Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Catastrophic Injury, Wrongful Death, and You
Having a loved one die or become permanently disabled due to the negligent or intentional actions of another is unbearable for most of us to think about. Sadly, however, our news outlets are constantly featuring stories that involve death or serious injury of drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists at the hands of drunk or distracted… Read More »
Products Causing Pain: A Hard Look at Products Liability in the Auto Industry
The front page of the New York Times on October 20, 2014 gave us all a reason to slam on the brakes. Takata, a Japanese auto supplier, is facing the wrath of manufacturing a defective air bag line that recently caused the death of an Orlando woman. It is estimated that upwards of 14… Read More »
Dangerous Roads, Dangerous Driving: Auto Accidents in Florida
Driving can be dangerous on all roads, at all ages, and in all weather conditions. We take precautions specifically with our younger drivers, placing driving restrictions on them during the first two years they have their license. Despite our greatest care, many youth still drive too fast and ignore the seatbelt laws designed to… Read More »
Boats and Personal Injuries: What You Need to Know
While the rest of the country prepares for fall, Florida residents are still getting the most out of summer. With the kids back at school, some of us may even be able to enjoy the weather more than we did in the warmer months, particularly if you own watercraft. Regardless of whether boating is… Read More »
Traumatic Brain Injury & The Law
A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is the source of long-term catastrophic injury to the brain that can require lifetime care. A brain injury this severe is often caused by medical negligence or blunt force trauma to the head in an auto accident, sporting injury, or fall. Litigation surrounding this type of brain injury… Read More »
$8.8 Million Jury Verdict: The Cost of Texting and Driving
When someone is severely injured or killed in an auto accident, no amount of monetary compensation can bring back what has been lost. The civil justice system aims to rectify these harms by providing the injured, or families of deceased individuals, compensation to cover actual expenses and emotional damage. Often, in auto accidents, these… Read More »
Patient Privacy: Medical Malpractice in Florida
Recently, a Florida appellate court made a decision that affects the transparency of a medical malpractice case to the detriment of patients, some say. The case focused on a law that permits “ex parte” communications during medical malpractice cases. Ex parte literally means “on or from one party,” or “without notice or argument from… Read More »
Premises Liability in Florida: A Primer
Premises liability is a frequently utilized, but not often understood legal claim in civil law. This area of the law deals with injuries or accidents that occur on the property of another. This extends far beyond tripping and falling on someone else’s land; it can include inadequate security, hazing incidents, or negligent exposure cases… Read More »
Car Accidents: Head On Collisions
While all car accidents can be catastrophic or fatal, head on collisions are particularly worrisome for drivers. Head on collisions claimed nearly 4,000 lives in 2012, according to the United States Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Even the most cautious drivers have to be concerned about head on collisions, since they… Read More »
Elder Abuse in Florida: Underreported and Overly Frequent
Physical, verbal, and sexual abuse of elderly persons is on the rise in the United States. The very people that the elderly rely on for their care—their family, caregivers, and other professionals, take advantage of the power they wield over their elder counterparts. Florida has taken steps to criminalize and deter such horrific occurrences,… Read More »