More people are traveling this holiday season than having done so in the past two years. This means more vehicles on the road, more people celebrating (perhaps celebrating a bit too much), and a higher potential for accidents leading to injuries over the holidays. Our goal at Calandro Law is to help people stay safe and learn how to avoid a personal injury this holiday season.

People are often distracted by thoughts of meeting up with family, what gifts to get, and how to fit all of their holiday to-do-list into a busy schedule as they travel this time of year. This can lead to accidents on the road or while out on the town. If you have been injured in an accident in Riverview this holiday season, it may be in your best interest to contact the personal injury attorneys at Calandro Law. Our expert lawyers specialize in handling a variety of personal injury cases and can help you or a loved one recover compensation for your injuries.

Safe Driving Tips 

The Christmas and New Year’s holidays are some of the busiest times of the year on the roads in the United States. Many people choose to drive rather than fly over the holidays in order to visit friends and family who live farther away, especially with fears over the rapidly spreading Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. This increased volume on the road means a higher likelihood for car accidents, injuries, and in some cases, even wrongful deaths occurring. Here are some helpful tips for keeping yourself and any passengers safe while driving this holiday season: 

• Be sure not to drive when you are tired. The holidays are a wonderful time to spend with family and friends, but all the holiday activities and shopping can exhaust us. Make sure to get plenty of rest before any long drives. If you start to feel tired while driving, pull over and rest for a bit or change drivers if you are traveling with another legal driver.
• Before you leave for a trip this holiday season, get your vehicle inspected to ensure it is safe for the road. Make sure the coolant is topped off, you have an acceptable amount of tread on your tires, and properly functioning brakes.
• Fill your gas tank up before you get on the highway for your intended destination. Holiday traffic can mean unexpected delays on the road.
• Avoid looking at your phone while you are driving. Texts and calls can wait until you are parked safely. Try to have a passenger navigate for you if you are using your phone for directions.
• For parents traveling with kids, make sure all children have their seatbelts securely fastened and that any small children are correctly buckled into a car seat or booster seat.
• Many people may be driving from warmer climates to visit family in colder climates. Make sure you pack a safety kit in your vehicle with tools to help in case of inclement weather, such as icy roads. 
• You should also keep a first aid kit in your vehicle in case of any injuries while traveling.
• Stay alert at all times while driving over the holiday season, but be especially vigilant when driving in areas with a high concentration of pedestrians, such as in the city or at shopping centers. Pedestrians may be very distracted during this season or maybe intoxicated.
• People planning on attending holiday parties where alcohol will be served should plan to have a designated driver or arrange for an Uber, Lyft, or taxi to take them home.

Holidays Mean More Impaired Drivers On The Road

An unfortunate reality of the holiday season is that more impaired drivers are on the road during this time of year. A higher amount of intoxicated drivers leads to more motor vehicle accidents including motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and pedestrian accidents that often cause serious injury and even death. It is important to always be cautious while driving during the holiday season, especially at night. Be sure to look out for drivers that show signs of intoxication and report them to the police should you notice any. 

Signs that a driver may be operating a vehicle under the influence include:

• Swerving
• Driving at night without lights on
• Inconsistent speed
• Sporadic braking 
• Sudden turns without a blinker
• Slow response to traffic signals or blatant disregard of traffic signals

Christmas Trees Can Be An Unexpected Hazard

Christmas is just about here and that means many families already have Christmas trees up in their houses. Christmas trees are a wonderful tradition that brings beauty and pageantry inside the house during the holiday season. However, these lovely conifers can pose some risk to the safety of your family and home. 

Make sure to keep your Christmas tree well-watered while it is in the house. Trees that are not watered may dry out and can catch fire much more easily. Be sure to thoroughly check any Christmas lights you plan on putting on the tree before doing so. Damaged lights may cause a spark that could ignite your tree and lead to serious fire damage.

Never Climb A Ladder Alone

Fortunately, there is very rarely snow or ice in Florida. This means people looking to decorate the outside of their house (or the inside) can set ladders up without the extra hazard of snowy or icy conditions. However, you should always have someone with you when you are decorating using a ladder. 

