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January 23, 2025

Car Insurance: Do You Really Have Full Coverage?

Insurance companies, who like to make profits, may sell you “full coverage.” But beware! Full coverage legally is very different from what you should have practically. And not knowing the difference can land you in economic disaster. Car insurance can feel like a confusing maze of options and…

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Common Brain Injury Symptoms to Look Out for After an Injury

You are shopping at a grocery store. As you walk down the aisle, looking for your favorite kind of cookies, you come around the corner and, not knowing anything is amiss, you slip on a spill of canola oil, that has been leaking from the shelf for quite some time. Your feet fly out from under you, and you strike your head on the hard, concrete floor. You have a slight headache, but otherwise feel ok. Are you really ok though?

Traumatic Brain Injuries – A Hidden Danger

What you might think is just a headache could actually be a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines a TBI as “a form of acquired brain injury [that] occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain.” It can be caused when the head forcefully hits another object or when an object breaks through the skull and injures the brain tissues (e.g., a bullet) . This kind of injury occurs in slip and fall incidents, car crashes, and other traumatic situations.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 165 Americans die each day from a TBI and another 613 are hospitalized. Of those that sustain a nonfatal TBI, the Florida Violence and Injury Prevention Program found that the median length of hospital stay was three days, and the median hospital admissions charge was $48,794.

Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury

A Traumatic Brain Injury can cause mild, moderate, or severe damage. Signs of a mild TBI include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Speech problems
  • Dizziness / loss of balance
  • Blurred vision
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Change in the ability to smell or taste
  • Sensitivity to light / sound
  • Loss of consciousness for up to a few minutes
  • Appearing dazed or disorientated
  • Memory or concentration problems
  • Mood swings / feeling depressed or anxious
  • Changes in sleeping patterns

Signs of a moderate to severe Traumatic Brain Injury can include all the mild TBI symptoms as well as:

  • Loss of consciousness up to a few hours
  • Constant headaches
  • Seizures
  • Pupil dilations, especially if one pupil is more dilated than the other
  • Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears
  • Weakness / numbness in the fingers and toes
  • Profound confusion
  • Unusual behavior
  • Slurred speech or coma
  • The symptoms can vary based on the type of injury, its severity, and location within the brain. While some symptoms can appear immediately, others may take weeks to appear.

    So is that headache after falling just a headache or a TBI? Only a doctor can tell. It’s essential to seek medical attention right away after hitting your head. Additionally, even if the doctor tells you that it is not a TBI, make sure to be on the lookout for other TBI symptoms that may develop over time because TBIs are often misdiagnosed at the initial medical appointment.

    A TBI can change the trajectory of your life. If you or a loved one believe that you have suffered a TBI due to someone else’s negligence, contact Rader Law Group for a free case evaluation. We will fight to make sure you receive justice for your injuries.

    Rader Law Group, LLC

    With decades and decades combined experience, the attorneys at Rader Law Group understand the meaning of Justice. Our one and only mission is to get each client the justice he or she deserves; our team of attorneys never back down when we know our client is right.
    We offer our clients the compassion and guidance they need as they work through trying times in their lives. The balance of working relentlessly for our clients combined with our caring approach has helped us achieve a fantastic record of success with our clients. We get our clients the justice they deserve.

    At Rader Law Group, You matter. Your justice matters. Your Justice Starts Here. 954-913-2273.

    References Used:
    National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Traumatic Brain Injury Information Page | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (nih.gov). Accessed June 4, 2021.
    National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Traumatic Brain Injury Information Page | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (nih.gov). Accessed June 4, 2021.
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Let’s Prevent Traumatic Brain Injury | CDC. Accessed June 4, 2021.
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Surveillance Report (cdc.gov). Page 12. Accessed June 4, 2021.
    Florida Violence and Injury Prevention Program. TBI_8.5×11 (floridahealth.gov). Accessed June 4, 2021.
    Mayo Clinic. Traumatic brain injury – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic. Accessed June 4, 2021.
    Mayo Clinic. Traumatic brain injury – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic. Accessed June 4, 2021.

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    I Was Attacked in a Public Parking Lot: Do I Have Grounds to Sue for Compensation?

    Do you feel vulnerable when you walk by yourself in a parking lot? If you do, your fears are not unfounded. Parking lots, especially at night, can provide many hiding spots for a criminal looking for a target. If you are attacked in a parking lot, you may be entitled to compensation from the parking lot owner. While the attacker is the one who committed the crime, the parking lot owner has a responsibility to provide an environment that is safe from foreseeable safety incidents.

