Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, PASharon L. Azoulay, P.A.2026-06-24T07:12:03Zhttps://www.azoulaylegal.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1103044/2024/02/cropped-favicon-75x75.jpgOn Behalf of Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, P.A.<![CDATA[Common causes of fires on business premises]]>https://www.azoulaylegal.com/?p=478762025-03-28T03:47:01Z2025-03-28T03:47:01Zcommon causes of fires on business premises.
Electrical issues
Electrical issues are one of the top causes of commercial fires. If left unchecked, overloaded circuits, faulty wiring, and outdated electrical systems can spark dangerous fires. Property owners must maintain safe electrical setups and fix any problems promptly. If a customer is hurt due to neglected hazards, the business may be held liable.
Improper storage of flammable materials
Businesses that use or store chemicals, fuels, or cleaning agents must follow strict safety rules. Storing flammable items too close to heat sources or failing to use proper containers can cause fires to spread quickly. When companies don’t follow fire codes, people are put at risk.
Negligent maintenance
Fires can also happen when property owners ignore required maintenance. Things like blocked fire exits, broken sprinkler systems or missing fire extinguishers can make an emergency much worse. Poor maintenance can be strong evidence of negligence in a personal injury claim.
If you have been hurt in a fire, financial compensation may be available. To obtain this, you’ll have to file a personal injury claim and show some type of negligence. It’s wise to seek experienced legal guidance to make your case and seek the compensation that you deserve.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, P.A.<![CDATA[You may need more than short-term financial compensation]]>https://www.azoulaylegal.com/?p=478742025-03-14T01:14:00Z2025-03-14T01:14:00ZIf you get injured in a car accident, you may need compensation fairly quickly. After all, if you are transported to the hospital by ambulance, you are going to have transportation costs and medical bills instantly. If you get in an accident on your way to work, you are at least going to miss that day’s wages.
These are good places to start when seeking compensation from the other driver who caused the crash. But be sure that you also think about the long-term financial impact of the accident so that you get the full compensation you deserve.
Lost earning capacity
One example is if you have a reduced earning capacity, which means that you will earn less going forward than you would have before the accident. Say that you suffer a spinal cord injury or a traumatic brain injury that leaves you with a long-term disability. You may still be able to work, but if you have to take a new job that does not pay as much as you were earning before, you could lose wages for the rest of your career.
Additional medical needs
Depending on the nature of your injuries, you may also need more medical care following that initial visit to the hospital. If you have suffered serious injuries, you may have to go to physical rehabilitation, for instance. If you have a brain injury, you may need MRIs or other scans to see how the healing is progressing. It is not just the life-saving emergency medical care that you will end up paying for due to that car accident.As you seek financial compensation in these areas and many others, be sure you are well aware of all the legal options at your disposal.
]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, P.A.<![CDATA[Can a car accident lawsuit prevent bankruptcy?]]>https://www.azoulaylegal.com/?p=478712025-02-27T15:56:42Z2025-02-27T15:56:42ZA serious car accident can leave victims with overwhelming medical bills, lost wages and expensive car repairs. For some, these financial burdens can become so heavy that bankruptcy seems like the only option. While bankruptcy is a good opportunity for some people, it negatively affects credit and is best avoided when possible. Thankfully, filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident can possibly help injury victims to recover the money they need to avoid financial ruin. Meaning, if you were recently hurt in a crash and someone else caused the accident, you may be entitled to compensation that can help cover your expenses and prevent the need for bankruptcy.
Accidents can lead to money trouble, a lawsuit might help
After a car accident, victims often face:
Medical Bills – Emergency room visits, surgeries, therapy and ongoing treatments can add up quickly. Even with health insurance, out-of-pocket costs can be high.
Lost Wages – If injuries prevent you from working, you may lose income for weeks or months, making it hard to pay rent, utilities or other living expenses.
Car Repair or Replacement Costs – If your vehicle is totaled or needs major repairs, you may need a replacement, which adds to financial strain.
