December 15, 2011

Clearwater, Florida – Jim Dodson Law and Chainwheel Drive have joined together to donate bikes to deserving children for Christmas.  Five children will have the joy of receiving a shiny new bike and helmet on December 21, 2011 at Chainwheel Drive, 1770 Drew Street, Clearwater. 

For the past two years the law firm has given 5 bikes to deserving children who are 12 years of age or younger for Christmas.  Several local agencies have helped to locate children who needed or would enjoy a bike but have not had the opportunity to receive one. This year Chainwheel Drive, a local bicycle store, has partnered with Jim Dodson Law to provide the bikes and helmets. 

The 5 children range in age from 5 year old twins to an 11 year old.  The children, along with their parents, will receive their new bikes and helmets in a presentation at Chainwheel Drive on Wednesday, December 21, at 5:30pm.  They will also receive safe riding literature and will be given general instruction on care of their new bikes.

Jim Dodson says, “This is always a pretty meaningful experience for all involved, particularly the parents and the children!” Tom Jessup, owner of Chainwheel Drive, added, “We are excited to partner with Jim this year to provide new quality bikes to children at Christmas   It’s a wonderful moment to see a kid’s eyes light up when they see their first new bike.”

More information about Jim Dodson Law can be found at
http://jimdodsonlaw.com/about-our-firm/

More information about Chainwheel Drive can be found at http://chainwheeldrive.com/articles/about-us-pg85.htm

Police report: Jacksonville father arrested on DUI charge was driving with his children.

A 41-year-old Jacksonville man was charged with driving drunk with his three young children, ages 5, 6, and 9 in the car with him, the Florida Times -Union reports. He was also charged with hit-and-run after the children informed their mother that their father had “hit a car at Target,” according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s office.

Police spotted Oscar Adolfo Gomez driving his Toyota erratically on Collins Road at Ortega Bluff Parkway shortly before 9 PM on Friday. When they pulled him over, they observed that Gomez’s speech was slurred and he emitted a strong odor of alcohol, the sheriff’s report states. The three children were in the passenger side and rear seats of the car.

Dispatchers matched the car to a reported hit-and-run accident where the Toyota had allegedly rear-ended another car. This was confirmed when the victim of the hit-and-run was taken to the scene and identified the car as the one that hit her on San Jose Boulevard then drove off over the Buckman Bridge.

Gomez was charged with DUI while accompanied by a minor, DUI causing damage, leaving the scene of an accident, and careless driving. The children were released to their mother.

Gomez told police he had three beers and had taken codeine. He has a history of traffic violations.

Being under the influence is one of the common causes of a driver leaving the scene of an accident.

Information about Florida’s tough DUI laws can be found at http://jimdodsonlaw.com/2011/09/07/florida-dui-laws/

As a Child Pedestrian Injury Attorney, I urge parents to discuss safe pedestrian rules with their children.

Motorists, please exercise more caution and observe speed limits while driving on Halloween.

Read more child pedestrian safety tips on Halloween here.

The three teens  and a twelve year old who were hurt were taken to local hospitals, according to a news report. One of the teens is in critical condition. The hit-and-run accident remains under investigation. Authorities are looking for information about the driver of the Ford Ranger.

Clearwater Child Injury Lawyer Jim Dodson, your online resource for free consumer legal guides , child safety and injury prevention articles, informative videos about steps to take after an injury and answers to your frequently asked questions.

