In 2004, more than 80-percent of Florida voters passed Amendment 7, technically Article 10 Section 25 of Florida’s Constitution, commonly known as the “Patients’ Right to Know Act.” The amendment provides that “patients have a right to have access to any records made or received in the course of business…
Articles Posted in Miscellaneous
Florida Seminole Tribe Civil Immunity Bars Legitimate Claims
The Seminole Tribe of Florida is a sovereign nation within a nation. Under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, the Tribe is sovereignly immune unless (1) the tribal council waives its immunity, or (2) Congress abrogates the Tribe’s immunity. (Pursuant to the Seminole Tribe of Florida and State of Florida…
Right-Wing Florida Legislature Seeks to Weaken Independent Judiciary
The message reproduced below was written by Doug Eaton, current President of the Miami-Dade Justice Assocation, and published in the organization’s Spring 2011 newsletter. It is extremely well-written and addresses an issue of utmost importance to the residents of Florida. I agree wholeheartedly with the opinions expressed by Mr. Eaton.…
Beware of “Button Batteries” – Products Liability
Beware!!! These small, coin-sized batteries found in many home appliances and childrens’ toys can be hazardous and deadly. If swallowed, the consequences can be immediate and devastating. Occassionally, a swallowed battery will pass through the intestine. More often, the batteries become lodged in the throat or intestine and can release…
Congressional Republicans Seeking to Suppress State and Individual Rights
Congressional Republicans are unrestrained hypocrits and ardent agents of America being a money-centered society over a people-centered society. The lure of big money trumps (pun intended) their lip service philosophy of limiting big government to empower the people. H.R. 5, the so-called Help Efficient, Accessible, Low Cost, Timely Health Care…
Personal Liability Exposure of Nursing Home Director Under Florida Law
In the wake of The Miami Herald’s excellent series, Neglected to Death (Part 1; Part 2; Part 3), on the dire health and safety issues associated with Florida’s nursing home/assisted living facility industry, this is a good time to discuss some legal propositions closely related to the subject. The Herald…
Whose Money Is It? – Medicare Liens in Florida Wrongful Death Cases
In Florida, a claim for wrongful death is brought by a court-appointed personal representative on behalf of the decedent’s estate and survivors. Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (FWDA) (Florida Statute Sections 768.16-768.26) outlines the specific damages recoverable by the estate and the survivors (e.g., surviving spouse and children). Many wrongful death…
Nursing Home/Assisted-Living Facility Negligence – Shame on Governor Scott and Florida Legislature
Kudos to The Miami Herald for exposing the widespread abuse and neglect of residents within Florida’s nearly 2900 nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, and AHCA’s failure to perform its mandate to regulate and punish the wrongdoers. NEGLECTED TO DEATH Part I; Part II; Part III. It is a must read…
Instructions for Florida Car/Truck/Motorcycle Accident Victims
Motor vehicle accident victims would be well advised to follow these basic suggestions, many of which are applicable to other types of accidents: DO NOT give any statements, in writing or over the phone, to anyone about your car accident or injuries. This can even apply to your own insurance…
Supreme Court of Florida Gives Free Ride to Car Rental Agencies
By its decision in Vargas v. Enterprise Leasing Company (Case no.: SC08-2269; opinion issued on April 21, 2011), the Supreme Court of Florida has declared that car rental agencies, unlike regular citizens and other businesses, are not vicariously liable for accidents involving the vehicles they own. Score one for big…