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Semi-Truck Accidents in Florida and the United States On the over 164,000 miles of the US National Highway System, there are millions of semi-trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds sharing the road with passenger vehicles every day. The tremendous amount of freight moved in America throughout the year would be impossible without the work of large trucks and the men and women who drive them. In 2015, the trucking industry moved 11.4 trillion dollars of freight. That is 60% of the 19 trillion dollars worth of freight moved in the US that year, according to the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics. A far graver statistic, however, is in that same year there were over 4,000 deaths and 130,000 injuries involving accidents with large trucks and buses according to the US Department of Transportation. When you travel on the highway, sharing the road with semi-trucks is unavoidable, and while the majority of drivers operate their vehicle safely, the sheer numbers of trucks on the road make accidents with passenger cars also regretfully unavoidable. If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident with a large commercial truck, it is important to discover whether the accident was the result of negligibility on the part of the driver or his or her employer. An attorney can be very helpful in this tough time of need. Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents Accidents involving large trucks occur due to a variety of circumstances, many of which are completely avoidable. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the following are some of the most common: Vehicular brake problems Semi-Truck driver traveling too fast for road conditions Distracted driving by commercial trucking driver Impaired driving, including alcohol and over-the-counter medication Reckless driving decisions Driver fatigue, sometimes due to pressure felt from the carrier company, resulting in driving an unsafe and unregulated number of hours. Who to call if you’re involved in semi-truck accidents in Southwest Florida When an accident happens to you, it feels like anything but a statistic. If you have been involved in an altercation involving a large commercial semi-truck, it is important to seek legal counsel to get the justice you deserve. The Southwest Florida attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have over 50 years of legal experience in dealing with personal injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Florida Parking Lot Accidents & Injuries We have all seen or heard of parking lot accidents occurring. Maybe you have even been involved in a parking lot crash. With the slower speed of vehicles in parking lots you would think that accidents wouldn’t happen; however, parking lot accidents, injuries and even fatalities are more common than you may think. According to the National Safety Council, or NSC, over 50,000 motor vehicle crashes occur in garage structures or parking lots each year. These parking lot accidents result in more than 60,000 injuries and over 500 deaths annually. With the hustle and bustle during the holiday season, parking lots tend to become more dangerous. While you and your family are out during this holiday season and always, please remember to follow some parking lot safety tips. Parking Lot Accidents: Safety Tips Drive slowly in all parking lots and parking garage structures Follow the lanes and do not cut across lots and empty parking spaces Stay alert and anticipate the actions of others Watch out for stop signs and no parking signs Always look both ways and double check when backing out of your parking space. Watch for vehicles and pedestrians. Be on the look out for small children and parents pushing carts or baby strollers. Watch for blind spots and don’t always rely on back-up monitoring systems. Avoid distracted driving. No phone calls, texting or eating while parking, backing up or driving through parking lots. Additional Causes for Injuries in Parking Lots in Southwest Florida While a parking lot crash soundthe like a main cause for parking lot injuries, vehicle crashes are not the sole cause of parking lot injuries. Slips, trips and falls are also common causes for injuries in parking lots. Many times, inadequate lighting, uneven pavement, potholes, debris or lack of signage can cause pedestrian injuries. Protect Your Rights If you or someone you know has been the victim of a parking lot accident and have sustained injuries or death, it is important to seek advice from attorneys experienced with personal injury cases. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice and Purtz have over 50 years of experience with personal injury cases and we are here to represent you. We have six locations in Southwest Florida. Our offices are conveniently located in Fort Myers (2 to serve you), Naples, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres and Port Charlotte. Contact the office nearest you and set up your appointment for a free consultation today.

