St. Petersburg Accident Blog

Boating Accident

Regarding the boating accident that occured last Friday night, why wasn't there a light on that jetty?  I have read that a similar boating accident happened there a few years ago, however the airport authority would not allow a light on the end of the jetty as it might be confused with the air traffic approach.  I would assume the City of St. Petersburg owns the land where that jetty is and may ultimately be responsible for lighting.  While there is plenty of blame to go around in this accident, including possibly alcohol, and certainly operating a boat at high speed at night, the fact that the jetty extends out into the harbor, and that this is not the first incident, makes me very concerned that without proper lighting, that something like this will happen again. 

Neck Injuries Need to Be Diagnosed and Treated Immediately

If you have suffered a neck injury following a car accident or fall, do not wait to seek medical treatment.  Ignoring neck pain can lead to more permanent damage.

The neck contains the first seven bones of the cervical spine, which is where the spinal cord lives.  Since the spinal cord is so delicate, even minor damage cannot be repaired.  Neck pain can indicate spinal cord compression and if it is left untreated, it can lead to irreversible damage.

A sudden trauma to the neck caused by a slip and fall, car accident, assault or sports-related injury, can result in a serious neck injury.  There are many different forms and causes of neck pain, including a herniated disc.  A herniated or bulging disc can put pressure on the spinal cord, causing neck pain.  Herniated discs often follow a whiplash injury and may include symptoms such as weakness, tingling, numbness in the arms and upper torso and clumsiness.

A doctor will be able to diagnose the exact cause of neck pain and recommend the appropriate treatment.  Anti-inflammatory medication is frequently prescribed, which will help manage the pain.  Steroids are sometimes given in the form of a pill or injection.  If there is a severe neck injury, surgery may be needed, especially if there is a developing problem that could be more serious.

Medical treatment for a neck injury can be expensive.  If your neck injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover money for your injuries.  Contact William K. Saron, a Florida serious injury lawyer, for legal advice regarding your neck injury case.

The article, “Neck Injuries Should Not Be Ignored,” has more information on this topic. 

Have You Sustained a Spinal Cord Injury?

If you or someone you love has sustained a spinal cord injury, you need to understand the symptoms, treatment and compensation for these types of injuries.  A spinal cord injury is serious and most often affects a person’s ability to function in the same capacity.  When a spinal cord injury is caused by a car crash, work-related accident, fall, sports activity, assault or other event, the outcome can be tragic.

A spinal cord injury can be classified into two categories – partial or complete.  With a partial spinal cord injury, the injured victim retains some sensation and motor function below the injury.  A complete spinal cord injury occurs when there is a complete loss of motor function and sensation below the injury site.

Spine injuries lead to permanent disability or paralysis.  There are two different classifications of paralysis, known as paraplegia and quadriplegia.  Paraplegia refers to an injury that paralyzes the lower body.  Quadriplegia refers to the loss of movement in most of the body, including the arms and legs.

Symptoms of a spinal cord injury include pain in the spine, loss of movement, loss of sensation, spasms, inability to control the bowel or bladder, difficulty breathing and an oddly positioned neck or back.  It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you were injured in an accident.

Treatment for spinal cord injuries may include physical therapy, medication and even surgery.  The medical costs for a spine injury can add up quickly.  If your spinal cord injury resulted from negligence, such as in a car accident, work accident, fall or other catastrophic incident, you may be eligible for compensation.  You may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering and other costs associated with your spinal cord injury.  Contact William K. Saron, an experienced Florida serious accident lawyer, at (727) 345-4566 or (866) 836-4947, to review your spinal cord injury case. 

The article, Spinal Cord Injury – Understanding the Symptoms & Treatment, has more information on this topic.