Using a ladder to get on your roof creates a higher potential for a more serious fall should you slip from the top of the ladder or from your roof. If there is nobody around to see your accident, you could be left in a life-threatening condition with no one to call for help.

Additionally, ladders are not always stable, especially older ladders or when trying to place a ladder on uneven ground. Ask a friend or family member to spot you while using a ladder to decorate. They can help keep the ladder steady and help you avoid a trip to the emergency room.

Stay Safe While Cooking A Holiday Feast For The Family

The Holidays usually mean big meals for get-togethers with friends and family. This means more people cooking larger, more intricate meals than they typically would. With these more complex meals comes a higher risk for accidents in the kitchen, such as kitchen fires or knife cuts. Make sure you are paying close attention while cooking this season and try to minimize distractions while in the kitchen.

Keep these tips in mind while in the kitchen this holiday season:

• Maintain your attention on the task at hand.
• Be slow and deliberate when cutting with kitchen knives.
• Stay mindful of any towels and oven mitts near the oven and stovetops.
• Make sure to wash your hands before and after handling food.
• Keep children away from hot burners and anything cooking on the stovetop.
• Do not use a turkey frier within 10 feet of your home. Place it on flat ground and use a thawed and dry turkey.
• Stay in the kitchen whenever you have something cooking on the stovetop

Contact The Professionals At Calandro Law

If you or a loved one has been injured in Florida this holiday season, the expert personal injury attorneys at Calandro Law are ready to help. Christmas and New Year’s should be times spent with family and loved ones, not worrying about a personal injury case. Our experienced legal team will take all the burden off of your hands, leaving you to enjoy the company of those you love. We will fight to ensure that you get the compensation you are owed after an accident.

If you are in need of a personal injury lawyer, schedule your free consultation at Calandro law today! Give us a call at (813) 563-6463 or visit us in person at our office in Riverview. 

Wishing you all a safe and happy Holiday this year from the Calandro Law family to yours!

The spinal cord is such a crucial component of the health and well-being of any individual. It should come as no surprise that spinal cord injuries can be some of the most devastating and serious injuries a person can suffer. But how do spinal cord injuries occur and what should you do if you suffered a spinal cord injury due to someone else’s negligence? 

There are many different ways a spinal cord injury can happen. These injuries can often be prevented but sometimes spinal cord injuries are a result of an accident that could never have been anticipated. When that accident was caused by another person’s actions, the victim may have the legal right to seek restitution for their pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Calandro Law can help spinal cord injury victims reclaim damages for their injury and ensure they are financially taken care of following an accident. Let’s learn some more about spinal cord injuries in Florida and when you may need the services of a personal injury lawyer.

What Is Are Spinal Cord Injuries

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a term used to describe when the spinal cord or any nerves at the end of the spinal canal are damaged. These injuries can often carry detrimental, even life-altering, consequences. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC), there are around 17,000 new cases of spinal cord injures each year. 

The spinal cord consists of a network of nerve fibers that run up and down the center of the body. Your brain sends signals through the spinal cord to the rest of the body, controlling motor, sensory, and autonomic functions. Your all-important central nervous system is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. 

Injury to the spinal cord can be extremely disruptive to the body’s ability to properly function. Damage to an area of the spinal cord may prevent the brain from being able to send and receive signals through the spinal cord to and from areas of the body below the location of the injury.

Spinal cord injuries can vary greatly in severity, location, type, and symptoms. The severity and location of your injury will play a major role in the symptoms and potential loss of function you experience.

Common Causes For Spinal Cord Injuries In Florida

Spinal cord injuries can happen for any number of reasons. Most frequently, injuries to the spinal cord are caused by some kind of forceful trauma. However, the range of causes for spinal cord damage can include:

• Car accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Truck accidents
• Slip and falls
• Boating accidents
• Sports accidents
• Diseases
• Tumors
• Loss of oxygen
• Electrical shock
• Poisoning 
• Shootings, stabbings, or physical assault

Who Is At Risk Of Spinal Cord Injuries 

The NSCISC reports that car accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. This is due to the extreme forces that are enacted upon the spine during a crash. People involved in other motor vehicle accidents will also have an increased likelihood of suffering damage to their spine. Individuals living in areas with high levels of violent crimes will also have an increased risk for suffering a spinal injury as violent crimes, especially shootings, account for around 11% of spinal cord injuries.  

