Understanding the False Claims Act

Darfoor Law Firm Contributory vs. Comparative Negligence

The False Claims Act (FCA) is a federal law in the United States that holds those accountable for defrauding the government by filing false claims for payment or reimbursement. Enacted during the Civil War era to combat fraud against the government, particularly defense contractors, it has since been strengthened multiple times to further its provisions.

Under the FCA, those who submit false or fraudulent claims to the government can be held liable for triple damages plus additional penalties per false claim submitted. Furthermore, whistleblowers who report fraud against the government are protected under this law from retaliation and receive financial rewards as compensation.

The FCA applies to any claim or payment request made to the federal government, such as healthcare claims, defense contracts, and government loans. It is enforced by the Department of Justice and allows private citizens to bring lawsuits on behalf of the government (known as qui tam lawsuits), receiving a portion of any damages awarded in such cases.

False Claims Act in Personal Injury Law

While the FCA does not specifically apply to personal injury law, it can be used to address fraudulent claims related to personal injury cases.
In the context of personal injury law, the FCA can be used to address situations where healthcare providers or medical device manufacturers defraud the government by submitting false claims for reimbursement. For example, if a healthcare provider bills Medicare for services that were not actually provided, or if a medical device manufacturer provides false information to the FDA to obtain approval for a product, this could be considered a violation of the FCA.

In such cases, private individuals, also known as whistleblowers, can file a lawsuit on behalf of the government, and if successful, they may be entitled to a percentage of the damages recovered. The FCA also provides protections for whistleblowers against retaliation by their employers.
While the FCA can be a powerful tool for addressing fraud in personal injury cases, it is important to work with experienced attorneys who are knowledgeable in this area of the law. The process of filing an FCA lawsuit can be complex and challenging, and it is important to have strong evidence to support the allegations of fraud. Additionally, whistleblowers may face challenges such as losing their job or experiencing retaliation, so it is important to have legal counsel to protect their rights and interests.
Here at Darfoor Law Firm, outstanding service, and passion are the foundation of every step that we take. We are here to help you and guide you with the best course of action.

Filing a lawsuit can be tough to deal with and you need someone who will understand, sympathize, and fight for you.
Call us at +1-833-DARFOOR for a free consultation and case evaluation.

The Risk of Brain Injuries in Children: How Children’s Ages matters

theinjuryadvocates.law

The risk of brain injuries can shift as children age due to differences in their physical development, behavior, and activities.

Here are some ways in which the risk of brain injuries can change as children grow older:

Infants and toddlers: Infants and toddlers are at risk for brain injuries from falls and accidents such as shaken baby syndrome. They are also vulnerable to brain injuries due to birth complications or medical conditions.

Preschoolers: Preschoolers are at risk for brain injuries from falls, especially as they become more mobile and curious. They may also be at risk for brain injuries from accidents involving bicycles or other toys.

School-aged children: School-aged children are at risk for brain injuries from falls, sports-related injuries, and bicycle or pedestrian accidents. As they become more involved in sports and other physical activities, the risk of concussion or other types of head injury increases.

Adolescents: Adolescents are at higher risk for brain injuries from motor vehicle accidents, sports-related injuries, and recreational activities. They may also be more likely to engage in risky behaviors that increase the risk of brain injuries, such as drug or alcohol use.

It is important to note that the risk of brain injuries can vary widely among individual children, depending on their health status, behavior, and environment. Parents, caregivers, and teachers can help reduce the risk of brain injuries by providing a safe environment, supervising children during play and sports activities, and promoting healthy behaviors and lifestyles.

If your child happens to suffer from brain injuries or is severely hurt due to the negligence of others, it’s always important to contact a personal injury lawyer before doing anything. The personal injury lawyer will help you take the appropriate legal action and will guide you throughout your journey.

Darfoor Law Firm knows how painful it is what you are going through. Your child is your precious treasure and every parent will fight for their child’s rights.
Call us at 1-833-DARFOOR to schedule your free consultation and case evaluation.

