Archive for 2009

A tragic Jacksonville car accident

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

koriA tragic Jacksonville car accident happened today. Our thoughts go out to the local family that lost their daughter today. A 5-year-old Jacksonville girl died after being struck by an SUV while crossing a busy Mandarin street with her mother and younger brother late this morning, police said.

The unidentified girl was dragged under the vehicle on southbound San Jose Boulevard at Kori Road shortly before noon. The light turned green before she, her mother and 4-year-old brother, in a stroller, could get across, said detective John Hurst of the Sheriff’s Office.

The mother was hospitalized, but her injuries were not thought to be life-threatening. She told police they were heading home from the nearby Kmart, Hurst said.

The van was being driven by an unidentified man who did not see the girl, Hurst said. No charges have been filed. I drive on San Jose Boulevard everyday and can confirm that this intersection is one of the most dangerous in Jacksonville. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family who suffered this tragedy.

Slim Fast Recall

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

images-3Jacksonville dangerous products:
The maker of Slim-Fast announced a recall of its canned, ready-to-drink products due to possible bacterial contamination.

Unilever, the company which also makes products like Skippy peanut butter and Ragu pasta sauce, said the weight-loss drink may be tainted by Bacillus cereus, which can cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration spokeswoman Rita Chappelle said the recall affects 10 million cans distributed in the United States.

Unilever (UL) said it is still in the process of identifying and correcting the production problem that led to the contamination. The FDA, which was notified by Unilever of the possible contamination on Dec. 2, is currently investigating the company’s production facility in Covington, Tenn.

All Slim-Fast ready-to-drink products served in cans, regardless of flahurt by a dangerous product please call The Law Offices of Henry Gare at (904) 387-6101.vor, best-by dates, lot code or UPC number that are currently in retail distribution centers, on store shelves, in warehouses or in consumer homes are being recalled, the company said Thursday. If you or a loved one have been injured by a dangerous product please call the Law Office of Henry E. Gare at (904) 387-6101.

Jacksonville safe shopping

Friday, November 27th, 2009

images-12Be safe while doing your Jacksonville holiday shopping with the following tips:

1. Clear out the trunk or storage area in your vehicle before you go shopping, so you can store your purchases there. If the area can be viewed, bring along a blanket to cover up your purchases. Never leave handbags, wallets, or change lying on seats or in cup holders even if doors are locked (and they should be). There is no sense making your vehicle, and your gifts, into tempting targets.
2. When you go shopping, take someone along if possible or at least try to go before dark if you can. Do not park in distant, dimly lit areas. Even if you have to drive around a bit, wait for a parking space closer to the entrance of the mall or store.
3. Clean out your handbag or wallet before you go shopping. Don’t leave important items inside such as your social security card inside. Remove any credit cards or checkbooks you won’t be using. Carry cash on your person if possible.
4. Make sure you collect all your receipts. Stash credit card receipts in your handbag or wallet instead of sticking them in the bag or the box with your purchase. They tend to have at least some identifying information on them, and identity thefts love to find such things. Toss an envelope into your bag before setting out to make it easier to keep track of receipts.
5. Beware of anyone watching you or getting too close to you when you approach an ATM. Make sure you have plenty of space before punching in your PIN, and take your receipt. If anyone crowds you or makes you feel uncomfortable, walk away, and come back later. Anytime someone makes you uncomfortable, move to an area where there are other people. If necessary, request security to escort you to your vehicle.
The Law Office of Henry Gare has represented victims of negligent security in Jacksonville for over 15 years.

Jacksonville Construction Accidents: Who is at fault?

Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

images-2Jacksonville construction accidents: Who is at Fault?

When determining responsibility in a Florida construction accident, several factors must be considered. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) holds the prime contractor responsible for construction site safety. This makes sense, given that prime contractors are involved with all aspects of worksite management, including coordinating work schedules, work quality, and equipment on-site. Even when a subcontractor is present on a Florida construction site, the prime contract is still ultimately responsible. Both prime and subcontractor share responsibility when a subcontractor is involved.

Prime and subcontractors can prevent construction accidents through a focus on safety. This includes proper training in the use of dangerous equipment, monitoring employees for overexertion, and training in proper lifting techniques to prevent all-too-common back and soft tissue injuries. If you have been hurt in a Jacksonville construction accident call the Law Office of Henry Gare at (904) 387-6101.

Family pleads for return of father’s ashes

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

images1As an attorney who handles cases involving Florida cremation mistakes I thought I would relay the following story in an effort to get the word out.

An urn containing the ashes of a decorated Korean War veteran has been stolen from a van the soldier’s family rented to attend his burial at Arlington National Cemetery.

The family of retired Army Col. Norbert Otto Schmidt went ahead with the burial Friday. Instead of the ashes being put in a grave, Schmidt gets a headstone in a part of the cemetery for former soldiers whose remains are missing.

The 83-year-old Schmidt, of Satellite Beach, Fla., died Aug. 4. His remains were stolen Thursday from a van his family rented to drive from Florida to Washington. Jewelry and electronics were also taken from the van. Let’s hope that the thief has the decency to give back the stolen urn.