    Premises Liability and Duty of Care

    Premises liability laws describe the duty of care that a property owner must provide to the users of their property. In a parking lot, this means that a parking lot owner must take reasonable steps to ensure that the parking lot users are safe when they are in the lot. Some examples of this can include providing good lighting, using security cameras, posting signs pointing out the security cameras, and/or providing a security guard. If the parking lot is located in a high-crime area, a parking lot owner must take more precautions than in a low-crime area.

    To win a premises liability claim against a parking lot owner, the crime victim needs to show that:

    • The parking lot owner knew or should have known about conditions in the parking lot that could make a customer a crime victim
    • The owner failed to correct the conditions or warn the customer about the conditions
    • The customer was attacked in the parking lot because of the conditions

    What To Do If You are Attacked in a Parking Lot

    1. Call 911. File a police report and seek medical care right away.
    2. If possible, take photos or videos of the crime scene. Also, if possible, take down the names and contact information of any witnesses.
    3. Contact the owner of the parking lot and let them know that the incident occurred. Request that they send you any security camera footage of the incident.
    4. Contact an experienced personal injury law firm, like Rader Law Group. It’s important to call an attorney as soon as possible so they can investigate the crime scene first-hand for evidence. Time is of the essence. The longer you wait, the easier it is for evidence to go missing, for the parking lot owner to change the conditions of the parking lot, and for witnesses’ memories to fade.

    Rader Law Group’s attorneys are experts in premises liability cases. We have won millions of dollars for clients who were injured as a result of a property owner’s negligence. If you were attacked in a parking lot, contact us today for a free case evaluation.

    Rader Law Group, LLC

    With decades and decades combined experience, the attorneys at Rader Law Group understand the meaning of Justice. Our one and only mission is to get each client the justice he or she deserves; our team of attorneys never back down when we know our client is right.
    We offer our clients the compassion and guidance they need as they work through trying times in their lives. The balance of working relentlessly for our clients combined with our caring approach has helped us achieve a fantastic record of success with our clients. We get our clients the justice they deserve.

    At Rader Law Group, You matter. Your justice matters. Your Justice Starts Here. 954-913-2273.

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    Case Verdict – A Low Impact Crash Does Not Always Mean Minor Injuries

    One of the more difficult types of cases we handle is what we call the LIST or low impact, soft tissue car crash case. Often times, jurors, adjusters and defense attorneys have a hard time understanding how someone could be so injured in a car crash when the damage to the vehicles involved is relatively minor. It is our job as Plaintiff’s lawyers to prove that element called causation, linking the injuries to the crash.

    In a recent case, our client, a lovely middle-aged woman, was hit from behind in stop and go traffic on the highway. There was not much visible damage to her car, or the car that hit her. The police were not even called to the scene. Shortly after the crash, our client began experiencing severe lower back pain that radiated to her legs. After years of therapy, tests, injections, massage, acupuncture and living through a life of misery, she ultimately underwent a lumbar fusion to repair the injured disc in her back, and fortunately made an excellent physical recovery and returned to a much happier way of life.

    The insurance company initially did not believe our client was injured from this crash. After they made a very low offer pre-suit, of less than $10,000.00, we successfully litigated the case, resulting in a mid-six figure result for our client.

    Rader Law Group, LLC

    With decades and decades combined experience, the attorneys at Rader Law Group understand the meaning of Justice. Our one and only mission is to get each client the justice he or she deserves; our team of attorneys never back down when we know our client is right.
    We offer our clients the compassion and guidance they need as they work through trying times in their lives. The balance of working relentlessly for our clients combined with our caring approach has helped us achieve a fantastic record of success with our clients. We get our clients the justice they deserve.

    At Rader Law Group, You matter. Your justice matters. Your Justice Starts Here. 954-913-2273

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    How to Maximize Your Personal Injury Recovery Claim

    The personal injury attorneys at Rader Law Group are devoted to ensuring you receive justice for your injuries. We dig deep into the details of your case and fight aggressively to ensure that you receive the maximum possible compensation for your pain and suffering. In addition to our tireless work on your case, there are steps you can take to help maximize your recovery claim as well.

    Take down as much evidence from the injury scene as possible.

    If you can, take photos and videos of the scene. Take down the names and contact information of witnesses. Write down the date and time of the incident, as well as notes about the weather (if it occurred outside). As soon as possible, write down exactly what happened – as time passes, details may fade from your memory, so make sure to write it down while it is still fresh.

    Be completely honest and transparent with your attorney.

    Your attorney needs to know all information relevant to the case to best represent you, even if you are concerned it will hurt your case. This can include (but is not limited to): pre-existing health conditions, history of drinking or drug use, and true extent of your injuries. The opposing side will be going to great lengths to dig up any dirt they can find about you to minimize the amount they have to pay out. Your attorney needs to be prepared so they can effectively rebut the opposing side’s arguments. If your attorney is in the middle of a negotiation or in court and the opposing side announces surprise findings to your attorney, you risk losing your case.

