Posts Tagged ‘personal injury attorneys’

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Four Attorneys at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes, P.A. Recognized as “Tampa Bay’s Top Lawyers” by Tampa Bay Magazine

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

Personal injury attorneys Mark H. Perenich, Bryan D. Caulfield, John Jay Avril and Matthew E. Noyes were named among “Tampa Bay’s Top Lawyers” in the July/August 2010 edition of Tampa Bay Magazine. To create this list, the magazine asked LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell to share their list of area lawyers who have reached the highest levels of ethical standards and professional excellence. Using their comprehensive database of peer review ratings, LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell identified lawyers who had been rated AV Preeminent, the highest Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating available.

LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell is the authoritative resource for information on the worldwide legal network. Thousands of people use the Martindale-Hubbell Legal Network to find local attorneys, confirm their credentials and select firms that fit their needs.

The attorneys at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes have been helping families in the Tampa Bay area since 1955.  If you or someone you care about has been injured in an automobile accident or other personal injury matter, contact us for a free case evaluation. We see you through.

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Busch Gardens Employee Injured on the Job

Monday, August 30th, 2010

 The St. Petersburg Times  reported on July 19, 2009 that an employee was injured on the job at Busch Gardens. The injured employee was a 20 year old USF football player, Maikon Bonani, who fell 35 feet from a ride at the theme park. The injury occurred while Bonani was working as an attendant at the Skyride and suspected that one of the gondola doors was not properly locked as it began to take off. He held onto the door to check it while the gondola was heading out of the station and beginning to travel over the theme park. After the gondola traveled about 50 feet, Bonani fell 35 feet onto the ground. It was reported that Bonani was taken to the hospital after his fall but did not sustain any life threatening injuries.

The spokeswoman for Busch Gardens said that it is standard procedure to call for an ambulance when someone is injured, and to call the police if there is any sort of criminal aspect. Since Bonani was injured while working and no criminal activity was involved, the police were not called. Bonani was treated for his injuries after the accident at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

The St. Petersburg Times reported that Bonani is originally from Brazil and moved to Florida when he was 11 years old.  It was at that time that he learned English.  He played football in high school where he was the Valedictorian of his senior class, and went onto to USF to continue his education and play as a kicker for the USF football team. A coach for USF’s football program, Jim Leavitt, made a statement expressing the USF football program’s relief that Bonani’s injuries were not life threatening.

Although not all on the job injuries involve a 35 foot fall, injuries on the job happen on a daily basis, and many people are not aware of their rights. If you are injured on the job, you should report your injury immediately to your employer, regardless of how severe your injuries may be. If your claim is denied, contact the personal injury attorneys at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes for a free consultation to find out more about your rights. We see you through.

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Car Accident Involving an Alleged Drunk Driver: Father and His Three Sons Die as a Result

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

 We recently addressed the statistics of car accidents involving drunk drivers, and are sad to report that a father and his three sons tragically died in a car accident in St. Petersburg-allegedly due to the actions of a drunk driver.       

The St. Petersburg Times reported that the four men who died in the car accident, Elroy McConnell, Elroy McConnell, III, Nathan McConnell, and Kelly McConnell, were returning to their family at a vacation home in Redington Beach after a “guy’s night out.” Unfortunately, they never made it back.  

According to the St. Petersburg Times report, three women are left widowed, two children are left without a father, and another man faces four counts of manslaughter while driving under the influence. The police are claiming that the car accident was caused by a 20 year old drunk driver. 

The car accident occurred at 12:46 a.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street and 22nd Ave North when Demetrius Jordan allegedly sped through a red light. Demetrius Jordan was accompanied by his cousin, Mario Robinson, who is also 20. Both Jordan and Robinson were injured, but are expected to survive. Elroy McConnell and his three sons all died at the scene. 

If you have lost someone as a result of a car accident involving a drunk driver, contact the personal injury attorneys at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes for a free consultation. We see you through.

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Negligent Security Practices Cause Apartment Resident’s Death

Friday, August 20th, 2010

The personal injury attorneys at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes have represented people injured and even killed in incidents where they were attacked because of a business’s negligent security practices. The St. Pete Times reported on a Pasco County trial regarding the untimely death of a 27-year-old school teacher in just such a negligent security scenario.    

Back in 2004, Kim Delancey was having what she thought was a nice afternoon hanging out with a neighbor when she was brutally raped and murdered by Adam Calcote. At the time, Calcote was staying at the Carlton Arms of Magnolia Valley apartments with his then-girlfriend. When his girlfriend was out of town, he had the opportunity to meet Delancey which ended with Delancey’s rape and murder. After the rape and murder of Delancey, a background check was done on Calcote which showed that he was using a fake name and had an outstanding arrest warrant for an arson. 

While Carlton Arms had a policy in place to do background checks on those leasing their apartments, unfortunately for Delancey and her grieving family, they did have not have such a policy for residents not named on their leases. Had such a simple, common sense security procedure been in place, Calcote’s criminal record would have been discovered and Delancey would likely still be alive.