 

Florida’s Top Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Centers and the Services they Offer

theinjuryadvocates.law

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is any damage to the spinal cord, a network of nerves running from the brain down through your back. As this cord relays messages between your brain and other parts of your body, any damage to it can cause sensation or movement below where the injury has occurred.

Spinal cord injuries can be caused by trauma, such as a car accident, fall, or sports injury; or non-traumatic causes like infections, tumors, or degenerative diseases. Depending on where and how severe the injury is located, individuals may experience a temporary or permanent loss of function.

A spinal cord injury rehabilitation center is a medical facility that specializes in providing comprehensive care and treatment for those suffering from spinal cord injuries. Their primary mission is to help patients regain function and independence as much as possible, as well as enhance their quality of life.

Spinal cord injury rehab centers often provide a range of support services to assist patients and their families as they cope with the difficulties caused by spinal cord injuries. These could include vocational counseling, social work services, peer support groups, as well as recreational activities.
Spinal cord injury rehab centers may be either inpatient or outpatient facilities, depending on the severity of the injury and individual needs. Inpatient facilities offer round-the-clock care and supervision while outpatient clinics allow patients to receive part-time treatment and therapy on a part-time basis, typically several times per week.

Florida boasts many top-tier spinal cord injury rehabilitation facilities. Here are your options:

  1. Brooks Rehabilitation: Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville, Florida offers a comprehensive spinal cord injury program. Their services include specialized care for acute spinal cord injuries as well as ongoing rehabilitation to promote recovery and enhance the quality of life.
  2. Shepherd Center: Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia is a highly-regarded rehabilitation facility for spinal cord injuries. They offer specialized inpatient and outpatient programs as well as cutting-edge rehabilitation technology to help their patients reclaim function and independence.
  3. Orlando Health Rehabilitation Institute: At Orlando Health Rehabilitation Institute, they offer a comprehensive spinal cord injury program with specialized care for both acute and chronic injuries. Their services include physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, as well as psychological support.
  4. Jackson Rehabilitation Hospital: Situated in Miami, Jackson Rehabilitation Hospital provides comprehensive spinal cord injury care to patients with both traumatic and non-traumatic injuries. Their team of rehabilitation experts includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and psychologists to provide this personalized attention.
  5. Craig Hospital: While not located in Florida like Shepherd Center, Craig Hospital is widely regarded as one of the premier rehabilitation facilities for spinal cord injuries in America. With specialized inpatient and outpatient programs, as well as state-of-the-art rehabilitation technology and support services available, this Colorado facility stands out among competitors.

It’s essential to note that the best rehabilitation facility for a spinal cord injury patient depends on their individual needs and circumstances. Consulting with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable course of action in your specific case is recommended.

If you or your loved one has been suffering from spinal cord injury due to others’ negligence, it’s crucial to seek the assistance of a personal injury lawyer to help you understand the legal system. Here at Darfoor Law Firm, we help families and loved ones recover damages.
Call us at 1-833-DARFOOR to schedule your free consultation and case evaluation.

 

The Legal Landscape of Professional Negligence in Personal Injury Claims

Darfoor Law Firm professional malpractice

Professional negligence is a legal claim that occurs when an expert fails to uphold their duties according to required standards, leading to harm or injury to clients or patients. Examples of professionals who could be sued for professional negligence include lawyers, doctors, accountants, financial advisors, and architects.

Personal injury claims often involve professional negligence when the injury was caused by the carelessness of another. If someone was hurt due to a doctor’s misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment, they may be eligible to file a personal injury claim against them for professional negligence. Likewise, if an attorney was negligent by missing deadlines or failing to adequately represent their client, that client also has grounds for filing a personal injury claim for professional negligence.