Whether you are young or old, resolve to plan for the future. Don’t let resolutions get put off by thinking there’s always next year. While it’s hard to think about what happens after you are gone, not planning can put your loved ones in serious trouble and without enough assets to support them. If you pass away or become incapacitated without a will or trust, the laws of your state will determine how your property is distributed, and the court will assign a guardian to your minor children. Not having a will and/or trust may increase your family’s tax liabilities, not to mention the legal disputes or challenges that result when there is no estate plan in place. Making difficult estate planning decisions now about your will and estate will eliminate the burden from your loved ones having to make decisions later. A will is a necessary document to protect the interest of both you and your family. This document states how you want your property distributed among your heirs and beneficiaries and lists gifts to other family members or friends, charitable donations and other financial arrangements. Why plan? There are people who count on you The unexpected does happen It’s not as complicated or time consuming as you think This story is a cautionary tale about why you should resolve to plan for the future. A young man lost both his mother and stepfather. His mother died first, followed some months later by his stepfather. His mother left a will leaving everything to her spouse (his stepfather), and if he predeceased, to her son. At his mother’s death, since all her assets were jointly owned with her husband, all her assets passed to him (the husband). At the death of his stepfather, since the stepfather had no will, his estate passed by the intestate laws of Florida. In his case, he had no children, his parents were deceased, he had no brothers or sisters and no nieces or nephews. Without a will, the estate must search for heirs and the assets of the estate will likely pass to distant relatives with whom the stepfather may have had no contact. The stepson will likely receive nothing, another example of you need to resolve to plan for the future. Laws and lives change, so it’s important to make sure you have the proper documents in place. You may move to another state, get divorced or remarry and have children from previous marriages you would like to provide for. One example of how changing laws have impacted the need to plan is the Privacy Rule of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Many of us grew up in a time when a friend or relative was hospitalized, we could call the hospital to inquire about their well-being. Today with HIPAA regulations, hospitals and doctors are no longer able to give out any patient information or confirm a patient is even in the hospital. This is even true for parents whose children are away and over the age of 18! Parents have no rights to obtain medical information on legal-age children, even if the child is covered under the parent’s health insurance. That’s why you should resolve to plan for the future. A signed HIPAA authorization and medical power of attorney allows parents access to their adult children’s medical information. Requirements for these documents can vary from state to state, so an attorney can make sure documents are appropriate for each situation. Feeling smug because you have your estate plan in place? Estate planning is not a once in a lifetime event, but a lifelong process that requires revisiting. The start of a new year is a good time to review to make sure your wishes haven’t changed: Are the beneficiaries you selected in your will and trust still the ones you would name today? How about alternates? Are they still willing and able to assume those responsibilities? Are the beneficiaries on your life insurance up to date? For those with minor children, are the guardians you named the persons you want to raise your children? What about pets? Does your planning reflect all your assets, big and small? Resolve to plan for the future. Have you created letters of instruction with key information in the event of an emergency, including names and contact information for key professional advisors, location of original records, how to find passwords and other key online information, key medical information, insurances summaries and other general instructions? Resolve to Plan for the Future So, while you are setting your new goals for the New Year, ensure you and your family are protected in the event you become disabled, terminally ill or pass away unexpectedly. This could be the one goal this year that has a lasting effect on you and your family’s future. Experienced attorneys, like those at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz can help guide your estate planning experience and tailor your documents to meet your needs and wishes for the future.