Slip and fall accidents are also a major contributor to spinal cord injuries, especially among elderly adults. Athletes that compete in dangerous or full-contact sports (football, hockey, lacrosse, skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, gymnastics) will also have a higher risk of injuring their spine. Additionally, diseases that affect the bones and joints (arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer) increase the chances of damage in the spinal cord developing. 

Spinal Cord Injury Signs And Symptoms

Not all spinal cord injuries will share the same signs and symptoms. Damage to the spinal cord which leaves a person without any feeling or motor function below the injury site is known as a complete SCI. An incomplete SCI occurs when some feeling and ability to move are left below the injured portion of the spine. 

Location of the injury, such as the neck or lower back, will also play a role in the symptoms a person may experience. As a general rule, the higher up the spine the injury is, the more of your body will be affected by the damage. 

It should also be noted that people may not realize they have suffered a serious SCI following an accident. If you believe you or someone else has suffered a spinal injury after a traumatic accident, make sure the injured person does not move until they can be attended to by medical professionals. 

Signs and symptoms of spinal cord injuries people often experience include:

• Severe pressure or pain in the back or neck
• Numbness and weakness
• Partial or total loss of the sense of cold, heat, or touch
• Difficulty breathing, coughing or clearing the lungs
• Trouble with balance or walking
• Loss of bladder and bowel control
• Spasms 
• Paralysis or loss of control and feeling in certain parts of the body

Diagnosing Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries should always be diagnosed by a medical professional. They may perform a physical examination while discussing symptoms that have been experienced with the patient. Modern diagnostic tests can also provide more accurate information as to the location and extent of a spinal cord injury.

A doctor may use an X-ray to image any possible fractures, tumors, or other issues in the vertebrae. Herniated or bulging discs along with blood clots in the spine can be detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Nerve damage within the spine can be revealed through myelography. A computerized tomography (CT) scan can also help doctors determine what is at the root of your spinal injury.

How To Prevent Spinal Cord Injuries

The good news is that there are many ways for you to help reduce your risk of suffering a spinal cord injury. As mentioned above, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. Be sure to always wear a seat belt when driving or riding in a vehicle. If you have kids, securely fasten them into an appropriate safety seat. You should also never operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not only keeps you safe but also other people on the road.

Elderly people have an increased risk of suffering spine injuries, especially from slip and fall accidents. Older people should use non-slip rugs or mats on surfaces that may get wet or slippery, such as in the shower. It is also a good idea to install rails, banisters, and grab bars in places where they may need extra support. Be sure all rails, banisters, and grab bars are kept securely fastened. 

For athletes and individuals who engage in full-contact sports or dangerous activities, wearing the proper safety equipment is crucial or reducing your risk of injury. Helmets should always be worn when engaging in risky activities, such as football, hockey, skiing, biking, and motorcycle riding. 

How A Florida Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

If you have suffered a serious spinal cord injury, the long-term effects, such as total or partial paralysis, can completely alter your life and leave you with massive medical bills. You are entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering when your injuries have been caused by another person’s negligence. The personal injury attorneys at Calandro Law can help you get the restitution you are owed.

Whether you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall accident, or some other type of accident, our expert lawyers have years of experience handling all manner of personal injury cases. The attorneys at Calandro Law are prepared to take on insurance companies on your behalf and ensure you get a fair settlement for all of the financial, physical, emotional, and mental damages you may have suffered as a result of your accident.

Personal injury attorneys will launch a full investigation into your accident to gather all the necessary evidence to support your claim. Your attorney will work closely with your medical care providers to show documentation of your injuries and to accurately estimate the cost of your past, current, and future treatment needed for your accident injuries. 

You are allowed to represent yourself in a personal injury claim in Florida. However, it should be noted that victims who hire professional legal representation are awarded higher settlements on average. 

People who may be concerned about the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer should know that you will not owe anything unless your attorney wins your case. The legal fees for your personal injury claim will come out of the settlement amount awarded. 

