Florida Personal Injury Laws

Business Owner Safe Environment Liability

In Florida, a business owner has the legal responsibility to provide a reasonably safe premises or business for his or her employees, and for customers, and anybody else visiting the property. There are many ways to go about doing that, but first and foremost is to obtain from the local law enforcement agency crime reports showing crime in the area. Another way is to hire a security expert to do a security review – or security survey – to help provide guidance, suggestions, and input as to steps that could be taken, and those steps typically involve hiring extra security if necessary, providing adequate lighting, providing surveillance cameras, providing restricted or limited access to people, and taking other similar steps to ensure that the business is safe for those entering or doing business there.

Accident With A Big Rig Truck

When you are in an accident with a big rig tractor trailer truck and you consider what are those initial steps you need to take. Number one, get the best medical care you can get and get it fast. Number two, report the incident to your own insurance company. Number three, begin the research immediately to find, to locate and to obtain a very experienced and highly qualified big rig tractor trailer truck lawyer to represent you, so that he or she can navigate you through all of the steps you need to take over the next several days. And finally, preserve the evidence. Meaning, preserve the vehicle or vehicles, preserve anything you can. And if you can get photographs, or video, or have someone do that make sure you do that right away.

By: Matt Dolman

If You Are Not Satisfied With Your Attorney

If you’re currently represented by an attorney in a personal injury case, and you are not satisfied with the representation you’re getting, simply pick up the phone and talk to or make an appointment to meet with your attorney to address your concerns and any complaints or questions you might have. Many times those concerns can get resolved by a simple phone call or an in-person meeting. But if your concerns are not addressed satisfactorily, then the best thing to do is consult with another attorney. Typically, that consultation is going to be free of charge, won’t cost you anything, but you may be able to get a second opinion which can help you make a decision as to whether it’s in your best interest to stick with your current attorney or switch attorneys.

Defective Product Case With Limited Evidence

It is very difficult to pursue a product liability case without having the actual product that is alleged to be defective. Unfortunately, all too often, folks will approach our law firm about pursuing a product defect case or a dangerous medical device case, but that device itself or that product itself has been destroyed or is no longer in existence. If you believe that you’ve been injured by a defective product, you must take all steps to preserve that evidence which will become crucial in the case because both the defense and your own lawyers will have experts that will look at that device and determine whether or not it’s in fact defective. So, it’s very difficult to pursue a product defect case without the actual device that is alleged to be defective.

Bicycle Rights And Responsibilities

Everyone riding a bicycle has the responsibility to abide by the laws in the state of Florida. Sometimes people on bicycles think that they have a special right and that people driving cars have the duty to some way drive in a different way simply to avoid the bicyclist. Although it is true that every driver needs to be on the lookout for the bicyclist, bicycles still have to be in the correct lane, be operating the bicycle in an appropriate and a safe manner, have your bicycle helmet on at all times, and abide by all laws. Because you are on a bicycle you do not get a pass when it comes to abiding by the law.

Benefits To Contingency Fees

Most personal injury attorneys will handle a case on a contingent fee basis meaning that they are paid as a percentage of the total amount of money recovered. The great benefit to you as the client in a contingent fee arrangement is that you don’t have to pay any money to the attorney upfront, so it costs you nothing in advance to hire the lawyer. The attorney is paid as a percentage of the total amount recovered and that percentage varies depending on the total amount that the attorney recoveries for you and the stage in the case at which the money is recovered. If the attorney is unable to recover any money for you for whatever reasons, you don’t owe the attorney anything.

If you’re injured at work, can you file a personal entry claim in addition to your work comp claim?

In some cases, you can. You can’t sue your employer in most instances, but if somebody else was responsible for your accident or contributed to it, you do have a potential personal injury claim. It’s a complex analysis, so don’t take any chances. I’m Mel Wright, I’m a partner at Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter. Call us with any questions about your claim at 1-800-49-LEGAL.

By: Mel Wright

Wrongful Death Claims in Tampa Bay

Welcome, and thank you for joining me. I’m Steve Brooks, a Florida wrongful death and personal injury attorney, practicing right here in the state of Florida. Today’s video tip is the first in a series about wrongful death cases, and what to do if you have a claim. What is a wrongful death claim? It is a death that occurs due to the negligence or conduct of another person or corporation.

Types of Accidents Involving a Claim

Common lawful death claims are the results of car, train, tractor, trailer and motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, medical product effects, workplace accidents, and construction zone accidents. I will discuss these in more detail throughout this video series. Here are a couple things to consider before you pursue a wrongful death claim.

Wrongful death cases usually involve sudden and traumatic death. This is usually devastating for the family. Before speaking with an attorney, talk with your family and your supportive friends. This is a difficult time that requires balance and support from the people who are closest to you. Before choosing an attorney, go to their website. Check out their qualifications. Read their online reviews, and read their track record. See what kind of verdicts and settlements they’ve achieved. Talk to your friends and fellow church members.

Finding the Right Attorney

Choosing the right attorney is an important decision, so be diligent and wise and do your research. When meeting with an attorney, come prepared. Write down the details of the incident and any questions that you or your family may have about a potential wrongful death claim. For example, one of the things you’ll want to do is a timeline of your loved one’s situation, or to bring a file containing documents that are critical to the claim.

It is also important to act quickly, as there is a shorter-than-usual time limit for filing a lawsuit in wrongful death cases. If you wait too long, you could lose your opportunity to pursue a claim at all. Again, don’t wait and do your homework. If your family is facing financial hardship, compensation from a successful wrongful death suit may in addition to alleviating financial difficulties actually provide closure for some of the emotional pain. Brooks Law Group has a team of skilled wrongful death attorneys that can help you recover the money to which you’re attired. If you have lost a loved one as a result of negligence, you may have a case.

By: Stephen Brooks