More than a Rite of Passage

 The seriousness of a child bully sometimes gets neglected by school officials and even parents. If bullying persists without appropriate action from school officials, there is no telling the psychological, emotional and physical damage that can happen to your child. In many cases parents or school officials will right off incidents with "kids will be kids" but no child should suffer the emotional and physical consequences of a bully. According to bullying statistics, over thirteen percent of kids aging from 6-13 have reported being involved in bullying. In the past year many cases have transpired involving the link between school bullying and suicides in children. You do not want your child to feel helpless and feel that suicide is the only answer. Speaking with an Arizona personal injury attorney can help you figure out the right course of action especially if there was obvious neglect from school officials. In Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix and surrounding area's many elementary, middle and high schools have reported incidents on bullying by a classmate. While some of these have been properly handled, other children are left to suffer with the physical and psychological consequences of a bully.

Many parents are unaware of what to do when their child is being bullied. There are many steps you can take to help your child deal with this problem so it can be handled as soon as possible. According to safechild.org some things a parent can do if their child is being bullied include:

How to Deal with Bullies

• Tell your child to contact a teacher or school official when the problem occurs instead of dealing with it themselves.
• Tell your child to not react, walk away when confronted with a bully.
• Tell your child to say "You're right" and walk away from the bully.
• Talk to school officials like a teacher or principal about the situation.
• Tell your child to avoid the bully if possible by taking a different route to class, but not to hide out.
• Teach your child to stand tall and be confident about themselves without feeling the need to resort to physical violence.

While taking these steps may help in dealing with bullies, they may not help if there is neglect within your child's school system. If your child's bullying problem has not been properly handled by school authorities, there is a greater risk of physical and emotional consequences for your child. Some examples include:

Physical and Emotional Consequences

• Low-self esteem
• Depression
• Bruising/scarring
• Broken bones
• Suicidal thoughts
• Shame/Humiliation
• Detachment

A common misconception is that bullies are gender specific. Statistically, the most common form of bullying occurs with a group of girls bullying an individual boy. As a result of Hollywood, most parents frequently think of only boy on boy bullying. That is why it is important to receive all the facts about your child's bully, in order to figure out how to best handle the situation.

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Child Slip and Fall Accidents

While children have the tendency to not be aware of the dangers of falling down and hurting themselves, sometimes there are dangers that are not your child's fault but the fault of an individual who neglected a hazard. If you are on someone else's private property or public property, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. In most cases, the business or property owner are responsible for any injury that occurs on their property. When encountered with this type of accident it is important to contact an Arizona Personal Injury Lawyer as soon as possible so a frivolous lawsuit cannot be named. In the Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale and Phoenix area there have been many lawsuits were compensation was awarded to cover the injuries of a slip and fall accident.

Children's bodies are small and less developed which makes them more susceptible to sever injuries. There are many possible dangers in an individual's home or public property that can possess a hazard that injures your child. Some of the different types of hazards that can injure your child include:

Where Slip and Falls Can Occur

• Potholes
• Wet floor
• Unbalanced flooring
• Adverse weather conditions such as ice, rain, snow etc.
• Unattended spilled or fallen items
• Poorly lit walkways and stairs
• Uneven sidewalks

Depending on the severity of the fall, the injuries to your child can be numerous. Some injuries can take a few days to heal, other types of more serious injuries can take months. These injuries can result in thousands of dollars in hospital bills and even physical therapy bills. Some examples of the types of injuries that can occur to your child include:

Types of Injuries

• Broken bones
• Bruises/ Scarring
• Brain Damage
• Spinal Cord Injury/ Paralysis
• Death

If your child's slip and fall accident occurred in a public building or a public parking lot, an accident report should be filed at the time of the accident as soon as possible. Some other examples of the types of steps that should be taken in the event of an accident include:

What to do if a slip and fall accident has occurred

• Write down a description of the fall, what caused it, and if there was no indication of a present danger
• The date, time and location of the fall
• A list of witnesses and contact information and statements confirming what happened at the time of the accident
• If possible take photos of the occurrence and where it occurred.
• If your child is physically injured, seek immediate medical attention in order to substantiate your claim


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Attorney Mark Breyer Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Receives Highest Ranking from AVVO