Will your homeowner’s insurance weather a hurricane in 2020? This year is shaping up to be memorable in so many ways, including a predicted above-normal 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, according to forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service. National Insurance Awareness Day is June 28 to remind people to review their insurance policies. About two-thirds of U.S. homes are underinsured, which could result in financial hardship in the event of storm damage. A study by insurance.com in 2018 learned nearly a quarter of homeowners said they’d never even read their policy! Now is a good time to review and make sure your homeowner’s policy is robust enough to fully repair or rebuild in the event of a claim. You need to know: will your insurance weather a hurricane, or do you need to expand your policy coverage? Make sure that none of your information – such as residents of the household or pets – needs to be updated. While you are at it, it is probably a good idea to look at your other insurance policies also. Why is it so important to update your insurance policies with new information? Insurance companies can deny coverage for a loss when there is a “material misrepresentation” by the insured when procuring the policy. These material misrepresentations can be in the form of a failure to disclose a resident relative or a new pet. This can be devastating for someone who has faithfully paid their premiums for years because it may mean you have no insurance coverage for an event that destroys your home. You should also regularly check to see if you have enough coverage – whether it is coverage for your home, coverage for the contents within your home, bodily injury coverage for your motor vehicle, or underinsured motorist coverage for your vehicle. Will Your Homeowner’s Insurance Weather a Hurricane? Here are things to consider in reviewing your homeowner’s insurance: Are deductibles on your policy sustainable in the event of a claim? Will you be able to cover them if necessary? Have you explored all possible discounts, such as wind mitigation certification or discounts for fire or burglar alarms, new roof or upgraded heating, plumbing or electrical systems? How has your customer service experiences been with the company? Check online resources and ask friends and family to determine what insurers have a good reputation among policyholders. Responsive customer service will be important in the event of a claim. Have you had a major life change, like having a baby or starting a new job? You may need to update your insurance. Have you renovated or built an addition? If so, make sure your policy reflects the change in value of your home. In the event you need to rebuild, does your insurance policy include any extra expenses caused by meeting building codes adopted after your home was built? You may want to add building code coverage, called building law or ordinance coverage. Flood damage, which can come with a hurricane, is usually excluded on homeowner’s policies. Consider purchasing separate flood insurance. Visit FloodSmart.gov for information. If you live in a condominium, what type of insurance does your homeowners association require? Have you evaluated your needs by conducting a thorough home inventory of your possessions? Does your policy provide enough coverage for landscaping, outdoor appliances or storage sheds? Have you started a home-based business? You may need to change your coverage for business liability and equipment. An annual insurance review can go a long way in protecting what is often your biggest investment. Make it part of your hurricane preparations to know whether your insurance weather a hurricane. Our attorneys are always willing to sit down with you and review your policy at no cost, to make sure you have appropriate coverage.

Maybe your parents took you to an empty parking lot to learn about parking lot hazards – and to teach you how to drive as a teenager. That may be one of the safest parking lot experiences you will have. With slow moving vehicles, one would think parking lot hazards are safer than roads. But one of every five motor vehicle accidents and 14% of all claims of auto damage happen in parking lots. Statistics About Parking Lot Hazards Non-residential parking facilities are used by 175 million people every day, and it seems that most drivers are not paying attention. A National Safety Council Public Opinion Poll found that 66% of drivers said they would make phone calls while driving through parking lots, 63% would program GPS systems, 56% would text, 53% would use social media, 50% would send or receive emails, 49% would take photos or watch videos. In a single year, 99 people were killed and 2,000 injured when they were hit by cars backing out of parking spots, and 106 fatalities and 5,000 injuries were caused from cars moving forward. Five deaths were caused by pedestrians struck by driverless cars! Of children ages 5 to 9 who died in traffic crashes, 22% were pedestrians. Most deaths occurred because drivers failed to see kids while backing up. Parking lot injuries can be extensive and include medical bills, lost wages and even disability. Victims hit by a careless or distracted motorist are entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Not all parking lot injuries are caused by vehicles. Slip and fall accidents are also common, due to parking lot hazards. While Florida doesn’t have the hazards caused by snow and ice, inadequate striping, potholes or cracks, lack of signage, debris, poor lighting and puddles can also lead to injuries. In addition, more than 400,000 violent crimes are committed in parking lots or garages each year, including rape, robbery and aggravated assault.  The law in Florida requires that owners of parking lots have appropriate security in place.  