Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Personal Injury Lawyers
Leading the nation in this unique and niche area of personal injury law is the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A.
With 250,000 Americans dying from sudden cardiac arrest each year, the topic of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) is becoming more relevant in the news media. AEDs can save the life of a person if used on a victim of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) as soon as possible. For every minute that an AED isn’t used during a SCA, the American Heart Association predicts, the chances for survival decrease by 10%.
So using an AED is extremely important. AEDs are required in certain public facilities. The State of Florida was the first to answer the call for widespread AED adoption, when, in 1997, the state enacted AED liability laws, addressing the need for a fast response to sudden heart attacks in public places.
The “automated external defibrillator” or “AED”, a portable lifesaving device, allows trained non-medical personnel to treat a heart attack victim immediately, preventing as many as 50,000 deaths from occurring each year. This means, for example, that a trained employee of a retail store could potentially save the life of an individual who experiences sudden cardiac arrest while shopping in the store. It’s easy to see the enormous potential of the AED in saving lives and also the risks of having no AED on site.
Unfortunately, state requirements for keeping an AED available in public places like schools or arenas vary widely. On the federal level, there is a requirement for AEDs to be present and maintained in all federal buildings—locations like courthouses, post offices, and airports, for example. If you find yourself having a heart attack somewhere without an AED, you may lose an opportunity to be revived before an ambulance can arrive.
Our team of West Palm Beach AED injury liability lawyers at the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. understand your legal rights, and are not only committed to getting you the maximum amount of compensation possible, but also helping you recover from your injuries or loss, so you can move forward.
Public Places and AED Injury Liability
At the state level in Florida, some laws have been enacted to require AEDs to be present in certain public places. Schools, for example, must have an AED available if they are to participate in FSHAA sporting events, which includes most public schools and universities.
Under certain conditions, other places that might be required to have an AED on site might include:
- Golf courses
- NCAA and high school athletic programs
- Airports
- Sports stadiums (including high school sporting events)
- Gyms
- Theme parks
- Dentist’s offices
- Medical offices
- Nursing homes
AED Injury Liability Occurrences
Failure to have an AED on public premises can be deadly for anyone suffering a sudden cardiac event. Even if the victim or bystanders call 911 immediately, an ambulance may not arrive for 30 minutes or more, depending on the location and traffic. Not everyone knows how to do CPR, and even the best efforts of highly-trained medical professionals aren’t as effective as getting the heart restarted with a defibrillator. By the time paramedics arrive with their own AED, it may be too late to save the heart attack victim. Even if they can be revived, they may have already suffered permanent brain damage or other injuries due to a lack of oxygen. This can lead to a coma, stroke, or permanent neurological damage.
Catastrophic Injuries associated with Lack of AED Injury:
- Cardiac Arrest
- Stroke
- Brain Damage
- Permanent Sensory Deprivation (Vision, Hearing, etc)
We are prepared to provide you with the experienced legal representation you need to build a case for the compensation you deserve, if you happen to be a victim of a trucking accident due to the negligence of another party. Our trucking accident personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis.
This means that if, and only if, we secure compensation by way of a settlement with or a verdict against the defendant insurance company will we take an attorney’s fee. We also deduct the reasonable costs of the case at the end of the settlement or verdict. We must deduct the medical expenses and liens as well, though part of our job is to negotiate or reduce down the balance of your medical expenses and liens before paying them out on your behalf.
Liability & Damage Recovery
Owners or managers of public places, especially those that host sporting events where people might exert themselves, should be aware of the importance of having an AED on hand. Keeping and maintaining this device is simple, and may prevent the death of a guest or employee suffering a cardiac event.
Failing to have such a device on hand can leave the business liable. If the actions of a business or other public place contributes to the death of a loved one, they are then liable for the injury that takes place as a result of their negligence. If you have lost someone to an AED liability injury, the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. may be able to assist you in getting the compensation that you are entitled to. AED Liability personal injury compensation may include:
- Hospital & Medical Bills
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Cost of Future Care
Neither your insurance company nor that of the public venue where the cardiac event happened is likely to inform you of your legal rights. Insurance agents and adjusters work on behalf of the insurance company, not their injured clients or their clients’ grieving loved ones. If they do reach out with an offer, it may not be enough to cover current and future medical bills, lost wages, funeral costs, and other expenses you will be dealing with. It is very important that you never agree to or accept a settlement offer from an insurance company without first speaking with an experienced West Palm Beach AED liability attorney.
Get started today with a free case evaluation, or call us at (561) 222-2222.