Questions to Ask the Beach Lifeguard
Every summer vacation deserves to be capped off with a visit to the beach. But you need to keep a few basic safety precautions in mind. It’s never a good idea to go out into the Gulf or ocean waters unless you know exactly what to expect. If the lifeguard is on duty, you should definitely ask him or her a number of questions so that you can be sure your experience in the water will be completely safe.
What Questions Do You Need to Ask the Lifeguard on Duty?
The first thing you should ask your lifeguard is how deep the water is and if there are any sudden drops to a lower depth that you should be on the lookout for. It is also important to inquire if there are any strong currents that present a risk of whisking you out to sea or pulling you under the water in what’s called a dangerous “undertow.” In many areas in Florida, these hidden currents have caused swimmers to drown.
Whether you are going out to the ocean or swimming in a lake or other water body, it’s a good idea to ask about the presence of sharks, jellyfish, alligators, or other assorted marine life that may have been spotted and could prove dangerous to swimmers. Before you head out, also make sure that the lifeguard will remain on duty to look out for you and your family members during your duration of time in the water.
Contact the Firm of Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore After Any Water Related Accidents
If, despite your best efforts, you end up being harmed or getting into an accident while out in the water, your first course of action should be to call a firm of experienced Tampa Florida injury lawyers. A lawyer experienced in personal injury cases can help determine whether your injuries were the result of the negligence or recklessness of others and whether you have a viable claim for damages. The law firm of Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore is here to help and would be honored to represent you should you or a loved one be injured in a water related accident. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Going to an amusement park is meant to be a fun day out for you, your friends, and your family. Amusement parks, however, can be surprisingly dangerous places, with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimating around 30,000 injuries occurring at amusement parks in 2016 alone. It is an amusement park’s job to operate safely and protect its guests from avoidable harm. With the prevalence of amusement parks in Florida, people often find themselves searching for Tampa FL injury attorneys when something goes wrong.
When a company knows it is or may be responsible for an injury, its goal often becomes to get you to go away as cheaply and quietly as possible. Having an attorney at your side gives you substantial leverage when negotiating payment for your viable claim. A good injury attorney can investigate your circumstances and injury to make sure you’re pursuing the proper level of compensation from the proper company, whether it be the park operator, ride designer, concessions or food management, or another company altogether. Amusement parks have many moving pieces, which can make identifying responsible parties difficult. Experienced attorneys can also help you recover the various forms of damages you might be entitled to, including for ongoing medical care if needed.
If you need the assistance of Tampa FL injury attorneys, Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore can help. If you think you may have an injury from an amusement park that qualifies for compensation, follow up with an experienced attorney. Don’t risk receiving less compensation than you deserve by trying to negotiate for yourself when you can use the services of a trusted law firm like Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore.
Complete with its world-famous beaches and its many amusement parks and recreational facilities, Florida is the place for summer fun. Unfortunately, the summer months also present many hazards, some of which are less obvious than others. If a hazardous situation leaves you injured, under certain circumstances the law may allow you financial compensation. Tampa FL personal injury lawyers are available to help the victims of summer mishaps.
The Risks of Summer
Increased driving during this time of year increases the risk of encountering reckless or intoxicated drivers on the road. Personal watercraft are not as prevalent as conventional boats, but they actually have higher accident rates. Pools and jacuzzis can be inviting, but hazardous water conditions in them or unsupervised activity around them may present unanticipated dangers. Even in its fun amusement parks or resort areas, dangers can lurk, including from Florida’s share of dangerous land and sea creatures, from snakes to alligators.
Playing it Safe
You can do many things to enhance your safety during the summer months, such as only using beaches and pools with lifeguard protection and watching out for hazardous weather or environmental conditions. Additionally, the operators of hotels, resorts, amusement parks and vehicles have legal duties to protect their guests from danger. If you or a family member has been victimized by the negligence of someone else, you may consider taking legal action, but you will need proper advice and representation to guide you through the complexities of the civil court system. You can find such help at the law firm of Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore.
Taking Legal Action
Tampa FL personal injury lawyers have experience in a number of areas, from automobile, aviation, and marine accidents to premises liability. If you have suffered a summer mishap and need the services of a personal injury attorney, contact the law firm of Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore.