If they do not, they can be found liable for people injured in their lots in violent crimes. An owner of a parking lot can be found liable for injuries caused by the following: Lack of designated walkways for handicapped and other people Poorly designed structures with bad traffic flow Inadequate signals or markings Inadequate security and lighting Uneven surfaces and potholes Blind spots that block drivers’ vision Improperly marked handicapped zones Oil spills or runoff from poor drainage What can you do to help ensure compensation for your injuries caused in a parking lot or a garage? As soon as you can, take photos and videos of the dangerous condition that caused your injury. If you don’t have a measuring tape, use any other object to help show the depth and diameter of a hole or condition that cause your fall. Take as many pictures as possible, from a variety of angles. If someone saw you fall and you are able, ask for their name and contact information and a description of what they saw. Ask them to sign and date the statement. If they are willing, use your cell phone to video an eyewitness account. Criminal activity must be immediately reported to police. Always call 911 to notify law enforcement of robbery or assault. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a parking lot accident and have sustained injuries or death, it is important to seek advice from attorneys experienced with personal injury cases. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice and Purtz have over 50 years of experience with personal injury cases and we are here to represent you. We have six locations in Southwest Florida. Our offices are conveniently located in Fort Myers (2 to serve you), Naples, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres and Port Charlotte. Contact the office nearest you and set up your appointment for a free consultation today.

What’s Text? National Teen Driver Safety Week 2019 Some feel that texting while driving is the new drunk driving for a generation used to always having a cell phone in their hands. While about one quarter of fatal teen car accidents involve underage drinking and driving, texting while driving is six times more likely to cause a car accident than drunk driving. During What’s Text? National Teen Driver Safety Week on Oct. 20-26, it’s important to remember that car crashes are the leading cause of teen deaths. Teen drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes, mainly because of their immaturity, lack of skills and lack of driving experience. Add to that distracted driving and you get 1,830 drivers age 15 to 20 involved in fatal crashes in 2017, the leading cause of death in that age group. Here are just a few statistics showing why texting and driving are a lethal combination, for drivers of any age: Using a cell phone while driving, whether it’s hand-held or hands-free device, delays a driver’s reaction time by as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08%. Research has found that dialing a phone number while driving increases your teen’s risk of crashing by six times, and texting while driving increases the risk by 23 times. It takes approximately 4.6 seconds to read or send a text message. At 70 mph, that’s like driving the distance of 1 ½ football fields with your eyes closed. Texting while driving increases by 400% a driver’s time spent with their eyes off the road. 4,637 people died in car crashes in 2018 due to cell phone use. Including the cost to people’s lives, these crashes were responsible for $129 billion — or 15 percent — of the overall societal damage caused by motor vehicle crashes. Cell phone use behind the wheel reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37 percent. High school students who reported frequent texting while driving were less likely to wear a seat belt, more likely to ride with a driver who had been drinking alcohol, and more likely to drink and drive. But teen drivers distracted by their cell phones isn’t entirely the fault of the teen. Studies have shown teens receive the most calls from their parents when driving, more than general calling patterns would suggest. And 72 percent of teens say they feel pressured to respond immediately to texts, notifications and social media messaging, even while driving and even though they know it’s dangerous. Here are some tips for parents to have a role in helping teens develop good driving habits. Talk to your teenager about how you feel and the possible consequences of texting and driving. Lead by example. Show your teens you can drive without texting or using your cell phone. Make a practice of putting your phone completely from view when driving. Avoid calling your teen while they are driving. Ask your teen to call you before leaving one place and after arrival at the next destination. Encourage your teen to use an app to block incoming texts or calls. Some apps will even send an auto response back, letting the sender know you are driving. Texting while driving is not only dangerous, it can be expensive. States and insurance companies have stepped up with penalties for texting while driving. Insurance penalties for distracted driving have grown by nearly 8,000%, in addition to already high insurance rates for teen drivers. Only three states (Arizona, Missouri and Montana) do not have texting and driving laws, with penalties for ranging from $20 to up to $500, and some resulting in criminal misdemeanor charges. What’s Text? National Teen Driver Safety Week While no one ever expects a car accident to happen to them, accidents do occur. Teaching your teen safe driving habits is important for the safety of your teen, passengers and other drivers. If you or someone you know has been injured in a crash due to the negligence of another driver, seek advice from an experienced personal injury attorney. With offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres and Port Charlotte, attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz can be reached by calling 239-500-HURT.