Nov. 1981, Oscar Russell II, age 12, killed, Jacksonville, FL
March 19,1982, Kimberly Ann Flayac, age 11, killed, Linden, Sumter County, FL
Nov 20, 1984, boy, age 5, serious injuries, Palm Beach County, FL
June 10, 1985, Robert Bliss, age 8, killed, Miramar, FL
Oct. 12, 1987, Joshua Cowart, age 12, killed, Ocala, FL
January 28, 1988, Anthony Scott Baize, age 15, killed, Inverness, FL
Feb 25, 1988, 7 kids hit, serious injuries, Broward County, FL
July 5, 1988, Daniel C. Miesel, age 7, critical injuries, Royal Palm Beach, FL
Sept 20, 1988, Vickie Williams, age 7, injured, Clearwater, FL
Nov. 5, 1988, 8 students injured, Christmas, FL
Aug. , 1989, , age 6, killed, Jackson County, FL
Aug 1989, , age 9, killed, Escambia County Co, FL
Sept 27, 1989, Russell Hibbitts, age 14, killed, hwy 42, Lake County, FL
Oct 27′ 1989, Sarah Ellen DeClue, age 16, killed, Cape Canaveral, FL
Nov. 15, 1989, Kelly Adams, age 18, serious injuries, Tampa, FL
Feb. 21, 1990, Jason Caldwell, age 14, Lake Mack area,2 broken legs, broken shoulder
Aug 27, 1990, Katina Marche Taylor, age 5, critical injuries, Ocala, FL
Aug 29, 1990, Misty DuBose, age 12, serious injuries, Wesley Chapel, FL
April 19, 1991, William McNulty, age 6, killed, Port St. Lucie
Oct 25, 1991, Rita Kuiken, age 15, killed, Lake Worth, FL
Nov 22, 1991, Tonya Rosetta, age 16, critical injuries, Wellington, FL
Dec 12, 1991, Chasteen Goodman, age 12, injured, Hudson, FL
Dec 12, 1991, Tabatha Leonard, age 12, injured, Hudson, FL
Aug 27, 1992 Clifford Morris, age 9, injured, Orlando, FL
Sep 1992, Steven Luteran, age 14, killed, Largo, FL
Oct 9, 1992, Jeremy Millhouse, age 11, killed, Lake Mary, FL
Oct 9, 1992, Arcadio Vergara, age 12, injured, Lake Mary, FL
Oct 9, 1992,Michael S. Beckler, age 11, injured, Lake Mary, FL
Nov. 24, 1992, John Margras, age 13, killed, Lake County, FL
July 30 1993, Stephen Pattinger, age 10, killed, Dade County, FL
Oct 1, 1993, Christopher Scott Davis, age 6, killed, Hobe Sound, FL
Oct 14, 1993, Crystal Worster, age 14, critical injuries, Lake Katherine, FL
Oct 14, 1993, Faith Worster, age 15, broken legs, damaged spleen,Lake Katherine,FL
Oct 22, 1993, Brielle Albamonte, age 14, injured, Winter Springs, FL
Nov 30, 1993, Sadie J. Grant, age 5, killed, Okaloossa County, FL
Dec 1993, ,age ,killed, Marion County, FL
Dec 22, 1994, truck hits 3, 1 killed, Steven Zeigler, age 3, killed, brothers: Nathan
age 4, David , age 6, injured
Jan 5, 1995, Dawn Bonds, age 9, killed, Walton County, FL
Jan 12, 1995, Jonathan Eubanks, age 15, killed, Leesburg, FL
Feb 17, 1995, Sabrina Fuqua, age 8, killed, Santa Rosa County, FL
Sep 28, 1995, Carol Bogdanowitz, age 16, critical injuries, Deltona, FL
Oct 16, 1995, Matthew Madaychik, age 15, killed, Bellview, FL
Nov 7,1995, Melissa Henry, age 13, critical injuries, Palm Beach, FL
Feb 9, 1996, John Christiano, age 12, critical injuries, St. Petersburg, FL
Feb 23, 1996, Jennifer Mosconi, age 13, critical injuries, Mandarin, Duval County
Mar 22, 1996, Kathy Burke, age 13, killed, Mims, FL
Oct 1, 1996, Preston Medley, age 11, injured, Okaloosa County, FL
Oct 28, 1996, Donald Butler, age 13, critical injuries, Daytona Beach, FL
1996, Shakara Peters, age , killed, Seminole County
Nov 19, 1996, Cedreacia Holley, age 5, serious injuries, Dade County, FL
March 17, 1997, boy , age 8, injured, Osceola, County, FL
April 7, 1997, Ticey Rawls, age 16, killed, Hwy 50, Mascotte, FL
June 2, 1997, Heather Daniel, age 15, critical condition, Mandarin, Duval County
June 7, 1997, Monique Earl, age 7, serious injuries, Summerfield, FL
Sep 26, 1997, Joanna Clark, age 13, broken leg, Eustis, FL
