Florida Child Injury Lawyer Blog

The City of Jacksonville, Florida (Duval County) has unfortunately made the list of the top three cities in Florida for deadly automobile accidents involving teens. The other top cities in Florida, according to an Allstate Insurance Company study, were Tampa and Orlando. Driving distraction in the form of text messaging, e mails, web surfing, and talking on mobile phones is a major problem in these cities and others throughout Florida. Teens these days seemed to be tethered to their phones. This is fine when the teen is a passenger in the vehicle. On the other hand, acts like text messaging while driving can lead to automobile accidents involving serious personal injuries and, yes, the wrongful and untimely death of teens and others on Florida roads. You can read more about this recent study and dangers of distracted driving at Florida Teens: Distracted Driving Can Turn Deadly.

Bunk beds can pose a safety hazard to children. Every year children suffer personal injuries resulting from falls from bunk beds. Some children fall while climbing the ladder to the bunk bed. Others fall when playing on the bunk bed. Some fall during sleep when they roll out of a bunk bed without a safety rail or barrier. I read a recent article that advised parents to make sure to use rails for bunk beds. Children really should not get a vote on whether to have the rails in place or not. If a child refuses to have the safety rails in place, remove the bunk beds from the home. This is a drastic measure but one that should be done for the safety of the child. You can read an article about bunk beds at Why Bunk Beds Need Safety Rails.

Florida has great weather year round. At times, mostly during the summer, it can become unbearably hot in Florida. This is especially true in parked cars that are not under any shade. Parents and caregivers should take the effort to remove children from hot cars - every time. Do not take any chances. A child can suffer serious personal injuries and even death by being left in a hot car for only a few minutes. Take the time and effort to remove children from a hot car even it if takes you a few more minutes of your time and even it is inconvenient at the moment. A child's health and safety are far too important to sacrifice for convenience. The interior of a car can reach temperatures in excess of 150 degrees in Florida and elsewhere. In the time period between 1997 to 2008, 365 children died from heat stroke / heat exposure after being left in a hot vehicle. These deaths and tragedies could have been avoided with proper care, due diligence, and common sense. You can read more about the dangers of leaving children in a hot car at Keeping Children Out of Hot Cars.

A deadly crash took place on Batram Park Boulevard on July 27 in Jacksonville, Florida. As I was driving into work this morning, I was driving on this very roadway when I came across an unmarked police SUV and an marked police vehicle. These vehicles were blocking traffic through Batram Park Boulevard. I suspected that there was an automobile accident / trucking accident or some kind of criminal chase in the area. I later heard and read about this tragic accident. The pick up truck had 3 teens in the back of the pick up truck when the driver lost control and the truck flipped. One teen died and another was seriously injured

A pickup truck loaded with six youths crashed after the driver apparently lost control early this morning causing the truck to flip. The accident killed one passenger and left another in critical condition, Jacksonville police said.

Miranda J. Zant (age 16) died at the scene of the crash when the pick up truck rolled over her according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

Florida Statutes Section 322.2015 prohibits the operator of a pick up truck to permit a minor child (under the age of 18 years old) to ride in the back of a pick up truck.

This law is in place to protect minors from the dangers of riding in the back of a pick up truck especially when there is crash. You can read the full version of this statute at the Official Florida Statute website at Section 322.2015, Florida Statutes.

The deaht of Miranda J. Zant is a tragic loss for her family and the community. Teens, parents and others should pause at this time to empathize and give sympathy to the family of Miranda J. Zant and also use this tragic accident as a teaching tools to other teens and children about the dangers of riding in the back of a pick up truck.

You can read about this crash at the Florida Times Union Website - Deadly Crash on Bartram Park Boulevard in Jacksonville (Duval County) Florida.

When a child suffers an untimely death due to an automobile accident, trucking accident or other incident, it is an extremely traumatic event for parents, grandparents and extended family members. In Vero Beach, Florida, Alana Smith, age 7, died in an automobile accident when her grandmother reportedly failed to stop at a stop sign. Friends of the family thereafter erected a memorial for the child and family which was later set on fire by an unknown person or event. Efforts to rebuild the memorial were taken soon after it was reported that the memorial was ruined or damaged by fire.