At this time of year, it’s likely that children are dreaming of toys and not sugar plums. Gifts and toys should inspire joy, not injuries. The best toy gifts are fun and provide enjoyment. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. In 2017, the latest statistics available, there were 251,700 estimated emergency department-treated injuries associated with toys. World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc. (WATCH) reports one child is treated in U.S. emergency rooms every three minutes for a toy-related injury. For 47 years, WATCH has released its nominations for the 10 worst toys this holiday season. Highlighted this year were projectile toys that could fire with enough force to potentially cause eye injuries and toys that encourage children to jump or ride with the potential for head injuries. See this year’s list at toysafety.org. Gifts and Toys Should Inspire Joy, Not Injuries The American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offer these tips to consider when gifting toys: Toys are age-rated for safety, not for children’s intellect and physical ability, so be sure to choose toys in the correct age range Choose toys for children under 3 that do not have small parts, which could be choking hazards For children under 10, avoid toys that must be plugged into an electrical outlet Be cautious about toys that have button batteries or magnets, which can be harmful or fatal if swallowed When giving scooters and other riding toys, give the gift of appropriate safety gear, too; helmets should always be worn, and they should be sized to fit. Also be sure to consider supervision. Just because a toy is labeled with age-appropriate guidelines does not mean children should not be supervised when playing with it. Children are inventive and may come up with uses other than those intended and without supervision, and injuries may occur. In addition to poor supervision, toy-related injuries can originate from toys sold with flaws or defective parts. Possible injury from toys include: Lacerations or cuts from sharp edges Strangulation from cords, laces or straps Choking from small pieces or parts Hearing impairments from loud toys Suffocation due to improper use Toys can also be recalled, so it is important to keep up with safety recalls. With internet shopping expected to account for 59% of holiday spending based on a holiday survey by Deloitte, shoppers need to know safety hazards to watch out for when making online purchases. E-shoppers should beware of recalled toys or toys with deadly track records, whether making retail or consumer-to-consumer purchases. Learn more about product recalls at safekids.org/product-recalls. Safe Kids compiles product recalls specific to children and sends twice-monthly e-mail alerts for recent recalls. Information is also available at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). There is some good news in toy safety. According to the CPSC, many toys are being rejected at the ports before even getting to the market. In 2008, 172 toys were rejected at the port, 19 of them because of use of lead. In 2018, 18 toys were rejected, two because of lead. A new CPSC global system to make toys safer means: Toys are now tested by independent, third-party testing laboratories around the world CPSC and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol are at the ports, stopping toys that violate U.S. standards before they reach children’s hands. Enjoy this season of giving and the joy that toys bring by preventing toy-related injuries. If toys have caused harm because they’re unsafe, seek advice from attorneys experienced in personal injury. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Attorney Jeffrey Rice, of Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, emphasizes his practice on commercial and construction law, construction lien cases and real-estate law. He has been named one of Florida’s “Super Lawyers” annually since 2006.