 The personal injury attorneys at Perenich Caulfield, Avril & Noyes have been representing the injured of Tampa Bay including Pasco County since 1955. We have represented people attacked while at businesses with inadequate security including apartment complexes, restaurants and other businesses. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact us for a free case evaluation.  We see you through.

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Car Accidents With Drunk Drivers: What Am I Entitled To?

Monday, August 16th, 2010

Unfortunately, car accidents involving drunk drivers happen all the time.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that there were 792 fatal car accidents in Florida in 2008 involving at least one driver with a blood alcohol level of .08% or above .  If you are injured in a car accident involving a drunk driver, what compensation is available to you?

Under Florida Law, compensatory damages are available to car accident victims to compensate them for their loss, injury or harm.  This essentially includes economic losses and noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish and loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life. But in some cases, additional damages may be allowed that will serve to punish or deter malicious or reckless behavior. These are called punitive damages. 

In most cases, punitive damages are either limited or difficult to obtain since Florida has undergone extensive tort reform. However, punitive damages are generally available in cases involving drunk drivers who cause a car accident.  This means that a plaintiff would be entitled to a substantially larger damages award if a case for punitive damages can be made.  A plaintiff seeking punitive damages in a car accident case involving a drunk driver must show that the defendant was under the influence of alcohol or another drug to the extent that the defendant’s normal faculties were impaired, or that he had a blood or breath alcohol level of 0.08% or higher at the time of his negligence. 

If you are injured by a drunk driver or have lost a family member to a car accident involving a drunk driver, it is crucial that you have an experienced attorney to advise you of the type of damages available to you, such as punitive damages.  Contact the personal injury attorneys at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes today for a free consultation. We see you through.

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Pedestrian Deaths or Injuries: Are You Entitled to Compensation?

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Pedestrian deaths are not uncommon in the Tampa Bay area.  Our roadways are often shared with pedestrians either just trying to get from point A to point B, or merely taking a walk to enjoy the sunshine.  However, when drivers are not conscientious or aware of pedestrians, a peaceful walk can often turn into an unnecessary tragedy. 

Just this June the St. Petersburg Times reported a pedestrian death that occurred on Gulf-to-Bay. Sadly, pedestrian deaths happen all the time in our community and families are left with stacks of bills, endless questions, and uncertainties about the future. 

So what do you do if you or a loved one is injured in a pedestrian accident?  Many people think that if a citation is not issued to the driver of the automobile, they don’t have a claim for the pedestrian’s injuries.  But this notion is incorrect.  Even if a citation is not issued to the driver of the automobile that caused the injuries, you may still have a civil claim for your injuries or the death of a loved one.  The law in Florida for pedestrian cases does not turn only on the issuance of a citation, but rather on a determination of negligence.  Basically, if it can be shown that the driver of the automobile was negligent in their actions, whether criminal or not, you may be entitled to compensation.  This applies not only to the pedestrian who is hit, but can also apply to his or her family members.

Although every case is different, negligence is often shown by evidence indicating that a driver was not paying attention to their driving, using a cell phone or even driving while intoxicated.   While the actions of the pedestrian are also taken into account, you need the help of an experienced attorney to help you determine if you have a claim for your injuries or the death of a loved one.  Contact the personal injury attorneys at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes today for a free consultation if you or a family member is injured in a pedestrian accident. We see you through.

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Son of Former Florida Governor and Former U.S. Senate Candidate, Admiral LeRoy “Roy” Collins, Jr., Killed in Auto-Bicycle Accident

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

We wrote in our blog earlier this month that fatal bike/motor vehicle accidents were down 15% in 2009, but that they do still occur. Our statement was unfortunately proven true Thursday morning when the son of former Florida governor, LeRoy “Thomas” Collins, Sr., died as a result of a collision with an SUV in South Tampa, as the St. Petersburg Times is reporting.

The motor vehicle accident occurred at approximately 6 a.m. when Admiral LeRoy “Roy” Collins, Jr. was pedaling across a pedestrian crosswalk at Brorein Street and South Hyde Park Avenue. A motor vehicle driven by Margaux Manuel struck Collins when she turned left onto South Hyde Park Avenue after stopping at a red light. Manuel has a driving record that includes at least two citations for failing to obey traffic signs. 

Collins, who was two-star Navy Admiral and a former candidate for the U.S. Senate, was well-connected and well-liked in many circles in Florida. Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Alex Sink said of Collins, “Admiral Collins dedicated his life to the protection of our state, country and our veteran community.” Everyone at the Personal Injury Law Firm of Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes send our heart felt condolences to Admiral Collins’ family and friends during this difficult time. 

The personal injury attorneys at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes have decades of experience representing the families of deceased bike riders such as Admiral Collins. We unfortunately see, time after time, how the inattentive driving of one can destroy the lives of many others. If you or a loved one is involved in a motor vehicle accident caused by an inattentive driver, the personal injury attorneys at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes stand read to seek justice for you. WE SEE YOU THROUGH.