Speak With A Riverview Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Damage to the spinal cord can be terrifying and often life-changing. Make sure you and your family are financially taken care of in your time of need. Contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Calandro Law in Riverview. Our legal team considers our clients to be family and we will fight tenaciously to get our clients the compensation they are owed for the pain and suffering they have endured.

When you are ready to fight for your settlement, Calandro Law is ready to help. Give us a call today at (813) 563-6463 to schedule your free case evaluation. 

Going through the process of a personal injury claim can often be longer and more exhausting than people realize. If you are recovering from an injury after a car accident, motorcycle accident, or another incident, you may not have the energy or time a personal injury claim demands. This is why many injury victims turn to experienced personal injury attorneys for help.

Whether or not you plan on hiring a lawyer to represent you, there are a few things everyone should know before pursuing an injury claim. Understanding these aspects of the personal injury claim process will make your experience better and give you a better chance at success. With that said, here are 9 things to know about your personal injury claim:

1 – You Must File Your Lawsuit Within The Statute Of Limitations

What is a statute of limitations? A statute of limitations is a law that governs how long you have from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Statutes of limitations can differ from state to state. There may also be different statutes of limitations for different types of crimes. 

The Florida Statute of Limitations states that victims or the state have four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the defendant in a personal injury case. There are some exceptions for special cases but it is always best to file a claim sooner rather than later. 

There is usually better evidence available to support your case when you file closer to the date of the accident. Additionally, witnesses and even individuals directly involved in the accident may forget important details over time. It is best to gather statements and have a lawyer launch an investigation into the accident before years have gone by. 

You may also lose your right to file a claim if you wait to file a lawsuit until after the statute of limitations has expired.

2 – Make Sure To Build A Strong Case

In order to give yourself the best chance of being awarded a fair settlement, you must build a strong case to support your claim. One of the advantages of hiring a personal injury attorney is that they know exactly how to prove negligence in a personal injury case. An attorney can help you collect the evidence and documentation you need to strengthen your claim. Your attorney can also keep track of all of this information for you so you don’t have to.

However, some people may choose to forego professional legal representation. They may wish to handle the case on their own or simply do not want to pay for an attorney. Here are some tips to follow for building a stronger personal injury case:

• Gather all relevant evidence 
• Complete and maintain any documentation to support your claim
• Make sure to get the contact information for all parties involved (witnesses, first responders, lawyers, insurance agencies, medical providers)
• Draft up a demand letter
• Send your demand letter to the at-fault insurance company along with all relevant records, documentation, and bills
• Negotiate with them for a settlement you are satisfied with
• Prepare to take the case to court if a settlement cannot be reached

3 – Consider Future Damages

It is crucial to consider any future costs you may incur from your accident when you are calculating how much to ask for in a personal injury settlement. This can include economic damages, such as future treatment or lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as emotional suffering or long-term disability. 

Factoring in the cost of future damages into the settlement amount you request in a demand letter ensures you are being compensated for the impact your injuries will have on your life. Including these damages in your claim will typically increase the value of your case significantly.

4 – Do Not Accept The Initial Offer

Insurance companies will typically try to convince or coerce you into accepting their initial settlement offer, especially if you do not have a lawyer representing you. The problem is the initial settlement offer is almost always lower than the compensation you need and deserve. 

This is why steps 2 and 3 are so important.

By adding up all of your current bills and expenses and calculating your future expenses, you will have a better understanding of what you should be awarded. This will help prevent you from accepting an offer that is unfairly low. You will be able to identify an undervalued settlement offer immediately and can counter it with an offer that satisfies you.

Claimants also have a stronger leg to stand on in negotiations when they have collected all the necessary documentation, bills, and evidence to support the settlement figure they are asking for.

5 – Your Personal Life and Medical History Can Impact Your Case

It is important to realize that insurance companies will do whatever they can to gain leverage in a case and distance themselves from full responsibility for injuries. What does this mean for the claimant? This means insurance companies may do extensive research into your personal life, professional life, and medical history to try and minimize their liability for your injuries.

