| Consumer Matters is a monthly e-newsletter prepared by The Arcia Law Firm, P.L., and is dedicated to provide you with vital information related to your health, consumer safety, and improved quality of life. This newsletter will also provide you with recent verdict and settlement information in personal injury, medical malpractice, and other related legal matters. Feel free to forward this newsletter to friends, family and colleagues that may be interested in its content. If you would not like to receive any future copies of our informative newsletter, you may unsubscribe below where indicated. |

Motorcycle accidents are becoming increasingly common as our roadways become congested and drivers have more distractions than ever. These types of accidents can cause serious permanent injuries and financial hardships affecting the victims and their families.
Motorcycle riders are 4 times more likely to be injured in an accident and 21 times more prone to fatality. While motorcycles are less than 2% of all registered vehicles in the United States, motorcyclists account for 8% of all traffic deaths. According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's (MSF) most recent report (2001), motorcycle crashes in the U.S. increased by 0.57% to 76,337 and motorcycle fatalities increased by 3.89% to 2,909. Out of the 2001 data collected, Florida had the highest motorcycle accidents, injuries and deaths then any other state. A frequent attribute of motorcycle accidents is the common driver's failure to see and/or recognize motorcycles in traffic. In two-thirds of those accidents, the driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcyclist's right-of-way and caused the accident. Frequently these accidents occur when the motorcycle is ride in the oncoming flow of traffic, the other vehicle, not seeing or misjudging the motorcyclist, makes a left turn in front of the oncoming motorcycle causing an accident.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents:
- General lack of basic riding skills
- Riding beyond the motorcycle capabilities
- Aggressive riding
- Failure to use defensive driving techniques
- Insufficient cornering and braking skills
- Failure to use special precautions while riding
- Excessive Speed
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is important to consult with an attorney right away. At the Arcia Law Firm, we will help you with your insurance company in making any necessary claims as well as handling your case against the at fault drivers insurance company. Even if you are not sure if you were at fault, please consult with us immediately. We may still be able to help.
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The Truth About Medical Malpractice
Insurance companies, doctors, hospitals, and medical associations often argue that the number "medical malpractice" lawsuits are excessive and that such lawsuits have resulted in higher premiums for consumers. However, a recent report in Florida has proved quite the opposite. The truth of the matter is, many more medical errors are committed than give rise to lawsuits, and that corporate greed and bad business decisions are the primary reason for higher medical malpractice rates and higher medical premiums.
The report shows that the number of medical injuries reported by hospitals exceeds the number of medical malpractice claims by six to one. From 1996 to 1999, Florida hospitals reported 19,885 preventable adverse incidents, but only 3,177 medical malpractice claims. In addition, despite health care industry assertions that there is a "medical malpractice crisis", medical malpractice costs accounted for only one-half of 1 percent of health care costs in the 1990s - hardly a crisis.
Furthermore, the Florida study revealed that the state medical board, which is supposed to police physicians, is dangerously lenient with doctors. Of the 24 doctors in the state that have paid out 10 or more medical malpractice judgments, only 12 have ever been disciplined. Moreover, only 36% of disciplinary actions in 2001 were severe, requiring medical license revocation, suspension or probation. Despite the clear evidence that hospitals are providing poor medical care, the health industry is trying to pass laws that would limit people's right to be compensated for horrible medical injuries.
Contact us today if you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to medical malpractice.
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Woman that suffered stroke during coronary artery bypass awarded $5.7M..
Plaintiff awarded $5.7M after a jury found that doctor performed coronary bypass surgery negligently and carelessly. The jury found that the actions of the doctor caused a stroke rendering the Plaintiff paralyzed on the right side of the body. Plaintiff, a 61 year old interior designer, was admitted to Mercy Hospital in Miami to undergo a cardiac catheterization. The procedure revealed that Plaintiff suffered from coronary artery disease of the left main coronary artery. Defendant, a thoracic surgeon, performed coronary bypass surgery. During the surgery, Plaintiff suffered a massive stroke and a total right hemiparesis. The Plaintiff alleged that the doctor negligently and carelessly performed an unnecessary procedure and an inappropriate technique on Plaintiff that caused the stroke. The Defendant denied these allegations and stated that the stroke was a known complication of the surgery. The jury found that there was negligence on the part of Defendant and awarded the Plaintiff $5,733,660 for past and future medical expenses, and past and future pain and suffering.
We are available to discuss your rights if you, a friend or loved one has been injured in an auto accident, or is the victim of medical malpractice. We also accept cases involving a slip & fall, wrongful death, product liability, business and real estate disputes. Please call us today for a free consultation at 1-800-757-9805, email us at info@arcialawfirm.com, or visit our website www.arcialawfirm.com and complete our Free Evaluation form.
Our Firm accepts and handles personal injury, medical malpractice and other legal matters in Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Davie, Cooper City , Ft. Lauderdale, Plantation, Sunrise, Coral Springs, Lauderhill, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Sunrise, Margate, Oakland Park, Hollywood, Lauderdale Lakes, Hallandale, Dania, Pembroke Park, Wilton Manors, West Palm Beach, Pompano Beach, Miami, Coral Gables, North Miami, Aventura, Sunny Isles, Bal Harbour, Hialeah, Miami Lakes |
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Check fraud and identity fraud is rampant in today’s society. You can shield yourself against check fraud by taking some very simple steps.
Use initials instead of your first and middle names when you order checks from your bank. Check thieves will be less confident about endorsing them.
Shred credit card and other receipts that go in the trash.
Write only the last four numbers of your account on any check to pay your credit card bill. No one can copy your account number.
Seal checks in security mailer envelopes.
Review cancelled checks and statements during reconciliation to look for alterations or inappropriate transactions.
Protect deposit slips since thieves can make bad check deposits and take cash back.
Patronize retailers that use fingerprints or electronic check-fraud software systems.
Report check fraud to financial institutions and law enforcement immediately.
Obtain victim assistance or legal counsel if fraud leads to emotional problems or serious financial loss.
Most importantly, use your common sense whenever disposing of checks, receipts, credit card statements and any other documents that will allow thieves to use your name and account number to perpetrate fraud. |

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2007
October |
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