June 23, 2011

Construction Worker Hit by Pickup Truck Along I-75 - Robert Armstrong, Jr. Survived by 4 Month Old Daughter and Other Family Members

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A tragic work related accident has left a young Brandon construction worker dead. Robert Armstrong Jr., 19-years-old was removing a message board for Pepper Contracting Services when the driver of a pickup truck lost control and veered onto the shoulder. According to Sergeant Janice Drake of the Florida Highway Patrol, the sign he was picking up was a radar device that tells you how fast a person is traveling through a construction zone. The driver of the pickup truck was Logan Feagle, 21, from Land O’ Lakes, Florida. The Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating the cause of the deadly accident. Armstrong is survived by his four–month-old daughter, fiancée and other family members. Angela Coleman, Armstrong’s future mother –in-law, sends a message to all motorists that drive through construction zones with workers present: “Please slow down. Please pay attention.”

According to Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) most recent statistics, 97 people were killed and 6,305 people were injured in Florida work zone crashes in 2009. Drivers and their passengers account for a majority of construction zone crashes, according to FDOT statistics. FDOT urges all motorists to drive safely in construction zones by following these safety tips:

• Always be alert: Anything can happen when entering a work zone.
• Do not tailgate other vehicles: Unexpected stops often occur in work zones.
• Do not speed: Pay attention to reduce speed limits in and around the work zones.
• Minimize distractions: Avoid cell phone use and changing radio stations while driving in the work zone.
• Expect the unexpected: Pay special attention to workers and their equipment.

For more information on this topic, see construction worker killed along I-75.

Posted by David A. Wolf | | Email This Post

Posted In: Construction Accidents and Injuries

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April 26, 2010

Florida Law - What Are the Legal Requirements for Railings on a Balcony at a Hotel / Motel?

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In Florida, the state is covered with hotels and motels. Florida is a vacation spot / destination for many visitors seeking to enjoy the Florida weather, attractions, and theme parks like Walt Disney World, Sea World, Busch Gardens, and Universal Studios. Florida law requires railings on balconies at hotels / motels. Pursuant to Section 509.211, Florida Statutes - Safety Regulations, a public lodging establishment (i.e. hotel or motel) is required to have safe and secure railings on all stairways, platforms, and balconies when the public lodging is three or more stories in height. Furthermore, all such railings shall be properly maintained and kept in good repair.

Posted by David A. Wolf | | Email This Post

Posted In: Attractions & Theme Parks , Business Law , Construction Accidents and Injuries , Slip & Fall Injuries

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October 6, 2009

Gilchrist County 3 Year Old Boy Suffers Serious Personal Injuries from Pit Bull Dog Attack

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In Florida and other States, the family pet or dog often time causes serious personal injuries to children. Some family pets are indoor / outdoor dogs and are family members. It should still be noted that they are still animals. As such, dogs can bite even if they have not history of aggression or bites. Other dogs are outdoor / outside dogs. Some are allowed to roam around the property. Others are chained. Whatever the living arrangements for the dog, there is a danger to children when dogs are present. Some believe that certain breeds of dog are more dangerous than others. I believe the danger of a dog depends on the dogs breed, upbringing, living environment, and other factors. In Gilchrist County, Florida, a 3 year old suffered serious personal injuries when the boy was bitten by the family's pit bull dog who was on a chain outside. The Gilchrist County Animal Control took possession of the animal and are investigating the incident. You can read more about this dog attack at Gilchrist County, Florida Boy in Critical Condition Following Pit Bull Attack.

Posted by David A. Wolf | | Email This Post

Posted In: Child Safety , Construction Accidents and Injuries , Dogs / Dog Bites / Animals / Pets , Homeowner's Insurance / Injuries at a Home

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July 19, 2009

Orlando, Florida Fire Claims Life of Boy - What Are the Duties of Apartment Owners?

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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.

Posted by David A. Wolf | | Email This Post

Posted In: Child Safety , Construction Accidents and Injuries , Wrongful Death

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January 16, 2009

Florida Teeanger Dies in Construction Site Trench in Port Charlotte, Florida

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In Florida, construction sites can be dangerous to children for a number of reasons. In Port Charlotte (Charlotte County), Florida, a 14 year old boy died after falling into a muddy trench at the construction site for the Behtanie Seventh Day Adventist Church. Danile Riccardi, Jr. was helping his father at the church construction site. He was trying to get water from a trench to mix concrete. Unfortunately, the process of trying to get the water, he fell into a trench. The trench's muddy area made it quick sand like in nature and the boy could not get out of the trench on his own. In fact, it took the Fire Rescue department over two hours to dig him out of the hole. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will conduct an investigation into this incident.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will investigate the death. Numerous questions or issues will be addressed by this and any other investigations:

*How was the area near the trench set up?
*How long was the trench in place?
*Who knew about the trench?
*What entity had the responsibility for maintaining the property in the area of the trench?
*What safety measures should have been taken by the landowner?
*What safety measures should have been taken by the construction company?
*What safety measures should have been taken by the general contractor?


You can read about his story that was reported by the Associated Press and Sarasota Sun Tribune Newspaper at Port Charlotte, Florida Teens Dies in Construction Trench at Church.

Posted by David A. Wolf | | Email This Post

Posted In: Child Safety , Construction Accidents and Injuries , Wrongful Death

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David Wolf

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