They may look at your: 

• Medical history
• Criminal background
• Employment history
• Social media accounts

Insurance companies are looking for anything they can use to devalue your claim. For example, let’s say you injured your knee in a slip and fall accident. If you had previously injured that same knee, they may claim that your injuries were primarily due to a pre-existing condition. They may do this even if your previous injury was several years old and completely unrelated. 

A history of financial delinquency or criminal activity can also negatively impact the value of your claim. Keep in mind that your past can affect the value of your claim and you need to be prepared to provide strong evidence to justify the settlement amount you are seeking.

6 – Injury Victims Can Become Targets For Solicitation 

There are many types of solicitors that will try and take advantage of the difficult financial situation many injury victims find themselves in. They often take the form of loan lenders who offer fast money to help you cover immediate medical expenses while you wait for a settlement. 

The problem is these loans are often predatory and target people who are in a very tough place. These loans typically have extremely high interest rates and usually leave victims in a worse financial place than they started. Victims may end up using a large portion of their settlement to simply pay off their loan.

It is not advised to take one of these loans but if you do decide you need one, be sure to read the fine print carefully. Look at the interest rates and calculate what the true cost of the loan will end up being.

7 – Be Patient

Personal injury claims can take quite a long time to be fully resolved. You should be wary of any personal injury attorney that guarantees a quick settlement or fast cash. It can take a good amount of time to gather all the evidence and documentation to build a strong case and even longer to negotiate for a fair settlement. 

Remember to be patient and avoid accepting an undervalued settlement simply to get compensation faster. A personal injury attorney can help you deal with injury expenses you cannot afford to pay until you have gotten a settlement. They can work with medical providers to arrange for payment to come out of a settlement once you have been awarded compensation.

8 – Look For A “No Fee Guarantee”

Injury victims who decide to hire a personal injury attorney should look for an attorney who works on a contingency basis. A contingency fee basis means that you will not be charged any attorney fee unless your lawyer wins your case. Most personal injury attorneys who operate under a contingency fee will take a certain percentage of the awarded settlement as their fee.

Be sure to discuss this fee with your attorney before you hire them. The benefit is that you will not have to pay for your attorney out of pocket and your attorney has extra incentive to win the case for you. 

The experienced personal injury attorneys at Calandro Law do not charge their clients anything until they have won the case. Additionally, you schedule a free case evaluation with Calandro Law. During your evaluation, an expert lawyer will inform you of whether or not you have a strong case, the estimated time it may take to resolve your case, and what your legal options are going forward. 

9 – Be Prepared To Go To Court

Despite all the preparation, evidence building, and negotiation time you invest into a case, there is still a chance your case could go to trial. A personal injury claim will go to court when neither party can agree upon a settlement amount.

Claimants are legally allowed to represent themselves in a personal injury trial but this is almost never recommended. If your claim is going to trial, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced personal injury attorney. There are many legal pitfalls and procedures that can be difficult to navigate for individuals who are unfamiliar with the technical letter of the law. Having a trial-tested lawyer in your corner offers you the best chance at a favorable outcome.

Speak With A Riverview Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Riverview, the personal injury attorneys at Calandro law are prepared to get you the settlement you deserve. Let our legal team do the heavy lifting for you. 

We will run a full investigation into your claim and gather all the pertinent evidence and documentation to build a strong case for you. Your attorney will offer you expert legal advice and guide you through the entire process of settling a personal injury claim. They can even represent you in negotiations and legal proceedings without you needing to be present.

Clients do not owe anything unless we win the case. When you are ready to fight for your compensation, we are ready to hop in your corner. Contact us today at (813) 563-6463 to schedule your free case evaluation.

We have all heard of mold causing issues for people and their households. However, many of us still wonder: How do you know if your house has mold? Mold in your home can lead to very serious health complications. Knowing how to identify the signs of mold in your house and how to protect you and your family if there is a mold problem in your house.

When mold is left undetected and untreated, it may not only mean health issues for you and any others living in the house but also may lead to structural damage as well. It is always best to address the issue as soon as possible if you suspect there is mold in your home.