When these expenses pile up, many people struggle to pay their debts. Credit card balances increase, mortgage payments fall behind and the risk of bankruptcy grows.But, if another driver (or a third party) caused your recent accident, you have the right to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. By receiving a fair settlement or court award, you may be able to pay off debts and avoid filing for bankruptcy.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, P.A.<![CDATA[Things to know about traumatic brain injuries]]>https://www.azoulaylegal.com/?p=478632025-02-13T10:24:59Z2025-02-13T10:24:59ZTraumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can stem from a host of situations, such as serious falls or motor vehicle crashes. These injuries can range from concussions to catastrophic injuries, each of which has specific effects.
Anyone who’s in a crash or involved in another similar situation should ensure they’re familiar with these two facts about TBIs.
Direct and indirect injuries are possible
Some TBIs are the result of a direct hit to the head, but that’s not always the case. Indirect brain injuries can occur when a force flings the person’s head around. When this is a violent motion, it can cause the brain to slam against the skull, which can cause damage at the impact points on the brain.
Delayed symptoms are possible
The symptoms of a TBI may not be evident right away after the injury occurs. It’s possible that it may be days or weeks after the incident before the victim experiences things like headaches that don’t get better with treatment or time, mood swings, altered sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating or changes in senses. Victims of TBIs may need extensive medical care, which can be a costly endeavor. They may opt to pursue a compensation claim to try to offset the expenses related to the injury. This can include lost wages, medical care and other similar damages. These cases can be complex, and they’re subjected to strict time limits, so working with someone familiar with this type of personal injury claim is critical. ]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, P.A.<![CDATA[The dangers posed by the rise of excessive speeding]]>https://www.azoulaylegal.com/?p=478612025-01-30T13:50:07Z2025-01-30T13:50:07ZSpeeds sometimes reach well over 100 mph
Three years ago, a Palm Beach teen driving a BMW at over 150 mph killed six farmworkers when he crashed into their SUV. This month, he was sentenced to 12 years behind bars after pleading guilty to six counts of involuntary manslaughter. Prior to the fatal crash, he had posted videos of himself on social media, offering a reward to anyone who could guess his speed.
Sadly, this isn’t as unique as one would hope. One county sheriff says his officers are increasingly dealing with drivers exceeding 100 mph. One driver in another county was recorded going 130 mph.
What has caused this rise in excessive speeding?
One sheriff traces this troubling increase in speeds back to the early days of the pandemic when fewer drivers were on the road. He contends that these nearly empty roads caused “an absolute disregard for traffic laws [and] traffic safety….”
This certainly isn’t a problem unique to Florida. The National Highway and Traffic Administration (NHTSA) found that speeding plays some role in nearly a third of fatal crashes in the U.S.
Why speed too often kills
It’s only common sense that the faster a vehicle is going, the greater the force of a collision will be. Further, the faster a vehicle is traveling, the longer it takes for its driver to react to something, like a car stopped up ahead, and hit the brake. Then the longer it takes to stop after they apply their brakes. According to the Florida Safety Council, the risk of fatality doubles with every additional 10 mph of speed.
A clear danger of more drivers reaching these extreme speeds is that there’s too often nothing another driver can do to get out of their way in time to avoid a crash. While these speeding drivers can and do face criminal charges when they injure or kill people, it’s critical to know that crash victims and surviving loved ones can also take civil action to hold them financially responsible as well. Having legal guidance can help people determine their best options for seeking compensation.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, P.A.<![CDATA[Common causes of ridesharing accidents]]>https://www.azoulaylegal.com/?p=478582025-01-16T17:32:09Z2025-01-16T17:31:01ZRidesharing services like Uber have become much more popular in recent years. They provide ease of transport for those who prefer not to drive.
Nonetheless, with the rise of these services, there has been an increase in ridesharing accidents. How do ridesharing accidents happen, and who can be held liable?