Dec 1, 1997, Gilbert Lindner, age 11, killed, Hwy 25, Lady Lake, FL
Dec 3, 1997, Justin Jenkins, age 5, minor injuries, Eustis, FL
1997 Forest High School student killed
Feb 6, 1998, Felix Shmukler, age 11, killed, Ft. Lauderdale
Oct 17, 1998, Jonathan Brown, age 5, injured, St. Petersburg, FL
Oct. 27, 1998, Montae Williamson, age , killed Carol City, FL
Oct. 27, 1998, Mercedes Williamson, age , injured Carol City, FL
Nov , 1998, … Saunders, age 5, critical injuries, Tampa, FL
Dec 21, 1998, Lamon Hines, age 10, injured, Ft. Walton Beach, FL
Jan 11, 1999, Terrie McCourt, age 15, critical injuries, Mims , FL
Feb 24, 1999, Paola Carcamo, age 6, killed, Key West, FL
Mar 10, 1999, Chuck Sparks, age 13, broken leg, E. Orange County, FL
Mar 26, 1999, boy age 7, Fort Pierce, FL
May 19, 1999, Danielle Garris, age 7, critical injuries, Mandarin, Duval County
Sep 23, 1999, Sherwin Alex Gilead, age 12, killed, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Sep 30, 1999, Patrice Scott, age 14, injured, walking to school, Orlando
Sep 30, 1999, Candice Scott, age 16, injured, walking to school, Orlando
Sep 30, 1999, Michelle Williams, age 14, injured, walking to school, Orlando
Oct 11, 1999, Mary Stanley, age 14, injured, in a coma, walking to school, Orlando
Oct 19, 1999,
Oct 25, 1999, Patrice Anderson, age 14, killed, walking to bus stop, Orlando
Oct 25, 1999, Jeneva Perez, age 5, injured, Kissimmee, FL
Oct 25, 1999, Jenova Perez, age 5, injured, Kissimmee, FL
Oct 28, 1999, Eric Martin, age 10, killed, Odessa, FL
Nov. 11, 1999, boy , age 12, injured, Poinciana, FL
Jan 10, 2000, boy, , age, injured, Brevard County
Jan 11, 2000, Awilda Ortiz, age 17, critical injuries, Poinciana, FL
Jan 18, 2000, Jonathan Sapp, age 12, killed, Jacksonville
Feb 23,2000, Carlos Rivera, age 14, killed, Kissimmee
March 27, 2000, Kathryn Marvich, age , St. Petersburg, FL
Aug 31, 2000, Hayden Finch, 16, injured, Sanford
Dec 7, 2000, Anastasia Roscigno, age 12, injured, Bellview, FL
Feb 6, 2001, Sheila Deguzman, age 14, killed, Jacksonville, FL
March 6, 2001, Jerrod Hayes, 8, killed, Ocoee
March 8, 2001, Sheila Mae Deguzman, age 15, killed, Jacksonville, FL
Sep. 7, 2001, Calvin Molina, age 9, critical injured, Dover (Tampa)
Oct 2, 2001. Kevin Templeton, age 9, injured, Palm Harbor
Oct 2, 2001. Paige Templeton, age 11, injured, Palm Harbor
Oct 2, 2001. Gerry Sizemore, age 9, injured, Palm Harbor
Oct 22, 2001, Michael Arbuckle, age 14, critical injuries, Delray Beach, FL
December 2001, ____ Edwards, age 13, hit-injured, Palm Beach, FL
December 5, 2001, Victoria Phillips, age 16, critical injuries, coma, Poinciana, FL
January 16, 2002, Scott Craney, age 7, serious injuries, Zephyrhills
January 25, 2002, Caldwell Oupelle, age 7, critically injured, Tampa,
February, 2002
December 10, 2002, Jasmine White, age 9, hit by school bus, Malabar
Dec 6, 2003, Logan Wakeman, age 13, critical injuries, Jacksonville, FL
Jan 7, 2004, Kinsey Michele Leonard, age 15, critical condition, St. Johns County, FL
Jan 7, 2004, (boy), serious condition, St. Johns County, FL
Jan 12, 2004, (boy), serious condition, St. Johns County, FL(hit by mirror)
February 13, 2004, Michael Bronsing, age 16, critically injured, Melborne
February 13, 2004, Jeremy Carr, age 15, seriously injured, Melborne
April 2, 2004, Cullen Bosheers, age 7, critical injuries, Edgewater, FL
April 2, 2004, Ryan Bosheers, age 8, critical injuries, Edgewater, FL
May 19, 2004, Suzanne Marie Pape , age 6, critical injuries, Jacksonville, FL
October 10, 2004, Rebecca McKinney, age 16 , killed, St. Petersburg, FL