To prevail in a professional negligence claim, the claimant must demonstrate that the professional breached their duty of Care, caused harm or injury, and resulted in damages. For personal injury claims, however, it must also be established that the professional’s negligence was the direct cause of the harm or injury and would not have happened if they had met their duty of Care.

Professional negligence can be a complex legal concept, so it’s best to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in order to determine if a professional’s actions have contributed to an injury and whether filing a claim for professional negligence would be justified.
Holding professionals accountable for their actions is essential for several reasons;

Ensuring public trust: Professionals have a responsibility to act in the best interest of their clients or customers. Failure to meet professional standards or behave unethically can erode public confidence in the profession as a whole. Holding professionals accountable for their decisions sends a strong message that ethical behavior and upholding professional standards are non-negotiable.

Protecting the Public: Many professions have a profound effect on people’s lives, such as doctors, lawyers, and financial advisors. If these professionals act negligently or harmfully it can have disastrous results for the public. Holding them accountable helps safeguard those in the public from harm and ensures they receive quality services.

Encouraging Ethical Behaviour: Professionals need to feel accountable for their decisions, which in turn encourages them to act ethically and uphold professional standards. This fosters a culture of integrity within the profession that encourages ethical behavior.

Discouraging Misconduct: Holding professionals accountable for their actions can serve as a deterrent to misconduct. If professionals know there will be consequences for their choices, it may deter them from engaging in unethical or illegal behavior.

Overall, holding professionals accountable for their actions is essential for maintaining public trust, safeguarding the public interest, encouraging ethical behavior, and discouraging misconduct.
Seek help from a personal injury lawyer to help you understand more about professional negligence if you have been injured due to the negligence of a professional. Darfoor Law Firm is the best law firm that can assist you with your legal needs.
Call us at 1-833-DARFOOR to schedule a free consultation and a case evaluation.

 

Understanding Professional Negligence and the Legal Factors to Prove one

Darfoor Law Firm

Professional negligence, also referred to as professional malpractice or professional misconduct, occurs when a professional fails to uphold the standard of care expected in their profession. This can lead to harm or damage to clients, patients, and others who depend on their services.

To establish professional negligence, several legal requirements must be fulfilled. These include:

Duty of Care: Professionals have a legal obligation to exercise due care when responding to claims of negligence. This means they must provide their clients or patients with an appropriate level of service.

Breach of Duty: The professional has breached their duty of care by failing to provide the required level of care. This can take many forms, such as failing to diagnose a condition, making an error during surgery, or giving incorrect advice.

Causation: The breach of duty must have caused harm or damage to the individual making the claim, such as the harm that would not have occurred if the professional had provided adequate care.

Damages: In order to make a valid claim against an attorney, the person making the claim must have suffered actual harm or damages as a result of their breach of duty. This could include physical harm, emotional distress, financial losses, or other types of losses. If all legal requirements are fulfilled, the person making the claim may have grounds to take legal action against a professional for professional negligence. This may involve filing a lawsuit and proving your case in court or reaching an amicable resolution through negotiation or mediation. It is essential to be aware that the legal standards for proving professional negligence may differ depending on the jurisdiction and facts of a case. Consult with an experienced attorney for guidance and advice regarding specific legal requirements and options when pursuing a claim of professional negligence.

Discouraging Misconduct: Holding professionals accountable for their actions can serve as a deterrent to misconduct. If professionals know there will be consequences for their choices, it may deter them from engaging in unethical or illegal behavior.

When courts adjudicate professional liability, they typically consider a range of factors to determine whether the professional was negligent and failed to uphold their profession’s standard of care. Some key elements that courts consider when making this determination include:

Standard of Care: The court will assess the standard of care that can be expected from a professional given their level of education, training, and experience. This may involve expert testimony from other specialists in the same field who can speak to what level of care is expected.

Breach of Duty: The court will evaluate whether a professional breached their duty of care to the plaintiff. This involves analyzing the specific actions or inactions of the professional and comparing them against an expected standard of care.