Negligent Driving
Drivers of ridesharing services owe a legal duty of care to customers and other road users. These drivers are subject to the same risks as other drivers. For instance, a rideshare driver can be fatigued, distracted, intoxicated or may violate traffic laws.Service drivers may also be prone to speeding due to the pressure of reaching destinations within a certain timeframe. If your driver was negligent and caused your injuries, they could be held liable in a personal injury claim.
Maintenance Issues
Not all accidents are the driver’s fault. Rideshare vehicles do a lot of miles, which means they need to be properly maintained and repaired. Maintenance and repairs are often the responsibility of the drivers, but the rideshare company may be liable if they do not enforce safety requirements. The maintenance provider may also be liable for the accident if they did not carry out the repairs properly, leaving the vehicle with defects.Rideshare accidents can be complex, and there may be more than one party at fault for the collision. If you have been injured in a crash, you may be entitled to personal injury compensation. Establishing negligence is key, and seeking legal guidance will help you to navigate this process effectively.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, P.A.<![CDATA[Safety tips for running near cars]]>https://www.azoulaylegal.com/?p=478552024-12-30T11:31:17Z2024-12-30T11:31:17ZYou may enjoy running for exercise to stay fit. However, if you live in an urban area, that likely means running near traffic. This significantly increases your odds of being involved in a pedestrian accident, which could lead to serious injuries.
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to reduce the odds of being involved in a crash. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Avoid distractions
While running, avoid all distractions, including wearing headphones to listen to music. Not only is the music itself distracting, but it also insulates you from the traffic noise around you.
Obey traffic laws
Always use crosswalks properly when approaching intersections. If possible, try to run on the sidewalk. When there is no sidewalk, be sure to run facing traffic, not moving with it.
Focus on visibility
Many accidents happen because drivers simply don’t see pedestrians. This is why it can be helpful to wear bright clothing. If you have to run after the sun goes down, choose a well-lit area and/or wear a reflective vest, a headlamp or carry a flashlight.
Make eye contact with drivers
If you have to pass in front of a car, such as when using a crosswalk at an intersection, try to make eye contact with the driver first. This way, you can confirm that they’ve seen you. Even if you have the right of way, a driver eagerly waiting to make a turn could still hit you while you’re in the crosswalk.
Seeking compensation
These tips can help reduce the odds of an accident, but nothing guarantees you won’t be injured due to a driver’s negligence. If you are, you need to know how to seek financial compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and related costs.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, P.A.<![CDATA[Holiday gatherings can bring dog bites]]>https://www.azoulaylegal.com/?p=478522024-12-19T04:33:46Z2024-12-19T04:33:46ZHow to interact with a dog safely
First, always ask the dog’s owner for permission before interacting with their pet. Even if the dog seems friendly, it is important to respect their space, especially in unfamiliar environments. When approaching a dog, do so calmly and slowly. Avoid sudden movements that may startle them. It is best to allow the dog to approach you first. When you do interact, let the dog sniff your hand before you pet them, and always pet them gently on the side or back, avoiding their face, ears, or tail.
Premises liability and dog bites
Unfortunately, despite precautions, dog bites can happen. In Florida, the dog’s owner may be held responsible if their dog bites someone, depending on the circumstances. Under Florida's "strict liability" law, dog owners are generally responsible for injuries caused by their dog if the attack occurs on their property or in a public place, regardless of whether the dog has previously shown aggressive behavior.