Stay safe this holiday season. You are probably already making lists of things that need to be done during the hectic holiday season that seems to start earlier and get busier every year. I’m not being Scrooge when I say you might also want to make a list of things to watch out for this holiday season. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year’s holidays are among the busiest travel periods during the year. For Thanksgiving planning, it’s important to note there’s another black day to think about in addition to Black Friday. It’s Blackout Wednesday, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. This Wednesday has also become known as Drinksgiving, because it’s often when college students and other people heading out for a four-day weekend start their celebration by drinking. It’s the beginning of the most dangerous season on the roads, as alcohol-related crash numbers stay high until New Year’s Day. Stay Safe This Holiday Season According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 528 people were killed in drunk driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday in 2017, the latest statistics available. Additionally, one-third of all fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday involve drunk drivers. Then there’s Black Friday and the shopping ramp up to Christmas. Black Friday injuries are not uncommon in the frenzy of people rushing into stores to snap up deals. The first Black Friday death came in 2013, when shoppers in Long Island trampled a Walmart employee to get to items on sale. While stores have a responsibility to make sure no hazards can cause injury to customers, they are also responsible for keeping shoppers under control. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued crowd control guidelines for all stores to follow that include: Setting up barricades or rope lines to handle crowd management Preparing the staff for the opening of the store Staffing entrances with uniformed guards, police or other authorized personnel Locating sale items in different parts of the store to prevent overcrowding Provide crowd and entry management measures at all entrances In addition, retailers are responsible to do their best to make sure shopping is the safest it can be. Even so, OSHA reports that 9 out of 10 customer accidents result from some form of negligence on the part of the storeowner. According to the National Retail Federation, the most common store accidents include: Wet floors – Floors may be wet from spills or from rain near the entrance. Dirty floors – Floors may have trash or fallen merchandise on them. Improper signage – Recently mopped floors may not have the proper “Wet Floor” signs. Merchandise/displays – Many times the aisles are filled with displays of stacked merchandise that could fall causing injuries. Elevators/escalators – Defective or malfunctioning escalators and elevators could result in personal injuries. Cracked or broken flooring – Uneven flooring could result in someone slipping and falling. If you are injured while shopping, you will need evidence to prove negligence. It’s important to do the following: Seek immediate medical help, even if you believe you didn’t suffer serious injuries Call the manager or storeowner and ask to complete a department store incident report and ask for a copy. Get the contact information for any witnesses to the incident Take photographs or video of the scene of the accident Keep all clothing and any personal belongings from the time of the accident, as they may be necessary as evidence. Being aware of the possible risks during the holidays is a good way to be proactive and make your season safer. No one should have to deal with an accident during the holiday season, especially one caused by negligence. If you or a loved one are injured due to a shopping or a car accident, seek advice from attorneys experienced in personal injury cases and premise liability laws. About the Author Richard L. Purtz, managing partner of Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, emphasizes personal injury, wrongful death and insurance claims litigation. He is rated “AV” Preeminent  Civil Trial Attorney, which is the highest ranking under the  Martindale-Hubbell  Peer Review Rating system and is listed as one of Florida’s “Super Lawyers.”

The sheer number of truck accidents in the United States and Florida make accidents with passenger cars likely. With 164,000 miles of the national highways, millions of semi-trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds drive with cars daily. Most truck drivers drive safely. But there’s always room for improvement when it comes to driving on the highways. Large trucks often weigh 20-30 times more than cars. As a result, people in cars are most likely to die in crashes with trucks. In addition, trucks are taller, which means that smaller vehicles can slide beneath, often with deadly results. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,678 people died in 2018 in truck accidents. It was the fourth year of increases. Nearly 70% of those killed in truck accidents were in cars. Also, 15% of deaths were walking, on bicycles or riding motorcycles. In all, trucks were involved in 11% of all motor vehicle crash deaths. Causes of Truck Accidents Truck accidents in the United States and Florida happen for many reasons. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the following are some of the most common issues: Brake problems. Heavy tractor-trailers take 20-40 times longer to stop than a car. Poor road conditions or brake maintenance can make stopping more difficult. Traveling too fast for road conditions Distracted driving Impaired driving, including alcohol and over-the-counter medication Reckless driving Driver fatigue is responsible for about 30% of all truck accidents. Federal rules only allow truck drivers to drive 11 hours straight, however drivers say that these are often not followed. If You’ve Had Truck Accidents in the United States When a truck accident happens to you, you feel like anything but a number. If you have been involved in an accident involving a large semi-truck, it is important to seek legal advice. An attorney can determine whether truck accidents  in the United States were the result of driver or employer negligence. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have nearly 60 years of legal experience dealing with personal injuries. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Law Firm Collects Toys for Toys for Tots For the 13th year, the Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz office collects toys for Toys for Tots to be distributed by the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation. Toys will be collected until Dec. 15 when they will be picked up and distributed by Toys for Tots to approved local social welfare agencies, church groups and other organizations. “Supporting organizations within our community is within the core of Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz and Toys for Tots is an exemplary example of an organization,” said Managing Partner Chris Smith. “It’s our privilege to be a part of the community, so we feel it’s important to give back.” During 2018, 10,960 children were supported with 38,090 toys distributed by Toys for Tots in Lee County. In Naples, 28,425 toys were distributed, supporting 5,338 children. The public is invited to bring new, unwrapped toys for newborn children to age 12 to any of the six Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz offices. In addition, members of the firm also donate toys for the drive. The locations where Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz collects toys for Toys for Tots: Fort Myers – Downtown: 1515 Broadway St., 239-334-1146 Fort Myers – McGregor: 2300 McGregor Blvd., 239-332-9437 Cape Coral – 461 Del Prado Blvd., 239-574-5575 Naples – 2590 Northbrooke Plaza Drive, Suite 105, 239-514-0924 Lehigh Acres – 4802 Lee Blvd., 239-368-6101 Port Charlotte – 2852 Tamiami Trail, Ste. 1, 941-624-2393 If it’s not convenient to shop for toys, monetary donations are accepted at www.toysfortots.org. About Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A., has offered a full complement of professional legal services to Southwest Florida clients since 1962. The firm’s experienced attorneys are board certified by the Florida Bar, and their areas of practice include personal injury and accidents, fall and premises liability, wrongful death, motorcycle and truck accidents, medical malpractice, real estate, commercial litigation, construction law, wills, and estate planning and administration. With offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh Acres and Port Charlotte, attorneys can be reached by calling 239-500-HURT.

‘Tis the season for charitable giving, supporting Toys for Tots and much more. Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz ‘s collection of toys for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation wrapped up this month. The drive, supporting Toys for Tots and much more, yielded more than 150 toys collected to be distributed to approved local, social welfare agencies, church groups and other organizations for the holidays. It’s the 13th year the firm has been an official public collection point, but supporting Toys for Tots and much more has been happening at the firm for more than 35 years. “I’ve been at the firm since 1984, and I do not remember a time we weren’t supporting Toys for Tots,” said Carleen Menist, a legal assistant for partner attorney Richard Purtz. “I was always involved getting folks what they needed. People would bring me items, and I would find a home. We’ve always been involved. There is always a need. Always.” Janeé Broadway, marketing and events coordinator for the firm, said many of the toys donated this year came from members of the firm. “Our staff is incredibly generous,” she said. “The Toys for Tots boxes were overflowing before we announced the collection to the public!” Supporting Toys for Tots and Much More In addition to Toys for Tots, Menist says the firm has supported local sports teams with their fundraisers, the Community Cooperative Soup Kitchen, area schools with school supplies, area churches, the Shelter for Abused women, area Veterans and many more. “I don’t remember a time we weren’t giving,” she said. Giving extends to supporting employees. Menist said she started at the firm as a temporary secretary, and the firm helped her to advance in her career, paying for her education along the way. “They are very giving,” she said. “Books and all! No doubt, giving is the best feeling in the world.”