Florida is a haven for water enthusiasts of all types, including boaters. Where there is expansive water, there will always be boats. And just like on the highways with automobiles, where there is significant boat usage there will also be accidents. Boating accidents occur in a wide variety of situations, with many of those mishaps being the result of unsafe behavior on or around the water. While most boaters practice safety as a first priority, many do not. And when accidents and injury are the ultimate outcome, it is always best to retain legal guidance — like from Tampa FL boating accident attorneys Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore, who have decades of experience in boating accident cases. Boating accidents are often complicated, and determining the material facts of what actually transpired – facts that are central to establishing liability for damages – can be difficult. Following a few basic rules can help reduce the number of accidents experienced on the Florida waterways, avoiding the need for those lawsuits altogether.
Detailed Maintenance
Mechanical failure and carbon monoxide poisoning are more common on the waterways than many people realize. Steering mechanisms and engine maintenance are vital to having a safe boat as well as ensuring that all boat hulls are in a sound state of repair. Life vests are also a legal requirement that all owners should keep in abundance on the boat. Boats are designed for a maximum capacity, and there should be as many vests as the capacity dictates.
Behavior on the Water
A primary cause of boating accidents is always human behavior. Operating at reasonable speeds while on the water is of the utmost importance, as is keeping significant distance from other moving watercraft. This includes jet skis as well as boats, and the smaller the craft, the more attention to detail should be observed. And of course, alcohol use on the water should always be held to a minimum, and certainly no one should operate any water vehicle while consuming alcohol. Being a boat captain carries significant obligations and duties, and individuals should carry out those duties with seriousness and care.
Contact a Tampa Boat Accident Lawyer
It is typically unwise to attempt to handle a water accident claim personally because those claims can present complicated legal issues. Always feel free to call the Tampa FL boating accident attorneys at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore for comprehensive representation.
A visit to the ocean is the hallmark of many a summer vacation. But you should also be aware that there are many potential dangers to look out for. It’s a very good idea to know the water you visit before you commit yourself to a leisurely swim. And if you are going to be boating or surfing, it’s extra important to know all of the conditions.
Don’t Go Out on the Water Without Knowing the Conditions
When it comes to staying safe in the ocean, you need to be alert. The list of potential dangers is varied and long! Among other things, you need to watch out for sharks, jellyfish, surfers, sailboats or motorboats, jet-skiiers, unexpected water currents, and reckless swimmers. And you need to be aware of your rights.
If you should find yourself involved in an accident on the water, you need to call on the services of a firm of Tampa Florida accident lawyers. We can help you make your claim against the parties who have negligently or recklessly caused the accident. And if your insurance company unreasonably refuses to give you the full settlement you are owed, we will work with you to help make them pay to the full extent of their obligations.
Contact the Firm of Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore for More Info
There are many reasons why it may not be best, in a case like this, to try to represent yourself. It’s much better to hire a lawyer who can safely guide your case through the settlement or trial process. The firm of Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore is composed of knowledgeable and experienced Tampa Florida accident lawyers. No matter what your issue may be, we are here to give you all of the latest and most up-to-date legal advice and representation that you may require. Feel free to contact us today in order to learn how we can help you get the justice you deserve.
The summer is nearly here, which means there will be more trips to the pool. While this is one of the most fun activities to look forward to during this time of year, it can carry risks as well. It’s important to focus on pool safety when visiting private pools that lack lifeguards.
Always Supervise Children
When your young children are at the pool, you should never leave them alone. Supervise them diligently whether or not you are in the pool with them. If you have to step away for a few minutes to use the restroom or take or make a phone call, ask another adult to closely monitor the children.
Teach Basic Swimming Lessons
Knowing how to swim is an essential tool. Not only is it fun and good exercise, but it can also prevent a potential tragedy. Teach your children how to swim or enroll them in swimming lessons at your local YMCA or YWHA or through another organization.
Avoid Drains
Always avoid the pool’s drains or suctions, especially in shallow water. Teach your children to avoid these areas of the pool as they can be dangerous. Hair, body parts, and even bathing suits can become stuck, which can lead to serious injuries. If a pool lacks a drain cover, you should avoid even using the pool altogether.
Use Appropriate Flotation Devices
If your children do not yet know how to swim, get them appropriate flotation devices and ensure that they wear them whenever they go into the pool. Once they learn how to swim, they may no longer need to use them.
Learn CPR
Learn how to perform CPR. It will ensure you are able to save lives. CPR is often needed at the pool when an accident occurs. You can potentially save someone’s life when they are drowning. You can take CPR classes at your local community center or hospital.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury at the pool, consider contacting Tampa FL accident attorneys Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore to discuss whether the facts give rise to a personal injury claim. Tampa FL accident attorneys at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore can give you advice about the best way to proceed with your case.
