident occurred on Friday at 9 a.m. when a female driver in her 80’s was driving a Lexus westbound on Sheridan Street just west of Interstate-95.  At that point, the woman apparently lost control of her vehicle and it jumped over the median and into a Ford pickup truck.  The female driver was killed as a result of the crash and the male driver was seriously injured.

Florida Car Accident Statistics

First and foremost, we’d like to offer our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the woman who was killed, and we’d like to express our hope that the man who was seriously injured is able to make a full recovery from his injuries.  In addition, this Hollywood car accident will now become part of the overall statistics regarding Florida car accidents.  Every year, 200,000 people are injured and 3,000 people are killed in these occurrences.

Florida Personal Injury Lawyers

There are times when the practice of law can seem cold and harsh, such as when an injured person attempts to obtain a recovery from the estate of someone who was killed in the process of inflicting serious injuries.  Such would be the case in this instance, as the woman who was killed in this Hollywood car accident may have been at fault.  However, this difficult reality does not eliminate the fact that the injured man also has legal rights that need to be protected.

If you or someone you love has been harmed in a crash, you need to seek the help of Florida personal injury lawyers who have been fighting for the rights of the injured for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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26. September 2011

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One Killed, Four Injured in St. Lucie County SUV Rollover Accident

SUV’s are vehicles that are marketed to the public as safe, durable and comfortable.  For many years, these models were the best selling vehicles in the United States for these reasons.  Unfortunately, there are problems that can arise when someone behind the wheel of an SUV makes a mistake.  Tragically, it appears that such a mistake was made last night when a St. Lucie County SUV rollover accident took the life of one teen and injured four others.

According to the authorities, this St. Lucie County SUV rollover accident occurred last night at approximately 8:45 a.m.  The driver of a Ford Expedition was moving in a southbound direction on Interstate 95 when the vehicle suddenly veered into the median of the road.  As a result of that collision, the vehicle rolled several times and two passengers were ejected.  One landed on the median underneath the SUV and was killed, and the other was critically injured.  The driver and two other passengers were also seriously injured in the crash.

Florida Car Accident Statistics

First and foremost, we’d like to offer our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the person who was killed, and we’d like to offer our hope that the people who were seriously injured in this St. Lucie County SUV rollover accident are able to survive the harm they have suffered.  In addition, this crash will now become part of the overall statistics regarding Florida car accidents.  Every year, 200,000 people are injured and 3,000 people are killed in these occurrences.

Florida Personal Injury Lawyers

If it turns out that the driver of the SUV was at fault for this crash, it could lead to the filing of several Florida personal injury lawsuits and a Florida wrongful death lawsuit in response.  These claims, if successful, could lead to awards of damages that compensate the plaintiffs for their losses that could include past and future medical costs and many other forms of loss that have been incurred.

If you or someone you love has been harmed in a crash, you need to seek the help of Florida car accident lawyers who have been fighting for the rights of clients successfully for many years.  Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff today to schedule a free initial consultation.

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