In this article, we will look at what causes mold to grow, how to identify mold in your house, and how a toxic mold attorney can help if you have suffered health issues from toxic mold exposure. Toxic mold can be 

What Is Mold?

Molds are different types of fungi that tend to grow in warm, humid, and wet environments and can be toxic to the environment around them. These molds can grow inside or outside as long as the conditions are right. 

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the most common types of mods found growing in homes are Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Aspergillus. These may be the most common but there are thousands of different types of mold that can develop indoors. 

Mold can enter your household through various pathways including:

• Doors
• Windows
• Vents
• Heating and air conditioning systems

Some molds can even be brought in unknowingly by people or pets when it attaches to clothing, shoes, or fur. No matter how this toxic invader gets into your home, make sure you know how to find the warning signs early and what to do if you find mold.

Health Issues That Can Arise From Toxic Mold Exposure

One of the first warning signs that you may be developing health issues from mold exposure is the development of allergy-like symptoms. Mold exposure can lead to symptoms that are very similar to those caused by allergies. People suffering from mold exposure may experience the following symptoms:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Wheezing and difficulty breathing
• Congestion or runny nose
• Sore throat 
• Watery, itchy eyes
• Sinus headaches
• Itchy, irritated skin

Pay attention to where you are when these symptoms are the most noticeable. It can be a good indicator that you have a mold problem if your symptoms are exacerbated while at home and get better when you are outside or away. 

Some molds that grow in the house can become toxic and cause even more dangerous issues. Toxic molds may lead to life-threatening health problems if left untreated. People who have had prolonged exposure to toxic mold can develop:

• Internal organ damage
• Internal bleeding
• Mental impairment
• Cancer
• Death

How Do You Know If Your House Has Mold?

There are some high probability places in the house to check if you are concerned you may have a mold problem. The most common places to find mold indoors are:

• Bathrooms
• Basements
• Drywall
• Ceiling tiles
• Wallpaper
• Carpet
• Under sinks 
• Behind toilets
• Around plumbing lines

Your house is especially at risk for developing a mold problem if you have recently experienced flooding, a leaking roof, or a burst pipe. The wet conditions produced by such events are ideal for mold to grow.

Warning Signs To Look For

The major issue with mold in the house is that it can lead to very problematic health issues for anyone living in the home and can contribute to structural damage. This is why it is so important to pay attention to any signs that mold may be growing in your house. The good news is that mold is often easy to identify, especially when a large growth has formed.

Key mold indicators to be on the lookout for are:

• Moldy Smell: Many molds can produce a strong, musty scent. It is sometimes compared to the smell of opening a very old book. A persistent moldy odor in the home may indicate a potential mold hazard.
• Apparent Mold Growth: Mold can come in a variety of colors and forms but some can become easy to spot when growing in large clusters. Mold can be black, white, gray-green, or gray-brown. Some molds found behind wallpaper or vinyl can even be orange, purple, or pink. 
• Water Leaks: A water leak in the house can be a perfect breeding ground for mold. The problem with leaks is that they sometimes occur behind walls or in other hidden areas and may go unnoticed. Be sure to get any known leaks fixed quickly to avoid mold growth.
• Areas of Condensation: Certain areas in the house can cause condensation to build up, such as windows and metal pipes. Be sure to regularly check these areas for mold growth.
• Water Damage: Be sure to look for signs of water damage in your home. Areas, where water damage has occurred, are perfect for mold growth. Look for signs like water stains, discoloration on the wall, ceiling, or floor, or bubbling, peeling, or cracked wallpaper.
• Previous Flooding: Homes that have experienced flooding recently or in the past have a high probability of developing a mold issue. You should always check areas of your home that have been flooded before for potential mold.

What should you do if you detect mold in your house? You should schedule a professional mold inspection right away. They can do a full sweep of your house to determine just how serious your mold problem is. 

It is a good idea to contact a toxic mold lawyer if you discover mold in your home but you are not the property owner. Renters should not have to pay for the cost of removing mold, repairing damages, or medical bills for mold exposure in a property they do not own. 

How A Toxic Mold Lawyer Can Help

A toxic mold lawyer can help tenants recover damages suffered due to toxic mold from landlords that are refusing to pay or accept liability for toxic mold in a household. 