November 5, 2004, Ashley Acevedo, age 14, injured, hit by school bus, Clermont
November 12, 2004, Diana Kautz, 15, killed, Royal Palm Beach, FL
January 5, 2005, Gaston Roy Johnson Jr., 14, killed, Orlando
January 12,2005, boy age 15, killed Lake Wales, FL
Feb 12 , 2005, Brooke Ashley Ingoldsby, age 8, killed, St. Petersburg, FL
Mar 1, 2005, Kelsey Nicole Reeser, age 17, serious injuries, Dunedin, FL
March, 2005, girl, age 9, killed, Rockledge, FL
April 7, 2005, (girl) age 15, Injured, hit by car getting off bus, Orlando
April , 2005, Anthony Lupton, age 17, killed, St Lucie County, FL
April 25, 2005. Barry Bows, age 14, killed, Jacksonville, FL
Aug 29, 2005, Elysha Jennings, age 15, critical injuries, St. Petersburg, FL
September 30, 2005, Paul Martin, 12, critical injuries, hit by car, Apopka
November 1, 2005, Courtney Carpenter, 16, hit by car, Lakeland
Jan 10, 2006, Kodijah Tulloch, age 11, killed, West Palm Beach, FL
Jan 2006, Lake Butler, 7 killed 15-year-old Nicki Mann, who was with siblings Elizabeth Mann, 15; Johnny Mann, 13; Heaven Mann, 3; Ashley Kenn, 13; Miranda Finn, who was either 8 or 9 years old; and Anthony Lamb, who was almost 2 years old. Truck hit car at bus stop
October 19, 2006, Michael Nieves, 15, stabbed at bus stop, Orlando
December 4, 2006, Boy 15, girl 17, injured, Miami, FL
December 7, 2006, Zachary Cain. 14, broken leg, hit by car, Lakeland
Feb 8, 2007, Anthony James Anello, age 16, killed, Fort Meyers, FL
March, 2007, 6 yr old girl, critical injuries, Marianna, FL
April 20, 2007, boy age 16, critical injuries, Jacksonville, FL(sleeping in road)
Aug 21, 2007, Trinity Baxter, age 12, critical injuries, Tampa
September 25, 2007, Kristopher Huffman, age 5, killed , St Lucie County, FL
September 27, 2007, Alexis Blackmore, age 11, critical injuries, St. Lucie County, FL
October 1. 2007, Austin Smith, age 11, killed, getting off bus, Kissimmee
October 3, 2007, 5 yr old boy, injured on his way to bus stop, ran in front of car, Sanford
October 25, 2007, Lauren Gist, age 15, killed crossing road to bus stop, Mascotte, FL
October 25, 2007, Kelly Martinez, age 11, killed crossing road to bus stop, Callahan, FL
December 3, 2007, Durance Sims, age 7, critical injuries, crossing road, Orlando, FL
December 3, 2007, 13 yr old girl, attempted kidnapping at bus stop, Deltona, FL
February 6, 2008, Joline Julceus , 9, minor injuries, Port St. Lucie, FL 7:20am
May 7, 2008, teenager, hit by school bus, West Palm Beach, FL
August 28, 2008, Christian Gonzolez, 10, critical injuries, Valrico, FL
September 5, 2008, Ronshay Dugans, 8, killed, bus crash, Tallahassee, FL
September 9, 2008, Kaitlyn Harper, 13, killed, walking to bus stop, Brooksville, FL
September 17, 2008, Erika Desire , 17, critical injuries, Ft. Pierce, FL 5:40am
September 23,2008, Frances Margay Schee, 13, killed, bus hit by truck, Citra, FL
September 23, 2008, Christopher Cepeda, 14, killed, hit by car, Hwy 27,Davenport, FL
November 17, 2008, Jenna Bryan, 15, critical injuries, hit by SUV, Deltona, FL
September 25, 2009, Brandon Castillo, 8, killed, Lehigh Acres, FL
September 29, 2009, Hollywood, FL boy hit getting onto bus
September 29, 2009, Oakland Park, FL, 16 yr old girl, serious leg injuries, hit by bus
October 12, 2009, Walter Edelman, 15, injured Hudson, FL
October 12, 2009, William Calder, 13, injured Hudson, FL
October 28, 2009, Julie Lister, age 6, killed, Panama City Beach, FL
October 28, 2009, Michael McFall, age 9, critical injuries, Panama City Beach, FL
December 18 , 2009,Nora Hernandez-Huapilla, 17, killed, Pinellas Park, FL
Feb 10,2010, Jacqueline M. Jeffery , ,hit getting off bus, Seminole, FL