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Car Accident Involving a Fire Rescue Truck: Not So Unusual?

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

Today the St. Petersburg Times reported a car accident involving a Fire Rescue truck and delivery truck on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. Believe it or not, these types of car accidents occur more often than you might think. Luckily, no one was injured in this car accident, but that is not always the case.

While we don’t know if this Fire Rescue truck was on an emergency call at the time, we see many cases where drivers fail to yield to an emergency vehicle and cause a car accident. As a result, firefighters and other emergency workers are sometimes injured and unable to continue serving our community. Often times, the emergency vehicle is not able to continue in route to the emergency call. That means that someone who needs emergency care may not receive it as quickly as they would have otherwise.

Most people are well aware that they have a duty to yield to emergency vehicles. However, many drivers are distracted by cell phones, loud music, and even browsing the internet while they drive. These distractions can lead to a driver being completely unaware of an approaching emergency vehicle, and in turn, cause a car accident.

To prevent these types of motor vehicle accidents from occurring, Florida law sets forth the responsibilities of other drivers when an emergency vehicle is approaching. Florida Statute Section 316.126(a) provides that when an emergency vehicle gives signals to other drivers by way of a siren, exhaust whistle, other device, or visual signal in the form of blue or red lights, the other drivers must yield the right-of-way to the emergency vehicle. All drivers must immediately proceed to a position parallel to, and as close as reasonable to the closest edge of the roadway. Additionally, the driver must clear any intersection and remain in position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed.

All of us at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes, P.A. would like to remind drivers to be alert to approaching emergency vehicles. If you are injured in a car accident involving an emergency vehicle, the personal injury attorneys at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes, P.A. can assist you. Click here to schedule a free case consultation.

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3-year-old boy nearly drowns in family friend’s pool

Monday, June 14th, 2010

The weekend almost ended in tragedy for a Holiday family. Tryston Sierra, 3, was playing in a Palm Harbor pool with his siblings around 7:30 p.m. Sunday. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s office, Sierra, who did not know how to swim, was in a child’s flotation device when it flipped over. Another child called to the parents for help.

Deputies said the child’s mother, Desiree Sierra of Holiday, was visiting friends along with her five children, who range in age from less than a year to 12. The children were swimming as the adults watched. 

Palm Harbor Fire Rescue responded to the 911 call and paramedics were able to restore the boy’s pulse. He was flown to All Children’s Hospital in critical condition. 

Swim season requires extra vigilance to keep kids safe. Parents must stay alert and avoid distractions when their children are swimming or playing near a pool. 

Florida leads the nation in drowning deaths for children younger than 5, with an average of 74 dying each year in the last decade, according to the Florida Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition (part of Safe Kids Worldwide).  Follow these important safety tips to help prevent a tragedy: 

  • ALWAYS supervise young children around swimming pools, lakes, rivers and the beach. Have a designated adult “water watcher”.
  • Enroll children in swim classes that teach how to tread water, float and stay by the shore.
  • Put childproof locks on exterior doors and put an alarm on any door leading to a pool area. 
  • Install fencing in the backyard and around the pool. The pool fence should have self-closing, self-latching gates. Keep furniture away from the fence so children can’t climb over it into the pool area.  
  • Keep toys and floating objects out of the pool and clear away clutter from pool edges.
  • Use a pool cover when the pool isn’t being used.
  • Wear life jackets in and around natural bodies of water.
  • Explain the differences between open water and pools; watch out for uneven surfaces, currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.

Make safety your top concern. Be extra careful in and around the water, and be alert for those who are not. Don’t let an accident spoil your summer. 

If you or a loved has been injured due to the negligence of others, you should speak with an attorney. The personal injury attorneys at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes have been caring for clients in the Tampa Bay area for over 55 years. Click here for a free case consultation or contact us today!

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Click It or Ticket

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Seat Belt Crackdown Begins Today

The tenth annual “Click It or Ticket” campaign kicked off today with a zero tolerance, round the clock sweep for motorists who fail to buckle up. This nationwide effort to increase seat belt use and save lives is running from May 24 through June 6 and more than 10,000 police agencies will enforce seat belt laws. According to the Transportation Department, seat belt use is at a record high 84 percent, but 45 million Americans are still not buckling up. An average of 38 unbelted people a day are killed in motor vehicle accidents. 

Florida passed a law last year that allows law enforcement officers to pull over motorists not wearing their seat belts.  For the next two weeks, officers will be on a life-saving effort to do just that. Seat belts save lives and buckling up will also protect your wallet.  Click it or be prepared for a ticket!        

Drive safely and watch out for those who don’t. ALWAYS wear your seat belt. If you or someone you know is injured in a Florida car accident, motorcycle accident, bicycle accident or other personal injury matter, you should contact an attorney for answers to your legal questions. The personal injury attorneys at Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes have been helping clients in the Tampa Bay Area since 1955. Click here to schedule a free case consultation. We see you through.

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