Mark is an Arizona lawyer who specializes in injury and wrongful death law. Mark formed his office in 1996 with his wife, Alexis Breyer, who is also an attorney. Since the inception of his office in 1996, Mark has only practiced injury and wrongful death law. Mark's highest ranking makes him a part of an exceptional group of lawyers across the United States who have received a perfect ranking from AVVO.As a Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyer, AVVO analyzes different criteria when giving lawyers a ranking. The rankings are from 1-10 with "10" being "Superb" for a lawyer ranking. Mark received his "superb" ranking based on prior awards received, lawyer endorsements, client reviews, cases submitted, and much more.When questioned about receiving the highest ranking for Avvo.com, Mark replied that he was very happy to receive the 10 out of 10 ranking. This honor is attributable not just to my successes as an injury and wrongful death lawyer but also to Alexis, my wife, who practices law with me, and my entire staff. "When we began Breyer Law Offices in 1996 and decided to dedicate our practice to being Phoenix Personal Injury Attorneys and Phoenix Car Accident Attorneys, we knew it would be our goal to give the compassion to our clients that one would expect of a Husband and Wife Law Team with the dedication, aggressiveness, and results that one would expect of a well accomplished legal team.

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Texas Medical Examiner rules Taser death homicide!

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death of a man in Fort Worth police custody a homicide. Michael Jacobs died after suffering two shocks by Fort Worth city issued Taser X26 Conducted Energy Device.Texas wrongful death lawyer alert-Tarrant County Medical Examiner rules the death of a young man after the Fort Worth Police Department used a Taser a homicide.More than four months to the day Michael Patrick Jacobs, Jr. died, after being electrocuted by a Fort Worth Police Department officer in his home, the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office http://www.tarrantcounty.com ruled the death a homicide. According to the Medical Examiner’s press release on Thursday, August 27, 2009, in Fort Worth, Texas, 24 year-old Michael Jacobs died in police custody, on April 18, 2009, after he was shocked twice with a Fort Worth city issued Taser X-26 Conducted Energy Device (CED). The officers electrocuted the known mentally challenged young man with a prolonged shock of 49 seconds as stated in the Public Information Officer’s report, “The first CED deployment was prolonged lasting 49 seconds and the second after an interval of one second, lasted for a duration of 5 seconds.” The report also revealed Jacobs was struck in the anterior neck and mid-chest over the heart with two tethered shocking probes. The young man was found to have no drugs or alcohol in his system nor did he have any under lying health problems.The Jacobs family had dialed 911 on that fateful April day because Michael was causing a disturbance. The mother of the young mentally challenged man had called the Fort Worth Police in the past when Michael would have these episodes because the young man would calm down when the police spoke with him. Unfortunately, the police began struggling with Michael and escalated the situation with the use of excessive force. The family claims they were begging officers to stop hurting the confused young man and continually proclaimed, “You’re going to kill him. Please stop!” The situation ended with Jacobs being Tased excessively, rendered unconscious, and then handcuffed face down possibly obstructing his airway further. He was pronounced dead at 12:00 p.m. at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth.Dallas personal injury lawyer, Brian A. Eberstein, with the Texas personal injury law firm of Eberstein & Witherite experienced in wrongful death claims asserts, “This long overdue autopsy findings plus the report from the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office confirms what we believe happened to this young man all along. Michael Jacobs and his conduct did nothing to warrant the reckless assault and battery of him by Fort Worth Police Department officers which caused his tragic death.” The unnecessary length of time, the Jacobs family endured waiting for the confirmation of the truth, caused them continued pain and suffering. Families calling local Texas law enforcement agencies for assistance have become victims of the very agencies charged with protecting their welfare and safety.Nobel Peace Prize winner for life-saving work, Amnesty International http://www.amnestyusa.org, the largest human rights organization in the world who investigates and exposes human rights abuses, released a study in December 2008 addressing serious concerns about the United States’ Taser death toll which already reached 334. The study is based on Taser deaths involving police departments between June 2001 and August 2008. Phoenix and Las Vegas reports the highest incidence of Taser electrocution deaths at five. Fort Worth Police Department confirms the deaths of 4 people from Taser shocks while in police custody.Texas wrongful death attorney education by legal news reporter Heather L. Ryan.