I support memorials for children and others who have been the victims of an automobile accident in the State of Florida. Children are the unfortunate and innocent victims of automobile accidents. Hopefully, through memorials, support of family, friends, and community, the family of Alana Smith will get some peace and comfort through this very trying and traumatic ordeal. You can read more about the memorial for Alana Smith at Florida Roadside Memorial Set on Fire.

In many Florida automobile accident and other injury cases, the records from a mobile telephone carrier or Internet Service Provider can be vital to a key aspect of the case. Some accidents result from text messaging distraction. Others result from e mail or mobile telephone call distraction. Obtaining the records from a mobile telephone company or Internet Service Providers often times requires a subpoena or law enforcement intervention. For clients, law enforcement, and attorneys, I wanted to provide an important internet link that provides a list of mobile telephone companies and Internet Service Providers in order to obtain information / documentation regarding a certain telephone number or account. The ISP List database is updated frequently and is an important tool for attorneys, investigators, and individuals in need of this most important information.

These service providers will want a Subpoena if records are requested for an account or telephone that you do not own. A civil attorney can only issue a Supoena if there is a matter in litigation. Since investigating an automobile accident case involving serious personal injuries can be quite complicated, it makes sense to retain the services of a Florida personal injury attorney / lawyer to represent your interests or the interests of an injured child.

In Florida, we have great weather and water every where. While the various lakes, rivers, oceans, and canals are great fun for adults and children, they are also very dangerous areas to small curious children. In St. Johns County, Florida, a 3 year old was reported to have nearly drowned in a pond near his home. While his father was working on a deck at the home, the 3 year old wandered into a nearby canal. The family dog was acting oddly apparently in an attempt to alert the father that something was wrong. Soon thereafter, the father found the boy in the pond. The father then brought his son to a neighbor's house and started CPR. JSO Deputy Loren Schneider later heled with the CPR and the child was transferred to Flagler Hospital and later transferred to Wolfson Children's Hospital.

The family dog should be rewarded with a nice meal or bone. Also, the actions of Deputy Loren Schneider and medical providers should be commended for saving this child. Hopefully, the child has a full recovery from this almost tragic incident. This story shows how children can be curious and put themselves in danger. Drownings can happen in mere minutes. As such, if you have home with a pool or that is near a waterway, keep constant supervision of your small children. You can read more about this story at St. Johns County Florida Child Nearly Drowns in Nearby Canal.

In Baker County, Florida and other areas, people are getting on the Internet and breaking the law. Some are making and / or sending out images and videos that include child pornography. Undercover agents arrested and then prosecutors pursued a case against Robert Curtiss of Glen St. Mary, Florida. Mr. Curtiss ultimately pleaded guilty to a charge a transporting child pornography. Mr. Curtiss will be required to serve a prison sentence and then register as a sex offender. You can read about this story at Baker County, Florida Man Sentenced for Child Pornography Charges.

In Homestead, Florida, a 5 month old baby was treated at a hospital for serious personal injuries from a screwdriver. The Associated Press reported that the baby had a screwdriver lodged deeply into the ear which may have caused cranial damage. The mother - Latasha Bailey - age 30 - found her infant son in a room with her 4 year old son. It was not reported how the screwdriver became lodged into the infant's ear. A full investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances of the injury. If the baby was harmed by the 4 year old, himself, or another child, this story shows the importance of keeping tools and other sharp objects away from small children. A seemingly harmless household tool can cause serious personal injuries to a small child. You can read about this story at Baby Taken to Hospital with Screwdriver in His Ear Causing Serious Personal Injuries.

In Orlando, Florida, a bus crash led to the injuries of 12 people at Walt Disney World. People travel to Orlando to see theme parks like Disney World. Unfortunately, some vacations are cut short or ruined completely by personal injuries suffered as a result of the negligence of a driver. In this case, one Disney bus rearended another Disney bus. There were approximately 50 people on both buses.

Even though Disney World and its driver are at fault, Disney World will demand proof of the injuries in form of medical bills, testing, and reports. Even when these documents are provided, Disney (like many other large corporate companies) will still question the injuries and argue that the injuries are not as severe or permanent as indicated in the medical reports, testing, and evaluations.

You can read more about this story at Disney Bus Crash Causes Injuries to 12 People.

Janet Lea Florence was a former teacher at Jackson Middle School in Brevard County, Florida. Ms. Florence misused her position of trust and had sex with a teenage boy. She admitted to the allegations and accepted a plea deal that will require her to serve a 5 year jail term, register as a sex offender, and stay away from schools and parks. Ms. Florence went from the role of a teacher to that of a sex offender. She molested a child and really ruined the lives of many people including herself. You can read more about this story at Former Middle School Teacher Gets 5 Year Jail Term.