Causation: The court will consider whether a professional’s breach of duty caused harm or damage to the plaintiff. This may involve determining whether the harm would have occurred even if they had exercised due care in performing their task.

Damages: The court will consider the actual harm or damages suffered by the plaintiff as a result of the professional’s actions or inactions. This may include physical harm, emotional distress, financial losses, and other types of harm.

Contributory Negligence: The court may examine whether the plaintiff contributed to their own harm or damages by failing to exercise reasonable care, or failing to follow professional advice and instructions.Statute of Limitations: When hearing a claim in court, the court will consider the applicable statute of limitations. This refers to when you must file your lawsuit or claim and, if that deadline has passed, the court may dismiss your case.

Professional Regulations and Guidelines: The court may examine whether the professional was acting in accordance with any regulations, guidelines, or ethical standards applicable to their profession.

When considering professional liability cases, the court takes into account various factors depending on the jurisdiction and facts of the case. Consulting with an experienced attorney is recommended for guidance and advice regarding any particular factors that may apply in your particular circumstance.

Seek help from a personal injury lawyer to help you understand more about professional negligence if you have been injured due to the negligence of a professional. Darfoor Law Firm is the best law firm that can assist you with your legal needs.
Call us at 1-833-DARFOOR to schedule a free consultation and a case evaluation.

 

Two types of Causation in a Negligence Claim

Darfoor Law Firm Medical malpractice

Most personal injury cases that are filed were due to negligence. When a person fails to act reasonably under the circumstances and injures another, this is considered negligence. To hold a party financially liable for your damages, you must first prove fault.

Causation is a crucial element in a negligence claim that must be proven by the plaintiff in order to establish liability and accountability on the part of the defendant. The connection between the defendant’s actions and the plaintiff’s injuries is referred to as causation. In particular, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant’s negligent behavior has really caused the plaintiff’s injuries. Causation, in tort law, is where you must prove that the defendant’s actions contributed materially to the events that caused your injury.

There are two types of causation that must be established in a negligence claim: actual cause and proximate cause. Actual cause, also known as “but-for” causation, requires the plaintiff to prove that the injury would not have occurred “but for” the defendant’s negligence. In other words, the plaintiff must show that their injury would not have occurred if the defendant had acted reasonably under the circumstances.
On the other hand, proximate cause requires the plaintiff to demonstrate that the defendant’s negligent behavior was the direct and foreseeable cause of the plaintiff’s injuries. This means that the defendant’s actions must have directly caused the plaintiff’s harm and that the harm was a reasonably foreseeable result of the defendant’s actions. This is the direct cause or factual cause of injuries.
In order to establish causation in a negligence claim, the plaintiff may be required to provide evidence such as medical records, expert testimony, eyewitness accounts, and other pertinent information to demonstrate that the defendant’s actions were the direct cause of their injuries.
It is important to note that even if the plaintiff can prove that the defendant was negligent and that their actions caused the plaintiff’s injuries, the plaintiff may not be entitled to compensation if they contributed to their own injuries. This is known as comparative negligence in some states, and it may limit the amount of compensation that the plaintiff can receive.

In order for you to understand the claim process and how the causation of your injuries can affect your claim, you need the assistance of a personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will help you with the best course of action and can explain to you the nitty-gritty details of the process.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to the fault of someone else or negligence, Darfoor Law Firm is here to help you and give you the best service you deserve. Accidents can be tough to deal with and you need someone who will understand, sympathize, and fight for you.
Call us at +1-833-DARFOOR for a free consultation and case evaluation.