Property owners are responsible for providing a safe and healthy residence for their tenants under Florida law. When landlords allow a mold problem to go untreated, it can not only lead to damages to their property or the property of tenants within the household but also lead to health issues for the tenants.

Property owners or landlords that refuse to address claims of toxic mold put forth by renters could be held liable for damages associated with mold exposure. A toxic mold attorney can help you seek compensation for damages such as:

• Medical expenses
• Property loss or repairs
• Loss of income
• Breach of warranty of habitability 

Anyone seeking compensation for toxic mold exposure must be able to prove that the party they are filing a claim against was directly responsible for the damages they have suffered. A toxic mold lawyer can help prove liability. 

Your lawyer will perform their own investigation into the case to gather all the pertinent information. Toxic mold lawyers will work to establish that the responsible party had a duty of care to provide their client with a safe living space. They will then show that this duty of care was breached either through deliberately not addressing a mold issue or being negligent in the care and upkeep of a property. 

Speak With A Toxic Mold Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been exposed to toxic mold in your house, condo, or apartment, contact the local toxic mold attorneys at Calandro Law in Riverview, Florida. Our experienced toxic mold lawyers offer expert legal guidance and are ready to help you and your loved ones in your time of need. 

Our legal team will fight to get you the compensation you are owed for any damages you have suffered as a result of your mold issue. Contact us today at (813) 563-6463 to schedule a free case evaluation. 

Getting hurt in a car accident can throw your life into chaos. As you manage your growing pile of bills while attending doctor’s appointments,

It is unfortunate that car accidents occur every day. The number of accidents in Florida is higher than almost anywhere else. In one recent year, more than 400,000 car accidents occurred in Florida, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. There were 2,915 fatal car crashes, and more than 41 percent of them involved injuries. California and Texas were the only two states with higher fatal accident numbers that year. The increased number of fatalities attributed to Florida’s large population is undeniably a contributing factor. Although Florida has an increased population, it ranks near the top when comparing the rate of fatalities per mile driven.

An experienced Florida car accident attorney can assist you if you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident.

In a recent year, 166,881 accidents in Florida resulted in injuries, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Patients who suffer injuries in a motor vehicle accident often require medical attention. Costs associated with healthcare can rapidly add up. Financial burdens often cause victims to become overwhelmed. There are many Florida residents who are struggling to afford the cost of medical care. There may be compensation they are entitled to that will help car accident victims cover medical expenses. Contact Calandro Law if you’re in need of a personal injury attorney to evaluate your case and determine how much you would be entitled to.

In this article, we will discuss all possible options to cover your medical bills after a car accident in Florida. Continue reading to learn about these options in light of Florida’s No-Fault laws and other factors.

Is Your Accident Under No-Fault?

You need to determine whether Florida’s no-fault system applies to your case in order to know who will pay your medical bills after the accident. All drivers in Florida are required to purchase no-fault vehicle insurance. You will be covered by your insurance if you suffer less serious injuries in a car accident.

 Generally, drivers look to their own insurance to recover for their losses regardless of fault. You can bring a claim against the at-fault driver if you suffer a severe or permanent injury that meets the definition of a qualifying injury under Florida law. Your medical bills are payable once you find out what type of case you have.

Your Car Insurance

Despite being expected to be repealed, this PIP law still stands. A minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage is required. After a car accident, this type of insurance will cover your medical bills, no matter if you were at fault or not. There are, however, some nuances to Florida’s PIP insurance laws. Among these subtleties is that PIP only covers 80 percent of medical bills. PIP insurance, then, only covers $4,000 of your medical bills in the case of $5,000 in charges – and that is if your injuries are considered an emergency. If your injury is not considered an emergency, you can only claim $2,500 in benefits. Additionally, PIP does not cover every type of treatment. You most likely will have to pay out of pocket for alternative treatments like acupuncture, as PIP will not cover them.