In Florida and other States, pedestrians are the unfortunate victims of train related deaths. Statistically, Florida ranks 3rd among all States for train / pedestrian deaths. Georgia ranks 11th. Train companies as well as child and safety experts agree that both train companies and employees as well as pedestrians should exercise due caution due to the serious dangers created by pedestrians walking on or near railroad tracks. It is recommended that pedestrians should stay 25 feet or more from train tracks due to the size of the train, cargo, and the risk of flying debris as the train moves through the area. You can read more about the dangers of trains and safety recommendations and precautions at Florida Ranks 3rd Among States for Pedestrian / Train Deaths.

In Madeira Beach, Florida, a 5 year old boy, Jason Melitshka, suffered serious personal injuries after being bitten by a Pit Bull. The dog is owned by a family friend. As the boy walked into the apartment, the dog pounced on the 5 year old and bit the child at least two times before letting go. Jason was later treated at All Children's Hospital. You can read about this story at Madeira Beach, Florida 5 Year Old Bitten by Pit Bull Dog.

Children like Jason have legal rights when they are injured by a dog. Florida provides for Strict Liability for dog bite injuries. In other words, the owner of a dog is liable for injuries caused by a dog even if the dog had never bitten before. In addition, a dog owner is liable for a dog bite injury regardless of breed or the dog's history of viciousness or danger. There are some rare exceptions to this general rule if the child is trespassing and for other rare occurrences.

Many questions arise in a dog bite injury case in Florida. Who is responsible for the personal injuries and scars caused by the dog bite? Who is going to pay the medical bills? Is my child entitled to compensation for pain and suffering as well as future medical care?

The dog owner is responsible for the dog bite injuries. Hopefully, there is homeowners or renters insurance in place that provides coverage for dog bite injuries. Many insurance policies exclude such incidents from coverage. Unfortunately, many renters in apartments have no coverage whatsoever for such incidents.

When a child is bitten by a dog, it is helpful to have the advice, consultation, and representation from a Florida Child Injury Lawyer to help the parents and caregivers answer and deal with the above questions and issues.

In Orlando, Florida, a child was the tragic and unfortunate victim of a fire at an apartment complex. It was reported that at least four other people were also injured in this fire. The fire took place in Orange County (Orlando), Florida which is subject to the Municipal Code for the City of Orlando if the building is located within the city limits of Orlando, Florida. The City of Orlando Municipal Code requires that every dwelling unit within an apartment complex have a functioning smoke detector in place. This is the responsibility of the landlord / property owner to install and inspect smoke detectors for the safety and protection of the tenants and occupants. Fire rescue crews found only one working smoke detector in the building. An investigation will be completed into this matter to determine if the building / dwelling units were in compliance with the City of Orlando Municipal Code or other applicable fire protection laws in place. You can review various provisions of smoke detector / fire prevention provisions at City of Orlando Municipal Code.

The interpretation and applicability of city and county ordinances can be complicated. Furthermore, there are other issues that arise in situations of this nature including the following: How was the fire caused? Was the fire preventable? Would smoke alarms have saved this child's life? What other fire prevention or safety measures were in place? What was the status of the electrical system and ventilation system for this complex? What insurance coverage would apply to the injuries and deaths suffered as a result of this fire? These questions and others can be addressed by a Florida Child Injury Lawyer.

The death of this child is a great loss for this family and the community. You can read more about this story at Orlando, Florida (Orange County) Boy Dies in Fire - Others Suffer Personal Injuries.

The Associated Press reported an incident that recently took place at Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida. Maikon Bonani, age 20, was working at the theme park at the Skyride Attraction which takes park guests on a gondola ride. Maikon thought that one of the gondola doors was unlocked and held onto the door to check on it. Apparently, he held onto the door as the ride left the platform area. Thereafter, Maikon let go and fell 35 feet into a landscaped area. Maikon was later taken to the hospital.

As an employee or Busch Gardens, Maikon's medical bills and injuries should be covered by worker's compensation. In Florida, a worker can recover benefits for an on the job injury even if the injuries were caused by the acts of the employee. From news reports, it is uncertain what safety precautions were in place to prevent an injury of this nature.