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Injured by Government Vehicles in Arizona

When you are involved in a car accident with a government vehicle, it can be intimidating to pursue compensation for your injuries and the damages to your vehicle. Government vehicles like ambulances, police cars, mail carriers, fire trucks and school buses all have laws that protect them from personal injury lawsuits. Yet there are many loopholes to these laws and the right to sue the individual responsible for your damages cannot be ignored because of the government. In most cases, the fault of the accident will be put on your vehicle opposed to the government vehicle even if the accident was not your fault. An Arizona personal injury attorney can help you deal with the government and government officials involved in the accident and can also ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

In Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale and surrounding areas there are many different situations that can occur involving a government vehicle that will not grant immunity. Some examples of these situations include:

When government vehicles that are not immune

• Police car pursuits
• Fire trucks rushing to a fire
• Ambulances rushing through intersections
• Rear ended by a school bus
• Side swiped by a city public work landscape truck

When these types of accidents occur, the injuries can vary in severity. These injuries may result in thousands of dollars of hospital time, time away from work, physical therapy and pain and suffering. Some examples of the types of injuries that can occur include:

Types of Injuries

• Head trauma
• Broken bones/ scarring
• Paralysis
• Deformation
• Spinal cord injury
• Death
• Back injury

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Skateboarding Accidents in Arizona

The skateboarding trend is very popular among teenagers and even young adults. While falls and injuries are common in the sport, sometimes the injury is caused by other sources uncontrolled by the rider of the skateboard. With over 50,000 injuries treated in the hospitals each year due to skateboarding injuries, other causes should be examined and identified if the cause of the injury is suspicious. In some cases the manufacturer of the skateboard should be held responsible if there were faulty components to the skateboard and in other cases the city officials can be held responsible if the road and sidewalk were left unrepaired and damaged. While these are only a couple of examples of who can be responsible, talking to an Arizona personal injury attorney about the situation can help you determine the best course of action.

In the Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale and surrounding areas there are many cases of serious skateboarding accidents that have led to numerous injuries. Some examples of the types of injuries that can occur include:

Types of Skateboarding injuries

• Brain injuries
• Concussion
• Scrapes/bruising
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injury
• Paralysis
• Death

These injuries can be extremely difficult to endure, especially for a child. At safety.org they have various prevention methods, so you or your child can take various precautions to remain safe. Although these measures may not help in the event of a skateboard defect or road defect, they may reduce the severity of the injuries that you can endure. Some examples of the types of safety measures include:

Skateboard Safety Measures

• Know the area and sidewalk you are riding on. Be aware of any defects, cracks, rocks on the sidewalk that can potentially cause injury.
• Wear the appropriate safety gear such as helmets and pads while riding.
• When you feel like you are losing your balance, crouch down on the board so you will not have as far to fall.
• If you are going to attempt complicated tricks you should do so in a designated course.
• If you do fall try to roll rather than absorb the fall with your wrists, arms and hands.
• Never ride in the street or hitch a ride on a moving vehicle.
While taking these precautions are not mandatory, following the Arizona state laws on skateboarding are a must. An Arizona personal injury attorney will have a stronger case if you had been following the skateboarding laws implemented by the state. Some of the laws include:

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Clergy Sexual Abuse in Arizona

So many individuals depend on their religious leaders for guidance and comfort. The trust between you and a member of the clergy is considered sacred, and once they betray that trust with unwanted sexual advances it is difficult to recover. There have been many cases in Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale and Phoenix where a member of the clergy has taken advantage of a member of their church. You do not want to be stuck with the emotional damage an incident like this can do to you. An Arizona personal injury attorney can help you receive compensation from the member of clergy who committed this unthinkable crime.

Most victims are not aware of the warning signs that a pastor may commit sexual abuse on them. According to www.thehopeofsurvivors.com, there are many ways you can be more aware that a member of the clergy is a sexual abuser. Some examples of the types of warning signs include:

Warning Signs

• Pastor may be overly friendly with women in his congregation. He might touch them inappropriately.
• Pastor may be controlling and manipulative.
• Pastor may be making inappropriate sexual comments during bible study, or private counseling meetings, even during the sermon.
• Be aware of the pastor's behavior towards women in the church and how women are behaving towards him. If he is flirtatious, or exhibiting questioning gestures, then you may get a sense of how he might not be exhibiting the godly behavior that is expected of him.
• If the pastor is exhibiting behavior such as smoking or drinking, or exhibiting any other questionable behaviors, then you want to consider keeping your distance.