If you are bitten by a dog during a holiday gathering, the first step is to seek medical attention immediately. Even minor bites can lead to infections or other medical complications. Next, make sure to document the incident, including photos of the injury, the dog and the location of the attack. If you decide to pursue a claim, seek legal guidance to understand your legal options. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Holiday gatherings are often meant to be fun affairs. Taking the time to understand how to safely approach and interact with dogs may help you stay safe and continue having fun. If you do get injured by a dog and decide to pursue a personal injury claim, legal guidance can help you with the claims process.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, P.A.<![CDATA[Swimming pool accident risks]]>https://www.azoulaylegal.com/?p=478442026-06-18T10:04:35Z2024-12-03T18:27:10ZBoasts numerous outdoor and indoor swimming pool facilities. Swimming provides a source of fun for kids and exercise for adults. However, swimming can also be hazardous, particularly where falls are concerned. Poolside falls account for thousands of injuries every year. Understanding the causes of these accidents can help prevent them.
Slippery surfaces
The most common cause of poolside falls is slippery floor surfaces. This is expected near the pool, but facilities should take care to clean up excess water in changing areas and spaces away from the poolside. Water from wet swimmers or cleaning processes can spread to areas not designed for wet use. Facilities are encouraged to utilize non-slip flooring in spaces beyond the immediate pool edge to minimize risks. Additionally, maintaining proper drainage systems can help reduce pooling water and associated hazards.
Poor housekeeping
Clutter and poor housekeeping are significant contributors to poolside falls. Public pools should be kept free of trip hazards at all times. Maintenance teams should routinely inspect the area for broken tiles, uneven surfaces, or accumulated debris. Common hazards like pool toys, cleaning equipment, or misplaced deck chairs should be promptly removed or stored in designated areas.
Inadequate safety practices
Safety rules and procedures play a crucial role in preventing accidents. Public pools should implement visible and effective signage, such as “No Running” or “Wet Floor – Cleaning in Progress,” to warn users of potential hazards. Safety practices should also include routine staff training and ensuring adherence to guidelines. Without these measures, the likelihood of preventable falls significantly increases.Falling at a pool is not necessarily enough to claim personal injury compensation. It is essential to demonstrate that the facility was negligent in some way, such as failing to address known hazards or enforce safety rules. Pursuing compensation can take time and requires evidence. If you believe negligence caused your fall, seeking legal guidance can clarify your options.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Sharon L. Azoulay, P.A.<![CDATA[Factors that can make fall driving more dangerous]]>https://www.azoulaylegal.com/?p=478382024-11-15T09:43:15Z2024-11-15T09:43:15Z72% of drivers across the U.S. considering fall the most accident-prone season.
Even though Florida doesn't have the same cold and colorful fall season as other states, the Sunshine State faces its own challenges that can make driving during the autumn months more dangerous.
Hurricane season peaks
Fall marks the peak of hurricane season in Florida, bringing heavy rains and strong winds. These conditions can lead to:
Reduced visibility
Risk of hydroplaning
Debris on roadways
Even without hurricanes, fall in Florida often brings increased rainfall, creating slippery roads and challenging driving conditions.
Daylight hours shorten
Daylight hours decrease during fall, while night hours are longer. This reduction in natural light can impair visibility and increase the risk of accidents, especially during early morning and late evening commute hours.
Snowbird season begins
Fall marks the beginning of snowbird season in Florida – we don't mean avian birds but the seasonal residents of the state who live in colder climates. Part-time residents returning from northern states mean an influx of drivers. Along with the increased traffic congestion, you get a mix of driving styles on the road, which can raise accident risks.
Sun glare intensifies
Sun glare is another issue that drivers face during this season. Drivers should take extra caution during dawn and dusk, when the sun's position can create a blinding glare, making it harder to see other vehicles or pedestrians.
School traffic returns
With the start of the academic year, school zones become active again. Increased pedestrian traffic, school buses and parents dropping off children can create congestion and unpredictable traffic patterns.
Practice extra caution and seek assistance
Staying aware of seasonal accident risk factors during fall and adjusting your driving habits accordingly can help you stay safe as you drive through Florida's roads this season.
If you are involved in a car accident despite your best efforts, seek immediate assistance. Aside from medical care, it's prudent to consult a legal professional so you understand your rights better and have someone to advocate for you, helping you receive fair compensation for your injuries.]]>