 

Safety Tips for a Romantic Valentine’s Day Celebration

Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone! Cupid is now knocking on each of our doors and yes we love to celebrate his day- Valentine’s Day. Romantic getaways, dinner reservations in a fancy 5-star restaurant, and even a simple pizza takeout and snuggling in bed to watch your favorite rom-com movies are some of our usual plans for celebrating Valentine’s.
Furthermore, we also should keep in mind to practice precautions and safety tips during our Valentine’s date. Enjoying our Valentine’s Day while being safe.
These are some safety tips for a romantic Valentine’s Day celebration:

Plan ahead: Make dinner reservations and prepare for other activities in advance to avoid last-minute rush and stress.
Communicate: Talk about your plans with your partner and make sure you’re both on the same page about the celebration. It takes two to tango. You should both agree to celebrate wherever you and your partner plan to.
Be mindful of food allergies: If you intend to share food with your partner, be aware of any food allergies or dietary restrictions they may have. This is a good tip if you want to get extra points!
Drink responsibly: If you intend to drink, do so in moderation and have a designated driver if you plan to go out. This is very important because if you really want a memorable romantic date, you should also be responsible and respectful of your partner and his/her welfare.
Be cautious with candles: If you plan on lighting candles, make sure they are placed in safe locations where they won’t be knocked over or cause a fire hazard. I know you love a romantic candlelight dinner so better be extra careful if you’re planning to have one.
Use protection: If you plan on engaging in an intense romantic activity, use protection to prevent unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections.
Be aware of your surroundings: Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings when out in public to avoid theft. You are accountable for your own things so please be mindful of your bags, purses, and any valuable things if you decide to eat out.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to the fault of someone else or negligence, Darfoor Law Firm is here to help you and give you the best service you deserve. Accidents can be tough to deal with and you need someone who will understand, sympathize, and fight for you.
Call us at +1-833-DARFOOR for a free consultation and case evaluation.

 

Car Accidents on Valentine’s Day: How to Avoid and Handle Them

During Valentine’s Day, flower shops, marts, boutiques, malls, restaurants, supermarkets, roads, and even the sidewalks are very busy. You can see several flower vendors in the streets, and gift shops open till midnight for last-minute shopping. Moreover, as couples and families are planning to celebrate outside their cozy homes, the highways will be occupied by traffic congestion. And unfortunately, car accidents can happen.
Here are some tips on how to avoid and handle Valentine’s Day car accidents:

Plan your route: Plan your route ahead of time and allow plenty of time to arrive at your destination. If possible, avoid rush hour.
Avoid distractions: Keep your eyes on the road and avoid distractions such as texting, eating, or applying makeup.
Drive defensively: Defensive driving entails being aware of other drivers and anticipating their actions. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
Check road conditions: Before you leave, check the weather forecast and road conditions. Adjust your speed and driving habits as needed.
Designate a sober driver: If you plan on drinking, designate a sober driver or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft.
Wear your seatbelt: Always wear your seatbelt, and ensure that all passengers do as well.

If you do find yourself in a car accident on Valentine’s Day, here are some tips on how to handle it:

Stay calm: Try to remain calm and assess the situation.

Check for injuries: Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call for help or your local hospital if someone is hurt.
Move to a safe location: Move your car to a safe location, such as the side of the road or a parking lot, if possible.
Exchange information: Exchange contact information, such as names, phone numbers, and insurance information, with the other driver.
Seek the help of a personal injury lawyer: seek legal advice from a personal injury lawyer before deciding what to do next. Your lawyer will help you with the best course of action for your case.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to the fault of someone else or negligence, Darfoor Law Firm is here to help you and give you the best service you deserve. Accidents can be tough to deal with and you need someone who will understand, sympathize, and fight for you.
Call us at +1-833-DARFOOR for a free consultation and case evaluation.