The circumstances regarding the injury were released by Busch Gardens. You can read more about this story at USF Football Player Injured After 35 Foot Fall at Busch Gardens.

Parents and homeowners in Florida should properly supervise children in their homes against the dangers of alcohol and drug use. The health, safety, and welfare of children and teens depend on the good judgment of parents. In St. Johns, Florida, the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office recently arrested Diane Katz Santarelli for allegations regarding a house party involving teen alcohol, marijuana, and nitrous oxide consumption. Following one such party, Jessy Pitts (age 18) and Taylor Brennan (age 17) were killed when Pitts crashed into another vehicle on Florida State Road 13. Santarelli has been charged with manslaughter and other crimes. It is unusual for such a case to be pursued and there are many facts and circumstances that will be challenged or questioned by a criminal defense attorney on this case. Regardless of the outcome of this criminal case, parents and homeowners should be good role models for children. Having parties filled with alcohol and drugs along with underage adults and children consuming the same can only lead to trouble, personal injuries, death, and, in some cases, criminal charges. You can read more about this story at Teen Deaths in St. Johns Car Accident Lead to Criminal Charges Against Parent of Party.

Walt Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon was the site of a recent report of the molestation of a 13 year old boy at a water park in Orlando, Florida. David Eugene Thomas has been charged with the molestation / victimization of the child. It was reported that Mr. Thomas was an employee of Amazon.com. It is believed that Mr. Thomas may have molested 6 other children as well.

Why are children being molested at Orlando Water Parks? The fact that multiple incidents have taken place over this summer has caused management at some water parks to review their security measures and acts to protect the health, safety, and welfare of children at these parks. You can read more about this story at Why Are Children Being Molested at Florida Water Parks?

Jacksonville, Florida is a growing city that is quite large in land and road mass. According to a recent news report from the Florida Highway Patrol, drivers in Jacksonville, Florida are more likely to have an automobile accident as compared to other Florida cities. There were a total of 14,000 automobile accidents in Jacksonville, Florida in 2008. You can read more about these statistics for Jacksonville, Florida and other cities at Jacksonville, Florida Tops List for Automobile Accidents.

Florida officials have completed an investigation and incident report as to how 40 children were shocked by stun guns during investigations at Florida prisons.

While no children were hospitalized or suffered serious personal injuries, the demonstrations, which did in fact shock these children, showed poor judgment on the part of prison employees and officials. The ages of the children ranged from 5 to 17 years old. The children were visiting the prisons as part of the "Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day". You can read more about this story at Incident Report Completed as to Stun Gun Incidents Involving Children While Visiting Florida Prisons.

Florida has enacted a new seat belt law that allows police officers to pull over motorist for the failure to wear a seat belt. Prior to the enactment of the new law, a police officer could only issue a seat belt citation in conjunction with another traffic offense. Drivers, passengers, and children under the age of 18 can receive a citation for the failure to wear a seat belt. Experts believe that the proper use of seat belt can save lives and help avoid serious personal injuries. You can read more about the seatbelt law and commentary regarding the same at New Florida Seat Belt Law Makes Sense.

In Orlando, Florida, there are many water parks including several at Walt Disney World. For most, being at theme park is a pleasant and enjoyable experience. For some, theme parks are reminders of traumatic incidents, personal injuries, and even deaths at times. Recently, a 15 year old girl reported that a 51 year old New York man pulled off her bikini top and touched her chest. The Orange County Sheriff's Office reported that Robert Chester Double, Jr., age 51, was arrested for the incident at the Typhoon Lagoon Water park. He was charged with the crime of lewis and lascivious molestation. Newspaper reports did not indicate what legal defense, if any, Mr. Double had regarding the charges. The evidence in place, whether through video or other eyewitnesses, was also not reported. This story shows that even in large crowds at theme parks - there are dangers lurking for small children and teenagers. You can read more about this story at Man Charged with Crime at Orlando, Florida Water Park - Molestation of Teen Victim.

In Nassau County, Florida, a 13 year old recently died from Meningitis. It has been reported that the Nassau County Health Department is investigating the case. Incidents of this nature are troubling in that others may have been exposed to the infection. Furthermore, it is important to investigate this matter to determine how medical providers responded to the teen's signs and symptoms (if any) that were observable prior to the teen's death. Meningitis is an infection that can include symptoms of fever, headaches, and stiff neck. Since many conditions have such symptoms, it is vital for medical providers to conduct a complete and thorough screening to rule out Meningitis and other life threatening conditions before finalizing a treatment and follow up medical plan for the child. You can read about this story at Nassau County, Florida Teen Dies of Meningitis.