While these warning signs are important to keep in consideration, they by no means can predict with complete certainty when a clergy member is going to sexually assault you. An Arizona personal injury attorney can always handle these types of cases with sensitivity and with knowledge on the subject.
A pastor should never be in a physical or intimate relationship with one of his followers. The physical and emotional consequences that you or a loved one could face can take a lot of time and sometimes be lifelong problems. Some examples include:

Physical and Emotional Damages

• Fear
• Low-self esteem
• Anxiety
• Shame/guilt
• Eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia)
• Bruising/Scarring
• Detachment/Anti-Social
• PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder)
• Damaged spiritual relationship


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The Unexpected Dangers of Slip and Fall Accidents

PHOENIX, AZ, June 28, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Most Slip and Fall accidents occur when you least expect it, and can sometimes cause some of the most life changing injuries. These types of accidents tend to occur within someone else's property, leaving the property owner or business proprietor responsible. When dealing with these types of accidents it is important to file the claim immediately and to speak with an experienced Arizona personal injury attorney about your options, in order to establish credibility within a court of a law, so no implication of a frivolous lawsuit can be named.

Where Slip and Fall's can occur

Nearly anywhere on public and private property in Arizona can possess a danger for an individual to get seriously injured if left neglected or if it is not maintained properly. Some of hazards that can contribute to the frequency of these accidents occurring include:

• Potholes
• Wet floor
• Unbalanced flooring
• Adverse weather condition such as rain, snow, or ice.
• Rippled carpet
• Unattended spill or fallen items
• Poorly lit walkways or stairs
• Uneven sidewalks

Types of Injuries

Slip and Fall injuries can cause numerous amounts of injuries depending on the severity of the fall. These types of events can require ongoing medical treatment for the individuals involved and can result in thousands of dollars in medical bills.

• Broken bones
• Bruises
• Scrapes
• Brain Damage
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Death

What to do if a Slip and Fall injury has occurred

If your slip and fall injury has occurred in a public building or public parking lot, an accident report should be filed in the time of the accident noting what transpired and who witnessed the fall as well as what caused it. It is also important to note any relevant information such as lighting, weather conditions or any other hidden hazards on the property. In the event that a report is not filed at the business location or did not occur in a public street or sidewalk and occurred in a privately owned location, it is important to write down what transpired in a timely fashion for credibility. Note the following:

• A description of the fall, what caused it, and if there was no indication of a present danger.
• The date, time and location of the fall.
• A list of witnesses and their statements confirming what had happened at the time of the accident.
• If possible take photos of the occurrence and of the location at the time it occurred.
• If you are physically hurt, have medical treatment immediately in order to substantiate your claim for a slip and fall lawsuit.


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Personal Injury by Police Brutality

The Police department has an obligation to each citizen to obey the law without misconduct. In Phoenix these laws are just as important and if you have been wrongfully injured by a member of the police department, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries. Unfortunately, cases where police brutality, excessive force and false arrest occur are very common in Phoenix. If you are a victim of these traumatizing circumstances it is important that you talk to an Arizona Personal Injury attorney as soon as possible about your injuries.

A police office may use excessive force if needed to control a situation, but in routine traffic stops or if the individual arrest poses no hesitation in cooperating with an officer, then no force is required. Some examples of where police brutality often occurs include:

Where police brutalities can occur

• Following the end of a pursuit.
• In routine traffic stops, arrests, or detentions.
• In jails or prisons in Phoenix.
• By housing police, hospital security officers, or school safety officers.
• When individuals are brought in for questioning and excessive physical force is used.

If you have broken the law and are a victim of police brutality, you may feel that you will not have a good case. In truth, it really depends on the circumstances of your arrest. If your federal or state constitutional rights have been violated, then you are able to file a lawsuit against the officer(s) who violated these rights. The state, county or even the city of Phoenix will usually pay any settlement. If you want to file a claim specifically against the entire police department and if there has been a constitutional violation then you are able to sue the state, county or city directly.

In some cases you may be the victim of racial profiling, and are therefore also eligible for compensation, since such behavior is against the law. Police brutality may be difficult to prove, but with the right Arizona personal injury attorney, your case will result in appropriate compensation and it will hopefully lead to bringing these corrupt officers to justice.

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