 

The Importance of Travel Insurance in a Personal Injury incident

Florida has its share of awesome travel destinations and a lot of tourist spots. Many travelers, families, and also locals spend their weekends, holidays, and a wholesome family get-together in one of these famous landmarks in Florida;
Walt Disney World Resort
Universal Studios Florida
SeaWorld Orlando
Miami Beach
Everglades National Park
Kennedy Space Center
Legoland Florida Resort
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
St. Augustine Historic District
The Florida Keys
Panama City Beach
Clearwater Beach
Coconut Grove
St. Petersburg Beach
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Most families enjoy spending their vacation roaming these tourist spots. However, with summertime coming and numerous families now planning where to enjoy their vacation, the roads will be quite busy, beaches will be crowded, and airports will be congested, so having travel insurance is essential.
Personal injury is covered by travel insurance, which provides financial protection for unexpected events that may occur during a trip, including personal injury. Medical expenses, repatriation costs, and other expenses associated with the treatment and recovery from an injury are typically covered by travel insurance.
Accidents that occur while participating in activities such as skiing, water sports, and other adventure sports can also be covered by travel insurance. Some insurance policies also cover trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and emergency evacuations.
Travel insurance can help ease the financial burden of a personal injury sustained while on vacation, as medical treatment and repatriation can be costly, especially if it occurs abroad. In such cases, the cost of treatment can quickly escalate, leaving a person with significant out-of-pocket expenses if they do not have travel insurance.
In conclusion, travel insurance is important for covering personal injury because it offers sufficient financial protection in the event of unexpected incidents and can help reduce the financial burden of medical expenses and other related costs.
It is better to be always prepared which is why travel insurance is important especially if you and your family will be traveling regardless if it’s for a vacation or on the holidays.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a travel accident due to the fault of someone else or negligence, Darfoor Law Firm is here to help you and guide you with the best course of action.
Accidents can be tough to deal with and you need someone who will understand, sympathize, and fight for you.
Call us at +1-833-DARFOOR for a free consultation and case evaluation

Safety Tips to prevent Burn injuries

Burns are injuries caused by too much exposure from dangerous heat. It is a damage to the skin tissue. Burns and scalds can become either a minor injury to severe and life-threatening. The risk may depend on its severity and how big it is.
Burns and scalds are injuries commonly occur in the kitchen and can cause significant pain and discomfort. Burns may cause;
red or peeling skin
blisters
swelling
white or charred skin

Here are some tips to prevent burns and scalds in the kitchen:

Wear protective clothing, such as short sleeves or an apron, to avoid skin contact with hot liquids or steam.
Use oven mitts or potholders when handling hot pots, pans, or dishes.
Keep hot liquids and food away from the edges of the stove and countertops, where they can be easily knocked over.
Keep the handles of pots and pans turned inward on the stove to prevent accidental spills.
Use the back burners of the stove when cooking, and keep young children away from the stove when it is in use.
Check the temperature of hot liquids before serving or using, especially when giving them to young children or elderly individuals.
Be careful when opening the oven or microwave, as hot steam or heat can escape and cause burns.

Burn injuries can result in permanent scarring, and severe cases may lead to surgery. It can be avoided by taking precautions and adhering to safety regulations (having a fire extinguisher) mandated by state and local laws.
According to NHS, one should know about the first aid when you or your loved one is injured from burns. Here are the steps;
Immediately get the person away from the heat source to stop the burning
Remove any clothing or jewelry that’s near the burnt area but do not move anything that’s stuck to the skin
Cool the burn with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 to 30 minutes – do not use ice, iced water, or any creams
Make sure the person keeps warm by using a blanket but do not rub it against the burnt area
After cooling the burn, cover the burn by placing a layer of cling film over it – a clean plastic bag could also be used for burns on your hand
Use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat any pain
Raise the affected area if possible – this helps to reduce swelling
If it’s an acid or chemical burn, call for help. You can also carefully try to remove the chemical and rinse the affected area using as much clean water as possible

If you or a loved one has been injured in a burn accident due to the fault of someone else or negligence, Darfoor Law Firm is here to help you and give you the best service you deserve. Accidents can be tough to deal with and you need someone who will understand, sympathize, and fight for you.
Call us at +1-833-DARFOOR for a free consultation and case evaluation