As a followup to a prior post on this incident, a Jacksonville man (Andrew Gomez) - age 18 - has been criminally charged with the drowning death of a mother (Tiffany Cecconi) and her daughter (Kaylani). Prior news reports on this story stated that a mother and daughter drowned at the same time. The story seemed odd in that an apparently healthy 18 year old and her baby drowned at the same time in a swimming pool. Investigation by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office along the State Attorney's Office led to the arrest of Mr. Gomez who is being held without bail in the Duval County / Jacksonville, Florida Jail. When authorities / law enforcement arrived on the scene, they found Andrew Gomez naked in the pool. By this time, Tiffany was already dead. Kaylani was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

The untimely and deaths of Tiffany and Kaylani are tragic events for their family and the community. You can read about this story at Man Arrested for Drowning Deaths of Mother and Child - Jacksonville, Florida.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission reported recently that it was mandating a recall of 400,000 cribs. It has been determined that these cribs presented a health hazard to babies due to the risks of suffocation. The drop down side of the crib was defective and created an area where a baby's head could get stuck between the mattress and the drop down side. Tragically, an 8 month old baby from Houston, Texas was a victim of such a defect and died as a result of the poorly designed crib. The manufacturer of the crib, Simplicity, may not be in operating any longer according to news reports. If you have a Simplicity Crib, contact the store where it was purchased or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for more information. You can read more about this story at Crib Recalled Due to Defect - Danger of Suffocation to Babies.

Parents, coaches, and volunteers work hard to raise money for little league baseball around the State of Florida. It takes a lot of time and hard work to raise money for children's sports leagues. Unfortunately, some people steal these funds that are raised for the benefit of the children. In St. Petersburg, Florida, a Florida little league coach, Almir Zuhric, is accused of stealing funds from the Northeast Little League Association bank account. Mr. Zuhric is accused of using routing numbers on a check to purchase $2,600 worth of jewelry. Mr. Zuhric was arrested for fraud and is being held on $5,000 bond. If the charges are true, Mr. Zuhric should be banned as a coach or volunteer from any baseball or sports league. You can read about this story at Baseball Coach in St. Petersburg, Florida Accused of Fraud.

The Walt Disney World Monorail System has enjoyed a relatively good safety record over the year and there have been no deaths reported from the monorail system until just recently. Tragically, a 2 a.m. crash between two monorail trains left an employee / cast member dead and another employee / cast member with personal injuries requiring medical attention. The crash took place on one of the last runs of the day. The trains were transporting guests from Epcot Center. Walt Disney World is asking for any information or photographs that guests have regarding this incident as part of the investigation. You can read more about this story at Walt Disney World Monorail Crash Leaves One Employee Dead.

In Lake County, Florida and other school districts, young children get to school by school bus. There are several benefits to taking the school bus to school. The benefits include the following:
*Reduces traffic in and around school;
*Reduces the number of pedestrians and bicycle riders;
*Avoids dangers of walking for the children; and
*Provides assistance to working parents in need of bus transportation for their children.

It is sad that another benefit for children is that it keeps children away from the homes of sexual offenders and child predators. Some children walk or ride their bikes past the homes of sexual offenders and child predators in order to get to school. Due to budget cuts, Lake County and other school boards must consider measures to save money - this includes, at times, the reduction of bus services to children who live within a few miles from school. You can read more about the issues facing the Lake County School Board and busing at Lake County School Board - Youngest Kids Shouldn't Walk to School.

Shands recently unveiled its pediatric critical care ambulance. The ambulance will be used to transport critically ill children and premature infants to get the necessary care that they need from the University of Florida - Gainesville. The equipment and supplies are specially sized for small children and infants. It is vital that small children and infants get the emergency care that they need based on their size, needs, and conditions. From medications to IVs to oxygen masks, the pediatric critical care ambulance should help save lives and promote the health of those children and infants most in need of this specialized care. You can read more about this story at University of Florida - Shands Unveils New Pediatric Ambulance.