Your Private Health Insurance

Just like any other injury situation, you may be able to use your health insurance for your medical treatment following an accident. In the end, only your deductibles and copays remain your responsibility. Otherwise, your health insurance policy should be easily usable. Private and public insurance plans are included in this. Your health insurance can only be used to cover coverage-specific expenses. For example, if you require an ambulance ride but the cost is not covered by your insurance policy, you might be responsible for the costs. The hospital may however let you make small, minimum payments until your full settlement amount arrives if you know you’ll be entitled to it. You may be required to reimburse your insurance provider after you receive a settlement in some instances. In addition, if you were not at fault, the other driver’s insurance company may be contacted for reimbursement. Nevertheless, all of this is secondary to the fact that, if you have insurance, your bills can be covered. After all, that’s why you have insurance!

Paying Your Own Medical Bills

Medical bills may sometimes have to be paid out-of-pocket, which is obviously the least desirable option. The insurance company for the other party may not pay if the other person lacks health insurance or if fault cannot be established. It is possible for you to negotiate a hold agreement with your healthcare providers until your case is settled. If you’re awaiting your settlement, you can make small payments (or none) in the meantime without sending the issue to a collection agency. You may also be able to secure a loan to pay your medical bills. You may want to avoid this scenario unless you can get a personal loan at a great rate. These loans may be offered by predatory lenders, who demand a large part of your settlement in exchange for extremely high-interest rates. During this time, you might be better off borrowing money from family and friends, especially if they know that a settlement is expected. Fortunately, a Miami personal injury attorney can help you negotiate with the insurance companies so you can avoid borrowing money and receive a full, fair settlement quickly.

The Other Driver Could Cover Medical Costs

Only drivers convicted of drunk driving or operating a taxi in Florida must carry bodily injury insurance. Data shows, however, that most drivers possess bodily injury insurance. Florida drivers were reported to be uninsured at nearly 27 percent in 2015. Despite being the highest in the country, almost three-quarters of drivers are insured.

It is still possible to file a personal injury suit against the other driver even if he or she is without bodily injury protection. Whenever a driver is liable, his/her assets would be recouped. It may be possible to recover damages from the driver’s employer if he or she was at work when the accident occurred.

A Third Party Could Pay your Medical Bills

Damages resulting from car accidents may be covered by third parties in some cases. There are a number of situations that may expose a third party to financial liability, including:

• An uninjured party causes the accident. Did another driver swerve into your lane to avoid collision? Did another driver’s actions cause you to slam on your brakes? There is a possibility that the other driver is responsible for damages, even if they were not directly involved in the collision.

• Poor road conditions or damaged traffic devices caused your accident. It is the responsibility of the city and state governments to keep the roads safe. Signage and lights need to be visible and working properly, and roads and bridges need to be repaired. You may be able to sue a government agency if you are involved in an accident because of poor road conditions.

• An accident involving a commercial vehicle. There are unfortunately more truck, bus, and taxi accidents than we would like to think about. It may be possible to sue the truck owner, the employer and the driver of a commercial vehicle if you are involved in an accident with one.

Other Options to Pay For Medical Costs

There are also other options for paying for your medical costs following a Florida car accident, including:

• MedPay. Florida car accident health insurance, or MedPay, helps pay for some of the costs associated with Florida car accidents. Your PIP copay can be up to two thousand dollars, which is covered by MedPay. MedPay may cover costs not covered by PIP insurance depending on the coverage you have selected.

• Worker’s Compensation. Your employer’s workers’ compensation coverage is required to cover the full cost of your medical bills, including deductibles, co-pays, and transportation expenses incurred while going to and from your doctors’ appointments if your car accident occurred while on the job.

How Calandro Law Can Help

It is stressful to be involved in a car accident. You don’t want to think about a stack of medical bills you can’t possibly pay while dealing with car damage, missing work, and dealing with your injuries.

Here at Calandro Law, we understand how difficult a time this can be for car accident victims. Let us help you get compensation for your Florida car accident as quickly as possible. In any case, if we think the settlement you’re offered isn’t fair, we will let you know. It may take longer to fight with insurance companies – but your chances of receiving more compensation will be higher.

Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. We offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. During our discussion, we will review all the details of your case, as well as any settlement offer you receive. Our lawyers will discuss the possibility of a larger settlement with you if we feel we will be able to achieve it.