    Seek and follow through with all medical advice.

    Your medical records form the foundation of your personal injury case. It’s important to show that you did everything in your power to heal your injuries. Go to a doctor, urgent care center, or hospital as soon as possible after your injury. Meticulously follow the treatment plan that the doctor prescribes – this could include taking medications, consulting with a specialist, doing physical therapy, wearing a brace, etc. Attend all follow-up appointments. Keep a record of your medical bills, prescription costs, calls to the doctor, and any other medical information.

    Avoid social media.

    The opposing side will be reviewing your social media accounts to try to find discrepancies in your story. Even if your social media accounts are set to “private,” it is still possible for the opposing side to access them. It is best to avoid all use of social media until your attorney tells you it is ok to do so.

    Present yourself in the best possible light.

    First impressions are lasting impressions, and it’s important that the court has a positive first impression of you. Arrive on time and dress appropriately for any court appearances. Speak respectfully to everyone in court.

    When you work with Rader Law Group on your personal injury recovery claim, our experienced attorneys will provide detailed guidance every step of the way, while aggressively representing your case. Contact us today for a free case consultation.

    Rader Law Group, LLC

    With decades and decades combined experience, the attorneys at Rader Law Group understand the meaning of Justice. Our one and only mission is to get each client the justice he or she deserves; our team of attorneys never back down when we know our client is right.
    We offer our clients the compassion and guidance they need as they work through trying times in their lives. The balance of working relentlessly for our clients combined with our caring approach has helped us achieve a fantastic record of success with our clients. We get our clients the justice they deserve.

    At Rader Law Group, You matter. Your justice matters. Your Justice Starts Here. 954-913-2273.

    Learn More

    Suffered a Brain Injury Without Immediate Symptoms? It May Be More Serious Than You Think

    Concussions and other types of brain injuries are scary and can have life-altering consequences. Sadly, they are also common. In 2014, the latest year with data available from this CDC source, more than 2.5 million people visited the emergency room due to a traumatic brain injury.

    Some of the most common causes of a traumatic brain injury are:

    • Falls – especially in older adults and young children – account for 47.9% of all traumatic brain injuries
    • Motor vehicle accidents – account for 13.2% of traumatic brain injuries
    • Violence – e.g., gunshot wounds, domestic abuse, assaults
    • Sports-related injuries, especially in children
    • Wartime injuries

    In many cases, someone may not realize that they have suffered from a traumatic brain injury. In 2009, Tony Award-Winning Actress Natasha Richardson suffered a traumatic brain injury after taking a fall during a ski lesson. She felt fine right after the fall and even stayed on the slopes a little while longer. Later that day, she developed a headache and went to the local emergency room. She was subsequently transferred to a hospital in New York, where she died from her injuries.

    If you are the victim of a fall, accident, or other situation that causes a blow to your head, the first step is to be evaluated by a doctor shortly after the incident, even if you are not experiencing any brain injury symptoms. When you visit your nearest emergency room, the doctors will give you a neurology examination and testing as well as possibly recommend other diagnostic tests, like an MRI, CT scan, or blood tests . Unfortunately, though, many doctors often misdiagnose traumatic brain injuries as a mild concussion at this point.

    Over time, patients with traumatic brain injuries can experience mood disturbances, trouble focusing, lethargy, headaches, memory loss, or loss of smell that can persist for months. In some cases, friends and family members are the ones who notice that the patient’s behavior seems “off” and convince them to seek a second opinion for their injury.

    Whether you notice that you are continuing to experience these symptoms, or your family alerts you to this, it’s imperative that you seek treatment from a neurologist who specializes in head injuries. The neurologist will conduct an in-depth neurological exam and may perform diffuse tensor imaging (DTI). DTI is a type of imaging that can show minute details of the brain and reveal a brain injury that other diagnostic tests may have missed. Make sure to follow all of the advice from your neurologist to maximize your chances for a full physical recovery.

    If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury and want to meet with an attorney to understand your rights, contact the law office of Rader Law Group. We will listen to the details of your situation and advise you on your options from a legal perspective. We have recovered millions of dollars for victims of traumatic brain injuries and will fight to make sure that you receive justice for yours.

    Rader Law Group, LLC

    With decades and decades combined experience, the attorneys at Rader Law Group understand the meaning of Justice. Our one and only mission is to get each client the justice he or she deserves; our team of attorneys never back down when we know our client is right.
    We offer our clients the compassion and guidance they need as they work through trying times in their lives. The balance of working relentlessly for our clients combined with our caring approach has helped us achieve a fantastic record of success with our clients. We get our clients the justice they deserve.