Burn injuries are expensive and traumatic to treat. Even a first-degree burn, the lowest level of injury, can become infected. Burns can be extremely painful and can lead to permanent, severe scarring. Burn Awareness Week, Feb. 2-13, is sponsored by the American Burn Association to share burn awareness information and prevention. The National Fire Protection Association notes that every 60 seconds, someone in the U.S. gets a burn that requires treatment. The University of Rochester Medical Center notes most burn accidents happen at home. More than 300 children under 19 are treated for burns daily, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Also, two children die each day because of burns. Some causes of burns at home include defective products, faulty electrical wiring or burns from household chemicals. Three-quarters of burn injuries in children can be avoided. Burn Injuries Heat, chemicals, electricity or radiation cause burns. Burn injuries are classified as first-, second-, third- and fourth degree, depending on how deeply they damage the skin. The severity of the burn is not based on its cause. For examples, scalding, a burn caused by a hot liquid or steam can cause all level of burns, depending on the length of time and how hot the liquid is that contacts the skin. Water heaters that are set too hot can create scalding injuries. The Saint Barnabas Medical Center recommends setting water heaters at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Chemical and electrical burns can do internal damage, even if the external damage appears minor. Electrical burns can be from electrical sources or lightning. Chemical burns are from contact with household or industrial chemicals that can be in liquid, solid or gas. Dry ice can even cause burns! In addition to the burn itself, complications are often likely for burns, particularly third-degree burns and higher. Blood loss and shock, in addition to infections such as tetanus, are possible. Despite their association with heat, burns can also cause hypothermia because loss of body heat from the injury. When Burn Injuries Happen Burns can cause swelling, blistering, scarring, shock, and even death in severe cases. Treatment for burns depends on the cause of the burn, how deep it is, and how much of the body it covers. Antibiotic creams can prevent or treat infections. For more serious burns, treatment can require skin grafting, I.V. fluids, antibiotics and pain management. In addition to treatment of the physical impact of burns, it is important to consider emotional needs. Resource such as Burn Survivor Assistance offer support for burn victims. First- and second-degree burns rarely scar if properly and quickly treated. Extensive damage from severe second-degree and third-degree burns can lead to problems in deep skin tissues, bones and organs. People with these burns may require surgery, physical therapy, rehabilitation or lifelong assisted care. Burn Injuries That Are the Fault of Others Burns injuries can have several causes and may be the fault of others, including: Scalding from contact with boiling water, oil or grease. Food service workers, road crews and construction workers can be injured in this way. A burn associated with an open flame or an explosion that sparks a fire can happen with a car accident. An explosion of a gas or other chemical often produces a severe burn. Electric burns are often caused by faulty wiring. Defective products can result in burn injuries because an error in the process of making the project, such as wiring that is not connected properly. Also, can be designed to dangerous, such as a part that gets too hot next to a chord, causing a fire. Additionally, products that have risks must warn consumers of dangers. Defective consumer products that may lead to burn injuries include: Batteries and battery-powered products Kitchen appliances Heaters Electric blankets Cleaning chemicals Vaping devices and e-cigarettes Flammable clothing, camping equipment and household items The Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) requires precautionary labeling on hazardous household product containers. The labels must identify the potential hazards and how users can protect their families. Personal Injury Suits from Burn Injuries People who have been burned by the fault of another are entitled to compensation for their expenses. Burns caused by workplace injuries, faulty consumer products, arson or any accident caused by negligence can result in a personal injury case. Major burns often have expensive medical bills and post-treatment. Because of the possibility of disfigurement in severe cases, compensation can be for emotional as well as physical pain. Medical expenses, loss of income/wages, potential future loss of earnings, and compensation for future pain, disability and emotional trauma are damages burn victims can receive. Here are examples of personal injury burn suits that resulted in judgements: A hospital bed caught fire due to a product design defect. A highly flammable skirt caused third-degree burns and permanent scarring. A hotel with its hot water heater set too high caused second-degree burns in the bathtub. A woman suffered third-degree burns from scalding hot coffee at McDonald’s restaurant. An overfilled propane tank for a barbeque grill ignited. If you or someone you know has suffered a burn injury, be sure to meet with our burn injury attorney who can review your injury and surrounding circumstances and advise you.