A recent fire in a Jacksonville, Florida home has taken the life of a 3 year old boy - Keyontaye Poole. The fire took place in a house located in the Paxon area of Jacksonville, Florida. All family members were able to escape the fire except for Keyontaye. This is certainly a tragedy for Keyontaye's family and the community. You can read more about this story at 3 Year Old Dies in Jacksonville, Florida House Fire.

An 18 year old mother (Tiffany Cecconi) and her daughter (Kaylani) died in an Arlington community swimming pool. News reports from the Florida Times Union and News 4 Jax did not contain some details as to this incident. In particular, it would be important to know the following:

*how long was Tiffany Cecconi in the pool?
*what was Tiffany's level of skill as to swimming?
*what safeguards were in place at the pool to prevent drownings?
*were there lifeguards posted at the pool?
*what flotation devices (if any) were in use by Tiffany Cecconi or her daughter?
*was Tiffany Cecconi taking any medication prior to using the swimming pool?
*was the swimming pool properly maintained?

Due to the ages of these drowning victims and the many questions as to the causes and reasons for deaths, it is expected the the medical examiner for Duval County (Jacksonville) will conduct autopsies as part of this investigation. It is certain a tragic loss for the family of Tiffany Cecconi and her daughter, Kaylani, and the community. You can read more about this story at Mother and Daughter Drown in Community Pool in Jacksonville, Florida.

Florida summers are extremely dangerous to children left unattended in vehicles for even a short period of time. It is estimated that the temperature in a vehicle can reach as high as 140 degrees on hot summer days. This extreme temperature can cause serious personal injuries or even death for young children. There are other safety issues with leaving a child in a vehicle that is running with the air conditioner on. A child can accidentally put the vehicle in gear or get injured by an automatic window or a seat belt. Parents and caregivers should not leave children unattended even for a short period of time. The safety and welfare of the children should take priority over convenience. You can read more about the dangers of the summer heat to children in Florida at High Florida Temperatures Are Dangerous to Children.

In Fort Pierce, Florida and other cities, drivers put themselves and others at risk for personal injury and wrongful death when they drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs otherwise known as D.U.I. (Driving Under the Influence). Fredrina Yvonne Johnson was recently arrested for D.U.I. for driving under the influence of alcohol with five children in the vehicle. Ms. Johnson refused to take the breath test and had the smell of alcohol on her breath. She was also reported to be belligerent at the scene of the arrest. People should be responsible when driving especially when driving children around town. You can read more about this story at Florida Mother Arrested for DUI with 5 Children in the Car.

Holiday parades are fun and bring the community out for a celebration. Unfortunately, parades, like July 4th parades, are often times the site of serious personal injuries and in, some instances, deaths. In Naples, Florida, a woman suffered a head injury as a parade float was being taken apart. The injuries were so serious that she was airlifted to a local hospital.

When attending parades, have fun but also watch out for the dangers of the crowds and moving floats. You can read more about this article at Woman Injured by Parade Float in Naples, Florida.

Crossing or walking near streets with small children can be dangerous. Some parents hold the child's hand. Some carry the child. Some push the child in a stroller. In Melbourne, Florida, a mother was carrying her 23 month old child in her arms when she was struck by a car. The mother was not able to hold onto to the child who suffered serious head injuries have being thrown 12 to 15 feet until the toddler landed on his head. The mother was transported to Holmes Regional Medical Center for treatment. The toddler was transported to Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital for treatment. An investigation will be completed as to the cause of the action as well as the condition of the driver as to possible impairment as well. You can read about this article at Mother, Toddler Pedestrians Seriously Injured in Melbourne, Florida Automobile / Pedestrian Accident.

In Florida and other states, summer time brings warm weather and an opportunity to enjoy various swimming and aquatic activities at theme parks, water parks, public pools, and other areas. Unfortunately, these activities and locations also have been targets of child predators and sexual offenders. There have been several incidents reported at Wet N Wild (rape of a 14 year old girl) and Seaworld's Aquatica (molestation of three girls). Parents should only have to worry about sunscreen and supervision while swimming. In today's world, parents and caregivers must be diligent about supervising their children and keeping them safe from child predators and sex offenders. This includes supervision in locker rooms and changing areas. You can read more about this story at Sexual Incidents at Water Parks in Orlando, Florida Prompts Review.