    At Rader Law Group, You matter. Your justice matters. Your Justice Starts Here. 954-913-2273.

    References Used:
    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Surveillance Report of Traumatic Brain Injury-related Emergency Department Visits, Hospitalizations, and Deaths (cdc.gov). Page 2. Accessed May 4, 2021.
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Surveillance Report of Traumatic Brain Injury-related Emergency Department Visits, Hospitalizations, and Deaths (cdc.gov). Page 2. Accessed May 4, 2021.
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Surveillance Report of Traumatic Brain Injury-related Emergency Department Visits, Hospitalizations, and Deaths (cdc.gov). Page 2. Accessed May 4, 2021.
    The Mayo Clinic. Traumatic brain injury – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic. Accessed May 4, 2021.
    Newsweek. Natasha Richardson and Traumatic Brain Injury (newsweek.com). Accessed May 4, 2021.
    National Institutes of Health. How do healthcare providers diagnose traumatic brain injury (TBI)? | NICHD – Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (nih.gov). Accessed May 4, 2021.

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    New Florida Court Trial Procedures

    In response to the Florida Supreme Court’s Order dated April 13, 2021 which drastically changes compliance with the administrative rules that govern how Civil cases are to be handled across the state, The Circuit Court of Broward County recently issued its Administrative Order 2021-19-Civ, which establishes and implements a new civil case management plan. Attorneys across the state are still trying to process what these orders mean and how they will impact their client’s cases.

    The Courts now are commanded to require STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH ALL DEADLINES MANDATORILY. Judges are now required to conclude litigation as soon as it is reasonably and justly possible to do so, to take charge of all cases at an early stage and to actively control the progress of the cases thereafter until they are determined, and to apply a firm continuance policy allowing continuances only for good cause shown. While some have criticized this rule as being too close to stringent Federal Court regulations, others see the positive in it: preventing relatively routine case from being drawn out for years on end.

    Now, upon the filing of a new civil case, the Clerk of Court shall designate each case as complex, streamlined, or general based upon information listed on the Civil Cover Sheet and according to the case classifications judges may transfer cases from one category to another at their discretion. The designation is important because of the projected trial date imposed on that classification.

    Streamlined: Projected date of Trial within 12 months of case filing.

    General Civil: Projected date of Trial within 18 months of case filing.

    Complex: Projected date of Trial within 24 months of case filing.

    The uniform trial date is a firm trial date and deadlines will be strictly enforced by the court. Strict compliance means no continuances or extensions will be granted without court order upon written motion setting forth good cause. This is different now because judges used to have wide latitude and discretion on scheduling trial dates.

    The Court also will order a MANDATORY Case Management Conference early in the litigation process. All counsel and any self-represented parties MUST appear at the hearing and have their calendars to schedule future matters. FAILURE TO APPEAR AS DIRECTED MAY RESULT IN THE DISMISSAL OF THE ACTION OR OTHER SANCTIONS. This hearing may be canceled: (1) If the parties set the matter for trial prior to the case management conference date; (2) If the action is settled and a Final Order of Dismissal is issued; or (3) The action is dismissed.

    The Complaint shall be served within 120 days of filing. Failure to perfect service within 120 days shall subject the action to dismissal without prejudice or dropping of that party as a defendant. If plaintiff shows good cause or excusable neglect for failure to serve within 120 days, the court shall extend the time for service for an appropriate period.

    The plaintiff(s) shall immediately notify the Court if all defendants have been served by filing an appropriate notice. If all defendants have not been served by the required date, the plaintiff(s) shall notify the Court by filing an appropriate notice and shall further notify the Court by filing a notice upon service of the complaint on the last defendant.

    The Uniform Trial Order will be issued when the case is at issue. This means after any motions directed to the last pleading served have been disposed of or, if no such motions are served, 20 days after service of the last pleading. This usually means when the defendant has filed an Answer to the Complaint. The Uniform Trial Order specifically sets forth time deadlines for the completion of Witness Lists, Compulsory Medical Examinations, Discovery, Motions, Exhibit Lists, Daubert Challenges, Jury Instructions, and Mediation prior to trial.

    The impact of this new system is yet to be seen but the intent is to make up for the huge backlog of civil trial cases created by the pandemic. As is usually the case, the burden will be upon the Plaintiff’s attorneys to move the case in accordance with the time deadlines of the Order and, as a practical matter when possible, to consider being prepared for trial even before filing the Complaint.

    To learn more about how this may impact your current claim or a case you may have in the future, please feel free to contact us at the personal injury litigation firm of Rader Law Group.

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