 Here are some tips pediatrician, Dr. Susan Surry explains parents and caregivers can implement to help keep their child safer at the playground and prevent unintentional injury.

• Check playground equipment for any damage, including loose bars or broken swings
• Ensure that the equipment is the right size and meets the physical abilities of your child
• Teach children playground safety rules and consistently reinforce them
• Don’t take skipping ropes onto playground structures
• Stand next to your child when they’re learning a new skill

 The Law Office of James W. Dodson, protecting children and representing families of injured victims in Florida personal injury claims. For a free case review, please call our toll free number at (888) 340-0840.

Tampa police say  the alleged bullying transpired when the three girls slapped their classmate and threw her into a fence.  There have been other episodes, as well.  Investigators believe on another occasion, the victim was threatened while a rope was wrapped around her shoulders.

 The three youths have not given a reason for the abuse.  A case of bullying on a Tampa elementary school campus could lead to arrests.  Criminal charges are expected.

Bullying is tragically, a problem for thousands of school children each day.  For a comprehensive look at how to handle bullying ,  please visit KidsHealth.org.

The Dodson Law Firm provides this Florida child injury blog as a resource for families in an effort to educate parents and “to make safety every child’s reality.”

Call our Florida Personal Injury Law firm for a free consultation about your injury case @ 1-888-340-0840.

What better way to teach young children than through hands-on exercises. The “city” includes miniaturized buildings complete with paved streets, sidewalks, a functioning traffic light, a railroad crossing and a water safety complex.  Each of these everyday life experiences help children see potential dangers and practice safety measures to protect themselves from accidental injuries. 

 Approximately 10,000 children are brought to the Children Safety Village facility of Central Florida every year to receive this hands-on education.  Our own children were frequent visitors to the wonderful facility in Clearwater, as they were growing up.

To find out more information or to schedule a tour, call (407) 521-4673 or visit their website. 

 Working to make safety every child’s reality, our Florida Child Injury lawyers have protected  the rights of  injured children and families for over twenty- five years. 

 Call our office toll free at (888) 340-0840 for a free legal consultation.

There is never any obligation to hire a lawyer.

The report indicates doctors may be over-prescribing anti-reflux medication to infants.  The study found fewer than 20% of the babies who had been prescribed the medication actually needed it.  It’s thought that they may have just been exhibiting the normal behavior of “spitting up” that newborns experience. 

Dr. Vikram Khoshoo, author of the study, suggested the drugs are being over prescribed because parents want something done to try to stop the regurgitation and irritability of the babies.  Dr. Khoshoo adds that taking proper care in not over feeding your child and ensuring your baby is positioned upright after eating, should help decrease the chance of reflux.  

The Dodson Law Firm cares about families and the health and safety of children.  We share numerous resources related to child safety issues and child injury protection on our Florida Child Injury website, in an effort to better serve our community.  

Florida Child Injury lawyer, working to make safety every child’s reality.

Lisa McGuire, a doctor within the Injury Unit of The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there are telltale signs parents should look for that might indicate a TBI.  They may include any of the following:

• Sudden drowsiness
• Inability to be alert
• Loss of interest in favorite toys
• Numbness of one side of the body
• Difficulty recognizing familiar people
• Vomiting or neck pain

The Dodson Law Firm has been representing personal injury clients for over twenty years.  Our slip and fall attorneys are specialized in handling fall cases and understand the importance of prompt action to protect your claim.