An autopsy of Shaianna Hare, a 2 year old girl from Oxford, Florida, revealed that she died from asphyxiation by a Burmese Python snake. It was a tragic death that could have been prevented if the snake was placed in a more secure environment. The snake is still alive after it was treated for stab wounds inflicted by the owner to remove the snake from the girl. A criminal investigation is underway. No criminal charges have been filed as of yet. You can read more about this story at Autopsy Confirms that Snake Asphyxiated 2 Year Old Girl Causing Death.

The owner of the snake did not have a license for the snake. There are also questions as to the type of living environment used to house the snake. When a person commits to own any exotic animal or domestic animal for that matter, precautions must be taken to protect children from being harmed by the animal.

The Florida Times Union reported that two teenagers (Malik Lee - age 13 and James Nelson - age 16) were recently hit by an older driver in Baker County. It was reported that a 92 year old driver was driving on County Road 139 when the incident took place. The incident took place at 8:00 p.m. in the evening. The teenagers were taken to Shands Jacksonville for treatment and evaluation of serious personal injuries. You can read more about this story at Rain Leads Older Driver to Hit Younger Teenage Pedestrians.

Throughout the year in Florida, there are festivals and parades that allow big towns and small towns alike to celebrate holidays, special events, and local pride, In Monticello, Florida, Ruth G. Dibiase died after being the victim of a crash at the Watermelon Festival.

The Florida Highway Patrol reported that Corteze Woody, 18, of Monticello, Florida was driving 60 miles per hour as he approached the Monticello downtown district. The speed limit in the areas is 25 miles per hour. Woody passed several vehicles before hitting a parked ambulance and SUV. The SUV flipped over. Ms. Dibiase was in the SUV at the time of the impact. This tragedy appears to have been caused by excessive speed and inattention. You can read more about this story at Woman Dies After Being Hit In Parked SUV at Watermelon Festival in Monticello, Florida.

In Ohio and other states, police detectives must be prepared for the unusual. Interviewing a witness can reveal unexpected details and information regarding a criminal investigation. In Warren, Ohio, a police detective was interviewing a witness who had a squirrel pop out of her cleavage. Yes, you read this correctly - a squirrel popped out of her cleavage. Read this month's newsletter - Legal Briefs by David Wolf to see the video and my brilliant legal analysis of squirrel in the cleavage matters that arise in personal injury cases.

In Oxford, Florida (Sumter County), a 12 foot long Burmese python snake broke out of its aquarium and strangled Shuannia Hare, a 2 year old girl. The snake's owner, Charles Jason Darnell, discovered that the snake was out of the aquarium and found the snake on the 2 year old girl. The girl had bite marks on her head. It was reported that Mr. Darnell did not have a permit for the snake. It is uncertain from reports how Mr. Darnell obtained possession of the snake. It is certainly tragic that a 2 year old girl died from a snake strangulation while in her own home. You can read more about this story at Escaped Pet Python Strangled Two Year Old Girl.

Any business or homeowner in possession of a snake should make sure that the snake is contained in a safe, secure aquarium, cage, or container. Snakes should be safeguarded away from children and in a place that cannot be accessed by children or pets.

In Florida and other states, parents should be careful as to which day care centers they pick to care for their children. In Tampa, Florida, Dorothy Ann Sampson-Monroe, repeated violated the law and ignored orders from Judges and law enforcements authorities. Ms. Sampson-Monroe ran a day care center called Just For Kids Day Care. There were numerous complaints about the care provided at Just for Kids Day Care Center. If you had a child at Just for Kids Day Care Center and believe that your child was abused or neglected, report the incidents to the local sheriff's office, the Department of Children and Families, or to a child injury lawyer. You can read more about this problematic and defiant day care center operator at Injunction Filed Against Kids Day Care in Tampa, Florida.

In Florida and other states, it is common for children to bring their toys into cars. Toys give the children something to do and occupy their time while riding in cars. Unfortunately, loose toys can be dangerous if they come near a brake, accelerator, or steering wheel of a vehicle. Some toys can also block vision of the driver. In Orange County, Florida, Robert Reyes was driving on Lake Underhill Road with his two children as passengers. As he was driving a toy rolled under his brake which, in turn prevented Mr. Reyes from being able to stop his vehicle. Thereafter, Mr. Reyes crashed into the gas vents of a local 7-11 convenience store. While the crash may have been unexpected and unpredictable, news reports state that Mr. Reyes was driving on a suspended license for being a habitual traffic offender. You can read more about this story at Rolling Toy in Car Causes Automobile Accident